Tutorial:Being a Passenger
This page is a Work in Progress as much of the lore/Development for the game is yet to be established.
Playing as a passenger aboard a starship offers a unique perspective focussed on experiencing life aboard a deep space vessel, without the responsibilities of command or operational duties.
Gameplay Focus
As a passenger, your primary role is to exist within the ship's environment during its journey. There are no assigned tasks or jobs related to Ship Systems, operations or maintenance. Gameplay revolves around:
- exploring the accessible areas of the ship
- interacting with non-critical systems and amenities
- observing the ship's operations and the actions of the crew
- experiencing the journey through the simulated Milky Way galaxy
- participating in the daily routine without expectations of fulfilling mission critical tasks
Access Restrictions
While passengers have considerable freedom to roam, certain areas critical to ship operations or security are restricted. Access to these locations is typically limited to assigned crew members. Restricted areas are likely to include:
- the Bridge
- Engineering sections, including the Reactor Room and Battery Rooms
- Tactical stations
- Operations centres
- secure locations like the Brig and potentially the Data Centre
- other areas potentially marked by signage or requiring specific key card access (See Tutorial:Door Keypads)
Attempting to enter these areas without authorisation may be impossible or could potentially invite warnings or responses from security personnel (once fully implemented).
Accessible Areas & Activities
Passengers can enjoy a wide range of amenities and common areas designed for comfort and recreation during long voyages. These will probably include:
- The Mall: a central hub for relaxation and potentially simulated commerce or information.
- Lounges: including general lounges and the exclusive VIP Lounge for designated passengers. Activities might include relaxing, socialising, or playing chess or the VIP piano.
- Observation Areas: decks or specific rooms designed to offer views of space (location TBD based on ship design)
- Recreational Facilities: such as the pool table (currently static) mentioned in Dev Build 0.225.0.21 or the planned bowling alley (Dev Build 0.225.0.28)
- Personal Quarters: (details on passenger-specific cabins TBD)
- General Corridors & Lifts: providing access between accessible decks (A Deck, B Deck, C Deck, D Deck, E Deck, F Deck, G Deck - noting restrictions within certain decks)
- Amenities: using facilities like the Conference Room video player
Interaction
Passengers may be able to interact with:
- non-critical ship interfaces (e.g., information screens)
- recreational items (piano, etc.)
- crew members (potentially asking questions or receiving directions, depending on NPC implementation)
- other passengers (in multiplayer scenarios)
Role Evolution
Since Starship Simulator is under active development, the specifics of the passenger role, the exact boundaries of restricted areas, and the available activities are subject to change. Future updates outlined in the Roadmap may introduce more interactive elements or refine the passenger experience. It has occasionally been mooted in discussions with the developers that in the as yet sketchily outlined game lore that a faction will actively try to intrude upon the progress of the Magellan mission, even to the point of resorting to sabotage. Potentially, passenger gameplay might involve this aspect of shipboard life.