FAQ

Why does this page exist?

This page exists to give short, brief answers to commonly asked questions people have, so we don't have to reiterate them consistently.

What is Shiptest?

Shiptest is a SS13 codebase mainly focusing on ships rather than on the titular station (which is completely removed from the game).

What's the setting?

The setting of the game is in one of many Frontier sectors: areas of space that are not civilized, unlike core sectors and systems. The Inter-Corporate Wars (which is where SS13 takes place in our timeline), a conflict staged by the Syndicate and Nanotrasen, has resulted in a debatable pyrrhic Syndicate victory after long and bitter fighting, leaving both sides exhausted and the Frontier in ruins. It's 504 FS, 18 years since then - and the cosmos have yet to recover. You're one of the many individuals who have set out to roam these sectors. A full primer can be found here!

What's the gameplay?

The game cycle generally follows obtaining better equipment via exploring ruins and planets, and also fulfilling missions from outposts. Note that gameplay on a medical vessel will be different from an engineering or mining vessel. In addition, Shiptest is a roleplay server, so you must play a character and react like one, even if you're in a more gameplay-oriented ship. Storytelling quality may vary.

Is there ship-to-ship combat?

Currently, the only combat can be done via direct crew fighting - boarding or planetary/space combat being notable examples. Engaging other vessels without properly escalating or authorization from an admin is strictly disallowed. Faction association is not an excuse.

What makes Shiptest different from other ship-based SS13 servers?

Shiptest aims to emphasize many different crews and their exploits, including how they interact with other ship crews, rather than focusing on one ship with one crew.

What makes Shiptest fun?

Shiptest, like many other SS13 servers, is driven by player interaction. Not only are you interacting with friendly members of your own crew, but also neutral and even hostile members of other crews. Exploration is another focus, as planets and drifting ruins can be found just by flying ships around the system. You'll never know what you'll get 'till you find it!

What features are planned?

Many features are planned, but as plans change rapidly and decisively, there's no point in listing them on a wiki page. Shiptest's HackMD contains many possible features, but even these may be changed or even outright disregarded.

How do I join?

Download and install BYOND if you don't already have it, and then either go to this link in a browser, or input byond://join.shiptest.net:41372 in Dream Seeker. Note, the server is not always online, and is subject to being down for any amount of time.

Why isn't the server up 24/7?

We currently do not have a stable hosting environment, nor do we feel we have enough content to warrant having a server online 24/7. Furthermore, admin surveillance is required in order to facilitate healthy gameplay, as our server is not whitelisted.

Why isn't the question I asked on this page?

We can't answer everything on a static page, so please go to our discord and ask your question there.