Michael Wagner, Star Atlas CEO, spoke about the difference in the upcoming gameplay in regard to ships operated by players or NPCs:
“People populated ships should have an advantage over NPC operated ships, particularly at the granular first-person view. This assumes that all other variables are equal, and doesn’t account for individual talent or character progression.”
Last week was dominated by SAGE C4 Phase 3. While the team missed its hoped-for end-of-week release window, we got the clearest picture yet of what the next phase will actually look like: a new starter bundle, much tighter economic balancing, a full fleet recovery and medallion system, and a considerably more capable Nemesis Engine. Beyond C4, we got updates on the road to z.ink mainnet, the return of UE5 multiplayer, and the ongoing DAO Council election.
![Star Atlas - Pearce MR8 [Concept Art]](https://aephia.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/image-768x432.png)
Last week brought the clearest picture yet of how the final SAGE C4 PTR phases should lead into mainnet. Phase 3 appears to be getting close, Phase 4 will serve as the final launch rehearsal, and we now have the first concrete ATLAS cost for Council Rank research. Beyond C4, the UE5 upgrade to Unreal Engine 5.8 is underway, and voting has opened for the fourth DAO Council term; however, with only three candidates for five seats, the outcome is already settled.
Last week shed more light on how SAGE C4 is expected to evolve through its next phases. Phase 3 will put progression and onboarding front and center with a smaller starter package and single-player campaign, while wallet-based onboarding with players’ own assets is expected to return later. Phase 3 itself will take a little longer than initially hoped, however. Beyond C4, new z.ink developer tools are in the works, and our own Cataclysm: Battle for Iris has finally entered public beta!
Last week was dominated by SAGE C4 Phase 3. While the team missed its hoped-for end-of-week release window, we got the clearest picture yet of what the next phase will actually look like: a new starter bundle, much tighter economic balancing, a full fleet recovery and medallion system, and a considerably more capable Nemesis Engine. Beyond C4, we got updates on the road to z.ink mainnet, the return of UE5 multiplayer, and the ongoing DAO Council election.
Last week brought the clearest picture yet of how the final SAGE C4 PTR phases should lead into mainnet. Phase 3 appears to be getting close, Phase 4 will serve as the final launch rehearsal, and we now have the first concrete ATLAS cost for Council Rank research. Beyond C4, the UE5 upgrade to Unreal Engine 5.8 is underway, and voting has opened for the fourth DAO Council term; however, with only three candidates for five seats, the outcome is already settled.
Last week shed more light on how SAGE C4 is expected to evolve through its next phases. Phase 3 will put progression and onboarding front and center with a smaller starter package and single-player campaign, while wallet-based onboarding with players’ own assets is expected to return later. Phase 3 itself will take a little longer than initially hoped, however. Beyond C4, new z.ink developer tools are in the works, and our own Cataclysm: Battle for Iris has finally entered public beta!
4/5 accounts by activity on Star Atlas Discord server are Aephians.
3/3 Star Atlas game trivia competition winners are Aephians.
2/3 Star Atlas writing competition winners are Aephians.
