Play begins at Starfleet Academy, where players complete three games before graduating and gaining access to the quadrants. The special rules for play in Starfleet Academy are found on the player insignia, and these matches can take place wherever players choose.
Once graduated, players are free to find matches in any of the four quadrants, in any order, at their own pace. Every three matches completed in a quadrant earns a rank pip—represented by a sticker from the supplied roll, applied to the player's insignia—marking their promotion up the ranks of Starfleet. At these promotions, players also have the option to purchase an additional booster pack to grow their card pool.
Once a player has accumulated 15 signatures on their insignia—three from Starfleet Academy, plus three from each of the four quadrants—they've reached the rank of Captain.