Today, Cloud Imperium Games launched a new major update for its growing space simulator, Star Citizen, introducing the third explorable star system.
The new star system is called Nyx and is somewhat nostalgic for veterans, as it marks the return of Delamar, an asteroid that was included in the Stanton system a long time ago for testing purposes.
It was then removed simply because Stanton got its own content, and now it’s back with its “rebel” settlement, Levski, with much improved visuals, audio, and more.
We can also explore the Glaciem Ring, a massive asteroid belt circling the system’s star, and the jump points to the previous systems, Stanton and Pyro. The system’s planets will be added down the line.
We’re also getting new missions, including interstellar hauling, alongside the first encounters with the universe’s most ruthless alien race, the Vanduul.
More changes include external freight elevators for stations, an overhaul of injuries, changes to missiles and point defense turrets, new weapons, new armor, 11 new beard styles, one new hairstyle, a new audio system, and much more.
Incidentally, everyone will be able to check out the new system and the content of the update, because Star Citizen will be free to play starting tomorrow, November 20, until December 3. This is due to the celebration of the Intergalactic Aerospace Expo in-game event, which also means that players will be able to test out almost every available ship and vehicle.
You can check out a trailer below, showing Lewski in all of its revolutionary glory.
You can also read the full patch notes.
Star Citizen also just passed 6 million registered accounts, and it’s now sitting comfortably on 6,025,377. Of course, not all of them are paying customers. Many simply create an account to enjoy the free-to-play periods, like the one starting tomorrow.
In the meantime, the crowdfunding total continues to grow, and it’s almost $886 million. To be precise, it’s currently at $885,902,717.
If you’re unfamiliar with Star Citizen, it’s a PC exclusive, crowdfunded project directed by Chris Roberts of Wing Commander fame. It’s a multiplayer sandbox space simulator that has been in development for over a decade and in alpha for several years.
A single-player campaign titled Squadron 42 is also in active development with a 2026 release window, starring an exceptional cast of famous actors, including Mark Hamill, Henry Cavill, Gary Oldman, Liam Cunningham, Gillian Anderson, and more.
Since the project has been in development for over a decade, you can see how Squadron 42 has evolved since its first reveal.
Full disclosure: the author of this article has backed Star Citizen’s crowdfunding campaign.
