The recent Star Citizen Evocati tech preview significantly improves mining by simplifying resource clusters, enhancing resource distribution, and providing clearer star map information, making mining more strategic and enjoyable. Although crafting remains limited and somewhat clunky in this update, the inclusion of blueprint rewards hints at future deeper integration, with the author optimistic about crafting becoming more meaningful in upcoming patches.
The video discusses the recent Evocati tech preview for Star Citizen’s crafting and mining updates, starting with the author’s initial frustration due to server issues and inaccurate patch notes. However, after waking up early to avoid server problems, the author had a much better experience and focused primarily on the mining changes rather than crafting. The key highlight is the overhaul of ship minables, where all rocks in a cluster now contain only one resource plus inert material, simplifying the mining process significantly. This change eliminates the confusing variety of rock types and makes scanning and identifying resources much easier, saving players time and reducing frustration.
Another major update is the revamped distribution of minable resources across planets and moons, which is now clearly detailed on the star map. This allows players to know exactly where to find specific materials, making exploration and resource gathering more purposeful. The new system also reduces the amount of high-quality materials found, balancing gameplay and encouraging players to seek out planets like Pyro, where the chance of finding better materials is increased. These adjustments aim to create a more engaging and strategic mining experience, moving away from random chance and towards targeted resource collection.
The author also touches on some of the less favorable aspects of the update, such as the inventory system, which is described as slow, clunky, and difficult to navigate. Additionally, crafting remains limited in this preview, with ship weapons removed due to ongoing technical issues, which is disappointing since ship weapons crafting was one of the more meaningful crafting features in the previous test. Despite these setbacks, the author notes that mission rewards now include blueprints, which is a positive step towards integrating crafting more deeply into gameplay.
Overall, the video emphasizes that this update feels much more like a mining update than a crafting one. The improvements to mining mechanics, resource clarity, and location tracking make mining more enjoyable and accessible, even if crafting itself is still in its early and somewhat incomplete stages. The author expresses optimism that crafting will become more meaningful and fun in future updates, especially when it includes more complex items like ship components and weapons, which are central to Star Citizen’s gameplay.
In conclusion, while the crafting preview has some rough edges and missing features, the mining changes represent a significant and positive step forward. The simplification of resource clusters, improved resource distribution, and clearer star map information collectively enhance the mining experience. The author is excited about the potential for mining to become a more integral and enjoyable part of the game, with crafting improvements expected to follow in later patches. For now, this update is primarily a mining update, and it is a very welcome one.