Star Trek Online Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Star Trek Online?
A: Star Trek® Online is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game set in the Star Trek universe. Star Trek Online is currently in development for the PC. Game features will include customizable ships and characters from the Klingon Empire and United Federation of Planets, ground, space and shipboard gameplay and unique options for player-generated content.
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Q: What is an MMORPG?
A: MMORPG is an acronym for massively multiplayer online role-playing game. In an MMORPG, millions of players from around the world can interact with each other to socialize or achieve common goals in a persistent gameplay world.
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Q: How can I play Star Trek Online? Is there a download for the game?
A: Star Trek Online is an online game available for purchase from a number of retailers, some of which allow you to download the game. For a full list of retailers, visit our retail page.
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Q: When will Star Trek Online be released?
A: Star Trek Online will be available in North America on February 2, 2010. It will be available in Europe on February 5, 2010.
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Q: Will a monthly fee be required to play?
A: Yes. Basic plans begin at $14.99/month. For more information about this and other pricing plans, visit our subscription page.
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Q: Will everyone be the Captain of their own ship?
A: Yes, but you will have to earn the responsibility and skill to command larger and more powerful vessels. Remember, in Star Trek as well as naval tradition, whoever commands the ship is the "Captain," even if it is not your current rank.
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Q: Can I play something other than a Captain like a Doctor or an Engineer?
A: Everyone is a Captain, (remember, if you command a ship, you are automatically a Captain), and you will command a crew, but that does not limit your role. Your character will still be able to choose from a variety of career paths, such as Engineer, Tactical Officer, Doctor, Science Officer, etc. Your career path is your root, and will affect your skills, and how you command your crew. Consider Jean-Luc Picard, Beverly Crusher, Worf and Kathryn Janeway. Picard was an archeologist and diplomat, Crusher was a doctor, Worf a security/tactical officer, and Janeway was a scientist. Each eventually chose a career in command and became ship captains. This does not mean the game will limit your ship choices based on your profession – far from it. The examples are simply an example of how the game design was inspired.
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Q: How will I be able to play with my friends?
A: In space, you can form teams and do missions together. Space battles will occur between multiple player and NPC vessels. When you do a ground mission, the mission owner can build an away team that consists of other players. Outside of combat, there will be numerous community building features, locations, hubs and events that will bring players together.
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Q: Will there be PvP?
A: Yes. We offer a faction vs. faction PvP ruleset, as well as a competitive PvE mechanic.
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Q: Are there PvP, PvE and RP rule set servers?
A: There is only one Star Trek Online server. PvP is restricted to designated sectors of space (far-off reaches of unclaimed territory). Consensual PvP and competitive PvE occur between the realm borders (the Neutral Zone).
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Q: Is there an economy?
A: Yes, there is an economy that makes sense in the Star Trek universe. Players trade Starfleet Merit and Klingon Honor, as well as Energy Credits, for goods and services.
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Q: When does the game take place?
A: Approximately 30 years after the events in Star Trek Nemesis. The game starts in 2409. Technology has advanced and the galaxy is a much more volatile place.
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Q: What races can I play?
A: You're able to play many popular races from the Star Trek universe, including Humans, Andorians, Vulcans, Gorn, Klingons, Nausiccans and Orions. You may also create your own race with its own custom look and attributes.
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Q: Do I need to be well-versed in Star Trek lore in order to play Star Trek Online?
A: No, even the most casual Star Trek fan will enjoy and appreciate the world. For those not familiar with the Star Trek universe, Star Trek Online will be a new experience with as much depth as each individual is comfortable with exploring. However, the world will be rich with lore from every series and movie that will satisfy even the most devout Trek fan.
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Q: What is Cryptic using from the previous development?
A: Star Trek Online is entirely based on Cryptic's design and built using Cryptic Studios' technology and assets. The former studio that we acquired the Star Trek game rights from had a huge amount of concept art created for their game – much of that is applicable, and we are taking advantage of it. But Cryptic's engine, technology platform and content pipelines have become so mature that with a small team we can quickly ramp up a project.
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Q: What are the system requirements?
A: The minimum system requirements are:
Q: Will I need to have to have an internet connection to play Star Trek Online?
A: Yes.
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Q: Are there realistic travel times in space?
A: Travel times are semi-realistic, with a focus on fun. Space is big, and it can take a very long time to travel great distances. That travel time can be impractically long. We will introduce transwarp conduit technology and worm holes to allow players to travel to distant sectors of the galaxy without needing days or weeks of gameplay to do so.
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Q: How does the new Star Trek movie affect Star Trek Online?
A: Star Trek Online exists in the Star Trek universe's "standard timeline," whereas the latest Star Trek movie exists in an alternate timeline created when Nero and Spock entered a singularity and were transported back in time. For a full explanation, please see our article explaining how Star Trek XI affects Star Trek Online.
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