Star Citizen’s salvaging system is undergoing a major overhaul with the upcoming structural salvage update, currently in PTU testing. This update will transform salvaging from a simple, single-step activity into a multi-stage industrial process involving breaking down ships, refining materials, and managing logistics. Players will no longer just strip parts and sell raw scraps; they will need to refine salvaged materials into construction components at refinery decks, similar to how mining operates. This change introduces a deeper economic and gameplay layer, making salvaging a more strategic and profitable profession.
Each salvage-capable ship will have a distinct and specialized role under the new system. The Reclaimer will become the heavy lifter, ideal for large-scale operations with the fastest processing speeds but slower movement and longer refinery cycles, making it suited for coordinated crew efforts. The Vulture will continue to serve solo players with a balanced, efficient approach for quick turnaround runs, maintaining its status as the entry-level salvage ship. The Fortune offers a middle ground with better amenities, catering to pilots planning longer salvage sessions who want more comfort and logistics support.
The technical aspects of salvaging are also being revamped. Fracture and disintegration fields will now match each ship’s physical emitter layout, improving realism and precision. Salvage ranges are extended significantly, and sweet spots on debris will display percentage readouts to aid alignment. Tractor beams will be more important, allowing players to rotate and reposition wreckage for optimal fracture points, rewarding precision and teamwork. These improvements aim to make salvaging smoother, more engaging, and more skill-based.
A notable addition is the introduction of three raw material types—powder, scraps, and chunks—each with different refining times, yields, and storage requirements. Powder refines quickly but yields less, chunks offer the highest yield but require more time and space, and scraps fall in between, though they are not yet available. This system encourages players to choose between quick profits or longer, more profitable refining cycles, depending on their ship and playstyle. Smaller ships will benefit from fast runs, while larger ships like the Reclaimer will maximize profits through longer, coordinated operations.
Economically, this update reshapes how players approach salvaging, encouraging cooperation and specialization. Solo players can earn faster, session-based profits, while crews operating larger ships will focus on maximizing efficiency and long-term gains. The overhaul sets the foundation for future developments in the salvage profession, including crafting, material trading, and dynamic wreck markets. With continued feedback and balancing during PTU, the update promises to expand industrial gameplay significantly, turning salvaging into a complex, rewarding profession within Star Citizen’s evolving economy.
