Master Modes Guide Star Citizen Alpha 3.23 introduced Master Modes, a feature that mixes different flight modes to maximize the fun and gameplay experience when piloting spacecraft.
Now that all ships have been updated to Master Modes, we distinguish between two main flight modes: Space Combat Maneuvering (SCM) and Navigation (NAV).
Here's a closer look at these flight modes, including how to activate them and when to use each one. We'll also update this page as additional aspects of the new Flight Mechanics come online in the future.
And if you're looking for additional help in the 'verse, check out the Guide System to get paired with an experienced player who can help show you the ropes.
SPACE COMBAT MANEUVERING [SCM]The introduction of Space Combat Maneuvering [SCM] is a significant change to dogfighting that brings ships closer during combat. This results in more intense skirmishes and better aligns ships with their intended roles. For instance, light fighters can now better use their increased maneuverability to evade heavy attacks, whereas gunships can rely on their strong firepower and high defense.Getting Ready For BattleSCM is your default flight mode. Your ship can regenerate its shields and you have full access to its weapon systems and countermeasures.In addition, your ship has maximum maneuverability in this mode, allowing it to weave its way around obstacles and granting you maximum control in both atmospheric and space combat. The Prudent SpecialistWhile SCM offers several benefits, it comes with a significant limitation: the maximum speed of all ships is capped to ensure the optimal balance between forward thrust and maneuverability. This maximum speed varies widely from one ship to another depending on their specific role and size. Additionally, SCM stands out by providing access to a diverse array of Operator Modes, further enhancing its utility.Getting Ready For Battle SCM is your default flight mode. Your ship can regenerate its shields and you have full access to its weapon systems and countermeasures.
In addition, your ship has maximum maneuverability in this mode, allowing it to weave its way around obstacles and granting you maximum control in both atmospheric and space combat.
The Prudent Specialist While SCM offers several benefits, it comes with a significant limitation: the maximum speed of all ships is capped to ensure the optimal balance between forward thrust and maneuverability. This maximum speed varies widely from one ship to another depending on their specific role and size.
Additionally, SCM stands out by providing access to a diverse array of Operator Modes, further enhancing its utility.
Full Control, Operator! Operator Modes is a feature that allows you to customize the behavior of your cockpit dashboard, tailoring the displayed information to suit specific situations. This functionality gives you immediate access to the most relevant data depending on the context or task at hand. On the top left of your flight HUD, a two-part label displays your current Master Mode [NAV or SCM] and your current Operator Mode. You can cycle through available Operator Modes by pressing the Middle Mouse Button.
Operator Modes grant you specific access to certain ship functions based on the type and equipment of your vessel, including Guns [GUNS], Missiles [MISL], Scanning [SCN], Mining, and Salvage.
Navigation Mode [NAV]NAV mode is primarily designed for swift traversal or quick escapes. Transition between SCM and NAV by holding down the 'B' key on your keyboard, with a brief delay between mode swaps.Your HUD will display an indicator for the currently utilized mode in the top left corner, including spool time while modes are swapping.To Infinity And Beyond!First things first: In NAV, your shields, weapons, and countermeasures are deactivated. So, you should think carefully about whether and when you switch from SCM to NAV or vice versa. In return, you have high speed at your disposal.The default Operator Mode in NAV is Quantum Operator Mode [QTM], where your quantum drive will automatically spool once you enter NAV mode. To initiate a quantum jump, align yourself with a quantum-jump marker and long-press the Left Mouse Button.Quick And ThoughtfulNAV features two valuable additional modes, accessed by pressing the middle mouse button.In Flight Operator Mode [FLT], you can unleash maximum thrust from your engines. This allows you to focus solely on reaching your destination at high speed or swiftly making an escape, free from the distractions of the Quantum UI.Scanning Operator Mode [SCN] ensures that you don't miss ore deposits, shipwrecks, or enemy ambushes, even at high cruising speeds. To Infinity And Beyond! First things first: In NAV, your shields, weapons, and countermeasures are deactivated. So, you should think carefully about whether and when you switch from SCM to NAV or vice versa. In return, you have high speed at your disposal.
The default Operator Mode in NAV is Quantum Operator Mode [QTM], where your quantum drive will automatically spool once you enter NAV mode. To initiate a quantum jump, align yourself with a quantum-jump marker and long-press the Left Mouse Button.
Quick And Thoughtful NAV features two valuable additional modes, accessed by pressing the middle mouse button.
In Flight Operator Mode [FLT], you can unleash maximum thrust from your engines. This allows you to focus solely on reaching your destination at high speed or swiftly making an escape, free from the distractions of the Quantum UI.
Scanning Operator Mode [SCN] ensures that you don't miss ore deposits, shipwrecks, or enemy ambushes, even at high cruising speeds.
With the introduction of the Master Modes, Star Citizen Alpha 3.23 is taking flying and space combat to a whole new level. However, the journey is not over yet, and we will update this guide as we iterate on the various flight modes.