It’s time yet again for a monthly Star Citizen progress report, and while much of the May 2024 edition is understandably about alpha 3.23 work, there are also the usual peeks at the game’s future horizons — specifically alpha 4.0 and Star Citizen 1.0.
Much of what is discussed in this report involves AI improvements that are in development, as CIG is working on improving AI reactions to seeing friendly NPCs under attack, adding more idle behaviors such as pushing trolleys, improving enemy ship AI, and introducing new behavior types that are specific to different landing zones or times of day.
The largest slice of the report can be found in the core gameplay section, which discusses multiple facets of alpha 3.23 work but sprinkles in alpha 4.0 tidbits. Among the features in the works are a refactoring of the multi-tool’s functionality along with the addition of battery charge and drain, an “objects of interest” mechanic that highlights important items with radar pings, and FPS radar features for Arena Commander. This section also talks about EVA-specific game modes and a new horde mode for Arena Commander.
The ships section of the report is noticeably small — and the weapons section is completely absent this month — but there are things of note for fans of SC’s internet spaceships, with progress on the Zeus Mk II and word of three new unannounced ships entering whitebox phase.
Finally, there are a couple of references to SC 1.0, the presumed launch of the sandbox, such as the aforementioned specific NPC behaviors and work on adding location stories for each of the game’s major landing zones, which are being built to “provide exciting opportunities for players to embark on adventures that embellish local storylines.”
