In this Star Citizen Alpha 4.5 gameplay, Farister showcases the Zeus CL cargo hauler completing medium haul contracts while discussing its strengths and limitations compared to the improved Argo Raft, highlighting features like the co-pilot tractor beam turret and cargo loading strategies. He also touches on patch-related changes, travel mechanics, minor bugs, and shares a relaxed, commentary-driven experience emphasizing enjoyment over efficiency.
In this gameplay video, Farister takes out the Zeus CL, his preferred medium cargo hauler in Star Citizen Alpha 4.5, to complete a couple of member-level medium haul contracts. He starts by selecting a contract in the hangar and discusses the pros and cons of the Zeus CL in the current patch, especially in comparison to the Argo Raft, which has become more competitive due to increased cargo capacity and easier loading/unloading. Farister highlights that while the Zeus CL has a large cargo capacity of 128 SCUs, its three-unit-high grid is somewhat limiting for bulky crates, and the new patch’s emphasis on component access during flight makes ignoring the grid less viable than before.
A key advantage of the Zeus CL, Farister explains, is the co-pilot seat’s access to the tractor beam turret, allowing him to load, fly, and unload cargo entirely from that position without leaving the seat. This feature enhances convenience during hauling missions, although the tractor beam itself can sometimes be awkward to use due to tight cargo bay packing. Throughout the video, Farister demonstrates his typical cargo loading strategy, stacking larger crates at the back and using vertical space efficiently, even if it means placing some crates off-grid. He also notes that fully stacked cargo bays can make moving crates more challenging, but it’s manageable with experience.
The video includes several quantum travel segments across the Stanton system, with Farister appreciating the increased time acceleration (up to 12x speed) to shorten long travel times. He emphasizes that these medium haul contracts are not the most efficient way to earn credits or reputation, but they provide an enjoyable way to fly the Zeus CL and explore the verse. During landings and unloading, Farister uses the ship’s rear view camera and door controls from the co-pilot seat to streamline operations, though he admits some hangars are less user-friendly than others. He also mentions carrying multi-tools for repairs and tractor beam use, adding a layer of preparedness for unexpected issues.
Farister reflects on the current state of medium cargo hauling in 4.5, acknowledging that while the Zeus CL remains a solid solo or duo ship, the Argo Raft’s improvements make it a strong alternative, especially for smaller or more specialized hauls. He invites viewers to comment if they want to see gameplay featuring the Raft as a comparison. Additionally, he touches on some minor bugs and performance issues in the patch, noting that while his experience has been mostly smooth, others might face more significant problems, especially in more intensive gameplay modes like mining or combat.
Concluding the video, Farister completes two medium haul contracts, taking about an hour and fifteen minutes, and remarks that although it’s not the fastest or most meta way to earn rewards, it was a satisfying session to revisit the Zeus CL. He encourages viewers who enjoyed the content to like and subscribe for more gameplay videos, expressing appreciation for their support. Overall, the video provides an insightful look at cargo hauling mechanics, ship capabilities, and patch impacts in Star Citizen Alpha 4.5 through a relaxed, commentary-rich playthrough.