In this Star Citizen podcast, Bard Gamer and Zinia discuss major updates including the shift to teleporting elevators for better performance, new vehicles like the Akuma and Saber Raven EX, and significant ship combat balance changes that increase NPC damage to enhance gameplay. They also cover recent patches, upcoming content like the Nyx system, and tease a mysterious new in-game object, while engaging with the community and promoting their ongoing ship giveaway.
In this Star Citizen podcast episode dated September 21st, Bard Gamer and Zinia discuss several recent updates and changes in the game. A key topic is the overhaul of elevators in Star Citizen. The developers are moving away from fully physicalized elevators to teleporting elevators in many cases to improve game stability, reduce bugs, and optimize performance. While some elevators, especially those visible with moving parts like glass elevators, will remain physical or hybrid, many player elevators, particularly those involving long distances or instances, will teleport players instead. Bard Gamer and Zinia both support this change, emphasizing that functionality and gameplay experience are more important than strict realism.
The hosts also cover new vehicles introduced in the game. The Akuma, a limited-time variant of the IKI Geo, comes with unique jump packs and plasma weapons with splash damage. It is available for purchase with real money and may become available in-game in the future. They discuss the pros and cons of the Akuma, noting its lighter armor and unique weaponry. Another new vehicle is the Saber Raven EX, a single-seat medium fighter with more weapon hardpoints and a quantum dampener, allowing the pilot to prevent enemies from entering quantum travel. This ship sits between the Saber and the Raven in terms of armor and agility. The hosts debate whether the Saber Raven EX devalues the original Raven but conclude that it likely does not.
Additionally, the podcast touches on the recently released Alpha 4.10.1 patch and the limited-time Orus relief support event, which offers permanent FPS weapons and armor rewards. They anticipate the release of patch 4.10.2 around early to mid-October, coinciding with the Squadron 42 pre-order campaign and related events, such as studio tours and developer meetings. The upcoming Alpha 4.11 update, expected later in the year, will introduce new planetary tech and the Nyx system, although it may require more testing and could be delayed into next year.
A significant part of the discussion revolves around a tech preview focusing on ship combat and balance changes. The developers are implementing extreme changes to shield mechanics and damage balancing. One notable change is that NPC ships will take approximately 40% more damage than player ships, intended to make PvE encounters quicker and less tedious, while PvP combat remains challenging. Bard Gamer and Zinia express support for this approach, viewing it as a way to enhance gameplay experience by making players feel like heroes without compromising game balance.
Finally, the episode includes a brief look at a mysterious new in-game object resembling a radar or antenna, speculated to be related to future missions, base building, or planetary content. They invite viewers to share their thoughts and questions, especially about Squadron 42, which Bard Gamer will present to developers during an upcoming visit. The podcast concludes with reminders about their ongoing ship giveaway, affiliate links for gaming gear and VPN services, and thanks to their viewers and supporters for their engagement and contributions.