Star Trek Fleet Command

What you are actually playing

Star Trek Fleet Command is a space strategy game set in the Star Trek universe. You run a starbase, build and upgrade ships, and send them out into a shared galaxy to mine, fight, complete missions and meet everyone from Klingons to Romulans.

The draw for fans is the crew. Officers from every series, Kirk, Spock, Picard, Janeway and many more, sit on your bridge and each brings abilities that change how a ship fights. Choosing who crews which ship is most of the strategy.

The first hour

A story-driven start with familiar faces, a first ship and a first set of missions that teach the starbase, the galaxy map and combat. It is generous early, and upgrades come quickly.

The missions carry real Star Trek storylines, which makes the first hour more than a tutorial. Nothing in it asks you to pay.

How progression works

Your operations level sets the pace: it unlocks new buildings, ships and parts of the galaxy. Ships are upgraded with materials you mine and win, and research improves everything from mining speed to combat.

Officers are collected and levelled, and the right bridge crew on the right ship is often worth more than a raw upgrade. Upgrades take longer the further you go, and the game leans more on timers later on.

Where the money appears

Packs of resources, speed-ups, officers and ships, plus events with paid tiers. Everything can be earned by playing, but the higher levels get slow, and money is the shortcut.

Other players can attack your ships and, later, your starbase. A shield protects it, but at higher levels spending makes a clear difference in those fights.

Playing with other people

Alliances share help, territory and events, and alliance members protect each other in a galaxy where other players are a real threat. A good alliance makes the middle of the game far easier.

How it runs

The version linked here is the client for Windows and Mac, and the same account works on phones, so a starbase can be managed from either. It is a download rather than a browser game, as its card says.

What it does better than the rest

• Officers and ships from every era of Star Trek.
• Missions with real Star Trek stories, not just tasks.
• Crewing a ship is a genuine strategic choice.
• Runs on Windows and Mac, with the same account on phones.

Where it falls short

• Upgrade timers grow long at higher levels.
• Other players attacking your ships can set you back.
• Paid offers and event tiers are everywhere.

Your first week, in five moves

• Follow the story missions; they give the best early rewards.
• Keep your mining ships busy while you are away.
• Learn which officers work well together on one bridge.
• Join an active alliance as soon as you can.
• Keep your starbase shielded when you will not be online.

Who it is for

Star Trek fans first, and anyone who likes strategy games with collecting and alliances. Not for anyone looking for a quick space shooter.

The verdict

The best way to command a Star Trek fleet outside the shows. Expect timers and offers later on; for fans, the officers and stories make it easy to keep coming back.

Questions people ask

Is Star Trek Fleet Command free to play?

Yes. Money buys resources, speed-ups, officers and ships, but everything can be earned in play.

Does it run in a browser?

No. The version linked here is a client for Windows and Mac, and the account also works on phones.

Do I need to know Star Trek?

No, but fans get much more out of the officers and the stories.

Can other players attack me?

Yes, your ships in the galaxy and, at higher levels, your starbase. Shields protect it while you are away.

Is it pay to win?

Spending speeds everything up and matters most in fights between players at high levels. The story and early game are fine for free.