TLDR:
- Contested Zones will be located inside Pyro space stations with free access to players.
- Inside Contested Zones, players will discover multiple paths, each ending up in a different dungeon.
- Some dungeons only include platformer challenges, while others have hostile enemies inside.
- PvP fights will be a major part of Contested Zones as players encounter each other inside dungeons.
As we get closer to the launch of Alpha 4.0, CIG reveals more interesting things about this massive update and Pyro, specifically.
The latest episode of Inside Star Citizen introduces new space dungeons called Contested Zones, which will be accessible through the space stations in Pyro.
Access to the Contested Zones is free and easy, but once you are in, there are multiple paths to take. As you explore the entry area, you will face multiple gates, each one sending you to a different space dungeon, offering a unique experience.
Some dungeons may only challenge you with platforming obstacles and puzzles, where you need to find the way out, collect the items, and open the doors using hidden terminals.
The other dungeons, however, could be more combat-heavy, as you may face hostile enemies inside or packs of Kopions. So, players will need to fight their way through the dungeon until they find the loot. But things get more chaotic on your way back to the stations.
Since multiplayer players can enter Contested Zones, PvP gunfights are inevitable. So while you have already laid your hands on the loot, you may encounter other players scavenging for the same items, and well, that won’t be a peaceful encounter.
According to CIG, some players can even stay inside the Contested Zones and camp for the newcomers to kill them and loot their stuff. So, as you can guess, Contested Zones will be quite dangerous to explore on your own.
Later in the video, one of the developers revealed that the deepest section of dungeons will also feature boss fights. Now, we didn’t get any further information on what these bosses are, but it sounds like we shouldn’t expect them to arrive with 4.0 itself. So, maybe it’s something we will find out more about in 4.1 or updates beyond that.
The way it sounds, Contested Zones will be more like a minimal extraction-shooter experience inside the lawless environment of Pyro, opening up some risky opportunities for Orgs and lone wolves to find a fortune.
Aside from Contested Zones, CIG also showcased new Asteroid Bases in Pyro, which are procedurally generated abandoned stations on floating asteroids.
While some of these bases will turn into conflict points between players, they will also serve as new exploration locations, hosting never-before-seen loot.
Both Contested Zones and Asteroid Bases are scheduled for Alpha 4.0. So, if nothing bad happens, we should be able to enjoy exploring these new locations by the end of Q3 2024.
