EGOSOFT announces Home of Light, an expansion for X Rebirth that will be released in February, accompanied by a free version 4.0 patch for the space combat and exploration game. The X Rebirth website doesn't yet reflect the news, but hopefully some media will be added soon. Here's word:

Today EGOSOFT announces the new expansion “Home of Light” as well as update 4.0 for X Rebirth, both to be released in February 2016!

Home of Light (HoL) is an exciting expansion of the X Rebirth universe and makes the best use of the many new features of X Rebirth 4.0:

• (HoL) Much larger universe: The Home of Light expansion will bring three entire new systems, including the central Home of Light, known from the X3 games, with a massive new economy.
• (HoL and 4.0) Bulletin Board System (BBS): The new BBS system collects all currently available missions in space for an easier overview.
  - (4.0) Trade improvements: Graphs showing market developments over time, a best deal finder and many UI improvements to make trading easier.
• (4.0) New engine technology: Extend your ship with a Jump Drive and other new technology to travel through the universe quicker than ever.
  - (HoL) Trade stations: A new station type allows you to stock large amounts of any wares you like. Buy up goods when they're cheap and sell when the price is high, or when your competitors' stations mysteriously explode.
• (4.0) Customizable weapon upgrades: Craft weapon modifications to improve your favorite weapons.
  - (HoL and 4.0) New enemies, new weapons, new missions, new and mysterious phenomena.
• (HoL and 4.0) Many new secrets to explore in the outskirts of the ever-growing X universe.

The Home of Light expansion can be pre-ordered NOW at a 20% discount for just $7.99 on Steam.

X Rebirth Update 4.0 will be released for free.