[Kantazo]

I have seen in the STO main forum a lot of argument against using ARC, but the only two options I have seen is 1 to use Steam and 2 a one kind convoluted form of several steps to avoid using ARC.

What is the best option? Use ARC? Download STO from Steam or the convoluted one? what is your suggestion?

Right now I have the ARC version but I am worried about spyware.

[Stryker]

I don't have ARC, and don't plan to get ARC unless I really have to. Besides ARC just came out recently so its bound to have bugs and limited titles. I use Steam and Origin with hundreds of titles on my Steam and some on my Origin. They're the two most stable platforms I rely on. Special note, Steam was first among all others so it's the most dependable next to Origin because they have live tech support in their browser which I like and has helped me before in the past with game issues. Just my opinion though. I run STO via stand-alone application even though it was originally downloaded through Steam.

[Kantazo]

I am thinking about doing that going with Steam, I have an account with them, I have never used.

[Dark]

Most people (myself included) hate the very idea of ARC, or EA's Origin, or Window's GFWL (which is thankfully dying). They're additional third-party things that we're forced to have on our computers so they can shill more junk at us, in addition to occasionally serving as a layer of DRM. They're also only good for PWI, EA, and MS games, respectively.

Steam is also a third-party DRM thing, but at least it's better developed, more stable, and less prone to screwing us over. Valve also constantly holds ridiculous discounts on products in the extensive Steam library which includes PWI, EA, and MS games.

Which is why ARC, Origin, and GFWL can go to hell, but many of us like Steam. I have over a thousand dollars of games accumulated over time on Steam, many at 75% or higher discounts. Steam all the way!

[Cehus]

I recall reading that arc has built in software that can sift through your computer's files. Knowing that, I'd prefer Steam..

[CallMeTheRev]

I use Steam mostly, and also Origin. I like Steam, it's solid easy to use and you can beat the sales.

[Ashley]

Steam, reasons well what has been stated above
Even then though im still not the biggest fan of steam either as it just ruins CoD

[Niikama]

Steam. But I am generally against these kinds of things.

[Solace]

I have used ARC previously to play STO believing it to be better for running STO. But the truth is ARC seems very resource intensive compared to steam, I'm sure they will find a way to solve it, best bet would to stick to steam for the time being.

[capt_w]

My Steam is far superior to ARC in every aspect

[Noram]

Might consider bypassing either and trying this

[Kaladin]

I installed via ARC (should have just pulled out my discs) and I've noticed that if I try to launch either this or Neverwinter, I get to the login screen, put in my details, hit login, and it just sits there. If I go into the game directory and launch via the patcher there, it works fine. I was already NOT a fan of ARC, and that just made it worse for me.

[Three of Seven]

The majority of games I play are on Steam and I can also bother chat to people over the Steam chat easier, so really it's more a thing of convenience.

[wat]

arc is not done yet. said so in the dev blog a few weeks back. i'd prefer not having to go through arc but its not the end of the world if i have to go through it. and software that sifts through files? steam has that as well, try one of their surveys and you'll get a list of all programs installed on your computer

[Kantazo]

I found a way to bypass arc, just go to the folders where the game is installed and create a shortcut for the exe file and voila arc is sleeping.