Summary
- Star Citizen update 4.0 will reset player acquisitions and stats for cleaner data.
- The new update includes a reset of Reputation, Wallets, and Items for major system adjustments.
- Despite frequent wipes, the game's development progresses with events showing new content.
Developer Cloud Imperium Games has confirmed that the impending update for its long-in-development MMO space simulator Star Citizen will include a full wipe of players' in-game acquisitions and stats. Star Citizen, which has undergone full wipes before, will still be in alpha after the new 4.0 release is implemented.
In development for over a decade, even after raising more than $700 million in crowdfunding and private investment, Star Citizen has drawn heavy criticism for its elusive release schedule, revocation of content promises, and extensive delays. Initially intended to launch in 2014, the ever-expanding ambitions of the game have been outmatched only by Star Citizen's continually swelling coffers. The core elements of the game currently available to players constitute the Persistent Universe, which continues to receive updates and patches.
As described in its forum post, Cloud Imperium's new Star Citizen update will reset all three pillars of what it calls Long Term Persistence. This includes clearing player Reputation, Wallets, and Items. The reset will pave the way for cleaner data gathering as major updates to missions, guilds, the economy, and more are rolled out and adjusted. Also included is the launch of the new Pyro star system, the second system addition to the Persistent Universe. Purchased items and other account-bound pledges and rewards will not be removed.
Full Star Citizen Release Remains Elusive
The announcement hints at "upcoming major updates" beyond the 4.0 update, which would affect a variety of systems in the game. With native animals added earlier in 2024, and monster hunting teased at a recent event, there would seem to be a significant amount of content to look forward to.
While the game was last wiped with 2022's alpha 3.18.1, the developer claims these kinds of wipes will be less frequent after 4.0, possibly indicating momentum toward a final release. Despite this, no date has been given for the full launch of either the MMO portion of the game or the Squadron 42 single-player campaign. The unpredictability of the development cycle might make some players wary of shelling out a minimum of $45 to play a game that will occasionally reset character statistics and earnings. As an antidote, Star Citizen hosts regular events, which show off new ships and allow players free access to the game for two weeks.
Recent layoffs at Cloud Imperium aside, the game's development continues to progress, with refinements and additions to the Persistent Universe giving players a sense of the game they've been waiting for. At this rate, the developers may eventually deliver the massive experience first promised to backers in 2012.
- Developer(s)
- Cloud Imperium Games Corporation
- Publisher(s)
- Cloud Imperium Games Corporation
- Engine
- star engine
- Multiplayer
- Local Multiplayer
WHERE TO PLAY
- Platform(s)
- PC
- Genre(s)
- Shooter, Simulation
