In this Star Citizen week in review for June 29th, 2026, Salty Mike discusses the release of patch 4.9, which has entered wave 1 but notably lacks many of its anticipated highlight features. He admits to not testing the EVO patches extensively due to the likelihood that key content, such as the Siege of Orison mission, would not be part of the initial 4.9 release. Salty Mike also shares his current lack of enthusiasm for Star Citizen, having taken a break to play other games that offer a more satisfying sense of progression, contrasting with his feelings about Star Citizen’s development pace.
The patch introduced a fully reworked Siege of Orison mission, now focused solely on FPS gameplay with ship combat elements removed. The mission is instanced for up to four players who must cover a large area, with some bugs limiting access to later stages. New missions for the Reco faction were also added, though players reported visibility issues. Salty Mike highlights a significant bug involving crafting with gems, where the game consumes entire stacks rather than the required amount, causing frustration. Further tweaks included adjustments to loot pools and the introduction of detailed hit markers for combat feedback, which Salty Mike finds helpful but suggests could benefit from player customization in the future.
With 4.9 hitting wave 1, visual improvements like ordinance boxes appearing on missiles in cargo grids were added, though Salty Mike criticizes these as superficial changes that do not address core gameplay frustrations. He also notes fixes related to landing pad repairs for capital ships and shares his positive experience testing the new super heavy armor, which offers substantial damage reduction but comes with movement limitations. However, he remains critical of the current state of mission design and the incomplete insurance system, expressing concerns that these foundational gameplay systems are far from fully realized and significantly impact player experience.
The update cycle lacked any new video content, monthly reports, or roadmap updates, with most new information centered around marketing and ship sales rather than gameplay advancements. Salty Mike expresses frustration with the heavy focus on sales and cosmetic items, feeling that it detracts from meaningful content development. He also points out a recruiting video featuring a mocapped dog, hinting at potential future additions like new creatures or pets, though details remain speculative.
Finally, Salty Mike touches on ongoing issues with loot distribution at QV stations and the delayed development of the Banu Merchantman ship, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing gameplay systems like crafting, base building, and economy before releasing new ships. He encourages the community to focus on these foundational elements to ensure ships have meaningful roles when introduced. Looking ahead, he anticipates more extensive testing of 4.9, a forthcoming roadmap update, and possibly a monthly report, inviting viewers to share their current feelings about Star Citizen and other games they are playing. He closes with a personal note celebrating his dog’s second birthday.
