In recent times, the MMO has been rife with concern regarding the fate of beloved MMORPGs: Star Trek Online, Neverwinter, and Champions Online. Amidst the turmoil surrounding Embracer Group’s financial struggles, and Cryptic Studios’ uncertain future, players have been on edge. However, a recent post from Cryptic CEO Phil Frazier on the Star Trek Online subreddit has offered a glimmer of hope to the worried fans.

Frazier’s message, while not overflowing with optimism, certainly cut through some of the doom and gloom. He confirmed that despite the ongoing transitions and the relocation of operations, there are no immediate plans to shut down any of the three games. This news comes as a sigh of relief to the community, which has been speculating about the potential end of their favorite virtual worlds.

The CEO elaborated on the studio’s efforts to maintain a “steady state” regarding content updates, particularly for Star Trek Online and Neverwinter, given Champions Online’s sporadic update history. While acknowledging the possibility of changes in the future, Frazier emphasized the goal of keeping the games alive and thriving under the new management of DECA Games. This ambition is shared by both Cryptic and DECA, aiming to ensure the long-term viability of these titles.

The transition to DECA, as Frazier described, is complex and still in progress, involving significant changes to game development and publishing. However, he reassured players that strides are being made, and the collaborative effort between Cryptic and DECA is strong.

Frazier’s post also addressed the internal changes within Cryptic Studios. Acknowledging the departure of some team members due to the instability, he expressed support for those choosing to leave while highlighting the continued dedication of those who stay. The transparency and support within the studio were underscored as crucial elements during this period of change.

Looking ahead, Frazier announced plans to participate in an upcoming stream alongside Mike, Brett, and Jarrod, tentatively scheduled for March 19. This event promises further updates and a chance for the community to engage directly with the leaders of Cryptic Studios.

Gearbox Publishing and Cryptic Studios have announced the release of the 31st season of Star Trek Online, titled “Both Worlds,” now available on PC. The season is scheduled to launch on PlayStation and Xbox consoles on March 12, 2024. This release marks the continuation of the multiverse storyline from the previous season, introducing players to a new antagonist, the Borg King.

As Star Trek Online celebrates its 14th anniversary, the development team at Cryptic Studios has incorporated new content that references various series within the Star Trek franchise. This season’s update aims to blend nostalgia with new experiences for players.

The centerpiece of “Both Worlds” is a new episode called “Scorpion’s Abyss.” In this episode, players encounter the Borg King and navigate challenges in a Mirror Borg Unicomplex. The episode features appearances by Star Trek series actors, including Nicole de Boer as Ezri Dax, Garret Wang as Harry Kim, and Kipleigh Brown as Kuumaarke, reprising their roles from the respective television series.

Additional features of the new season include:

• “Battle of Wolf 359,” a 5-player space Task Force Operation, allowing players to engage in a key battle from the Star Trek universe.
• The “King and Collective” event, where players can participate in selected content to earn a new T6 ship.
• An Elite Random Task Force Operations feature, providing an option for players to join randomized elite-level challenges for additional rewards.

Captains, prepare your spaceships! The annual Star Trek Online summer event is back with an unprecedented medieval theme. Ambassador Kael extended the invitation to players on June 23rd, beckoning them to return to the sun-soaked beaches of Risa for a month-long celebration filled with games, rewards, and Rococo art appreciation.

From June 28th to July 28th, players can participate in a range of activities famously associated with the beaches of Risa. Powerboard races, biathlons, horga’hn hunts, artifact scavenging, and dance parties will be the order of the day. Those participating in these events stand a chance to win the majestic Hysperian Intel Battlecruiser [T6], a galactic vessel worthy of the grandest monarch.

In a delightful twist, this year’s summer event has been graced by the presence of the Hysperian royal family, avid supporters of Rococo art. They bring with them magical offerings crafted by the finest artisans, imbued with arcane secrets known only to the greatest of wizards. By earning lohlunat favors during the festival, players can procure these exquisite replicas of items found in the legendary tale, “The Kingdom of Elysian,” as recounted by the U.S.S. Enterprise.

Among the offered items is the Elysian Spellsword, an immaculate reproduction of the legendary blade, Starfall. This weapon promises to strike true, leaving enemies reeling and vulnerable. When used against a wounded enemy, it can deliver a devastating blow, finishing the foe in a single cut.

Also available are Neve’s Icy Talons, silvery shards worn on the fingers that, when paired with a copy of the Kingdom of Elysian storybook, allow the wearer to conjure deadly shards of ice, capable of freezing enemies into a solid block.

The Ring of Reflection, modeled after the rings worn by the empathic healer Audrey in “The Kingdom of Elysian,” acts as a defensive device, repelling enemy attacks and directing retaliatory magickal missiles back at them.

With the Elysian War Magick set, players can blend sword strikes with spells, enhancing their personal powers. The full set grants a Wizard Ward, which bolsters armor and rejuvenates the wearer when struck in melee combat, providing extra resistance against close combat foes.

In Star Trek Online, the much-anticipated story update, ‘Unraveled,’ is now live on Xbox and PlayStation platforms.

This update comes after the intense conflicts of the Terran Gambit and the Klingon Civil War. Players will now join Admiral Kuumaarke on a tranquil scientific expedition. But with the history of Star Trek Online’s surprise turns and plot twists, whether this journey remains calm is anyone’s guess.

Unraveled offers a new chapter in the Star Trek saga as captains navigate negotiations and conflicts with the Tholians, an alien species known for their enigmatic nature and crystalline technology. An anomalous breach in space serves as the centerpiece for this adventure.

In conjunction with the story update, the game introduces a new event, ‘Looming Threats.’ The event is centered around Tholian technology and lore, and dedicated players who complete forty days of progress will earn a Tholian-themed space set. This reward permits players to deploy Tholian Warp Crystals, enhancing allies’ shields and inflicting damage upon enemies.

One of the primary features of the update is the ‘Leviathan’ task force operation (TFO). Players will travel to ‘The Other’s’ spine and cooperate with a team to ensure survival against unknown challenges. The TFOs in Star Trek Online are a unique experience, requiring teamwork and strategic planning, which further enhances the immersive nature of the MMORPG.

The Unraveled update also expands the patrol missions with the introduction of two new Patrols, offering an extra level of challenge with the addition of Hard Mode. This new mode presents players with more formidable enemies, pushing them to upgrade their strategies and equipment to come out victorious.

As Unraveled spins its web on Xbox and PlayStation, Star Trek Online players can brace themselves for a fresh wave of excitement, intrigue, and interstellar adventure.

Star Trek fans, get ready to set your phasers to fun as the latest update for Star Trek Online, Unraveled, launches today on PC. This update promises to take players on a wild ride through space and time as they embark on a new mission to stabilize the Na’kuhl sun.

Unraveled picks up where the Mirror Universe story arc left off, with players teaming up with Admiral Kuumaarke, played by Kipleigh Brown, on a humanitarian scientific mission. But things quickly take a turn for the worse when a transdimensional Reality Vortex is discovered, disrupting space-time throughout the Multiverse.

The Tholians make a shocking revelation, stating that the constant use of time and dimensional travel is responsible for these vortices, and players must work to put an end to them. In the midst of all this chaos, players will be caught up in a conflict with the Tholians, who reveal that they hold the key to stopping the vortices.

The update features a brand new episode, TFO, and new Patrols, offering players a new and exciting way to experience the game. There’s also an update to the Infinity Lock Box, which will give players access to new and exclusive items.

Star Trek fans, get ready to embark on a new adventure as Star Trek Online: Unraveled arrives on PC on May 9th, 2023. Developed by Cryptic Studios and published by Gearbox Publishing, Unraveled marks the start of a new story arc for the 29th season of the MMO.

Following the conclusion of the Mirror Universe story arc, “Terran Gambit”, players will join Captain Kuumaarke on a scientific mission to stabilize the Na’kuhl sun. However, things take a turn when they discover a transdimensional Reality Vortex that is disrupting space-time across the Multiverse. The Tholians reveal that the constant use of time and dimensional travel has caused these vortices, and players are partly to blame.

Unravel the mysteries behind the Reality Vortices and save the Multiverse with the help of Kipleigh Brown, who will be reprising her role as Captain Kuumaarke. The latest season of Star Trek Online includes new content such as a new episode, “Wish Upon a Star”, which sees players discover a group of Tholians interacting with a Reality Vortex. In addition, there is a new Task Force Operation called “Leviathan”, where players simulate a Trench Run exercise across “The Other” in a “What if?” scenario if the “Terran Gambit” arc had ended differently.

There are also two new Patrols: Jupiter Gauntlet and Bringers of War, both based on the “Terran Gambit” story arc, with a new Hard Mode for an added challenge. Furthermore, players can look forward to the Strange New World Infinity Lock Box, which includes a T6 Gorn Hunter Pilot Raider, Starfleet, and Majalan items from Season 1 of Strange New World.

Star Trek Online: Unraveled promises to be an exciting addition to the franchise, allowing players to untangle the Multiverse and embark on a new adventure. Be sure to mark May 9th, 2023, on your calendars and get ready to boldly go where no one has gone before!

Star Trek Online players on PC can take advantage of the Upgrade Event running from May 2nd at 8am PT to May 9th at 12pm PT, where they can earn double the upgrade points to enhance their equipment. The event will make it easier for players to increase the Mark and Rarity of their gear, as each Tech Upgrade applied during the event will award twice the number of Technology Points.

The Upgrade Event offers Captains additional chances to upgrade their gear and achieve better performance. By doubling the amount of Technology Points earned from each Tech Upgrade, the event also reduces the amount of Dilithium needed to reach each upgrade threshold.

Meanwhile, on Xbox and PlayStation, the R&D and Junior Officer Week event will run from May 2nd at 8am PT to May 9th at 12pm PT, offering bonuses to Research & Development projects and Duty Officer Assignments. During the event, all R&D packs throughout the game will give out an extra 25% of the items they currently disperse, while queue R&D Material Reward Packages will reward 25% more R&D Materials and have a chance to reward a Catalyst.

Captains can also seek out Harvest Nodes located in mission maps throughout STO, which will disperse 2 extra R&D Materials each time they are used and will reward 10 Dilithium Ore and have a chance to give out a R&D Catalyst during the event. All R&D projects during the event will reward an extra 50% of the appropriate Research and Development School XP.

Additionally, players can earn Bonus Commendation XP by completing any Duty Officer assignments during the event. They will receive a 50% increase in all Commendation XP earned by the completion of Duty Officer assignments. Players can also receive a free special Purple quality duty officer with a unique active roster power by speaking with their duty officer contact.

Duty officer packs opened during the event will each have a free additional Green quality or better duty officer inside, and the Academy particle scanning events are now part of the Junior Officer Appreciation Event. Captains can visit Starfleet Academy or Klingon Academy during the event, pick a cadet to train, and engage in scanning particles all about the academy grounds to train the cadet and receive a new random Duty Officer.

Finally, Research and Development packs and bundles, as well as Duty Officer Packs, will be available at a 20% discount from May 4th at 8am PT to May 8th at 12pm PT on Xbox and PlayStation.

Star Trek Online is hosting two exciting events for its players: the Galactic Red Alert and the Phoenix Prize Pack event. The Galactic Red Alert event will be available across all platforms, while the Phoenix Prize Pack event will be exclusive to PC players. Both events offer players the chance to acquire unique rewards, including an Ultimate Tech Upgrade, a Specialization Point, and access to previously unavailable weapons, items, and ships.

From May 2nd to May 16th on Xbox and PlayStation, and from May 2nd to May 9th on PC, players can participate in the Galactic Red Alert event. During this time, all Red Alert Task Force Operations (TFOs) will be returning, with players being able to earn daily progress rewards. Upon completing five or ten daily progress tasks, players will receive a package containing an Ultimate Tech Upgrade and a Specialization Point. Xbox and PlayStation players participating in the two-week event will also have the opportunity to obtain an Experimental Ship Upgrade.

Meanwhile, the Phoenix Prize Pack event will run on PC from April 27th to May 4th. Players can pick up a free Phoenix Prize Pack daily from Grym on Drozana Station or Onna on Deep Space Nine. These packs contain items from previous Star Trek Online events, including weapons, ships, and vanity items. During this limited-time event, players can also obtain Experimental Ship Upgrade tokens in exchange for Phoenix Prize Pack tokens.

Star Trek fans around the world are celebrating First Contact Day, commemorating the first time humans made contact with an alien species in the Star Trek universe. To mark the occasion, Star Trek Online is hosting its annual First Contact Day Celebration, which starts on April 12th and runs until May 3rd.

Players will have the chance to take part in a variety of activities and missions, including building and launching their very own Phoenix Rocket to travel back in time to thwart the Borg’s efforts to prevent the historic event. They can also participate in a recreation of the Synth attack on Mars, where they will fight in orbit above the red planet alongside fellow captains.

Completing these activities will earn players a First Contact Day Badge Box, which contains 17 Comm Badges as account-wide unlocks. Players can also earn daily progress towards the Grand Prize, a Universal Console called the Chronogami Time Portal. This console opens a Chronogami portal, drawing the target ship back in time from the point just before its destruction. Targeting a foe will cause a future version of their ship to emerge from a portal, already undergoing warp core breach. It detonates for exotic damage to all surrounding foes. Destroying an enemy Battleship, Dreadnought, or Boss will reduce the recharge time of the Chronogami to its minimum value.

Other rewards for the event include the First Contact Day Bundle, which contains a Captain Specialization Point, 25,000 Dilithium Ore, a Launch Toy Rocket Social Device (Account Unlock), and a Holo-Emitter – Phoenix Shuttle (Account Unlock). Players can also earn bonus Dilithium Ore rewards for additional daily progress.

For those who are unable to find the time to complete the event or are interested in rushing to complete their progress, there is the option to purchase the remainder of their daily progress using Zen at any time. The initial pricing for this event’s buyout will be 2000 Zen, but the price any player pays will be discounted based on the amount of daily progress they have already accrued.

Star Trek Online’s First Contact Day Celebration is a fun and exciting way for fans to celebrate the franchise’s rich history and the hope it inspires for the future.

Star Trek Online is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by Cryptic Studios and published by Perfect World Entertainment. Released in 2010 for Microsoft Windows and later for Xbox One and PlayStation 4, the game allows players to explore the vast Star Trek universe, command their own starships, and engage in both ground and space combat.

Despite some issues, Star Trek Online has managed to maintain a loyal player base and is often regarded as an enjoyable experience for fans of the franchise.

A Familiar Universe with Infinite Possibilities

One of the primary attractions of Star Trek Online is the opportunity for players to immerse themselves in the beloved Star Trek universe. Set approximately 30 years after the events of Star Trek: Nemesis, the game’s storyline spans across various series and films, allowing players to engage with familiar characters, iconic locations, and even participate in major historical events from the franchise.

The game features several episodic story arcs that are structured like traditional Star Trek episodes, complete with voice-overs from actors who have appeared in the series, such as Leonard Nimoy (Spock), Jeri Ryan (Seven of Nine), and Michael Dorn (Worf).

While the game’s narrative is engaging and provides an authentic Star Trek experience, it occasionally suffers from pacing issues and a lack of cohesive storytelling. Nonetheless, the overall experience remains enjoyable for Star Trek fans and newcomers alike.

Gameplay

Star Trek Online’s gameplay can be divided into two main segments: space combat and ground combat. Space combat is undoubtedly the game’s greatest strength, with players able to command their starships in epic battles against various enemies, such as the Borg, Klingons, and Romulans.

The ship customization options are extensive, allowing players to tailor their vessels to their preferred playstyles, whether focusing on firepower, defense, or support roles.

Navigating through space in Star Trek Online is a thrilling experience, with the game’s expansive universe offering plenty of opportunities for exploration and discovery.

The game’s space combat mechanics are deep and rewarding, requiring players to manage their ship’s power distribution, shields, and weapon systems, all while positioning themselves strategically to gain an advantage in battle.

Ground combat, on the other hand, is often criticized for its clunky mechanics and repetitive nature. While improvements have been made over the years, it remains one of the game’s weaker aspects. The third-person shooter gameplay can feel slow and unresponsive at times, with enemies often lacking variety and posing little challenge.

Despite these shortcomings, the game’s ground missions do offer some entertaining moments, particularly when playing with a group of friends or fellow Star Trek fans.

Character Creation and Progression

Star Trek Online offers a high level of character customization, with players able to choose from various Star Trek races, such as humans, Vulcans, and Klingons, or even create their own alien species. The game’s skill system allows for a diverse range of character builds, providing players with the freedom to explore different playstyles and choose between various career paths, such as Tactical, Engineering, or Science Officers.

As players progress through the game, they will earn experience points, skill points, and expertise, which can be spent on improving their character’s abilities and unlocking new skills. Additionally, players can collect and equip various items, such as weapons, armor, and devices, to further customize their character and improve their performance in both space and ground combat.

Graphics and Sound

Considering its age, Star Trek Online’s graphics are somewhat dated. However, the game’s art direction and design capture the essence of the Star Trek universe, providing an immersive experience for fans. The various alien worlds, space stations, and star ships are all rendered with attention to detail, and while the visuals may not be cutting-edge, they still manage to convey a sense of wonder and exploration that is central to the Star Trek experience.

The game’s sound design also plays a significant role in enhancing the overall atmosphere. The voice acting, featuring iconic Star Trek actors, adds an additional layer of authenticity to the experience, making players feel as if they are part of an actual Star Trek episode.

Community and Population

While Star Trek Online’s player base is not as large as other popular MMORPGs, it boasts a dedicated community of fans who are passionate about both the game and the Star Trek universe.

The game has a healthy mix of solo and group content, with the latter being accessible through various in-game tools, such as the Looking for Group (LFG) system, ensuring that players can find others to team up with for challenging missions or large-scale events.

The game also features several social hubs, such as Earth Spacedock and Deep Space Nine, where players can interact, trade items, and participate in various activities together. The community is generally friendly and welcoming, making it easy for new players to find help and advice as they embark on their journey through the Star Trek universe.

Free-to-Play vs. Pay-to-Win

Star Trek Online operates on a free-to-play model, with an optional premium “Lifetime Subscription,” granting access to additional content and perks. The game’s in-game store, known as the “C-Store,” offers a variety of items for purchase, such as ships, costumes, and convenience items. Some pay-to-win elements exist, such as purchasing powerful ships and equipment, but they are not necessary to enjoy the game’s core experience.

Players can also earn a premium currency called “Zen” by participating in the game’s “Dilithium Exchange,” which allows them to trade in-game earned Dilithium for Zen. This system provides a way for dedicated players to access premium content without spending real money, although the exchange rate can be subject to fluctuations based on player-driven supply and demand.

Conclusion

Star Trek Online is a solid MMORPG that provides an engaging experience for fans of the Star Trek franchise. While the game has its flaws, such as dated graphics, lackluster ground combat, and some pay-to-win elements, its space combat, character customization, and vast universe more than make up for these shortcomings.

If you can overlook these issues and are willing to invest time in exploring the game, Star Trek Online is a journey worth embarking on for both Star Trek fans and MMORPG enthusiasts.

Star Trek Online offers a unique and immersive experience for those looking to explore the final frontier. With a wealth of content, a passionate community, and a strong connection to the source material, this game remains an enjoyable option for fans and newcomers alike.

Have you tried Star Trek Online? What did you think of it? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below!

Star Trek Online fans can rejoice as the highly-anticipated Refractions is finally live on Xbox and Playstation. The conclusion to the Terran Gambit Story Arc has arrived, and players can now embark on a thrilling adventure to save the galaxy from the Terran Emperor Crusher and his plan to destroy the capitol of the Federation.

Refractions picks up where Reflections left off, with Crusher making his way to Earth with “The Other,” the mirror version of V’ger. Before they reach Earth, players must break into a maximum-security prison in the Mirror Universe to free the mirror version of Beverly Crusher, who may be able to help stop her son.

Gates McFadden, who played Dr. Beverly Crusher in Star Trek: The Next Generation, joins the long list of Star Trek cast members in this release. Players can also enjoy two new Patrols that fill in more details from the previous release, Ascension. These patrols answer questions about the Khonshu’s fate while trapped in the mirror universe and how Janeway’s Borg drones were cleared from Jupiter Station.

Additionally, Star Trek Online is celebrating its 13th anniversary with the release of Refractions. Players can earn the brand new V’Ger tech-inspired T6 Compiler Science Dreadnought by playing the new content, some previous Terran Gambit content, and the Omega Stabilization Game. The V’Ger tech-inspired T6 Compiler Science Dreadnought is a massive alien ship that can transform into electric probes that can chase your enemies.

Jarrod Fisher, the Executive Producer of Star Trek Online, praised the team for their hard work in bringing Refractions to life. “It’s always exciting to create the content, but it’s more fun when it finally goes out to all of you,” Fisher said.

Refractions is a must-play for Star Trek fans and gamers looking for a thrilling adventure. The galaxy hangs in the balance, and it’s up to you and your allies to save it from the Terran Emperor Crusher and his destructive plan.

The conclusion to the highly-anticipated Terran Gambit Story Arc is finally here in Star Trek Online. Players will be able to experience the epic conclusion in a new 5 Captain Ground Task Force Operation “Bird Cage,” where they must break into a maximum-security prison in the Mirror Universe to break out the mirror version of Beverly Crusher in hopes of stopping her son, Terran Emperor Crusher, from destroying the capitol of the Federation.

The story, which began with the release of “Reflections,” will come to a climax in “Refractions,” as Emperor Crusher and “The Other,” the mirror version of V’ger, make their way to Earth. Players will need to make a desperate attempt to stop them in the giant-sized episode “Fujiwhara Effect” as the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance.

In addition to the new content, players can also look forward to two new Patrols based on content from the previous release, “Ascension.” These patrols will fill in more details from the previous storyline, such as how Janeway’s Borg drones were cleared from Jupiter Station and what happened to the Khonshu while it was trapped in the mirror universe.

As is tradition, Star Trek Online is also celebrating its anniversary with the release of new content, this time marking its 13th year. Players can earn the brand new V’Ger tech-inspired T6 Compiler Science Dreadnought by playing the new content, along with some previous Terran Gambit content, and the Omega Stabilization Game. This alien ship can transform into electric probes that will chase after enemies.

Executive Producer Jarrod Fisher expresses excitement over the release of the new content, stating that “It’s always exciting to create the content but it’s more fun when it finally goes out to all of you.” He also mentions that the team has had the pleasure of working with Star Trek actors such as Kate Mulgrew, Wil Wheaton, and Gates McFadden in bringing the story to life.