Star Citizen's next update will switch focus to fixing its bug-riddled previous update, with bigger changes shunted to a later patch
Overview & Key Takeaways
"We're moving Siege of Orison and all instance-related content out of Alpha 4.9.0".
Star Citizen received a major update back in May, one which implemented a "full reset" of its sci-fi universe while also adding a bunch of new features. Unfortunately, Alpha 4.8 also added a lot of bugs to CIG's space MMO. So many, in fact, that the studio has been forced to change course on its next update, postponing plans for several new features and turning it into a gigantic bug-squashing exercise.
CIG announced the new plans in its latest roadmap roundup (via MassivelyOP), stating that the studio has "reassessed our bug prioritization process following the release on Alpha 4.8.0" and that "based on reports from the Issue Council, Spectrum, Reddit, direct player feedback and other sources, we have identified nearly 100 issues that significantly impact core gameplay systems and quality of life."
Alongside this, CIG is also looking at fixing "broader quality of life issues reported by new players" as "while many veteran players have learned workarounds for common problems, they shouldn't have to." This includes addressing "many of the issues that commonly affect the first hour of gameplay." I'm sorry, the first hour? I feel obliged to point out here that Star Citizen recently surpassed $1 billion in player funding.
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CIG says that "roughly 20%" of these issues have already been addressed so far. But the task ahead remains substantial, requiring CIG to pull developers away from building new stuff to address the issues. "As a result, we've temporarily paused work on a small number of features while we focus on improving the stability of these foundational systems."
Star Citizen | Alpha 4.8: Tactical Strike - YouTube
The main casualty is Siege of Orison, a dynamic event that originally appeared in Star Citizen several years back. But it is seemingly returning with newly introduced instancing for FPS play, giving players more control over these mission spaces. However, players will now have to wait a few more weeks to play it. "We're moving all Siege of Orison and all instance-related content out of alpha 4.9.0 and into a new 4.10 scheduled for mid-August."
This doesn't mean alpha 4.9 will be wholly devoid of new features. The patch will introduce a series of repeatable "support the miners" missions, some new combat clothing, improvements to ship combat UI, a new gun, and two new hairstyles. Alpha 4.10.0 meanwhile, will add a new mission giver, a heavy machinegun, a rebalance to fuel consumption alongside the instancing system and Siege of Orison.
Since hitting the big $1 billion milestone in May, Star Citizen has raised a further $26 million from its spaceship-loving player-base. While development rumbles on, the full release of the MMO remains years away. Its single-player component, Squadron 42, is scheduled to release in 2026, though with less than half of the year remaining, a specific release date is yet to be confirmed.
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