Driver FixRecommendedSound, Wi-Fi or graphics acting up? Check drivers firstFind missing or outdated drivers fast.Check DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsClean PCRecommendedOne scan can reveal what keeps slowing WindowsLook for cleanup and repair opportunities.Run Scan×
Skip to content
VGSources
Blog

Star Citizen Alpha 4.3 Added the Onyx Facilities Mission Chain

Alpha 4.3 introduced the Onyx Facilities, an investigation chain across approximately 100 abandoned ASD research sites in Stanton. Here’s what the original mission structure included—and what remains unverified for the current LIVE build.
Length2 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Star Citizen Alpha 4.3.0 added the Onyx Facilities, an investigation system spanning approximately 100 abandoned research sites across Stanton. Its opening missions lead into four tracks about recovering experimental data, while Arken Mallor of Hockrow Agency connects the chain to the Regen Crisis. Alpha 4.3.0 reached LIVE on August 17, 2025; this is a guide to that release, not confirmation that every mission or unlock step works in the current build.

What are the Onyx Facilities?

Roberts Space Industries described the Onyx Facilities in its Alpha 4.3 update notes as “a new investigation mission system set in approximately 100 newly added, abandoned research locations spread throughout Stanton.” The sites are associated with the fictional Associated Sciences and Development (ASD). Players investigate why the facilities were abandoned, recover data and solve puzzles; mercenary NPCs are also described as exploring the locations. Read the Alpha 4.3 update notes.

The count is approximate and comes from the game’s release notes, not an independent tally. Locations combine research collection points and audio logs with engineering challenges involving power systems and radiation zones.

How the Alpha 4.3 mission chain was structured

Start with Phase 1

Alpha 4.3 initially opened two facility wings. Players first had to complete the Phase 1 missions; doing so unlocked four additional mission tracks. The documented release structure does not establish the exact current LIVE route for finding or accepting the first mission.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Thrustmaster T16000M FCS Space Sim Duo Combat Flight Sim Joystick - PC
  • HALL EFFECT PRECISION SENSORS - Both joysticks in this dual flight stick setup use Thrustmaster's exclusive hall effect magnetic sensor technology, delivering pinpoint accuracy with zero drift or degradation over time so every subtle input in your favorite flight simulator registers exactly as intended for surgical control during intense dogfights and maneuvers.
  • 32 ACTION BUTTONS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS - Never take your hands off the controls with 32 programmable buttons spread across both joysticks, each featuring tactile Braille style identification that lets you locate and activate every command by touch alone, keeping your eyes locked on the action while you manage weapons, shields, and flight systems seamlessly.
  • FULLY AMBIDEXTROUS DUAL STICK DESIGN - Three detachable ergonomic components on each joystick let you configure this space sim controller for left handed, right handed, or true dual stick operation, giving you the immersive two handed flight control that elite space simulation pilots demand from a combat flight stick setup that adapts perfectly to your grip.
  • COMFORT BUILT FOR MARATHON MISSIONS - Wide contoured hand rests cradle your palms while heavy weighted bases anchor each usb flight stick firmly to your desk, eliminating wobble and fatigue during extended gaming sessions so you can navigate asteroid fields and execute precision strafing runs without discomfort slowing you down.
  • CUSTOM PROFILES WITH TARGET SOFTWARE - The included T.A.R.G.E.T programming suite lets you load community created mapping profiles or build your own from scratch for any flight simulator joystick scenario, ensuring every button, axis, and response curve is perfectly tailored to each game you play for a truly personalized pc joystick experience.

Complete the four data-recovery tracks

After Phase 1, the four named tracks were initially intended to be completed in sequence. Once completed, they could be repeated in any order:

  • Retrieve Energy Anomaly Data
  • Retrieve Security Data
  • Retrieve Seismic Data
  • Retrieve Power Usage Data

That sequence describes the Alpha 4.3 mission design; it should not be treated as a verified set of current instructions or a guarantee that all tracks remain available in the present build.

Rank #2
Sale
Logitech G X56 H.O.T.A.S Throttle and Joystick Flight Simulator Game Controller, 4 Spring Options, +189 Programmable Controls, RGB Lighting, 2x USB, PC - Black
  • Military-grade Space and Flight Sim Precision. Customizable options including all the control surface options required to achieve the exact level of performance that aspiring combat pilots demand.System Requirements : Windows 11,10,8.1,7, 2x USB 2.0 Port
  • New Mini Analog Stick Control Surfaces: Control pitch, roll, yaw, backwards, forwards, up, down, left and right as well as gimballed weapons that are controlled separately from the space craft
  • RGB Backlighting: Many PC peripherals now feature RGB backlighting and the X-56 is no exception. Use the software to set the color of the lighting to match the rest of your gaming rig
  • Ideal for VR: The X-56 places controls perfectly under your fingers where subtle distinctions in button feel and shape help you navigate the control set with ease
  • Fully Featured HOTAS: Accurate 16-bit aileron and elevator axis with hall-effect sensors. Adjustable Stick Force via Advanced 4-Spring System. Twin Throttles with Friction Adjuster and Throttle Lock

Who is Arken Mallor, and what is the story?

Arken Mallor, a mission giver from Hockrow Agency, directs players to recover remaining research and investigate ASD experiments linked to the Regen Crisis. The chain’s story is delivered through recovered research and audio logs, alongside the work of navigating the facilities and addressing their environmental systems.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What is known about bugs and current availability?

Alpha 4.3.0 was released to LIVE on August 17, 2025, according to a contemporaneous repost of the release notes linking to RSI’s official patch notes. Later official patch notes show development moved beyond Alpha 4.3, so the Onyx chain should be understood as an Alpha 4.3 feature rather than a newly arriving update.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
Thrustmaster T16000M FCS - Precision Combat Flight Sim Joystick - PC
  • PINPOINT HALL EFFECT PRECISION - Experience drift free accuracy that never degrades over time thanks to Thrustmaster's patented H.E.A.R.T magnetic sensor technology, giving you the reliable and consistent control you need for every flight simulator joystick session, from delicate landings to intense dogfights, so your inputs always translate perfectly into the cockpit.
  • FULLY AMBIDEXTROUS ERGONOMIC DESIGN - Fly comfortably whether you are left handed or right handed with three removable and swappable components that let you tailor this pc joystick to your dominant hand, ensuring hours of fatigue free flying with a grip that feels custom built just for you, no matter which flight sim controller setup you prefer.
  • 16 BUTTONS PLUS HAT SWITCH - Command every function at your fingertips with 16 action buttons featuring braille style physical identification so you never need to look away from the screen, plus an 8 way point of view hat switch that gives you instant situational awareness in any flight simulator controller scenario you encounter.
  • FOUR INDEPENDENT AXES WITH RUDDER - Take full control of pitch, roll, yaw, and throttle using four independent axes including a built in twist rudder, eliminating the need for separate pedals and giving you a complete experience that handles every maneuver in your favorite joystick for flight simulator titles with smooth responsiveness.
  • CUSTOMIZABLE PROFILES WITH TARGET SOFTWARE - Load or create detailed button mapping profiles for every game in your library using Thrustmaster's powerful T.A.R.G.E.T programming software, so your flight stick is always perfectly configured whether you are exploring space sims, combat missions, or civilian aviation with fully personalized controls.

An indexed Alpha 4.3.1 known-issues list recorded excess enemy spawns during mercenary missions, placeholder destination text in mission rewards, and players falling through the world near a water feature at ASD Delving. These are historical reports only; the available information does not establish whether any of those issues remain in the current LIVE build. Nor does it verify the present status of every mission or reward.

For exact current unlock steps, check the mission availability in-game and consult the latest official LIVE patch notes. The Alpha 4.3 description establishes the original progression, but not a current step-by-step route.

Best Value
Thrustmaster T-Flight Stick X USB Ergonomic Flight Sim Joystick - PC
  • INSTANT PLUG AND PLAY SETUP - Stop wasting time with complicated installations and start flying in seconds because this USB joystick is recognized immediately by your system with zero driver headaches, letting you jump straight into your favorite flight simulator, space sim joystick adventure, or combat flight stick scenario without any frustrating delays or technical setup.
  • PRECISE ADJUSTABLE RESISTANCE CONTROL - Feel total command over every maneuver with an extremely precise flight joystick featuring adjustable resistance that lets you fine tune stick tension to match your flying style, whether you are executing gentle banking turns in a flight simulator controller session or engaging in intense dogfights that demand razor sharp responsiveness.
  • SOLID WEIGHTED STABILITY BASE - Never worry about your flight stick sliding or tipping during critical moments thanks to a heavily weighted base that keeps your joystick for pc firmly planted on your desk, giving you the confidence to make aggressive inputs during turbulent helicopter controller scenarios or high speed combat engagements without any unwanted movement.
  • BUILT IN THROTTLE AND RUDDER TWIST - Enjoy a complete flight control system in one device with an ergonomic integrated throttle lever for smooth speed management and a rotating handle with a built in locking system that delivers flawless rudder control, eliminating the need for separate rudder pedals or a standalone flight throttle while saving valuable desk space.
  • FULLY PROGRAMMABLE BUTTONS AND PRESETS - Customize every aspect of your gaming joystick experience using twelve reprogrammable buttons, an exclusive mapping button, and a preset button with internal memory that stores your configurations, so you can instantly switch between flight sim stick profiles for different joystick for flight simulator games and aircraft types.
Rank #4
Thrustmaster Sol-R2 HOSAS Dual Space Combat Flight Joystick Set - PC
  • DOMINATE SPACE WITH DUAL STICKS - Command every axis of your spaceship with a complete HOSAS system featuring two detachable ambidextrous grips and two bases, each equipped with a central throttle, giving you a total of 88 action buttons so you can execute complex maneuvers, manage weapons, and navigate the cosmos without ever lifting your hands from the controls.
  • LOADED WITH INTUITIVE FLIGHT CONTROLS - Each flight joystick is packed with 21 action buttons including 2 triggers, 2 hat switches, 1 ministick, and 1 thumbwheel, placing every critical function at your fingertips so you can seamlessly switch between combat, navigation, and system management during intense space flight simulation sessions.
  • ULTRA PRECISE HALL EFFECT TECHNOLOGY - Your inputs register with pinpoint accuracy thanks to H.E.A.R.T. HallEffect AccuRate Technology delivering 16 bit resolution across X, Y, and Z axes. Meaning zero drift and zero deadzone so every subtle correction translates flawlessly into your flight simulator joystick movements for years of reliable performance.
  • MAXIMUM COMFORT FOR LONG SESSIONS - Interchangeable wrist rests and thumb rests let you customize the ergonomic fit to your hands, while integrated stability supports keep each base firmly planted on your desk, so you can enjoy marathon space sim sessions without fatigue or wobble breaking your immersion in the cockpit.
  • ICONIC SCI-FI DESIGN THAT EXPANDS - Backlit joysticks inspired by legendary science fiction blockbusters make your flight sim controller setup look as stunning as it performs, and fully removable grips and bases are compatible with the broader Thrustmaster ecosystem so you can expand and evolve your pc flight stick configuration over time.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More quests from Patch Notes

  1. How to Turn On Vibrant Visuals in MinecraftMinecraftBlog3min
  2. Best Multiplayer Games for Low-End PCsBlog4min
  3. Minecraft: How To Use And Install OptiFineBlog5min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.