Character Gameplay

NOTICE: This page is a Work in Progress as much of the lore/Development for the game is yet to be established.

This page provides an overview of playing as a character in Starship Simulator, detailing how character choices influence gameplay and what activities are available both on and off duty.

Starting a New Game/Character

When you begin a new mission in Starship Simulator (whether a flight-ready scenario or a cold and dark one), you will have the opportunity to customize your character. This process allows you to define your character's appearance, rank, department, and role. Your choices here will significantly impact your gameplay experience.

Gameplay (On Duty)

Once you have chosen your role, your primary gameplay loop will involve fulfilling the tasks and responsibilities associated with that position within a starship, either as a member of the United Nations Space Fleet or a privately owned corporate vessel.

• Command
  • Roles: Captain, First Officer, Admiral.
  • Gameplay: Issuing commands to the ship and Deck Crew, making critical decisions regarding Ship Systems, navigation, and mission parameters. Taking overall command of the ship and managing Crew Schedules (if implemented). Directly interacting with the Helm, Sensors Station, and Tactical consoles to direct ship operations.
  • Relevant Pages: Command (department), Bridge, Bridge - Scanning & Navigation, Helm, Tactical, Executive Officer
• Operations
  • Roles: Deck Crew, Pilot, Deck Chief.
  • Gameplay: Piloting the ship, managing FTL and RCS systems, managing Ship Directions, and assisting with general ship operations. Operating the Helm and related navigational systems.
  • Relevant Pages: Operations, Helm, Ship Directions, Space Travel
• Engineering
  • Roles: Engineer, Chief Engineer.
  • Gameplay: Managing the ship's power grid, including the Fusion Reactor, Battery Rooms, and Start Capacitors. Performing Maintenance on Ship Systems, monitoring fluid flows, and ensuring optimal ship performance. Addressing issues and Damage Control (planned) when systems fail.
  • Relevant Pages: Engineering, Reactor Room, Fusion Reactor Controls, Battery Rooms, Start Capacitors, Maintenance Tunnels (Planned page)
• Tactical
  • Roles: Tactical Officer, Security Chief.
  • Gameplay: Monitoring ship defenses, managing weapon systems (if implemented), and handling Internal Security Systems (Planned page), including the Brig. Engaging in First Contact scenarios, potentially managing diplomatic or hostile encounters.
  • Relevant Pages: Tactical, Brig, First Contact
• Science
  • Roles: Scientist, Head of Science.
  • Gameplay: Operating Sensors to scan Star Systems and Planets, analysing sensor data, and identifying Life and Tech Signatures. Conducting research in various science labs (Planned pages like Astrophysics Lab, Biology Lab, Botany Lab, Chemistry Lab, Geology Lab, Linguistics Lab, Material Science Lab, Quantum Physics Lab).
  • Relevant Pages:** Science, Sensors, Sensors Station, Life and Tech Signatures
• Medical
  • Roles: Medic, Chief Medical Officer.
  • Gameplay: Managing the ship's medical facilities and addressing crew health needs. (Further details to be implemented in game).
  • Relevant Pages: Medical, Medical Facilities (Planned page), Tutorial:Medical Bay Operations (Planned page)
• Stewards
  • Roles: Chef, Chief Steward, Janitor, Bartender.
  • Gameplay: Maintaining crew comfort and ship cleanliness. Managing the Mess Hall (Planned page) and VIP Lounge, preparing Food (Planned page), and providing services to the crew and Passengers. Includes duties like Housekeeping (Planned page) and managing Hydroponics (Planned page).
  • Relevant Pages: Stewards, VIP Lounge
• Civilian
  • Roles: Passengers, Ambassador.
  • Gameplay: Primarily focussed on exploration and social interaction. Passengers might have less direct operational control but can observe and engage with the ship's environment and crew. Ambassadors might engage in First Contact and Diplomacy (planned) scenarios.
  • Relevant Pages: Passengers, Tutorial:Being a Passenger

Gameplay (Off Duty)

Beyond formal duties, characters can engage in various activities during their downtime to immerse themselves in ship life:

• Socializing: Interacting with other NPCs and players (in multiplayer) in common areas like the VIP Lounge or The Mall.
• Recreation: Engaging with interactive Props such as playing the VIP piano. Future recreational activities might include a bowling alley (planned) or other amenities.
• Personal Time:
  • Sleeping: Retreating to Staterooms or Quarters (Planned page) for rest.
  • Eating: Visiting the Mess Hall (Planned page).
  • Exploration: Freely exploring the various decks and Maintenance Tunnels.