Star Trek Online: Is It Worth Playing in 2023?
Star Trek Online (STO) is an RPG MMO set in the Star Trek universe. With multiple factions, races, and classes to choose from, the game offers a vast and immersive experience. Whether you're a fan of the Federation, Klingons, Romulans, or Jem'Hadar, there's something for everyone in STO.
The game features a large universe to explore, both in space and on the ground. The sector space map provides access to various quadrants, each with its own systems and missions. Traveling through these areas can take time, especially for non-max level players, but the diverse range of activities and quests makes it worthwhile.
In terms of gameplay, STO offers different types of missions, including storyline quests and side quests. The game's episode journal contains a huge amount of content to play through, providing hours and even years of gameplay for new players. The missions start off faction-specific, but as you progress, you'll have access to cross-faction storylines.
Additionally, there are various battle zones where players can participate in large-scale ground and space combat to complete objectives and earn rewards. For those who enjoy PvP, there's also a space PVP Battle Zone where players can engage in combat with opposing factions.
One of the highlights of STO is the ship-building system, which allows players to customize their ships and create unique builds. From load-outs to space traits, the game offers a wide range of options to enhance your ship's performance. Experimenting with different builds can be a lot of fun, and there's no strict meta, allowing for creativity and individual playstyles.
While the ground combat may feel a bit clunky compared to the space combat, the building aspect shines through in both areas. Building your character, Bridge officers, and ships is where STO truly captures the essence of Star Trek. The layered and deep system allows for endless possibilities and unique approaches to gameplay.
STO also offers a free-to-play experience, with events throughout the year that reward players with event ships and other valuable items. The in-game store, known as the C-store, provides a vast selection of ships, and as a free-to-play player, you can earn two tier-six ship coupons each year to acquire ships of your choice. If you need more ships, you can choose MMOexp Buy Star Trek Online XBOX Energy Credits or STO PS4 Energy Credits to get them!
The game's graphics have held up well over the years, with space combat looking particularly impressive. However, some older missions and ground combat can feel dated. Nevertheless, the character creation system in STO is highly detailed, giving players a wide range of customization options for their avatars.
While the game has its strengths, there are a few downsides to consider. The learning curve for the complex ship-building system can be overwhelming for new players. However, there are plenty of resources available, including beginner's guides, to help players understand the mechanics and optimize their builds.
In summary, Star Trek Online is definitely worth playing in 2023, especially for fans of the Star Trek universe. The game offers a vast and immersive experience with a wide range of activities, quests, and customization options. Whether you choose to play for free or invest in additional content, STO provides a unique and enjoyable MMO experience that captures the spirit of Star Trek.