TLDR:
- CIG now aims to release both RSI Zeus Mk 2 ES and CL with Alpha 4.0.
- The developer plans to add Acidic and Rock caves to both Pyro and Stanton systems in the same patch.
- Pyro will host Asteroid Bases that will allow exploration and FPS scenarios.
- Alpha 4.0 will also add Contested Zones to Pyro’s space stations, which brings its own set of FPS gameplay opportunities.
In the latest Star Citizen roadmap update, Cloud Imperium Games added some exciting new cards to the Alpha 4.0 release view, which adds up to the amount of content that will be delivered with this colossal update.
While RSI Zeus Mk 2 ES was already confirmed for Alpha 4.0 with a tentative release, CIG has now added Zeus Mk 2 CL as well, which is the cargo-focused version of the RSI ship series.
With a cargo capacity of 128 SCU, Zeus Mk 2 CL is categorized as a medium-size cargo hauler, which puts it shoulder to shoulder with Misc Freelancer Max.
With two variants of the Zeus series getting ready for Alpha 4.0, only the Zeus Mk 2 MR remains out for now. This variant is focused on interdiction and comes with EMP and Quantum Dampener, operating similarly to the existing RSI Mantis. With interdiction gameplay still not popular enough, it sounds logical to not include Zeus Mk 2 MR in the priorities, just like Crusader E1 Spirit.
Aside from the new ship, the Alpha 4.0 gets meatier thanks to a bunch of new locations arriving in both Pyro and Stanton systems. After the successful implementation of Sand Caves in Stanton’s Daymar, now CIG plans to add Acidic Caves and Rock Caves to both star systems. Both these caves will host FPS missions and provide exploration opportunities, just like Sand Caves, but you can expect unique design and lighting.
Asteroid Bases are also new explorable locations in Pyro that you can find on the floating asteroids in the belts and gas clouds. Similar to bunkers, you can expect these bases to feature an interior space as well as a well-guarded outer space. Aside from exploration purposes, these new bases will serve as mission locations too.
Last but not least, Alpha 4.0 will introduce Contested Zones to space stations in Pyro. These zones are progression-based, FPS-focused locations. As the player makes progress in each zone, they will be rewarded with valuable loot. In order to gain access to the higher-tier zones, you need to obtain access tokens.
While we would love to hear and see more about these Contested Zones, the roadmap doesn’t share any further details. So, all we can hope for is to get an Inside Star Citizen episode focused on this new location type in Pyro.
Recently, Cloud Imperium Games confirmed that Alpha 4.0 is still on track for a release in Q3 2024, though the Alpha 3.24 update has not been released on the live servers yet.
