Star Citizen delivers the next generation of space flight simulation gaming, combining FPS (First Person Shooter) combat and persistent MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) gameplay to create a living, breathing first person universe capable of truly unlimited gameplay experiences. In addition, through the game's advanced Newtonian physics engine, Star Citizen enables players to experience an unparalleled space sim flying experience with ship control, performance and response calculated based on dozens of dynamically generated physics based variables.

Star Citizen will not require a subscription, and not be free-to-play, it will will be available for a one-time purchase. And while players will be able to play in the Star Citizen universe for free, there will also be virtual items available for purchase with in-game credits so players can customize their ships and other items.

Star Citizen just got bigger with today’s release of the Star Citizen - Alpha 3.9: Locked Up & Loaded update, introducing a wealth of new gameplay systems, missions, locations, and more!

With today’s launch of the Star Citizen — Alpha 3.9: Locked Up & Loaded update, players can look forward to more expanded experiences and deeper immersion based on community input and feedback. Highlights include the introduction of the Klescher Prison system, new criminal and bounty missions, a brand-new landing zone, the Esperia Prowler ship, all-new unified friends list, streamlined weapon attachment UI, and quality of life improvements. For full details and patch notes please head here. 

“Our universe continues to evolve and grow, and through the release of Alpha 3.9: Locked Up & Loaded, our players will have the ability to experience more socially driven adventures fueled by exciting new gameplay additions and technology enhancements,” said Cloud Imperium Games CEO and Star Citizen Creative Director Chris Roberts. “Today’s launch is part of our continued commitment to deliver notable updates on a consistent basis that greatly improve the overall experience in Star Citizen, and we continue to be humbled by the overwhelming support from our active players and community who contribute in making Star Citizen a success.”

Star Citizen — Alpha 3.9: Locked Up & Loaded Update Highlights:

• Unified Friends List: Group play is getting a major upgrade. Moving forward, contacts and friends from Star Citizen Spectrum (CIG’s proprietary out-of-game communications platform) will be unified with in-game contacts. Connecting with fellow pilots and forming parties from either platform has never been easier!
• Klescher Automated Prison: Actions have consequences. Players incapacitated by security forces or bounty hunters will now find themselves serving hard time in prison. Pay off your debt to society by doing manual labor, or make plans for a daring escape.
• New Babbage Landing Zone: This brand-new landing zone and trading hub is now open for business! Located on microTech and home to the company’s flagship store, New Babbage features an extensive transit system with lines connecting all major hubs. Open spaces are enclosed by protective domes, shielding citizens from the planet’s freezing climate while offering spectacular views of frozen lakes and azure skies.
• New Mission - The Price of Freedom: In an all-new mission, some unlucky outlaws have been captured and are catching a ride on a prison transport. Players have been hired to board the ship, fight their way past security, wake these unfortunate individuals from cryosleep, and if possible, eliminate the turncoat who got them captured in the first place.
• New Ship - Esperia Prowler: The Prowler is a near-perfect recreation of the infamous dropship that battled UEE forces throughout the Tevarin Wars. Elegant, advanced, and effective, it embodies the unique Tevarin approach to warfare and organic vehicle design. The Prowler is the first Tevarin-derived ship ever offered on the Human market. Find out more about the Esperia Prowler here.
• New Player Status System: Player immersion reaches new levels, as blizzards and snowstorms are now more than just a visual effect. “Weather locomotion” now provides wind force resistance to player characters and ships in the atmosphere. In addition to monitoring temperature, the new player status system also measures hunger and thirst. Eat and hydrate to stave off starvation and thirst while taking advantage of specially designed suits to maintain an ideal body temperature in harsh environments.
• New Weapon Attachment UI Feature: Ground combat sees major improvements as players can now make adjustments to weapon attachments on the fly without having to navigate through inventory menu systems. Make quick changes to scopes and attachments on the go and stay in the action.

To celebrate the release of the Star Citizen — Alpha 3.9: Locked Up & Loaded update, CIG is offering a limited time referral bonus for referring a friend to play the game. Starting from today through May 11, players who enlist a friend to join will earn a free Greycat PTV Buggy for both themselves and their friend. Learn more details about the limited time referral program here.