The Star Citizen Alpha 4.3.1 September patch is currently in wave 1 of the PTU and is expected to be released to live servers within the next couple of weeks. The patch introduces significant changes focused primarily on medical gameplay, especially the introduction of MedGel, a new resource required for respawning and healing using medical beds on ships. Players must purchase MedGel at medical facilities and physically insert it into medbeds to charge them for respawns. Different tiers of medbeds offer varying respawn capacities, with higher tiers allowing more respawns before needing a refill. The system is still in early testing, and further balance adjustments are anticipated based on player feedback.
Aside from medical changes, the patch includes stability improvements, bug fixes, and partial implementation of the Onyx facilities’ science wing, which expands mission content related to ongoing investigation missions. Drop ships and watchtowers have been reintroduced in the Pyro system to reinforce outposts, with gameplay mechanics allowing players to disable watchtower terminals to prevent drop ship spawns. Additional content such as AI FPS turrets, new hairstyles and beards, the Vault LMG Frenel weapon, and the bearing laser cannon are also part of this update, though some features remain incomplete or unavailable for testing.
Player feedback on the new medical gameplay has been mixed, with some appreciating the introduction of a respawn resource but raising concerns about the cost and efficiency of MedGel usage. One player highlighted that the current pricing and single-use nature of MedGel per respawn might discourage use, especially when compared to the cost and utility of spawning ships like the Gladius. Suggestions include drastically reducing MedGel prices, increasing the number of respawns per load, improving bed efficiency, and streamlining the refill process to avoid tedious micromanagement during intense PvP encounters. The community discussion emphasizes balancing the system to maintain gameplay fairness without making respawns too easy or too costly.
The video’s host shares his perspective, agreeing that while the system should be efficient and respawning relatively smooth, he supports keeping respawns somewhat expensive to avoid excessive “zerging” or overuse of respawn mechanics. He believes future expansions, such as the ability to choose respawn locations at medical facilities and improved medical gameplay features, will enhance the experience. The host is optimistic about the medical gameplay changes as a positive step forward for Star Citizen and looks forward to testing the RSI Apollo medical ship, which will be introduced in this patch and will serve as a flying medical clinic for triage and medivac operations.
Finally, the video encourages viewers to share their thoughts on the new medical gameplay and the patch overall. It also promotes a ship giveaway for the RSI Apollo triage, offers sponsorship information for NordVPN, and invites viewers to support the channel through memberships or Patreon. The host expresses excitement for the future of Star Citizen’s medical systems and invites players to join the ongoing testing and discussion as the game continues to evolve.
