Cloud Imperium Games has simultaneously opened the doors to the Ship Expo at Orison and dropped a massive Roadmap Roundup detailing the future of multi-crew gameplay. While players can currently jump into free test flights on Crusader, the real headline is the confirmation of dedicated Engineering roles and fire hazards coming in Patch 4.5.0.
If you are currently navigating the floating platforms of Orison to check out the latest hulls, you might want to pull up your MobiGlas and look at the future. The November 19 Roadmap Roundup has confirmed that all features for Star Citizen Alpha 4.4.0 are now marked as "Released," officially locking in the content for the current cycle. This includes the visual refactor for Size 1 and 2 MaxOx Neutron Cannons, a small but welcome update for combat pilots.
Engineering Roles Change the Multi-Crew Meta
The most significant news, however, targets Alpha 4.5.0. CIG has listed "Resource Network - Engineering" as a tentative feature. This isn't just a new UI layer; it fundamentally alters how capital and multi-crew ships function. You will no longer be able to solo-pilot a massive vessel effectively in combat if fuses blow or fires break out in the engine room.
This update introduces the "Life Support" and "Engineering" gameplay loops. Players will need to physically manage ship systems, route power, and extinguish fires that spread dynamically through the hull. It shifts the game further away from a pure dogfighter simulator into the complex management sim promised years ago. If you fly big ships, start recruiting your crew now.
Will DLSS finally stabilize performance?
Alongside the gameplay shifts, 4.5.0 is targeting major technical improvements. The roadmap confirms work on the Vulkan Renderer is advancing to include HDR support and, crucially, DLSS integration. For a game that has historically demanded top-tier hardware to maintain frame rates in cities like Orison or Area18, DLSS support could be the optimization bridge many mid-range PC users have been waiting for.
The 4.5.0 update also promises enhancements to FPS AI, likely making bunker missions and boarding actions more lethal. While these features are currently "Tentative," their appearance on the Release View suggests CIG is confident in the timeline.
For now, the Ship Expo is live. If you want to test fly ships before the engineering mechanics make them harder to fly solo, head to the Crusader showroom floor.