Star Trek Online retail editions

[Extrocomp]

It's been more than 2 years since Star Trek Online became free-to-play and yet the game is still available to purchase on Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. In fact the Collector's Edition is quite expensive ($119.99 for a new copy). Is there any point to buying the retail editions or are they just being sold as collector's items? Does anyone know why the Collector's Edition is so much more expensive than the other versions?

I've never played Star Trek Online. If I buy a retail edition and put the disc in, will it still install or will it give an error message telling me I need to download it?

 

[Haggis and tatties]

The collectors edition comes with a T-Shirt and a in game item called the Red matter capacitor, very sought after item in Star Trek online as it offers 25 to power while sitting in a device slot, as apposed to using a console slot.

 

[Extrocomp]

Is it still possible to install the game from the disc?

 

[Timelord79 (he/him)]

Sure it is.

Though the disc has the oldest client version out there. So you still have to download a big update patch after it.

On the bright side, you won't have to download the Perfect World Arc client first which needs to run for the current downloadable version.

Another good option would be to buy the Steam Starter Pack if you have Steam.

It includes no T-Shirt and no Red Matter Capacitor item, but a very powerful Steamrunner class starship in a beginner and and engame variant.

It's among the best ships in game and is only available via steam.

 

[Extrocomp]

What's bad about the Arc client?

 

[Timelord79 (he/him)]

Many people consider it bloatware that takes up unnessecary system resources and some are convinced it contains spyware.

I get the argument that a lower end pc might notice performance issues with it running in the background, though in it's current incarnation have not seen any evidence for spyware activities yet.

I think the perception is based on an earlier client version.

Perfect World has since removed anything that was identifiable as shady or so they say anyway

If you only play STO arc is indeed unnecessary, though using it at least once gets you a couple other give-away items like the playable Ferengi shuttlecraft and Khan's outfit from Wrath of Khan.

 

[Extrocomp]

The basic retail edition is a lot cheaper than the Collector's Edition but it doesn't seem to have any unique in-game items. Is there any point in buying the basic edition, other than getting a different game client?

 

[Timelord79 (he/him)]

The basic retail edition is a lot cheaper than the Collector's Edition but it doesn't seem to have any unique in-game items. Is there any point in buying the basic edition, other than getting a different game client?

Depends on the price I guess. Though you can just download the basic client for free on steam, too.

 

[Haggis and tatties]

^^Yeap, get the free basic game via steam, at least you can try it for free.

Basic version is free via steam but has no unique items.

Digital Deluxe version is a download only copy but comes with the original Enterprise from the TV show and a unique defense console.

The collectors edition comes on disc and is the most expensive, and when new comes with a t-shirt and a unique red matter device.

 

[Amaris]

I'm using the Arc client, and I've not noticed any performance degradation. If anything, it makes it easier for me to login to the game, and to the forum.