In this BETA patch we see a continuation of the saving and loading mechanics introduced in 5.3, one handy item is the 'emergency save' feature which will automatically save your game if there is a crash. Otherwise we continue the combat mechanics focus of Update 5 in general preparing to switch on unit veterancy and experience, and adding in idle shield recharge when not in combat. In addition there are a bunch of fixes and tweaks as suggested by the community - keep them coming!

Update 5.3.1 Change Log

• Added emergency save-game on crash
• Added Officer/experience framework
• Added ranks to sample ships
• Added shield recharge when ship out of combat for 45 seconds
• Added shield recharge rolling HUD text
• Added ship tooltip to targetbox, and tactical and fleet icons
• Added save message to notification panel
• Fixed crash on ship UI animation
• Fixed issue with fleet icons not appearing for sighted enemy
• Fixed Space Object text no longer affected by time scaling
• Fixed issues clearing down refinery dialog options
• Fixed crash switching zones if mouseover Space Object (yuck!)
• Fixed correct behavior on ESC press when save/load window shown
• Updated Space Object tooltips