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.

Cloud Imperium Games released the Star Citizen – Alpha 3.24: Cargo Empires patch delivering a full haul of new content and significant systems updates dubbed “Cargo 2.0”.

Buckle up and settle in for a revolution in space transport logistics thanks to a connected network of additions designed to complement each other, all in service of improving the cargo, trade, and hauling professions with more defined and engaging gameplay. Pilots can immerse themselves deeper into the ‘verse as a hauling professional, getting hands-on with the entire process, from accepting a contract to physically loading and delivering the goods to a buyer, before returning home to their newly persistent, customizable personal hangar. Mastering the logistics of efficient cargo storage during multi-stop hauls, while effectively planning pickup and drop-off routes, will reward payers with considerable profits in return for their efforts.

The update adds the Sabre Peregrine as a flyable ship, a purpose-built racing vehicle that leverages Aegis Dynamics’ military background to create the ultimate fusion of speed and reliability.

Alpha 3.24: Cargo Empires dramatically changes how pilots will be able to interact with their ships and cargo, deepening the simulation experience with a new era in cargo management and transportation.

“Cargo hauling and supply logistics offer the perfect counterbalance to the more action-filled professions in the ‘verse. There’s a serenity and sense of purpose traveling through space with a full load of cargo and pile of credits waiting for your arrival,” said Star Citizen Creative Director Chris Roberts, “As we prepare for the dangers of the Pyro system, mastering both combat and non-combat professions will be key to ensuring that players can help keep humanity well supplied and ready for the challenges ahead.”

Star Citizen – Alpha 3.24: Cargo Empires key features include the following and more:

• Now Loading, Freight and Ship Elevators: The humble elevator takes center stage as the platform for expansive new hangar functionality. Newly added ship elevators add a dramatic flair to the simple act of calling a ship in their hangar, slowly raising the vehicle of choice to its ready position for boarding and loading. Freight elevators allow players to directly transfer items to and from their warehouse (personal inventory) to their hangar and is where all items and cargo can now be retrieved. Loading and unloading of ships can now be done manually, rewarding efficient players with shorter stops to pick up or deliver goods. However, automated loading remains available at a small cost and reduced speed.
• A Hangar to Call Home: Players’ personal hangars have received a major update making them more personal than ever. Pilots can now decorate their hangars using in-game tools, with any decorations or changes made persisting through future play sessions. Friendly players can be invited into pilots' own personal hangars at any time to show off their latest creations or accomplishments. Personal hangars are functional as well as cosmetic and can be stocked with mission-critical items including armor, weapons, and cargo to get players into the action quicker than ever.
• Improving Spaceport Hangars with Instancing: All staging hangars at spaceports now exist as temporary instances, allowing all spaceports to handle more incoming and outgoing traffic simultaneously. ASOP terminals have been added to these newly-instanced hangars, letting pilots to directly call in ships without ever leaving the hangar. Friends can be invited to these instanced hangars as well, giving players a more private space to gather and hang out before taking off together. This first implementation of instancing technology in Star Citizen charts a course into the future and systems undiscovered, opening the doors to endless exciting new gameplay opportunities in later updates.
• Go Space Trucking in New Hauling Missions: Contracts for cargo hauling missions are now available to support a career in logistics, more affectionately known as “space trucking”. These new missions task players with the transport and delivery of large volumes of cargo in realistic logistics networks, with pickups and deliveries throughout the system ranging from terrestrial distribution centers to Lagrange points, to low orbit and beyond. This addition marks a significant step towards a more reactive and realistic dynamic economy for the game.
• Leave Competition Behind in the Sabre Peregrine: Aegis Dynamics makes its debut in the racing scene with the Peregrine, distilling the company’s military heritage into the essence of speed and agility. Sporting an ultralight frame and powerful thrusters, this precision-engineered racer is the ideal choice for unregulated, and often unpredictable, races on the fringe of lawful space. Take a step towards victory with the Peregrine, confident in Aegis’ legacy of performance and reliability.
• Commodity Transactions Breathe Fresh Life into Logistics: Commodities come in all shapes, sizes, and varieties in the ‘verse. With Alpha 3.24: Cargo Empires, commodities transactions better reflect the diverse array of goods in the galaxy, with physicalized cargo boxes now varying in size based on factors including location and what ship is transporting the goods. Efficiently loading cargo to maximize stowage space will be key to making the most out of each trip. Location-based variations are designed to help create more natural and varied routes to ensure an engaging career in logistics.
• New Global Event, Blockade Runner: The Stanton system’s pirate factions are up to no good again, stealing outgoing cargo and blockading orbital Stations throughout the system. Pilots will have a new mission to answer the call for aid when a Station and its cargo comes under attack, sending them after the pirates trying to escape with their ill-gotten goods. After disabling or destroying the runaway pirate ships and recovering the stolen cargo pilots will need to fight or fly their way through the blockade surrounding the Station in need, providing opportunities for players to collaborate in combat and non-combat roles and work towards reclaiming all stolen cargo and returning the Station to full operations. The Blockade Runner global event will be activated following the launch if Alpha 3.24: Cargo Empires.