Gearbox Publishing and Cryptic Studios have unveiled the latest installment in their long-running Star Trek MMORPG, Star Trek Online, titled “Both Worlds”. The 31st season of this free-to-play MMO based on Paramount’s Star Trek franchise created by Gene Roddenberry launched on January 23 for PC. The PlayStation and Xbox versions also have their own releases scheduled for March 12.
When you have an MMO running this long, it probably becomes challenging to wow players with novelty – but luckily the Star Trek IP is incredibly rich with ideas, settings and stories to explore. In this new update for Star Trek Online (STO), players find themselves confronting the Borg King, the mastermind behind a dire threat to the multiverse.
It's time. Starring @Nikki_deboer, @GarrettRWang, and @KipleighBrown, #STOBothWorlds is live right now on PC!https://t.co/fIZYKuz9nv pic.twitter.com/OtJiHx6DIh
— Star Trek Online (@trekonlinegame) January 23, 2024
Building on the plot from the previous story arc which involved a misunderstanding with the Tholians and the tearing of the Reality Vortex, ‘Both Worlds’ thrusts players into a confrontation with the Mirror Universe version of the Borg. To counter this menace, players must infiltrate the Mirror Borg Unicomplex, a high-tech labyrinth guarded by relentless Borg drones.
At the heart of this challenge awaits the Borg King, the architect orchestrating the multiversal threat. Along the way, players will cross paths with familiar Star Trek characters from Deep Space 9 and Voyager, including Captain Ezri Dax (voiced by Nicole de Boer), Captain Harry Kim (voiced by Garret Wang), and Admiral Kuumaarke (voiced by Kipleigh Brown).
Fulfilling the missions included in the “King and Collective” event lets players earn a new T6 ship. Additionally, players can relive one of Star Trek’s most classic moments in the new Task Force Operation, “Battle of Wolf 359”, based on the Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 3 episodes “The Best of Both Worlds” Parts 1 and 2.
Meanwhile, the Elite Random Task Force Operations feature enhances gameplay with the much-requested option to queue up for challenging missions and earning extra rewards. Beyond this, The Both Worlds expansion of STO not only introduces new content but also comes with special anniversary deals and events.
From January 23rd to January 29th on PC, players can enjoy a double experience bonus, allowing them to level up faster by earning twice the usual experience points from content that provides skill points and expertise.
For patrons of the ZEN marketplace, Ferengi Merchants are offering a 15% discount on Lockbox Keys during the same period. A limited-time Key Ring Bundle is also available, featuring 20 Master Keys and a bonus Ultimate Tech Upgrade, allowing players to maximize their equipment with zero Dilithium cost.
For STO players looking to expand their arsenal, the Lobi Crystal Consortium has a 20% off sale on all items in the Lobi Store from January 23rd to January 29th. Whether it’s the Kelvin Timeline Intel Dreadnought Cruiser or the Vaadwaur Astika Heavy Battlecruiser, now is the perfect time for captains to enhance their starship collection for these sought-after vessels.
Star Trek Online has become one of the longest-running Star Trek “series” in the franchise’s history since the MMO launched in February 2010. With over 250 episodes, 60 Task Force Operations, and 31 full seasons of playable content, the game has explored the universe of The Original Series, Enterprise, The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Picard.
STO has also incorporated the alternate canons and events from the 2009 film series (aka the Kelvin Timeline), Discovery, Strange New Worlds, and Lower Decks. With the numerous cast members reprising and voicing their roles in the game, including the late Leonard Nimoy (Spock), the 14-year old MMO has served as a truly immersive Star Trek experience for players on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles.
