Star Trek Online, Now Free-to-Play

April 16, 2012

As a Star Trek fanatic, I knew about the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMO-RPG) Star Trek Online well before it came out in 2009. I was excited because it allows players to command their own ship and progress in rank, all while playing in a universe true to the franchise. However, it had one hitch upon release.

In addition to buying the initial game, in order to play, a monthly subscription fee was required. This immediately turned me away from the game, but recently, Star Trek Online has become free. It is free to download, and there’s no monthly subscription fee if you don’t want it. As a result, I have spent the last couple of weeks playing it.

Although it is free, there are still accounts for those willing to pay a monthly subscription fee, and there is a lifetime subscription option. These are premium accounts that has options not available in the free version. As a free player, I don’t feel cheated. I still have access to the entire game and all of its content. Paying members get extra inventory slots, a higher in-game currency cap, and access to unique ships, which aren’t much more powerful than the free ships available.

I think they made a smart move by offering a free-to-play option. Now I’m hooked and considering a subscription. The game is that much fun.

Matthew W.
Oak Grove Branch