Star Citizen 4.0: A Disappointing Delay and Feature Cuts
Star Citizen’s highly anticipated 4.0 patch has been delayed to the end of the year and has undergone significant feature reductions. While the focus is now on server meshing and Pyro, many exciting features that were originally planned for the next 12 months have been pushed back or removed entirely.
Removed Features
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most notable features that have been cut from 4.0:
- Ship Systems: Features like life support, engineering, fire hazards, and charge/drain systems have been removed. These systems would have added depth and complexity to ship operations, including the ability to repair damaged ships, evacuate air from rooms, and extinguish fires.
- Personal Hygiene and Tears/Sweat: A system that would have affected player interactions with NPCs based on their hygiene level.
- RTGI (Ray Tracing Global Illumination): While still in development, RTGI has been pushed back to focus on Squadron 42.
- Melstrom Destruction: A system that would have allowed players to destroy ships and outposts in a more dynamic and realistic way.
- FPS Scanning: A feature that would have allowed players to scan their surroundings for collectibles and other players.
- Inventory Improvements: A system that would have allowed players to customize their inventory with pouches and other attachments.
- EVA Push and Pull + Grappling: While the new EVA system has been implemented, push and pull mechanics, as well as grappling, have been delayed.
- Ladder Rework and Sliding Mechanic: These features, which would have improved player movement, have been removed.
- Environmental Hazards: Features like radiation exposure, which would have added danger and realism to the game world.
- Physical Interactions with Systems: The ability to physically interact with ship controls and other systems.
- Improved Stealth and Takedown Animations: Features that would have added depth to stealth gameplay and combat.
- Weapon Degradation and Wear and Tear: A system that would have made weapons more realistic and required maintenance.
- New Weapons: Several new weapons, including the Volt weapon, have been delayed.
- Specialized Armor: Armor designed for specific roles, such as PvP or flight.
- Quantum Travel Rework and Quantum Boosting: A system that would have made quantum travel more physical and added a new mechanic for short-range travel.
- Ground Vehicle Loading and Unloading on Cargo Lifts: A feature that was expected to be included in a previous update but has been delayed.
- Base Building: A feature that was mentioned but never fully detailed or confirmed.
- Reputation System for Pyro: A system that would have rewarded players for aligning with different factions and provided incentives for specific gameplay behaviors.
Reasons for the Delays and Feature Cuts
CIG has cited the need to focus on server meshing and Pyro as the primary reason for the delays and feature cuts. Additionally, resource constraints due to the development of Squadron 42 may have played a role.
While the delay and feature cuts are disappointing, it’s important to remember that CIG is committed to delivering a high-quality game. By focusing on core systems like server meshing, they hope to lay the foundation for future updates and features.