FAQ
Q: How can I play Star Trek Online? Is there a download for the game?
A: Star Trek Online is currently in development and has not yet been released or made available for retail purchase.
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.
Q: Will there be a Beta Test?
A: We're accepting beta test applications right now. We're currently in the Closed Beta phase of testing. Click here to apply to join the beta.
Q: Will a monthly fee be required to play?
A: We haven't decided on pricing plans yet.
[bQ: Will everyone be the Captain of their own ship?[/b]
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.
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.
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.
Q: Will there be PvP?
A: Yes. We plan for a faction vs. faction PvP ruleset, but there are also plans for a competitive PvE mechanic.
Q: Will there be PvP, PvE and RP rule set servers?
A: There will not be separate servers for PvP and PvE rulesets. Open PvP will be restricted to designated sectors of space (far-off reaches of unclaimed territory). Consensual PvP and competitive PvE will occur between the realm borders (the Neutral Zone), where players will be competing over territory and resources with the option to PvP.
Q: Will there be an economy?
A: Many of the details are still in the works, but yes, there will be an economy that makes sense in the Star Trek universe. Since the Federation has explicitly done away with money, expect bartering and trading of goods to be an important part of the economy. Less tangible forms of economics such as Reputation are also not out of the question.
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.
Q: What races will I be able to play?
A: The plan is Human, Vulcan, Andorian, Klingon, Orion, Gorn and several others. You will also be able to create your own race with its own custom look and attributes.
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.
Q: What are the system requirements?
A: The minimum system requirements are:
* OS: Windows XP SP2 / Windows Vista / Windows 7 (32 or 64-bit)
* CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo 1.8 Ghz or AMD Athlon X2 3800+
* Memory: 1GB RAM
* Video: NVIDIA GeForce 7950 / ATI Radeon X1800 / Intel HD Graphics
* Sound: DirectX 9.0c Compatible Soundcard
* DirectX: Version 9.0c or Higher
* HDD: 8GB Free Disk Space
* Network: Internet Broadband Connection Required
* Disc: 6X DVD-ROM
The recommended system specifications are:
* OS: Windows XP SP2 / Windows Vista / Windows 7 (32 or 64-bit)
* CPU: Intel E8400 Core 2 Duo or AMD Athlon X2 5600+
* Memory: 2GB RAM+
* Video: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 / ATI Radeon HD 3850+
* Sound: DirectX 9.0c Compatible Soundcard
* DirectX: Version 9.0c or Higher
* HDD: 8GB Free Disk Space
* Network: Internet Broadband Connection Required
* Disc: 6X DVD-ROM
Q: Will there be realistic travel times in space?
A: Travel times will be 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 ayers to travel to distant sectors of the galaxy without needing days or weeks of gameplay to do so.
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.