4.0 Preview Build
➣ Alpha 4.0 will be released soon to the Live servers, as part of a “4.0 Preview” channel. Expected release is within 12 hours from this post.
➣ Missing mission types and other issues prevent 4.0 from being released to everyone at once.
➣ Two Live Releases will be maintained in parallel:
ㅤ✦Alpha 3.24.3: All existing data, missions, events, and inventories maintained. No transfer to 4.0 or future versions.
ㅤ✦4.0 Preview: Clean slate 4.0 Preview. Includes server meshing, Pyro, and many other 4.0 features.
➣ All progress in 4.0 Preview is intended to carry over to future releases.
➣ Save Stanton and related events will continue to be available on 3.24.3 over holiday break.

Alpha 4.0 Content
➣ Server Meshing:
ㅤ✦ Seamless navigation between Stanton and Pyro with invisible server boundaries.
ㅤ✦ Server crashes are now localized, improving performance and playability.
ㅤ✦ Server load is reduced by having each server simulate fewer entities.
➣ New Content in 4.0:
ㅤ✦ Pyro System: Adds two competing mission chains tied to the Headhunters or Citizens for Prosperity factions.
ㅤ✦ Contested Zones: Locations in Pyro controlled by gang factions (Fire Rats, Horizon, XenoThreat) offering high rewards but requiring player conflict or cooperation.
ㅤ✦ Reputation System: Expanded to allow players to align with factions, affecting friendly/hostile areas.
ㅤ✦ New Progression Methods: Introduction of reputation and physical rewards, setting the stage for more in future updates.

2025: A Focus on Playability
➣ 2025 Focus: The primary goal for 2025 is improving playability in Star Citizen, concentrating on Performance, Stability, and Content
➣ Quality of Life (QoL): Efforts will focus on smoother gameplay with fewer bugs and obstacles, addressing tech debt while balancing new features and tech introduction.
➣ Challenges in Feature and Content Testing: Previous testing of new features within content pipelines caused instability and delays. This approach will change to improve reliability.
➣ Decoupling Feature Development:
ㅤ✦ New features will be tested separately from content releases.
ㅤ✦ Complex features will go through an Experimental PTU (EPTU) for focused testing before integration into the main pipeline.
➣ Stability and Predictability: By isolating feature testing, development will improve stability, performance, and QoL without disrupting content delivery.
➣ Connected Content Drops: Future content releases will be more focused and narrative-driven, offering rewards (ships, armor, weapons) to enhance playability.
➣ More Frequent Content Updates: Aim to deliver more content, more often, avoiding delays caused by tech or feature development.
➣ Objective: Make Star Citizen more stable, performant, and fun in 2025.
➣ Development Philosophy:
ㅤ✦ Chris Roberts reflects on creating games based on personal passion and vision, unimpeded by publishers.
ㅤ✦ Crowdfunding allowed Star Citizen and Squadron 42 to pursue ambitious, niche projects.
➣ Community Impact:
ㅤ✦ Ongoing support from the community is vital for development.
ㅤ✦ In 2024, the community hosted 203 Bar Citizens, with large in-person events like BE@Con and CitizenCon, drawing thousands.
ㅤ✦ Over 1 million players contributed 32 million hours of gameplay, and the community grew by 500,000.