A combination of major content update and an implementation of new technical improvements, Cloud Imperium Games has rolled out Star Citizen Alpha 3.17.2 to all backers. Loading up the RSI Launcher and logging in, brace yourself for another several-gigabyte update, but in return you will gain access to the following promoted features:
Siege of Origin Returns with Improvements
Nine Tails are back in Stanton! The merciless pirate gang has moved in and taken over several platforms around Orison, Crusader’s famously tranquil city in the clouds. Along with shipping in heavily armed gang members from Pyro, the gang has created a no-fly zone across the besieged platforms, so CDF forces are going in on the ground. Arm up and be careful, Nine Tails aren’t taking prisoners…
Improved Server Capacity – 50 Players to 100 Players
Arguably one of this updates biggest inclusions:
The maximum number of users per server has doubled in Alpha 3.17.2! Now, players can take on missions with a bigger crew of friends and hold massive-scale battles with up to 100 combatants. The total number is currently in testing and will be adjusted over the coming months to provide the best mix of player count, stability, and performance.
Derelict Reclaimers
All-new points of interest have been placed on and around the planet of microTech. Featuring long-crashed (though not always abandoned) Aegis Reclaimers, these intriguing locations offer puzzles, missions, and FPS combat opportunities to curious citizens. This is the first implementation of derelict points of interest and marks the beginning of regular updates to planetary and deep-space locations.
Anvil Centurion
Read more HERE.
AI Improvements
Interact with non-playable characters in distant planetary locations thanks to updates to the AI navigation mesh. This update also allows enemies to fight more effectively and call for reinforcements via dropship. These new AI features can be experienced first on the new planetary Reclaimer derelicts and will be rolled out to other locations in a coming patch.
Colonial Outposts
Derelict colonial outposts featuring a new architectural design can now be found across the Stanton system. They’re worth seeking out, as each features a unique layout with puzzles or combat activities. This first implementation adds the new locations as delivery mission destinations, so cargo haulers will come across these once-thriving settlements as they work the ‘verse.
Illegal Delivery Missions
Haul illegal goods for Stanton’s many criminal factions in all-new delivery missions. Available throughout the system, players with active CrimeStats and a disdain for authority can now make a living shifting goods that the Advocacy would prefer never make it to market.
Enhanced Combat Assist Beacons
Combat assist beacons, used by NPCs to request player assistance in space battles, have been updated for Alpha 3.17.2. Now, there’s more variety in the ships fought, along with added difficulty in the shape of heavily armored gunships that require a squadron of fighters to take down.
Star Citizen Alpha 3.17.2 is the latest Alpha release of Star Citizen, with the next major update, 3.18, scheduled for release in Q3 2022. Details are still light on what will be featured as part of 3.18, but is set to feature a refactor of the ship cargo system, hull stripping, the inclusion of the Drake Vulture salvage ship, persistent enity streaming and more – although this is all subject to change.
In development by Cloud Imperium Games and their studios across North America and Europe, Star Citizen is being helmed by Wing Commander (1990s) creator Chris Roberts. The game has currently been in a long-term alpha phase with no confirmed release date. Despite this, the studio has raised more than $435 million USD through on-going crowdfunding. Please keep in mind should you decide to purchase towards Star Citizen, that this is an incomplete project and that you are pledging towards an extended crowdfunding campaign with no 100% guarantee of a finished product.
Click through to a copy of the full Star Citizen Alpha Patch 3.17.2 Patchnotes
