For Early Access, the current inventory system is fine. But if this ships unchanged in the full release, it will absolutely hurt the game long term. The core loop revolves around hauling, fighting, and using tools, yet with only four slots (two of which are effectively locked for the multi-tool and a weapon) the system feels restrictive and shallow.
Right now, most deployables like shields, ammo packs, and stims go unused because players can’t carry them into fights. They sit in ship storage, which kills variety and discourages creative loadouts. Players are constantly forced to drop gear just to keep things moving.
I understand that reworking the inventory is a major effort, but if you want the game to thrive post-launch, this change is essential. A proper system with a dedicated sidearm slot (multi-tool) and a dedicated weapon slot (each with potential upgrade paths or variants) is the way forward. Otherwise, players will quickly hit an enjoyment wall, and what feels like a “small Early Access quirk” will become a “half-baked system” that defines the game after release.