Star Citizen, the ambitious space simulation game developed by Cloud Imperium Games, is constantly evolving with new features, improvements, and bug fixes. The latest update, Star Citizen Alpha 3.22, has been released to the Evocati Test Flight (ETF) group, a select group of backers who help test the game before it goes live to the broader public.
In this article, we will summarize the main changes and additions that Star Citizen 3.22 brings based on the official patch notes and other sources.
Star Citizen 3.22 Patch Notes
Testing Focus
According to the official patch notes, the primary testing focus for Star Citizen 3.22 is:
- Stability Testing
- Player Hair Update
- New Derelict Settlements
- Salvage: Structural
- Inventory: Openable Cargo Containers
- Arena Commander New Maps, Multicrew, and New Game Modes
These features are either new or have been significantly updated in this patch and require extensive testing and feedback from the ETF group. Some of these features may not be fully implemented or functional yet and may be subject to change or removal in future patches.
Stability Testing
One of the main goals of Star Citizen 3.22 is to improve the stability and performance of the game, especially in the Persistent Universe (PU) mode, where players can explore, trade, fight, and interact with other players and NPCs in a vast and dynamic galaxy. The patch notes mention several known issues that affect the stability of the game, such as:
- Avoid Orison / Crusader in this build. It will be a wrong time and will most likely require an account recopy.
- This build has extra debugging for AI falling through floors and spawning out of bounds in many UGF locations.
- PU – Front End – Character Customization – All Genders – Unable to save character (Workaround: Exit back to menu from Character Creator and join the PU)
- PU – Stanton – AI / Mission Content – UGF AI falling through the stairs/floor
- Stanton – Spawn Closet – Mission Content / AI – Enemy AI can spawn out of bounds of their intended spawn points
- Stanton – Mission Feature – UGF missions – Remaining hostiles AI not spawning in UGF bunker mission
- PU – Stanton – Mission Content / UI – Multiple Mission Types – Mission markers are not present
- PU – Social Module – UI / Chat- Party chat does not display in AR HUD if written in CommLink app and mobiGlas is opened
- PU – Stanton – ASOP / Fleet Manager – ATC – When retrieving a ship, it may spawn outside the hangar it is assigned to
The ETF group is expected to report any bugs or crashes they encounter while playing the game using the Issue Council tool on the official website. The developers will use the feedback and data collected from the ETF group to fix and optimize the game before releasing it to the broader public.
Player Hair Update
One of the most noticeable changes in Star Citizen 3.22 is the update to the player hair system, which aims to provide more realistic and diverse hairstyles for the characters.
The patch notes state that the player hair update is “not yet ready for feedback/testing,” which means that it is still in partial condition and may not work as intended. However, some screenshots and videos from the ETF group have shown some of the new hairstyles available in the game, such as:
- Long curly hair for female characters
- Short spiky hair for male characters
- Mohawk and dreadlocks for both genders
- Various colors and styles of facial hair for male characters
The player hair update is expected to improve the immersion and customization of the game, as well as the performance and quality of the graphics.
However, it may also introduce some bugs or glitches, such as clipping, flickering, or missing textures. The ETF group is advised to report any issues they encounter with the player hair system using the Issue Council tool.
New Derelict Settlements
Another significant addition in Star Citizen 3.22 is the introduction of new derelict settlements, which are abandoned or ruined structures that can be found on various planets and moons in the Stanton system.
These settlements offer new locations for exploration, combat, and salvage, as well as new missions and events. The patch notes state that the new derelict payments are “not yet ready for feedback/testing,” which means that they are still in a partial state and may not work as intended. However, some screenshots and videos from the ETF group have shown some of the new derelict settlements available in the game, such as:
- A crashed spaceship on Hurston
- A mining outpost in Aberdeen
- A research facility on Daymar
- A farm on Cellin
- A bunker on Lyria
The new derelict settlements are expected to add more variety and depth to the game, as well as new challenges and opportunities for the players.
However, they may also introduce some bugs or glitches, such as missing assets, incorrect lighting, or broken physics. The ETF group is advised to report any issues they encounter with the new derelict settlements using the Issue Council tool.
Salvage: Structural
One of the most anticipated features in Star Citizen 3.22 is the implementation of the first iteration of the salvage gameplay, which allows players to extract valuable materials and components from damaged or destroyed ships and structures.
The patch notes state that the salvage structural feature is “not yet ready for feedback/testing,” which means that it is still in a partial condition and may not work as intended. However, some screenshots and videos from the ETF group have shown some of the aspects of the salvage gameplay available in the game, such as:
- Using a handheld multi-tool with a cutting attachment to cut through metal panels and wires
- Using a handheld tractor beam to pull and store salvageable items in a backpack or a cargo container
- Using a ship-mounted tractor beam to remove and keep more oversized salvageable items in a ship’s cargo hold
- Using a dedicated salvage ship, such as the Drake Vulture, to scan, cut, and store salvageable items in a specialized cargo bay
- Selling the salvaged items at a scrapyard or a trading terminal for profit
The salvage gameplay is expected to add more fun and depth to the game, as well as new opportunities and risks for the players.
However, it may also introduce some bugs or glitches, such as incorrect values, missing effects, or unintended consequences. The ETF group is advised to report any issues they encounter with the salvage gameplay using the Issue Council tool.
Inventory: Openable Cargo Containers
Another essential feature in Star Citizen 3.22 is the improvement of the inventory system, which allows players to interact with openable cargo containers, such as crates, boxes, or bags.
These containers can be found in various locations, such as ships, stations, or settlements, and can contain multiple items, such as weapons, armor, consumables, or valuables. The patch notes state that the inventory: openable cargo containers feature is “not yet ready for feedback/testing,” which means that it is still in a partial condition and may not work as intended.
However, some screenshots and videos from the ETF group have shown some of the aspects of the inventory system available in the game, such as:
- Using the inner thought system to open, close, or inspect a cargo container
- Using the personal inventory manager (PIM) to view, move, or equip items from a cargo container
- Using the physicalized inventory system to store items in a cargo container by dragging and dropping them
- Using the looting system to find random or mission-related items in a cargo container
- Using the locking system to secure or unlock a cargo container with a code or a key
The inventory system is expected to improve the realism and immersion of the game, as well as the gameplay and progression of the players.
However, it may also introduce some bugs or glitches, such as incorrect icons, missing items, or inaccessible containers. The ETF group is advised to report any issues they encounter with the inventory system using the Issue Council tool.
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Arena Commander New Maps, Multicrew, and New Game Modes
The last prominent feature in Star Citizen 3.22 is the overhaul of the Arena Commander mode, which is a separate game mode that allows players to test and practice their combat skills in various scenarios and environments.
The patch notes state that the Arena Commander’s new maps, multi-crew, and new game modes feature is “not yet ready for feedback/testing,” which means that it is still in a partial state and may not work as intended. However, some screenshots and videos from the ETF group have shown some of the aspects of the Arena Commander mode available in the game, such as:
- Using the new map selector to choose from different maps, such as Broken Moon, Dying Star, Yela, or Grim Hex
- Using the new multi-crew option to join or create a team with other players and share the same ship or a wing of ships
- Using the new game modes to play different types of matches, such as Free Flight, Vanduul Swarm, Pirate Swarm, Battle Royale, Squadron Battle, Capture the Core, or Racing
- Using the new leaderboards and rewards system to track and compare your performance and achievements with other players and earn credits and badges
The Arena Commander mode is expected to enhance the fun and challenge of the game, as well as the skills and cooperation of the players.
However, it may also introduce some bugs or glitches, such as incorrect scores, missing effects, or broken mechanics. The ETF group is advised to report any issues they encounter with the Arena Commander mode using the Issue Council tool.
Conclusion
Star Citizen 3.22 is a significant update that brings many new and improved features to the game, such as player hair, derelict settlements, salvage, inventory, and Arena Commander.
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