Cloud Imperium Games' (CIG) final holiday gift to fans came in a new update to those playing the alpha version of "Star Citizen." The game's Version 2.6.0 included a new mode to the Arena Commander flight module. Additionally, players can now get their hands on an early version of Star Marine, a first-person shooter gameplay module.

Previously, CIG announced that it's now using Amazon's Lumberyard game engine to develop the game further, Mobile & Apps reported. The decision to switch to Lumberyard was based on its online services. Before switching to Amazon's game engine, the studio was using CryEngine, Crytek's game engine. The move isn't surprising, considering some CryEngine processes are used in Lumberyard, according to Lumberyard's FAQ.

As for the latest update, keeping up won't take much of your time. Gamers are presented with brand new content, with the Arena Commander module first in line. This program has a new mode called Pirate Swarm, in which you and your friends are faced with hoards of pirates. The number of pirates will increase with each wave, as with "Star Citizen's" difficulty level. Your goal is to survive for as long as you can.

Within Arena Commander are other modes where you can pick up items that enemies have dropped upon defeat. This could be a repair boost, ammunition or fuel for your afterburner. The new "Star Citizen" update also unlocked more ships, and the improved leaderboard system now allows players to see each other's ranking.

Meanwhile, "Star Citizen's" Star Marine first-person shooter module comes in two game modes. First is a free mode called Elimination, where players get to go on a killing spree to get the high score. The second mode is called Last Stand, where Marines and Outlaws battle out in four rounds to gain control of four access points.

The release date for "Star Citizen" is still vague for now. Since the game is still in alpha phase, it is expected that more modes will be added in the future. However, you can track the game's progress through the studio's Production Schedule Report. The full patch notes are also available on the game's official website.