The long wait is over - the Flight Model Update (7.50) is now available! We want to thank everyone who participated in the beta, provided valuable feedback, and helped us identify and fix various issues. You have truly helped us a lot.
This update brings significant improvements to flight mechanics and physics, making ship handling more dynamic and distinct than ever before. To help you adjust, we’ve put together this FAQ.
Q: What is this update about?
A: This update introduces a wide range of improvements across the game (see full changelog), but the most significant change is the updated flight model. Ships now handle differently depending on their size, weight, and engine configuration.
Q: What has changed in the flight model?
A: The way ships handle has been completely reworked. The changes affect every aspect of flight, including acceleration, turning, boosting, and braking. Each ship and engine type now has more distinct flight characteristics, creating a more varied and immersive flying experience.
For example:
- Small scouts and fighters remain nimble even at high speeds.
- Fully loaded freighters and miners experience more drift due to their increased mass.
- Large ships take longer to start moving in a new direction despite having high rotation speeds.
A: While ship mass, thrusters, and engines have always dictated how ships handle, they now do so more naturally and with fewer sudden changes in acceleration. There are more pronounced differences between engine types, manufacturers, and models, too.
- Paranid: Fastest travel drives, and ships that fly almost like they are on rails, but much reduced manoeuvrability at high velocity.
- Terran: Quickest travel drive charge-up time, very fast travel drive acceleration. Their ships are generally easy to use.
- Split: Fastest regular engines, and just enough travel drive performance to intercept most targets. Their ill-controlled drifting is a challenge for rookie pilots though.
- Argon: Very aggressive boosting that can offset their poor travel drive acceleration. Their combat ships benefit a lot from improved thrusters.
- Teladi: Designed to outlast opponents in combat and haul efficiently at any distance.
- Boron: The weakness of their regular engines can be offset by considered use of boosting and their pre-charged travel drives.
A: While the core flight mechanics remain familiar, you may need to adjust to the new handling. Different engines now offer unique flight profiles, so experimenting with various configurations will help you find one that suits your playstyle the most.
Q: Can I revert these changes or get an engine that behaves like the old ones?
A: No, reverting is not possible due to the extensive changes to the flight model. However, certain engines offer handling similar to the previous iteration, so we recommend trying different types to find what you’re most comfortable with.
Q: Why does boosting no longer consume shields?
A: Boosting now has a separate energy bar, displayed around the speedometer. Engines determine boost duration and efficiency, so choosing the right one is important. Be careful, though, as NPCs also use this new boost system!
Q: What is the blue circle on my HUD?
A: That is the new Velocity Indicator, showing your ship’s actual movement direction. This is especially useful for ships that experience high drift, such as heavily loaded transports or those using powerful Split engines. It also comes in handy when flying with disabled Flight Assist.
Q: Has the Gravidar changed?
A: Yes! We've enhanced the Gravidar - it should be more readable now. The viewing angle has been improved, and far-away objects are now more visible. We also added a few more Gravidar modes that you can cycle [CTRL+M by default].
Q: What else does this update include?
A: The update expands the universe, refines mechanics, and enhances visuals. Key additions include:
- New sectors, offering alternative connections between Boron and Terran space and the main universe.
- Behaviour Inspection Mode, allowing for better management and troubleshooting of player-owned assets.
- Radar Station Module, significantly increasing station radar coverage.
- FSR3 and DLSS support, improving graphical performance.
- Numerous fixes and improvements (see full changelog here).
A: No, the Hyperion expeditionary ship is part of the X4: Hyperion Pack mini-DLC and is not included in the free 7.50 update. You can purchase the X4: Hyperion Pack on Steam and GOG.
Q: What happened to my X4: Timelines leaderboard ranking?
A: Due to the major flight model changes, the Timelines leaderboard has been reset. However, your progress in the Timelines story itself is unaffected. Previous rankings have been archived and can be viewed here.
Q: Do I have to start a new game for the Flight Model Update and the X4: Hyperion Pack’s contents to appear in my game?
A: No - the Flight Model Update, as well as the X4: Hyperion Pack, will integrate seamlessly into your existing game sessions, regardless of whether you were playing the beta, or one of the previous versions of the game.
Q: I’m a modder. Where can I find documentation on the new flight model?
A: Documentation on flight parameters for ships, engines, and thrusters is available on the XWiki. You can find it here.
