Arguably the biggest update to Star Citizen’s Alpha since 2.0 back in December saw the first release of the Stanton System, Cloud Imperium Games have this afternoon released Alpha 2.4 onto the game servers. This follows several weeks of it being only available to a limited number of PTU testers, which saw approximately 20 different versions rolled out over the period.
One of the main additions to this version is the foundations of persistence. Previously if you logged into Star Citizen’s mini-PU, anything you accomplished while playing was lost the moment you logged out or crashed. This means you can now undertake the small number of missions or scavenge whisky/cigars and earn aUEC (Alpha UEC), which carries across with you between play sessions. It is now also possible to purchase weaponry and clothing via retailers using aUEC, and having that carry across as well. Just be wary that aUEC can be wiped at anytime.
Alpha 2.4 is all about MISC Ships. Not only is both the MISC Starfarer and MIS Starfarer Gemini now flight-ready, but the MISC Reliant Kore is also available for viewing in the hangar. All three ships are now on sale as part of a limited time “Flight Ready Sale” w/ six months insurance each – with pledge prices at $300, $340 and $65 USD respectively. Considering the Starfarer’s were once a lot cheaper to pledge towards ($195 and $240 respectively) before becoming hangar ready… I am curious how many people would buy them. That being said, in my opinion, they are a whole lot of ship compared to any other currently hangar-ready ship in Star Citizen.
Another major change in Alpha 2.4 is the Port Modification Mode, which replaces the control panels previously located at the entrance of every hangar. Described as an in-universe application for the mobiGlass, it is now possible to edit the location of ships and decorative flair in your hangar. By locating blue dots around your ship, it is also possible to edit loadouts using equipment you currently possess. Unfortunately this system is not fully complete, and users are locked to one hangar bay rather than the 5-6 available previously.
One of the final major additions is that the control scheme has been completely revamped. You will definitely want to review the controls before jumping into the cockpit.
For more information on this update, visit the Star Citizen website.
So exciting. Based on how things were going at the end of the PTU run there are still kinks so be prepared. Thanks for sharing!