Lifetime Subscription Breakdown - Worth it? | Star Trek Online

[@berlindude75]

Coming up on my LTS 10-year anniversary soon. 🥳

[@ryananon779]

You're extremely thorough (I'm just done watching the part about bank slots). It's impressive and appreciated.

[@Mac_1701]

The time you took to break this down is well worth it for newer player. If Cryptic had done factual vids such as this or if Deca do them in the future, it would certainly answer a lot of questions new players have since nothing is really explained in the game. I wish I had been in a position to buy this years ago before my last laptop gave up the ghost, Would probably have had 30-40k zen sitting when I got my new laptop (DOH). All in all the information shown, and I really liked the faded backgrounds for each section, is presented very well and gives all players looking at the life sub the information to make an informed decision. I do hope Deca revamps the life subs going forward. Update the ships to current standards, may be increase the monthly Zen on PC, increase the daily dil refining and actually do something with the captain's table area. That area is pretty pointless except to show off that you have the life sub. The area should have unique DOFF missions, weapons, purchasable ship visuals etc. Was a nice idea but a terrible waste by Cryptic.

[@CaptainJasonC]

On console this is not worth it they need to add a lot to make it valuable for console players as of now its not a good deal. Thanks for the video Spencer!

[@Samuraith2077]

Thank you for this comment. I agree. For console players it needs a significant change, give us a reason to actually want to have it

[@NaughtyFist]

​@@Samuraith2077 fireworks 🎉😂

[@CRYOKnox]

Both of you would go crazy by the amount of XB I ran into daily on Xbox some days I feel like the only person that hasn't one.

[@dave_n8pu]

My son got his old man (me) into this game, when they first opened it up for console, he tried it but because the profiles didn't and don't transfer between them, he lost interest in the console side of things since he was already invested in the PC side of it.

[@jasonyocom13]

Yep sony has ripped off console players so they don't get the monthly zen!! Fk corporate greed!!

[@Efyhxsl59m]

As a console player EVERYTIME the Lifetime sub comes up on 50% off i agonize over and analyze the prospect of getting it. It's name makes it sound like it should be their premiere offering or something. And yet i always come to the same conclusion its just not worth it as is imo. I have 7 characters, been playing for 4 years, and own around 125 T6 ships or so. I find WAY more value in the Anniversary bundles, Muds bundles, legendary ship bundles, etc. The ships in the Lifetime are lacking imo, No Zen Stipend on console really stings, so about the only real apeal to me are the inventory slots and liberated borg captain (my main is borg). But for those things alone i just cant justify the price. Thanks for helping me to once again save my money for other things.

[@setoredan]

Seriously thank you for this material & information. I appreciated the end summary. I had considered getting this but even my account is 10+ years old I only recently came back to play it. Treating it as a new player. Thank you again, CasualSAB

[@Bam_Boozler]

Great video!!! Especially for a new player like me. Now I'm curious of what Black Friday they may have next week lol

[@borland8513]

I got my Lifetime Subscription the second time it ever went on sale, back when it was cheaper. I have certainly gotten my money's worth for it over the around 14 years I've had it. I'm a little dubious of getting it this late though. Back in the old days, those free ships were fantastic to have for your alts.

[@SRS-GAMES]

Excellent simmary Spencer. The one thing I didn't hear you mention was the longevity of the game. What's the point in dropping any money on a game with no updates to speak of, and an uncertain future? This video would have been more relevant 5 years ago, I can't imagine many would be investing in a game that's effectively in maintenance mode.

[@Jagaroth_]

As a console player of just over six years now, I did the grind for the LTS about a year in. As a result, I never felt like it needed paying off with the monthly stipend, because the LTS was effectively free in the first place. And so, I've never really had a problem with the lack of the stipend. I can refine and convert dilithium worth way more than 500 Zen a month just through playing the game. The main LTS benefits to me (with multiple characters) are the extra slots and auto dil refinement. As it is, for a new console player, I wouldn't recommend paying real money for the LTS, and only consider grinding for it like I did once you've picked up the better bundles and items from the store that Spencer mentions. They should be a higher priority than the LTS. If a 500 Zen stipend was added now, it would be a big deal to a new player, but would feel like a drop in the ocean to my game.

[@davidkaye8712]

Got my eye on the battlecruiser bundle :)

[@matthewpena3932]

Just came back late last week as a really life time sub I had 60K+ zen when I logged in. But that goes fast when you have not played in many years on getting the new tier of ships for the army of alts I enjoyed playing. I have been binging all the "new" content creators for STO as back in the day it was just Jupiter Broadcasting making content.

[@wildeyshere_paulkersey853]

I'd probably consider buying it, I'm just very sus regarding the future of the game and whether I'd get value from it. Mostly because of Decas approach to comms. However, thanks for all the detail, Sab.

[@KaylieRayne]

I finally got the LTS the other day. The sale timing was right and Ive been on the fence about it for a while now. The auto refine for me is worth it as I always forget to refine or take a few days off and don't log in. Ive never had a problem supporting STO as it's always given me value in the fun. So dropping 150 bucks on STO was not the issue for me. Hopefully it also shows people still want to play the game and they keep it going.

[@sujisuninja7]

SLOTS is what I tell people is the main reason to get it (Char/Inventory/Bank/Ship ect), you only every play 1-2 characters maybe its not worth is but 4 or more it adds up over time. If you believe the game has a long term future of at least 2.5 years then you will get your money back in monthly Zen alone. If you play on the weekends and can make a ton of Dill but only play the weekends then the Refining Dill up to 7 days would benefit you more. The XP 5% exp boost (Always on) will also help especially if combined with temporal recruits duty officer with the same bonus giving 2 x 5% boost. Last main is respec tokens you shouldn't need to use more than a few but are also expensive in the Zen store so saves costs there too. Other stuff is nice to have but nothing too amazing. It definitely needs an UPDATE to the benefits as so have aged poorly like the extra dill refining where you have to go to a specific location to refine extra dill rather than say have your dil refining limit just passively increase by say 500 a day instead. The exclusive player space doesn't even have any exclusives and is lacking compared to ESD, the same benefits as a Starbase or something would go far. Is it worth it for new players who just want to fly cool looking ships short term probly not. If your looking to play for the long haul yes with multiple toons. If you one to play a game for a month or two and stop playing a year and come back then maybe as you will be a third of the ways to getting Zen back. The choice is yours.

[@Nick_Kearney]

I didn't realise there were Fleet varients of the Jem'Hadar Vanguard ships, let alone that they were exclusive to Lifetime Subs. Well that gives me something to spend Fleet Ship Modules on in a few days when I reach T6 on a couple of my Gamma Recruit's reps.

[@dave_n8pu]

Been a LTS since early 2013, for me the benefit has been the 500 Zen per month. Mid 2019 I didn't like the direction the game was going so I spoke with my wallet and stopped buying Zen. Since then, the stipend has been the only way I get Zen. I wasn't lucky enough to get a half off sale, only one third off, but I still got my money's worth. So, from my point of view, if you aren't sure how long you are going to play as Spencer explained how long you would need to play to get your money's worth, you might not want to get a LTS membership.

[@ryananon779]

If the ships were 5-2 instead of 4-3, I'd be tempted because all three ships are gorgeous in my opinion. But I know the only 4-3 ship I'll ever fly now is the Typhon. So it's really down to the 500 zen per month and that's just never been enough of a temptation for me. Amazing video breaking it down though. Thank you and have a great week.

[@ryananon779]

(I should add, however, that I've happily paid real money into the game via other paths. Keys, promo packs, slots, ships, you name it)

[@niakitten2937]

I got mine simply because I wanted to support the developers because I really like the game.

[@Mr_Waffle.]

When Champions Online came out, my friends and I all bought the full big expensive preorder... then they announced STO, and I asked support if I could move my preorder over to that, which they fortunately did. So luckily I've had Lifetime subscription since day zero. Was certainly nice when I left and came back to the game with 20,000 zen or so waiting for me! Nice work with the thorough overview, I've forgotten most of those bonuses!

[@chaff5]

I'm so glad I bought the lifetime sub when this game first came out. I paid $200 for it, plus the collectors edition of the game (I still have my box and pin, it's awesome), which I think was $60 at the time. We're getting close to the 15 year anniversary. By Feb 2025, I will have been paid $900 in zen for my initial $260 investment, having never paid a monthly subscription and never spent another cent on the game. Trading Dil for zen when the times were good (~100 per zen and instant trades). One of the best investments I've made for 1000s of hours of fun. The BEST part is I took a break for years and the monthly stipend was paid even though I didn't log in. I came back to a few hundred dollars worth of zen just sitting. And then I waited for the 10th anniversary bundle to go on sale. If it lasts another 5 years, it's worth getting the lifetime sub now.

[@Vulf_Faolan]

I do regret not picking up a Lifetime Sub back when I started STO, because I did end up taking a 10 year break and it would have been a nice stockpile of Zen now that it's become one of my daily games again.

[@ChiliPalmerful]

same bro same -.-

[@ronanwaring3408]

Plus 1 to that, but back then I just finished school so was a brokie.

[@CasualSAB]

Yeah I'd have saved a bit had I gotten it early on. I did the month to month for a long time back when the 60 day time cards were like $15 on Amazon. Only got the LTS itself back in 2021. In the early days I just didn't have the money to drop $200 on it in one go.

[@oldkronosx276]

Very good Vid! TY!

[@predragsaric3378]

Tomorrow i will get me lifetime sub.I have been playin STO last 10 years.Thanks for breakdown.Really nice work man.

[@Trygvar13]

I have been a lifer since closed Beta so the $200 bucks I paid back then were well worth it.

[@BlackTownie999]

I have NEVER had the auto refine work at all ever. on either of "my" veteran accounts, I bought one for my wife a few years ago. for $150 each.

[@sujisuninja7]

Its limited to 7 days, if its never worked best thing is to contact Customer support there may be a fix.

[@droxoel]

Thanks for the video. So the best part about the lifetime subscription is 500 ZEN per month and a service that presses "Refine Dilithium" for you for 7 days. That's nice if you play once a week or get back into the game after a long absence, 6000 ZEN/year!

[@BreadApologist]

Long ago in a distant land I Aku the……oh wrong background story, anyway long ago I got the LS on one if the sales, Pee Sea version, used the stipend for a few things. Biggest was getting 3 T6 ships with it. Aspero, sikaris, achilles. Possibly 4 but I can’t remember that far back. The inventory slots were very nice at the time. Something I think the game really needs however is to put both the reputation system reward boxes and the R&D boxes in a totally separate inventory system. I don’t really do r&d and the rep boxes don’t have anything I use. Even my bridge officers have at the lowest xv UR tr116 and far better armour and shields than the stuff in those boxes. Gets annoying after a few days and especially running event tfo. Finding out inv is full with a wall of RD materials. Just would really be nice if those 2 had a separate area they went to to not clog up main inventory. As for alts, the additional slots wth them doesn’t help me out anymore. I have maybe 6 alts, originally it was nice but with the updates boosting things to xv n epic…..former end game level characters are now woefully underpowered. A few I haven’t even logged into in years. Too expensive to update em.

[@goolash1000]

As a LTS since 2011, it has definitely been worth it to me. $780 worth of Zen over that time period. Saved up, it allows you to buy one of those large combo packs about every other year, letting you update your experience for power creep essentially for free. But you have to remain disciplined and not fritter your zen away on shiny objects in-between.

[@psicho1701]

I am so glad I bought the lifetime sub back when the game was still in beta. It has payed for itself many times over with the monthly stipend.

[@mcbiohazard892]

I was a true believer way back in the bad old days when the game was sub only and still was underbaked and incomplete in the way all new MMOs are for the first three years of their lifespan. I sprang for the LTS at full price figuring at the time that I held onto it long enough, it would eventually pay for itself if the game lasted long enough to become playable while I was focusing on Cryptic's true legacy title at the time (City of Heroes). That turned out to be true and while I have spent some money for Zen deals over the years, the stipend has allowed me to log in every once in a while, spend to keep up with the Joneses and otherwise just enjoy the content that they've added since the last time I logged in. Well worth it back then. It might still have some value for newer players but it will take time for that kind of long term benefit to pay back its value. DECA will keep it running as long as it stays in the black so hopefully that's the case but who knows. CoX was murdered by 4th quarter bean counting way back in 2013 so I trust MMO publishers as far as I can throw them these days.

[@david05111]

The LTS lost a lot of value a year or two ago (can’t remember) when they opened up a lot of the perks to all players. Access to tribble, more bank slots, account bank access, etc. Before that change, there was an even bigger difference between FTP accounts and LTS. LTS is still solid, but I agree. Not really something a newer player should focus on

[@Yandarval]

People could buy extra slots and account bank for a very long time (six years+). Tribble access was mid 2021.

[@david05111]

@ yeah people could buy the slots, but they weren’t included. The account bank was never included for FTP players, until they revamped it not too long ago. Now everyone has one, without having to pay for it

[@HeWhoFinesses]

Console has the 2B cap at the base of the game rn

[@marsindustries]

Even though I have more than got my money’s worth out of it, I really hope DECA doesn’t gut the lifetime subscription. Might be too optimistic, but would be even better if they added more to it.

[@jeremydale4548]

What I'm hoping is that they find a way to make the Captain's Table relevant again.

[@dave_n8pu]

I also would like to see DECA to add more value to the LTS, but I'm not getting my hopes up. That way IF they did, it would be a pleasant surprise. At my age, 75, I haven't gotten many pleasant surprises

[@CasualSAB]

Epic Creator code: casualsab Wiki Page: stowiki.net/wiki/Lifetime_Subscription STO Support Page: support.playstartrekonline.com/hc/en-us/ Arc Purchase Page: www.arcgames.com/en/store/star-trek-online/4455 Captain's Table Tour: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6iznZt6qb2Le5I

[@NeoThomist-sd1ue]

Excellent explanation sir

[@hughejass9461]

I believe I bought this on sale eight or nine years ago so for me it was certainly worth it. But honestly with the state of the game now and the uncertain future of STO, I personally wouldn't buy the lifetime membership. I still enjoy the game here and there but the lack of appreciable new content along with the constant monetization of pushing out reskinned ships in lottery boxes is getting old. Regardless, thank you for another very thought out and informative video.

[@lasarith2]

Well I just bought it at the 50% off on Console, 12500 Zen , took a while to get everything because you have to constantly log off/ on to claim everything, then figure out where to get everything because the discrption sucks .

[@naomy1701]

the "pick an oler T5 ship from the list" is not a LTS thing, im not LTS and got that choise on every toon that hit level 50(or 55, not 100% sure but every toon can pick one of those from 0 Zen at the shipyard Shipseller. still i didnt know half of the perks, so thats neat ^^ one Question: is the Mugato a combat pet? or non-cpmbat pet?

[@WILL_RHON]

this is a different set of ships that you don`t have access to and LTS members still get the free ship you mentioned on top of that. you get 1 T5 and LTS get that same 1 plus 3 other T5`s and 4 T6`s because you can absolutely claim all 7 LTS ships at once. the pet unfortunately is non-combat.

[@naomy1701]

@WILL_RHON ah ok, thanks for the clarification 👍

[@Da-E-Man]

I just tried purchasing Lifetime for my EPIC account - Does not work. Abandoning the EPIC F2P account and focus on my Lifetime account which I linked to my Steam

[@setadoon]

It's worth it on PC if you are going to be playing STO for at least a year or 2

[@sujisuninja7]

If you buy at 50% off you will get most of you money returned in stipend form at around 12k Zen at 500 per a month over 2 years or 15k at 2.5 years.

[@Caveman_420]

Considering the very first thing Deck did was upgraded the porthole near Space Dock for lifetime description, I’m assuming that they’re really looking at that lifetime first.

[@VosperCDN]

One can only hope they do refresh that, and a lot of the older stuff in the game.

[@Yandarval]

@@VosperCDN Or its just part of the whole Sol upgrade going on. As the Capatin's Table has been pointless for many years in the current game. As it offers nothing that ESD or first City does not offer. When you have to be in the same system, as ESD and First City to use the place...

[@SkrapMetal84]

i really wish the lifetime sub had much more to it in the way of giving stuff to you.

[@geistwolf776]

I missed the window when it was 50% off.Will that sale return anytime soon?Thanks for the great breakdown Spencer!

[@CasualSAB]

Late Feb/Early March for sure, but might be a short sale near start of Anniversary late Jan.

[@geistwolf776]

@@CasualSABThanks!

[@captrams]

Joined Trill for Fed and Kling correct

[@USSNorway-s8n]

yes the bank slots alone are worth more than a leg pack

[@ronanwaring3408]

I have 8chars so the bank/inv and ship slots alone is worth it

[@dizzydevil547]

TBH i bought a life time sub (being a player of STO from launch ..yes i actualy had to buy the game back then before F2P came in!) and the only reson i did was they got rid of the monthly payment plans and also being able to buy credit on moblie phone in the UK! ..is the lifteme sub worth it as you ask? well im one of those players that have multiple alt so for me yes it was worth the purchase and i got it in a sale at the time! but i do think someof it needs updating now tbh!

[@dhotnessmcawesome9747]

Deca not talking, D not buying.

[@NightridingDoom]

wth is tribble test server?

[@TimberwolfCY]

Just started watching this, and about 2 min 30 in something is made crystal-clear: Cryptic really, *really* dropped the ball on coordination between all its various deployments of the game regarding using one's account. The idea of not being able to access game/purchase mechanics from one 'platform' to another (Steam vs Epic vs Arc, etc.) seems absolutely foolish and backwards and purposefully-obtuse. It's all going through the same launcher. There's no reason for for things to not be homogeneous. If I want to throw 150$ at the game, I shouldn't have to beg for them to take it because I use Steam. I've put a lot of hours into the game at this point and the lifetime is seeming more and more like something I might throw into...but this whole gambling on them taking my money and me getting my benefits I paid for, is asinine. I really, *really* hope DECA takes a little time and cleans these sorts of very basic inconsistencies up.

[@tripper7894u]

Just do free to play people, worry about feeding your family in these times

[@FelixzWrath82]

with the unknowns about the new ownership, i would say HECK NO. i been a LTS since just before the Romulan rep was introduced. just too many unknowns with embracer, sorry spencer im still skeptical af

[@MrWeird-fq2hz]

For Android Boff I've seen u can only get 1 at a time

[@BjelisFamily]

i bought it and whant to wear Odyssey Long Jacket i go to tailor and cant see it do i need to pick it up ? please help !

[@CasualSAB]

If you just bought it restart your game. Sometimes the purchase won't show til next sign in.

[@BjelisFamily]

@@CasualSABsory for late response i tryed but i figured it not it later on i gained few levels and i got it was low level need be minimum 5 . Thanks !

[@Geeknlonely2.0]

I don't have the option to Sign in or Sign up with my Epic account

[@CasualSAB]

Using Firefox? Wouldn't show up at all for me, had to open it on Edge.

[@Geeknlonely2.0]

@@CasualSAB Opera & Firefox. Thanks for the tip (Update: Nope not even on Edge), maybe it's a regional thing

[@InfinitePixzel]

As a console player I have been disrespected and robbed 😡 they must fix this. With interest.

[@CasualSAB]

Not going to happen. Legal issues with the platforms prevented it. Hence why the LTS is cheaper and can be obtained with Zen directly ingame over there.

[@deavonw]

I think with how DECA has handled things over the last year i wouldnt recommend it at all. It would take a big effort for them to even show there is a promising future with this game.

[@markwilson185]

I have a life time and the ore But that does not work for me ! is that a bug ???

[@bX-rk2oo]

It would only be worth it if they upgraded the ship somehow.

[@T3mina]

i dont think this game will live long enough to make the lifetime sub worth, the game is barely surviving and now with DECA its just gonna be on life support until the whales stop spending money, then they'll shut down the servers. its simply **too late** this game is 14 years old, you have to understand its too late.

[@mikeekim2532]

I know news is dead slow this long year of deca watching STO deteriorate while improving and adding nothing, but a life time sub vid? I would not spend $4 on STO anymore, even -IF- they add something new and worthwhile for the first time all year.

[@CasualSAB]

Wanted to get an LTS vid done for a while. This sale was a good opportunity to get it done to help folks understand the actual value of it. While DECA has been silent I feel confident we will see things rebound here over the next months.

[@realplonk]

Not worth the cost, don't waste your money. The ships suck and the zen you get is only $5.00 worth a month, it's pocket change. Lifetime should have been updated years ago with more races and bonuses but cryptic is void of any creativity. My advice is to focus on 1 character, (romulan alien sci capt) because you then can play any type of build with it) and focus all your money into that 1 toon so all ship traits and anything else you buy makes that 1 toon stronger.

[@ryananon779]

First because I'm a badass 😎

[@wargodsix]

Pc yes console it’s a scam