Star Citizen is receiving a major update in 2024, featuring improvements to the flight model, a new star map system, distribution centers, and various other enhancements. This update is seen as a positive step towards the game’s development progress, with hopes of bringing it closer to being a fully playable game by the end of 2024.
Star Citizen is set to receive a major update in 2024, starting with patch 3.23 in the first quarter. This update promises to be one of the biggest in the game’s history, with improvements to the flight model, a new star map system, distribution centers, cargo loading, inventory rework, economy updates, and more. The Eva system will be updated to provide smoother transitions and more realistic navigation, resembling Iron Man or The Expanse. The interaction system will also be overhauled, making it easier to interact with objects in the game world.
One of the notable additions in the update is the introduction of distribution centers, which are industrial areas on planets where manufacturing, shipping, and mining take place. These centers will be tied to the reputation system, requiring players to earn their way through an NPC organization to access missions and unique items. Combat and raid missions will also be introduced, adding more depth to gameplay.
The flight model will undergo a complete rework, separating it into two modes: a combat mode and a navigation mode. This change will make it harder to disengage from combat, as players will need to commit or switch to navigation mode, sacrificing defensive and offensive capabilities. Gimbals will become the standard for all ships, simplifying weapon loadouts.
Other updates include improvements to FPS weapons, a dynamic crosshair, a 3D mini-map, a character customizer update, freight elevators in hangars, and enhancements to the economy. The economy update will affect prices, making certain ships and items more expensive based on factors like material quality and functionality. This change has sparked some debate within the community.
Overall, this update is seen as a positive indication of the game’s development progress, with resources shifting from Squadron to Star Citizen. Players hope that this marks a ramping up of development and a faster pace of progress, bringing Star Citizen closer to becoming a fully playable game by the end of 2024.