So I started playing again and paid for a subscription.

saumerez

I have basically played this game on 3 different occasions. The first time I tried a science officer but did not go far (commander maybe). I am not sure why I stopped. Real life stuff.

I came back eventually and decided to start over because I had forgotten anything I knew. I tried a Tactical officer and got to level 50.

I am back and I am currently a Lt. Commander in the engineering pathway.

I read what you get for subscribing and it seems good enough.

DO I need to buy episodes or downloadable content or anything? I do not mind to spend some money on a game I enjoy but I am not sure how it works. Do I not get that content with the subscription?

jbmaverick

Basic content is always free, you'll never need to pay for missions or storylines (unless Perfect World changes the business model). For the most part, the only things you would need money for are C-Store ships (you can get a free basic ship up to tier 5 just by playing, and that's really all you need to play the game), cosmetics, Master Keys for the Lock Boxes, and various Duty Officer and R&D Packs, and all of these are entirely optional. In theory, you could never pay a dime for these things if you're willing to spend the time to get dilithium and exchange it for Zen in the in-game market, and many of the items from the Packs and Lock Boxes can be purchased from other players on the Exchange for Energy Credits.

saumerez

jbmaverick wrote: »

Basic content is always free, you'll never need to pay for missions or storylines (unless Perfect World changes the business model). For the most part, the only things you would need money for are C-Store ships (you can get a free basic ship up to tier 5 just by playing, and that's really all you need to play the game), cosmetics, Master Keys for the Lock Boxes, and various Duty Officer and R&D Packs, and all of these are entirely optional. In theory, you could never pay a dime for these things if you're willing to spend the time to get dilithium and exchange it for Zen in the in-game market, and many of the items from the Packs and Lock Boxes can be purchased from other players on the Exchange for Energy Credits.

Thanks for the answer.

Let me modify my question. Is the downloadable content pretty cool/interesting/worth the money?

I do not mind at all to shell out a few bucks here and there if I get something fun or interesting. I am not asking if I NEED to buy it. I am hoping it is something I WANT to buy.

somebob

Honestly, for starters, just keeping your subscription going while you level up your character is the best thing you can do. You get a ton of bonuses while subscribed, and you keep everything you've earned short of the Energy Credit Cap (the game's money) once it ends. During that time though, you're getting more BOff slots, free respecs, more ship slots, etc etc.

Once you get to level 50 or 60, then think about spending more money, unless something really catches your eye before then. That's entirely up to you. Do you need any of it? No. Is some of it nice? Definitely.​​

markhawkman

If you want LTS, the sooner you get it the better since it comes with 500 Zen each month.

This gets you all the subscriber benefits permanently. It has a pretty big stack of other things, such as the X-days subscribed rewards you get immediately. These include a pretty nice ship, and the ability to recruit Android Bridge officers. There are two captain race options that you only get as LTS. Liberated Borg(any faction) and Talaxian(Fed and KDF only). Lib Borg are some of the toughest characters in ground combat, and they also give you a small power boost in space combat. Talaxians have a trait that gives them bonus R&D mats in space combat.

jbmaverick

Many of the ships could be considered "cool/interesting/worth the money" but that's entirely subjective because appearances are entirely a matter of opinion and equipment/bridge officer layouts are going to depend entirely on the type of build(s) you want to run. Go with somebob's advice for the time being and figure out what kind of ships and powers you like to use, then see if there's a C-Store variant that improves on that once you reach level 50 or 60.

markhawkman is also correct with the 500 Zen per month thing. I bought an LTS when the game first came out and the monthly stipend has allowed me to purchase several ships and other C-Store items without further cost to myself. There's a been a couple times I've augmented the stipend with my own money to speed up the process (because I can be impatient sometimes :P) but it definitely helps.

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