Star Trekhas cemented itself over years as one of the cornerstones of science fiction in popular culture. New iterations into the franchise only add to its legacy. Alongside some incredible technology,some of which even changed the course of science today. The franchise’s world-building is vibrant, and draws fans into the science fiction world.
The franchise features a plethora of wild and wacky aliens, all with their own unique designs, cultures, personalities, and beliefs. Some of these have been around as established space powers for longer than others. TheVulcans, for example, had a firm grasp over the galaxybefore humans even managed to developwarp power. But of all these species that flesh out theStar Trekuniverse, who are the most advanced?
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Godlike Powers
The first race that come to mind arethe Q.This race of near omnipotent space ‘gods’seem to have near limitless powers. They have been around and have evolved for centuries, their culture and way of life reaching the final stages of what’s possible. As the reoccurring face of the Q states, it makes for a very boring existence. The Q continuum barely even talk anymore, every conversation and word having been uttered a million times already. They possess incredible power, able to snap their fingers and wipe out entire universes. They can change the timeline at will and manipulate time and space like it means nothing. They pose an interesting question, however, about what the term ‘advanced’ actually means. While they arguably far ahead in their physical, mental, and technological development, they are arguably so advanced they exist entirely on another plane. Their presence within the world ofStar Trekoften amounts to fleeting journeys (often to teach or torment Picard), and they are thus hard to compare to other species within the grounded universe.
TheDouwd, on the other hand, are a species that exists in the moment. They still exist on the same plane of existence as the rest, but they pose another problem with defining advancement. They are, excluding the Q, the most powerful of all species shown in the franchise. However, this does not equate to advancement, due to their on-screen inability to control their power. Being an advanced race suggests an ability to use and understand the intricate and complex inner workings of the power they harness. The Douwd are more akin to a normal human from the 21st century being given the powers of a god. What they can do with the power is immense, but it doesn’t on its own denote advancement. The Douwd that audiences meet is able to wipe out an entire race of beings with just a thought, but likely unable to recite this later, unable to fully control his power.
The Douwd and the Q showStar Trek’s ability to create god-like beings with powers akin to magic. Potentially more interesting, though, is the portrayal of races that have developed advanced technology. Gadgets and gizmos that define the sci-fi genre are at the heart of the franchise.
Advanced Technology
One race of beings who show the trajectory of how far technology can be taken are the mysterious Breen. They were first introduced inTNGas somewhat of a writer’s joke, mentioned multiple times but never shown on screen. This all changed whenDS9came along, and audiences got their first glimpse of these masked beings. They are aggressive and isolationist, never mixing with other cultures by choice unless it’s to attack them. Their joiningthe Founders in the Dominion warwas uncharacteristic, although they conducted themselves true to form: ruthlessly.
The Breen are some of the galaxy’s most formidable warriors, and the fact they are shrouded in a thick veil of mystery only adds to the fear they conjure up in others. Nothing is known about their home world or even what they look like under their armor. All that is widely known is that they possess technology that can disable any ship with ease. Their shields and weapons are so advanced that nothing can stand a chance.The mighty Klingon empire, a race known for their battle power and their tact in war, couldn’t even defeat them. They sent an entire fleet of ships into their territory only to have none of them return. There was not even a single transmission to inform others of their fate.
The Slavers are an honorable mention, as they originate outside official canon. It’s hard to talk about an advanced race that is long extinct, as the Slaver empire existed about a billion years ago. First mentioned inThe Animated Series, it’s revealed that they were so advanced they had conquered the entire galaxy in a war ended up eradicating literally all life in the universe, even down to the smallest of microbes. Their power was so advanced that life had to re-evolve to get to where it is today. The only trace of their existence was stasis boxes containing clues and artifacts, one of which Kirk and his crew discover. Inside is a small, handheld weapon that contains incredible power despite its size. Sulu causes an explosion upon firing, and Spock says that it is more powerful than any weapon known to the Federation. It’s a staggering statement considering how small the weapon was,akin to a phaser. The technology contained within it far surpassed anything shown previously and since in theStar Trekuniverse.
