Space Tomato covers some information from a recent interview with Erin Roberts at a bar citizen in Beijing.

MrKraken posted some pictures of the Apex Valakkar on Twitter:

'Apex Assassin' Pyro > Pyro I > Lazarus Complex Tithonus-II w/ @Citizenspooner #StarCitizen #StormBreaker #VirtualPhotography #VGPUnite

https://nitter.net/RealMrKraken/status/1928579706489811098

Berks activates a device which begins the apex Valakkar Raid. Full stream (link goes to the correct timestamp).

I did get the Fortuna paint some time ago looking to buy one in game. It's a nice little racer. Damn what a swanky little machine! As Din would say, "Wizard!"

Carbon Pixel showing off how rain affects Skin/clothing in Star Citizen 4.2 PTU.

I've been playing almost daily through the ILW and got to experience both the usual loops I tend to do (search and rescue, hauling, transport) as well as some I've pretty much gave up on (space combat). The latter is something I wasn't particularly keen on trying again but considering the theme of this event I decided to give it a fair shake, hoping to find out I'm just being a stubborn loser.

With ILW finished and 4.2 already in wave 1 of PTU I thought it's a good time to look at the current state of the game again.

I'm not going to go super in depth since ain't nobody have the time or interest in reading a wall of text (still ended up writing one, huh) so here are the main takeaways about my time with this patch:

• Med gun change is as stupid as expected, guess I won't be using pistols ever again (or at least until devs don't change their mind again).
• Most of my player interactions consisted of helping folks via chat (common) and transporting them between landing zones when they couldn't spawn their ships (rare).
• I got to do a single space SAR operation. Got pretty exciting as my patient forgot to mention it was an active combat zone. Really fun, too bad these happen so rarely in my experience.
• Bunker missions are still extremely easy, even with NPCs working as intended.
• After playing around with more personal weapons I came to an unfortunate conclusion: I love using guns that look like crap (in my opinion obviously) and hate the ones I find to be the coolest.
• Static ILW hall sucks, if not for the rental terminals there would be absolutely no point in visiting the convention centre. I hope they'll go back to rotating displays next year.
• Servers held up pretty well for the most part, only the last three or so days treated me with 20 or even 30+ second inventory delays.
• I tested various ships throughout the event but didn't really find anything I'd like to work towards. Also, despite feeling like medical Terrapin should be a perfect fit for me I still like ~~Connie~~ Cutty Red more (even as a primarily solo player).
  I thought about Starlancer Max (the biggest ship I'd be willing to go for with my playstyle) but the belly cargo hold was so frustrating to unload it completely turned me away from even contemplating it.
• I went through a good chunk of the combat gauntlet missions to familiarise myself with the current combat experience, even using multiple ships to vary it up a bit, and... yeah, I still hate it. All the changes that came with master modes (not just switching) killed this part of the game for me.
• I hope the work on ATC rewrite goes smoothly, those queues can get ridiculous at times.
• Barely anyone seemed to touch "Hunt the Polaris". I tried it twice (after that my thoughts about space combat took over) and every time I've seen it mentioned in chat was people asking if anyone is doing it (the answer was always "no").
• Vulkan is still unplayable for me. It just hammers my GPU into a pulp, no matter the settings, while presenting me with glorious 3-5 FPS at major landing zones. And yes, this was after shader compilation. At least we got some info about planned optimisation efforts on Spectrum recently so there is still some hope for me.
• Ship UI needs a lot of optimisation work as looking at MFDs can shave a third of my FPS in some cases.
• On the other hand, some of the ships (mainly Cutty Red and Terrapin) had their MFDs improved to a state where I'm almost willing to play without the advanced HUD. All that's missing are physical altitude displays.
• Driving ground vehicles is still terrible. Good thing I decided to rent an STV before committing to buying one.
• Interaction prompt changes are an improvement but I still had to deal with multiple instances of game trying to interact with things other than what I was aiming at.
• I REALLY dislike the fact we have multiple different versions of radial menus depending on what we're trying to do. They have varying amount of animations on use, some lock/magnetise the cursor to each option while other work more smoothly. Just pick one style and stick to it, please.

All in all, 4.1.1 is a bit rougher but still playable in the technical terms. Gameplay wise not enough changed to make a difference - it's still fun on a good day.

So that's me. How are you all finding the current patch? Any fun or unfortunate experiences?

The coin can be found here: https://robertsspaceindustries.com/en/pledge/Gear/Invictus-Launch-Week-Coin

Or on the May Newsletter Page here:
https://robertsspaceindustries.com/en/comm-link/transmission/20613-Squadron-42-May-Newsletter-Comm-Link

If you aren't a subscriber, you can go to your account settings -> Newsletters -> Squadron 42 Updates
and then subscribe and the coin will be visible in the shop for you.

https://robertsspaceindustries.com/en/account/settings

Saw an abandoned Valkyrie at SCD-1 this night and took the opportunity to shoot the siblings next to each other.

When you park the Asgard next to it, you realize how fat its ass really is, albeit its only 2 SCU longer in the cargo hold. And it could have an even longer cargo hold if they didn't left out the section that was occupied by the Valkyries Balcony which is a shame.

I really dig the Asgard for how fast it feels (and the sound of the engines) and how cavernous the empty hold is.

A+ for a military logistics vessel.

Duration: 13:34
Morphologis discusses some of the issues with big ships vs small fighters.

It's too easy for fighters to take out larger ships.

Personally I think that if turret gunners were given some sort of flak weapon, it would be a good way to handle this situation.

Duration: 7min 48sec

Camural tests out the Idris Laser on different sized ships.

TL/DW:

*Note there was likely a bug with the Caterpillar testing.

I rearranged the sections a little:

Features & Gameplay

Gameplay

Farro Data Center - Part 1 of New Activity
This new activity takes place in both Stanton and Pyro at multiple different locations. For tonight's build, we will focus on Farro Data Center on Pyro IV and ends at Step 4 of the list below. This location has multiple locked doors that take different types of credentials to open such as key cards, "computer data security", and uses a new mechanic that requires certain clothing for the door scan to allow you entry. How you get this clothing is up to you. We will keep the details beyond this at a minimum to test the in-game communication and discovery of this activity. In tonight's 

The activity for this first part will be held at Farro Data Center on Pyro IV

1. The Data Processing Room is locked by doors that require a Technical Access Card to open
2. Technical Access Cards can be found in various loot rooms at the location
3. Inside the Data Processing Room, the players find the Credentials Printer that can give them the Doctor’s Credentials
4. The printing process takes time and causes the alarm to go off, drawing security reinforcements to the Data Processing Room

Items partially in the build (not ready for feedback):

• Improved Kiosk Interactions
• Pyro Research Facility (Part of the new Activity)
• [Redacted]
• [Redacted]
• [Redacted]

I haven't tested this out yet, but I'm curious what other objects can be used as makeshift fuses.

A user in the thread here pointed out:

You can use bloodbag or beans container from spawn Habs as fuse

https://www.reveddit.com/v/starcitizen/comments/1kpwtna/idris_fuse_blew_after_several_hours_of_combat/mt2cz1d/

I think beans are going to be higher up on my list of foods to bring on trips with me.

Source:

As you explore the Bevic Convention Center, keep your instincts sharp by looking for hidden scrips around the hall.

Should you be lucky enough to find them, Wikelo may have something of value to exchange for them.

- @robertsspaceind.bsky.social‬

How to avoid the worst bugs in Star Citizen (as of v4.1.1)

A decent number of the 4.1.0 issues have been fixed/removed since the last list. The Pyro V quantum issue isn't new, but getting stranded out there is not fun, so I added it in. I also updated the ATLS teleport issue with a new possible workaround.

The first trick you'll need to learn is how to Server/Region Hop. Some of the worst bugs require just leaving the current server and going to a different one.
To force a server change you'll need to exit back to menu and change your region to something else.
Note: If you attempt to start the game in the same region, the game leans toward placing you in the server where you've been most recently.

Elevators

Don't press up against the door when waiting for an elevator to arrive, it might push you out of the station as it arrives and physicalizes.

To avoid falling out of your ship during quantum:

• Don't stand up immediately from your seat the second you enter quantum.
• Don't jump around like the floor is lava.
• Don't use the stairs on the Idris while it is in Quantum.
• Don't change armor/undersuit while in quantum (might be fixed in 4.1.1?).

For other known issues, check the information here:
https://support.robertsspaceindustries.com/hc/en-us/articles/360056254754-Star-Citizen-Alpha-4-1-Known-Issues

Or search through the issue council and look for workarounds on the ticket or in the comments.

The image from this post is from an old bug we had years ago.

Full quote from Zyloh (I bolded the most important part IMO):

Zyloh-CIG

Flight Blade Feedback Update

Throughout Star Citizen's evolution, one fundamental principle has remained paramount: everything you pledge for to support our development will eventually be attainable through gameplay. Your contribution helps push things forward, but your time in the 'verse should be equally rewarded.

We're pushing 11 patches this year instead of 4. We’re crushing more bugs than ever, building more exciting content, moving faster than ever to make the Persistent Universe a better experience for everyone, and in moving that fast, we missed a step.

To be clear, the new Flight Blades will be obtainable for aUEC in our next patch this June. We followed our usual approach by offering early access on the pledge store to help support development. But after some reflection, we’ve decided that for smaller components like Flight Blades or bomb racks, they should be available in-game at the same time they appear on the store.

The choice has and should always be yours. If you want to support the project early, you can, but it’s not required. If you own a game package, you’ll be able to pick these up with in-game currency in our next monthly patch. And for future gameplay kit introductions, we’ll ensure these items are obtainable in-game on day one.

Thanks to everyone who’s weighed in, especially those who brought the heat constructively. This game has always been shaped by the community. Star Citizen wouldn’t exist without your passion and support, or your scrutiny and feedback. We hear you, and we take it all to heart.

A quick 1 min official video for Invictus Launch Week. The animations in this one look great.

Hi everyone!

We’re introducing a new component designed to support the horizontal progression of ships and give you the opportunity to take tuning into your own hands - meet the new Flight Blades.

What Are Flight Blades?

In simple terms, Flight Blades are components that go into your ship's computer ports to adjust its flight behavior in two key ways currently:

• Speed: Increase your straight-line top speed
• Maneuverability: Improve ship handling

While using Flight Blades can boost one area, it comes with a tradeoff, as you'll see a reduction in another to balance things out. This isn’t about chasing raw upgrades - it’s about making meaningful changes and further dialing in your loadout to reflect your playstyle. Whether you’re prioritizing speed or maneuverability, Flight Blades offer real player choice, allowing you to fine-tune the behavior of your ship to align with how you fly, fight, and operate in the 'verse.

We’ve put together a quick FAQ to cover some of the more common questions.

FAQ

What Flight Blade types are available?
Currently, there are two types: Precision Handling Balanced (PHB) Flight Blades, focused on maneuverability, and Top Speed Balanced (TSB) Flight Blades, focused on speed.

Which ships can equip Flight Blades?
The following ships will be the first to have compatible Flight Blades, with more to come:

• Aegis Gladius series
• Aegis Avenger series
• Aegis Redeemer
• RSI Scorpius series
• Argo MPUV series
• Anvil Arrow
• Anvil Pisces series
• Aegis Hammerhead

Why were these ships chosen?
These ships were selected for the initial rollout of the Flight Blades to cover a broad spectrum of playstyles and ship roles. But, this is just the beginning, and there are plans to make Flight Blades available for other ships in the future.

Can Flight Blades be used across entire ship families?
Flight Blades are version-specific, meaning they’re designed for specific ship models and configurations, not across entire ship families. For example, while all the ships in the Aegis Avenger series will get Flight Blades with this release, the Avenger Stalker can only utilize the specific Avenger Stalker Flight Blades, the RSI Scorpius Antares can only utilize the Antares Flight Blades, etc.

Do Flight Blades give me a competitive advantage?
Flight Blades offer tuning flexibility, giving you more control over your ship’s behavior. There is no shortcut to mastery; it's all about making smart decisions for how you want to fly.

How do I equip Flight Blades?
Flight Blades can be equipped in the Vehicle Loadout Manager (VLM) app in your mobiGlas. Simply swap the default blade with the new Flight Blade as you would with your other components.

How do I move Flight Blades between ships?
To move a Flight Blade between ships (from one Gladius to the other, for example), you'll need to first swap it out in the VLM by replacing it with the default blade. You can then equip the Flight Blade on the other ship.
Note: You cannot simply "remove" a Flight Blade, you'll have to swap a blade in to replace the currently installed one.

Can Flights Blades be destroyed?
In the initial implementation, Flight Blades are not destructible or damageable as their location is not physicalized on ships. In the future, they will be housed within the Computer item of ships and then be subject to normal component damage rules.

Will Flight Blades be available to purchase from in-game stores?
Yes, Flight Blades will become available in in-game stores for aUEC following the end of their pledge-exclusive availability, similar to how we introduce new vehicles.

Is there anywhere I can learn more about ship components?
Yes! You can dive deeper into ship components and how they work by reading our Components Comm-Link.

With the introduction of Flight Blades, should we expect AI Blades to follow soon?
While we’re planning for AI Blades down the road, we’re not there yet. We’ll keep you posted on any developments in that direction.

--

We can't wait to see how you use Flight Blades to customize your ships! Whether you’re after speed, maneuverability, or finding the right balance, this is just the beginning of expanding ship tuning as part of horizontal progression. We’ll be keeping an eye on feedback as you explore how Flight Blades fit your playstyle.

Got a setup that’s working for you? Share it with us!

More details from the spectrum post:
https://robertsspaceindustries.com/spectrum/community/SC/forum/1/thread/citizencon-direct-watch-party-submissions

They'll focus on sending out employees to Bar Citizen Watch Parties throughout the ~~US~~ NA and EU.

They will confirm which Bar Citizens they will attend by July.

If you happen to go to one, chances are high that they will be handing out some free ships either through trivia games or randomly drawing names from a hat.

Edit: Zyloh clarified North America instead of just the US and EU when someone asked, "What about Canada?"

I'm not sure who created this, I stumbled across it in a discord channel and felt like sharing.

If you own an Idris, the ability to name your ship will be opened up to groups of players depending on when you first pledged for the game:

Aegis Idris Naming Waves

• Wave 1: May 27th-29th 4 PM UTC / 9 AM Pacific (2012 pledges + Golden Ticket holders)
• Wave 2: May 30th-June 1st 4 PM UTC / 9 AM Pacific (2013 pledges)
• Wave 3: June 2nd-June 4th 4 PM UTC / 9 AM Pacific (2014, 2015, 2016 pledges)
• Wave 4: June 5th-June 7th 4 PM UTC / 9 AM Pacific (2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 pledges)
• Wave 5: June 8th-June 10th 4 PM UTC / 9 AM Pacific (2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 pledges)
• Wave 6: June 11th-June 13th 4 PM UTC / 9 AM Pacific (2025 pledges and Invictus Launch Week 2955 pledges)

Looks like players will be receiving their Idris in-game starting tomorrow.

SC Alpha 4.1.1 contains just over 200 bugfixes for issues occurring in 4.1.0, 61 of which originated from the Issue Council

Complete known issues list can be found here:
https://support.robertsspaceindustries.com/hc/en-us/sections/360002667153-Known-Issues