Star Trek Online, the popular MMORPG game from Cryptic Studios, will become a free-to-play title later this year. Players can download and play Star Trek Online at no cost and without having first bought a retail copy or subscription. Everyone can choose from Star Trek Online’s many features, which range from traversing the game’s unique galaxy to customizing crews, ships and avatars to weekly new episodes in which to play. A features matrix, FAQ, overview and assorted forums have been developed on the official Star Trek Online website to fill in the details of free-to-play for existing and new users.

To learn more about Star Trek Online free-to-play, please visit: http://www.startrekonline.com/f2p

"In addition to seeking out new life and exploring strange new civilizations, part of our continuing mission for Star Trek Online is to expand and improve," Jack Emmert, CEO, Cryptic Studios, said in a statement. "Transitioning to a free-to-play model is a natural way to share all we've built with a broader community of players, and we couldn't be more excited."

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Current players can continue subscribing as Gold Members, while new players may elect to upgrade to Gold status for $14.99 a month. Check the official website linked above for details about the differences between paying Gold Members and free Silver Players. Further, a web and in-game virtual goods store offers players the opportunity to purchase gameplay upgrades or additional premium content at their convenience.

For those unfamiliar with Star Trek Online, it’s set in the year 2409 and boasts extraordinary features that lets fans both new and old experience unparalleled adventures within the Star Trek universe. Players have the opportunity to become high-ranking Starfleet officers and participate in missions structured like episodes that take them into the depths of space, across exotic planets and inside other starships. The vast, ever-expanding universe includes The First City of Qo’noS, Deep Space Nine, Starfleet Academy and many other iconic, unusual and/or notable Star Trek locations.

Keep an eye on StarTrek.com for additional details about Star Trek Online’s transition into a free-to-play model.