Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown: Q Trials & Equinox DLC Reviewed + 11 Tips

TVS News AI, editorially supervised, presents Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown: Q Trials & Equinox DLC Reviewed + 11 Tips.

You thought the Voyager's journey home through the Delta Quadrant couldn't get any tougher? Wrong: With the free Q Trials update, the all-powerful Q now sends you through procedurally generated roguelite trials that really put your captain's skills to the test. Especially survival and roguelite fans who already love Star Trek get the perfect re-entry point here.

Daedalic Entertainment and Gamexcite expand Star Trek: Voyager – Across the Unknown with exactly the kind of challenge many players have been hoping for since release. The update brings a roguelite mode to PC, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S — and based on initial tests, makes the game significantly more varied. For those who want even more hardship, the paid Equinox DLC follows up with the research ship of the same name.

We've taken a close look at what Q Trials can really do, which modifiers change the game, and whether the Equinox DLC is worth it. Spoiler: After the re-review, the editorial verdict is significantly more positive than at launch.

Q Trials Review: What Can the New Roguelite Mode Do?

The promise sounds enticing: High replayability through procedural events and random sector objectives. Anyone embarking on the arduous journey home must now face the capricious trials of the all-powerful Q. After each section, Q grants a choice of three rewards for permanent progress — sounds almost too good to be true.

Across the Unknown is now more the game I had hoped for.

What really makes the mode special are the specific modifiers that change the feel of the game. Higher morale slows down ship upgrades, expanded quarters increase the risk of illness. So with every reward you have to weigh carefully whether you want the short-term advantage or long-term progress — pure power-gaming won't cut it.

Another highlight: The crew can be customized freely, and this is where it gets really interesting for series fans. Even Harry Kim, known in the series for never advancing past the rank of Ensign, can rise to Captain in Across the Unknown. Exactly how this works, the game keeps to itself — experimentation is worth it.

Equinox DLC: The Smaller Ship for Harder Runs

For those who don't find Q Trials grueling enough, the paid Equinox DLC lets you push further. The DLC unlocks the research ship of the same name as an alternative to the U.S.S. Voyager — and it's no comfortable stroll.

To shorten the journey home, Starfleet principles can be thrown overboard.

The smaller ship offers less space, a weaker warp drive, and demands extreme resource management. Those traveling with the Equinox must therefore play significantly more strategically than on the Voyager. In return, exclusive content awaits: Rudolph Ransom, Maxwell Burke, and Noah Lessing join the crew as three new characters, and in the questline »Spirits of Good Fortune« players encounter the Ankari.

Verdict: Is the Update Worth It?

Short answer: Yes. The free Q Trials update catapults Across the Unknown in the direction many fans wanted to see from the start. The roguelite mechanic fits the Delta Quadrant setting perfectly, because every journey plays out differently and Q provides the necessary dose of chaos.

The Equinox DLC is more for players who still haven't had enough after the main game and Q Trials. The tougher conditions aren't an end in themselves, but actually create new strategic depth. Those who felt under-challenged by the Voyager get the appropriate difficulty level here.

Our recommendation: Grab Q Trials for free, pick up Equinox on sale or — if you love Voyager dearly — go for it right away.

11 Tips for Q Trials and the Equinox DLC

1. Start with the Voyager

The Equinox is not a beginner's ship. If you're playing the roguelite mode for the first time, take the U.S.S. Voyager — it gives you more room to understand the mechanics at your own pace.

2. Understand the Modifiers

Higher morale slows down ship upgrades, expanded quarters increase the risk of illness. Every modifier is a trade-off — read carefully before you decide.

3. Choose Rewards Strategically

After each section, Q grants a choice of three rewards. Don't always take the obviously strongest one — in a roguelite, durability beats short-term power.

4. Customize Your Crew

The crew can be customized freely. Try unusual configurations, like Harry Kim as Captain — you'll be surprised what works.

5. Equinox: Plan Your Warp

The ship has a weaker warp drive. Before each leg, consider whether you really need the boost — fuel is scarce on the Equinox.

6. Extreme Resource Management

Less space, fewer resources. Store efficiently and part with things you don't need early — on the Equinox, every slot counts.

7. Spirits of Good Fortune First

The exclusive questline for the Equinox DLC leads you to the Ankari. Tackle this quest early on purpose — it unlocks resource options that will save your life later.

8. Deploy Ransom, Burke, and Lessing

The three new characters have their own strengths. Test who works best in which crew position before settling on a standard lineup.

9. Don't Provoke Q

Q is capricious. If you fail a trial, consider whether the mode was in an unfavorable state — and try again rather than playing on in anger.

10. Break Starfleet Principles Deliberately

To shorten the journey home, you can throw Starfleet principles overboard. Only do this if you know the consequences — your crew's morale reacts sensitively.

11. Play Multiple Times

Procedural events and random sector objectives ensure high replayability. A single journey only shows you a fraction of what the game has to offer.

Added Value for You

Want to dive deeper into the Star Trek universe or looking for more game reviews, roguelite recommendations, and DLC roundups? In our overview you'll find related articles to read next. Good luck on your journey home through the Delta Quadrant!