Star Citizen Community Previews Point to Mid-November IAE 2956, With Patch Plans Still Unclear

Evocati test build offers an early look at IAE preparations

A Star Citizen Alpha 4.10.4 build being tested by the closed Evocati group appears to contain preparations for Intergalactic Aerospace Expo 2956, according to community reports based on the unfinished build. Cloud Imperium Games has not formally announced the event’s full lineup, floor plan or the contents of 4.10.4.

The reports describe an RSI-themed main exhibition hall with ship-display spaces, signage and floor markings that appear intended to show where players can access vessels through ramps or elevators. The RSI Galaxy reportedly has a particularly large reserved area, consistent with the ship’s previously reported growth in scale.

A separate hall is said to include an even larger space for Anvil Aerospace’s Liberator. While the footprint may indicate the carrier is intended for a major display, it does not independently confirm the ship’s release status or final dimensions.

Showroom swaps and Merchantman speculation remain unconfirmed

Community observers also reported that the ground-vehicle lineup in the build has changed: the Anvil Centurion and a vehicle identified as the MDC reportedly replaced the previously expected Auxilia and Greycat MFC. Commentators have interpreted the apparent switch as a possible delay for the displaced vehicles, particularly because the MFC has been associated with a future crafting system. Neither a delay nor the final IAE vehicle roster has been confirmed by Cloud Imperium.

The build also reportedly contains a large hollow display table at the entrance that references the Banu Merchantman. That observation has fueled speculation about renewed work on the long-delayed ship, but there is no official indication that the Merchantman will be flyable, purchasable or otherwise featured at this year’s expo.

Other unverified observations include a possible new Gatac ship space in an alien-themed hall and a Drake vessel referred to by commentators as the Marauder. Names, roles and availability for those potential additions remain uncertain.

Patch changes accompany expo-focused testing

According to a community summary of the Evocati build, 4.10.4 also includes updated ship descriptions and balance data. Reported changes include lower armor thresholds and hydrogen capacity but higher armor hit points for an RSI Constellation Mark 5 variant, alongside modest armor-threshold increases for the Polaris. As with other Evocati content, these details are subject to revision before any wider test or live release.

Alpha 4.10.3, meanwhile, has been reported in PTU testing with weapon, performance and bug-fix work. Community coverage has highlighted increased damage for Vanduul weapons, a secondary firing mode for the Lightning Bolt Co. scan rifle, shader-cache improvements, and fixes affecting life support, vehicle atmospheres and interface functions. Cloud Imperium has not confirmed how 4.10.3, 4.10.4 and the later 4.11 update will be scheduled around IAE.

Mid-November timing still based on community reports

Previous community previews have placed IAE 2956’s expected start around November 13. The annual in-game event generally includes rotating manufacturer displays, limited free access to featured vehicles and ship sales, but its precise timetable and offerings have yet to be confirmed officially.

For now, the Evocati build provides a preliminary indication that the Galaxy and Liberator may be central attractions, rather than a final statement on what will be available when IAE opens.

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