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The elite of the elite in the Federation and KDF sign up to participate in the Strategic Task Forces (STFs). These are special missions that become available at level 45 and are more challenging than just about anything else in the game.
We currently have three Borg storyline STFs that are getting some major updates:
The first change is that we are now offering each of these STFs in two modes--normal and elite.
The "normal" mode is now available on Tribble for Infected and The Cure, with Khitomer Accords coming soon. Normal mode is designed to be a challenge, but not overwhelming, for players who have an average set of gear and the kind of familiarity with the game that most players have at level 45. Coming in about two weeks will be the "elite" mode on STFs. This mode is intended to be truly be demanding of the best players of the game. Practice on the "normal" mode to hone your skills, then step it up and join a team to take on the ultimate test!
The next set of changes are related to improving the player experience with getting into STFs.
One problem many players found with the STFs was that getting a team together to go play them was difficult. Many players have been known to spend time in zone chat trying to find enough players for a team. To resolve this, the STFs are now available via the PvE queue, making it much easier to get in and play with a full team.
The other problem reported by players was that the STFs were very long. Taking 90 minutes or more to complete meant that there was an increased chance of players dropping out before the end, where the big rewards were gained. We have now split each of the three borg STFs into two pieces--a space portion and a ground portion. Each is designed for 30 to 40 minutes of play with their own rewards. Bringing the time requirements down should make it a lot easier to keep your team together and get to the big rewards.
The final set of changes are with the rewards.
The STFs now reward a new kind of loot called "salvage". Salvage comes in a couple of different rarity levels, and can be traded in at special stores in Earth Space Dock and Qo'noS for Mark X, Mark XI, or even Mark XII gear that is specially tuned to assist with anti-Borg missions.
There are three entirely new top tier gear sets that can only be earned by playing STFs in the "elite" mode. There is one Federation set, one Klingon set, and one neutral set that is usable by either faction. The salvage store characters are wearing these new sets, so stop by the check out their high end armor. While you are there, peek into the store to see the rest of the gear sets and the other anti-Borg equipment that is available.
Now that character transfer is open to Tribble, it's a great time to hop over and try out the STFs in the new "normal" mode, then beam over to the forums and let us know what you think.
Stephen D'Angelo
Executive Producer
Star Trek Online
