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How To Play SWTrek

What You Need

First, make sure that you have the latest XShipWars Client. To download it click here (external link).

You will also need the StarTrek Images set and (optionally) StarTrek Sounds set. To download them click here (external link).

Virtually any Internet connection bandwidth will suffice, including modem connections. However connections with fast response times (not bandwidth) will work best.

Signing Up

Run your ShipWars client and connect to: Once you are connected, press E to map the server command prompt and type:

You must enter a unique name (case sensitive) and pick a vessel. You may want to study the vessels list before doing this. In general, the Klingon Vortcha Class, Maqui Peregrin, and SF Defiant Class have been the most popular vessels.

Once you have successfully signed up, you should immediately set a new password by using the server command:

Make sure that you memorize your new vessel's name and password, add it to your XShipWars client's universes list (to get to the universes list: right-click->Connect...).

Next, you should also set a random shield frequency by pressing F and then entering a frequency from 100 to 999. Your shield frequency is as important as your password, however you should change your shield frequency frequently!.

Always disconnect at a planet or starbase or else your vessel will be left vunerable to attacks and may be destroyed.

How To "Make It"

Once you have your vessel, you should study the layout of the SWTrek universe (see Cartography). Get to know where all the important planets, stars, and starbases are. Avoid making enemies of other players if you are just starting out. Planets and starbases are always safe havens from attacks, fly to one if you are ever in trouble.

The goal of the game, in general, is to get the most credits or get the most damage given. It depends on you what you feel is more important.

Different vessels suit different players, you may find that some vessels are easier for you to play with than others. Each player has their own opinion of what is the best vessel.

In general, the Klingon Vortcha Class, Maqui Peregrin, and SF Defiant Class have been the most popular vessels.

Communicating

To communicate with another vessel that is within com range (about 70 rus):

  1. Set a com channel (press K and enter a frequency).
  2. Lock on that vessel (click on that vessel on the scanner or press TAB a few times).
  3. Hail that vessel (press H).

When that vessel responds, press ' and enter a message.

All com messages are considered IC (in character).

OOC (out of character) messages are usually sent globally to all vessels currently connected by using the server command wall. Press E and enter:

Making Peace

"Making peace", send a "peace" message to another vessel indicating that you do not want them to attack you and would like to ally with them (useful when your vessel is no match for theirs).

You should keep peace with those you have made peace with, however if you do not (break peace by attacking a friendly vessel) then you risk being outted as a "peace breaker" and others will be less likely to ally with you in the future.

Economy

Antimatter is fuel, you need antimatter for your engines, damage control, tractor beam, and (if your vessel has one) cloaking device.

Antimatter is also an important resource and can be transported and sold. You can obtain free antimatter at any star, or sell your antimatter to planets and starbases who need it to power their cities and power cores (respectively).

Raw materials is also an important resource and can be transported and sold. You can obtain free raw materials at any planet, then sell it to starbases who need it to produce goods (such as replacement parts and weapons for your vessel).

Weapons, such as Photon Torpedos, can be baught at any starbase.

You can also get credits by destroying another vessel. When you destroy another vessel you will get all the credits that that vessel had.

Occassionally you may encounter an AI (computer controlled) enemy such as a Jemhadar Fighter or Borg Cube, you can destroy them and get credits.

Sparing

The best way to learn to fight is by "sparing" with another vessel. Send a com message to another nearby ship and ask to "spar?".

The rule is to attack the other vessel until their shields are down. Whichever vessel looses its shields first is the looser.

It may also be helpful to study the Vessels List and learn the strengths and weaknesses of all the different kinds of vessels out there.

Attacking

This is simple, you engage another vessel and fire upon it with the intent to destroy it. This is often the best way to make enemies (and get credits).

Retreating & Repairs

The most critical and important aspect of survival is knowing when to "run away", you should study the universe (see Cartography) and know where all the planets and starbases are. "Run away" to a planets and starbases, attacking vessels will not be able to cause damage to you there.

When you reach a planet or starbase, make sure that you fly over it and stop (use your retro thrusters). It will say "Orbiting `<name>'.", for example, "Orbiting `Earth'.".

When your vessel is damaged, you can either use damage control (press C) to slowly repair your vessel at a cost of antimatter, or fly to a starbase and buy hull repair which will instantly fix your vessel.

Remember that planets and starbases are safe places to disconnect. Never disconnect in open space, where your vessel is left vunerable to an attack.

Rules

These are the official rules of SWTrek. Please read carefully.

  1. Any vessel found adrift (the player is not connected and the vessel is not in orbit around a planet, starbase, or other home object) may be fired upon.
  2. Your vessel may get deleted if you have not connected to it in over one (1) week (to check last connected times, see Players & Scores).
  3. Having multiple vessels (fleeting) is allowed.
  4. Connecting to multiple vessels simutaneously is allowed.
  5. Using AI clients to connect is not allowed (except with prior adminstrative approval).
  6. Testing experimental clients is not allowed (except with prior adminstrative approval).
  7. Profanities, xenophobic slurs, and IC roleplay are not allowed in wall messages. However, they are permitted on all com channels.
  8. SWTrek contains no "adult" material and may contain "violence" or antisocial behavior, consult the censorship guidelines of your native culture or country and follow accordingly.

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