Great thread. I picked up an Assault Cruiser last night and outfitted it with blues (4 phaser array, 2 dual beam array and 2 quantum torps) along with my Aegis set and assorted consoles.
I took it for a quick spin and it was great! Just wade into a pack of enemies and let loose. Keep circling around the outside and tun in (or away) for finishing shots.
Great thread. I picked up an Assault Cruiser last night and outfitted it with blues (4 phaser array, 2 dual beam array and 2 quantum torps) along with my Aegis set and assorted consoles.
I took it for a quick spin and it was great! Just wade into a pack of enemies and let loose. Keep circling around the outside and tun in (or away) for finishing shots.
TONS of fun.
You might consider 8 beams instead. Otherwise you're losing out on dps because you're spliting your time between fore/aft weapons and braodside weapons. So basically you're never firing all your weapons. Where as 8 beams you can have all your weapons firing all the time.
You might consider 8 beams instead. Otherwise you're losing out on dps because you're spliting your time between fore/aft weapons and braodside weapons. So basically you're never firing all your weapons. Where as 8 beams you can have all your weapons firing all the time.
unless I'm misunderstanding the above example, that's not *entirely* true - even in a tricked out beam boat, you only have two 70 degree arcs (starboard and port) in which all 8 of your beams will be able to track - otherwise, you're at 4 beams that can track a single target IF it manages to get outside your side 70 degree arc (excepting Fire at Will, in which case all 8 of your beams will fire willy nilly at whatever they can hit)
the reason many people prefer the beam boats, is that, no matter where your target is, you've *always* got at least 4 beams on that target, and 140 degrees of 8-beam coverage (but only 70 degrees at a time) - plus, for whatever reason, keeping a target in your side arcs tends to be easier than keeping an enemy in your front arc - *especially* for cruisers
so, I've been following this thread for quite awhile - I want to thank everyone for their contributions so far...
So, while watching this thread and several others, I've done some experimentation with the cruisers I can get my hands on so far, and here's what I've learned, and what I'm still having questions about, and ideas for the future
#1 - presumably, there may be some new ships coming out as of the 15th - people are talking about it, but I've missed whatever "official" posts may have mentioned it - so it's possible it's all a filthy rumor - if it isn't, there may be more options and answers coming out soon
#2 - Assault Cruiser - My Assault Cruiser is currently my experimental cannon boat - i'm currently playing with the somewhat popular 3 cannon/quantum forward, 3 turret/quantum rear setup, and the results have been reasonable. The AC has much better approach damage (that is, the damage I do while approaching my target from head on) without doubt - the follow up requires some variations in skills and tactics to keep that forward facing. The 180 degree arc for cannons is fairly generous, however, and the proc rate on CRF and turrets/cannons in general *seems* to be considerably higher (i'm using phasers, and I'm observing what *seems* to be far more system shutdowns with cannons than with beams, although it's quite possible its just my imagination, or coincidental uptick in system shutdown procs)
I'm even more excited about the idea with the excel refit, which is my next idea - I'm interested in the improved Excel-refit manueverability, tied with the already agreeable cannon outgoing dps, and maybe some enemy lockdown skills (although the engineer loadout of BOFF stations on the excel is really, REALLY inconvenient)
#3 - The Odyssey - I'm reasonably proud to say that I've developed a reasonably survivable heavy tank build - I've taken my Odyssey into pvp (where I often find the most glaring weaknesses of your build will come to light), and I can tank 1v1 and 2v1 rather impressively, and even hold my own rather admirably, for a considerable time, 3v1 - obviously, at 4 and 5v1, I don't have any expectations of living long
high end escorts, of course, still prove to be a significant problem, but some of that is inevitable, and some of that still requires some more development of my own piloting skills.
but whats bothering me with my odyssey/beam boat cruiser build, is the fact that most dedicated PVP'ers seem to put out FAR MORE DAMAGE than I am - I can *take* almost as much damage as they can, but they're still winning, because I can't seem to do the kinds of damage that they're doing. And I'm having a hard time figuring out what it is I'm missing - they've got the same BOFF stations i've got, and the same choices - mostly FAW1 or 2, TT1, and BO1 or 2
my weapons are *slightly* substandard, at least #'s - wise (i'm using 3 of the retrofit phasers, 2 of the mark XI borg phaser arrays, and one mark 10 or 11 purple) but not *that* substandard - I see a lot of the high end users using the anti-proton beams, and i'm sure the crit procs are helping to a certain degree...
I've also got *decent* cruiser gear - 3 of the borg retro set (engines, deflector, univ console) and the Aegis Shield (I know many people seem to prefer the maco, but I'm still a ways away from the mark xi shield, and a long way from the mark xii) I've got full aegis set, if folks think thats superior to the borg stuff, but the general consensus seems to be borgish and maco.
if someone knows something about the nature of weaponry that I'm missing, I'd love some advice - otherwise, I'll muddle through as I am
so anyway, the odyssey has turned out to be a very survivable tank, at least with what I've tested so far (I've avoided testing elite STF's, as I know some people can be very...touchy...about unprepared participation), the cannon build is slightly more agreeable to me, but presents certain...re-evaluations of maneuvering and boff skills to complement the weaknesses of being in a cruiser, and I'm still waiting to test out some dedicated beam boat variants if I can figure out what key component of outgoing beam damage I seem to be missing
still watching this thread - always curious to see what you folks come up with next, and thank you for all the useful and polite contributions so far
unless I'm misunderstanding the above example, that's not *entirely* true - even in a tricked out beam boat, you only have two 70 degree arcs (starboard and port) in which all 8 of your beams will be able to track - otherwise, you're at 4 beams that can track a single target IF it manages to get outside your side 70 degree arc (excepting Fire at Will, in which case all 8 of your beams will fire willy nilly at whatever they can hit)
the reason many people prefer the beam boats, is that, no matter where your target is, you've *always* got at least 4 beams on that target, and 140 degrees of 8-beam coverage (but only 70 degrees at a time) - plus, for whatever reason, keeping a target in your side arcs tends to be easier than keeping an enemy in your front arc - *especially* for cruisers
Well I didn't mean that all your weapons can all fire 100% of the time. But with 8 beams you generall have a much easier time getting that broadside. Because if you think about it, the beams have a 70 deg on each side (left and right), and the cannons have a 90 deg on each side. The difference isn't that big, and in a slow moving cruiser it's probably easier to fly in a big circle for the broadside than it is to aim your nose at something.
but whats bothering me with my odyssey/beam boat cruiser build, is the fact that most dedicated PVP'ers seem to put out FAR MORE DAMAGE than I am - I can *take* almost as much damage as they can, but they're still winning, because I can't seem to do the kinds of damage that they're doing. And I'm having a hard time figuring out what it is I'm missing - they've got the same BOFF stations i've got, and the same choices - mostly FAW1 or 2, TT1, and BO1 or 2
if someone knows something about the nature of weaponry that I'm missing, I'd love some advice - otherwise, I'll muddle through as I am
1. Odyssey will not put put as much damage due to only 2 tac consoles (New versions next week might though)
2. 8 beams, Faw 1 X2 beta 1 on an assualt cruisers, or FAW1 FAW2 and beta 2 on an Excelsior, make sure to run 2x copies of EPTW and EPTS
#2 - Assault Cruiser - My Assault Cruiser is currently my experimental cannon boat - i'm currently playing with the somewhat popular 3 cannon/quantum forward, 3 turret/quantum rear setup, and the results have been reasonable. The AC has much better approach damage (that is, the damage I do while approaching my target from head on) without doubt - the follow up requires some variations in skills and tactics to keep that forward facing. The 180 degree arc for cannons is fairly generous, however, and the proc rate on CRF and turrets/cannons in general *seems* to be considerably higher (i'm using phasers, and I'm observing what *seems* to be far more system shutdowns with cannons than with beams, although it's quite possible its just my imagination, or coincidental uptick in system shutdown procs)
If anything I would use a tricobalt as the aft torp. The disable helps with escorts on you your TRIBBLE$. As far as procs, if I'm not mistaken it is 2.5% per pulse, so each shot has a chance to proc. So with CRF you get 10 (12?) chances vs the 5 with BFaW.
but whats bothering me with my odyssey/beam boat cruiser build, is the fact that most dedicated PVP'ers seem to put out FAR MORE DAMAGE than I am - I can *take* almost as much damage as they can, but they're still winning, because I can't seem to do the kinds of damage that they're doing. And I'm having a hard time figuring out what it is I'm missing - they've got the same BOFF stations i've got, and the same choices - mostly FAW1 or 2, TT1, and BO1 or 2
This is likely due to your gear plain and simple. Dedicated pvpers use mk12 [acc]x3 weapons, which is by far more powerful than what you're using.
my weapons are *slightly* substandard, at least #'s - wise (i'm using 3 of the retrofit phasers, 2 of the mark XI borg phaser arrays, and one mark 10 or 11 purple) but not *that* substandard - I see a lot of the high end users using the anti-proton beams, and i'm sure the crit procs are helping to a certain degree...
I've also got *decent* cruiser gear - 3 of the borg retro set (engines, deflector, univ console) and the Aegis Shield (I know many people seem to prefer the maco, but I'm still a ways away from the mark xi shield, and a long way from the mark xii) I've got full aegis set, if folks think thats superior to the borg stuff, but the general consensus seems to be borgish and maco.
You should at least aim for mk12 borg weapons, as well as mk12 maco shield. The 3 piece borg is actually good enough, as I use it also even though i have mk12 deflector/engine.
so anyway, the odyssey has turned out to be a very survivable tank, at least with what I've tested so far (I've avoided testing elite STF's, as I know some people can be very...touchy...about unprepared participation), the cannon build is slightly more agreeable to me, but presents certain...re-evaluations of maneuvering and boff skills to complement the weaknesses of being in a cruiser, and I'm still waiting to test out some dedicated beam boat variants if I can figure out what key component of outgoing beam damage I seem to be missing
Go do elites and pick up some new gear. You certainly can't do less damage than the people who are still shooting rainbows (3-4 different weapon types, mostly from questing).
We used to have a massive forum post all about cruisers that a great many of the group put in place. I will break it down in a simplistic forms
BEST DPS
1 - Excel (refit) and Gal (refit) are neck and neck. For a tac captain the Excel is a great choice
2 - Gal X (since its update barely edging out the Sovereign)
3 - Sovereign
4 - Star Cruiser
Best Survivor
1 - Star Cruiser
2 - Gal (refit)
3 - Sovereign/Gal X
4 - Excel (refit)
Now the oddessy is a odd horse... with that Universal LTC slot, this opens up the first true hybrid. You can change builds around for this and make it tac heavy and still have great heals.
Overall its the best hybride of the bunch.
What I fly? lol i am no helpth ere neighbor, I have them all and like them all.
Still for a tac heavy like you? AC, if you cant afford a Excel refit
the thing i see is that with an Odyssey you can change on the fly to match what you need. Need DPS? flip in a tac Boff with tt1 bol2 and hyt3 or a torpedo spread. need CC? drop in a science officer with tykins rift and gravity well. need survivability? drop in your engineer, and you have the warp plasma and aceton options.
at least in theory. my BF drives an soverign because he likes the extra sci slot for HE1
but with the turn rate, it's worthless unless the target is very slow
In pvp yes, the DHC is more or less pointless. In pve however, it works just fine because the borg doesn't really try to get out of your way, so keeping them in the firing arc isn't an issue.
1. Odyssey will not put put as much damage due to only 2 tac consoles (New versions next week might though)
2. 8 beams, Faw 1 X2 beta 1 on an assualt cruisers, or FAW1 FAW2 and beta 2 on an Excelsior, make sure to run 2x copies of EPTW and EPTS
3. BO sucks DEM sucks
4. I'll take bamboo as a tip for this advice
BO doesnt suck, especially if youre using it on an a one beam, rest cannon boat to have a heavy hitting energy weapon. DEM works great with cannons/turrets.
There are plenty of excellent ensign level BoFF skills that make higher level ships work well.
Hazard Emitters 1
Tac' Team/Science Team/Engi' team 1
Polarize Hull 1
Auxiliary to Inertial Dampers 1
Emergency power to weapons 1
High yield Torpedo 1
Beam Overload 1
Fire At Will 1
and many others.
Using these to supplement a ships already high level skills can add that extra "ooomph" to what a person is trying to do with that ship.
I will look into some of those...
Already using High Yield Torp, Tact Team, Eng Team, Sci Team... though some of them I am already using the Teir II versions of...
Recently, I've started going into the Enemy Contact Vortex's; as I ws too nervous to try them earlier in my lower levels... I fly around looking for targets and find other Players flying Cruisers and Science Vessels, trying to take on a fleet of 2 - 3 D'deridex's with maybe 4 Mogai's escorting them....
These Cruiser and Sci players are getting their hulls pounded to heck; I come and swoop in with my Defiant and its dual fore Cannons and dual Fore Torps... blast the hell out of the D'deridex within moments, then finish off the Mogai's and fly off to find another enemy group, only to discover that the other players are suddenly following me... with numerous instances where the Sci Vessels attempt to 'heal' my ship during combat...
Its put my little Defiant Escort into a new light for me...
Doesn't mean I still don't wanna try a Cruiser again...
But since Dilithium seems rather difficult to come buy, I'll probably either wait till i unlock the first Admiral Teir Cruisers, or buy the Galaxy Refit in the C-Store at some point...
Already using High Yield Torp, Tact Team, Eng Team, Sci Team... though some of them I am already using the Teir II versions of...
Recently, I've started going into the Enemy Contact Vortex's; as I ws too nervous to try them earlier in my lower levels... I fly around looking for targets and find other Players flying Cruisers and Science Vessels, trying to take on a fleet of 2 - 3 D'deridex's with maybe 4 Mogai's escorting them....
These Cruiser and Sci players are getting their hulls pounded to heck; I come and swoop in with my Defiant and its dual fore Cannons and dual Fore Torps... blast the hell out of the D'deridex within moments, then finish off the Mogai's and fly off to find another enemy group, only to discover that the other players are suddenly following me... with numerous instances where the Sci Vessels attempt to 'heal' my ship during combat...
Its put my little Defiant Escort into a new light for me...
Doesn't mean I still don't wanna try a Cruiser again...
But since Dilithium seems rather difficult to come buy, I'll probably either wait till i unlock the first Admiral Teir Cruisers, or buy the Galaxy Refit in the C-Store at some point...
Try different setups in the Tribble test server with some friends, thatll really help buy experice.
I launch the game, and thats the first thing that pops up, its the same screen as the first only the first is what it looks like after its finished running the patcher.
I enter my username, password... it runs a little patcher at the bottom of that screen, I click "engage" and it loads into the Game after I select which Character I want to play...
Yeah, that's the one I was thinking of. I went and checked after I posted, and I couldn't see any indication of being able to switch servers. So, never mind me then. XD
So, after much playing and many purchases, I have dropped my tetryon set in favor of phasers to boost synergy with the Lance of Dread. Best decision so far. Thanks Whamhammer and Cyrel for your help. Spot on advice. I now have a complete rig for both a cannon boat and a mostly dragon boat.
My only beef with the dread is the Boff layout, specifically the TAC officers. This ship should have a Tac Cmdr and Tac Lt. with the sci and eng slots remaining the same as current. The thing is nothing less than a war ship. It screams tactical in the same way the Thunderbolt A-10 Warthog should have been for the Marine Corps instead of the Air Farce.
All joking aside, really hope this could be changed some day.
So, after much playing and many purchases, I have dropped my tetryon set in favor of phasers to boost synergy with the Lance of Dread. Best decision so far. Thanks Whamhammer and Cyrel for your help. Spot on advice. I now have a complete rig for both a cannon boat and a mostly dragon boat.
My only beef with the dread is the Boff layout, specifically the TAC officers. This ship should have a Tac Cmdr and Tac Lt. with the sci and eng slots remaining the same as current. The thing is nothing less than a war ship. It screams tactical in the same way the Thunderbolt A-10 Warthog should have been for the Marine Corps instead of the Air Farce.
All joking aside, really hope this could be changed some day.
Youre welcome, but I'll argue the whole Marine/ A-10 topic, the A-10 wouldn't make sence for them, not really designed for carriers. Its more of an Army support plane, the Army's been trying to get that plane for a while now.
Youre welcome, but I'll argue the whole Marine/ A-10 topic, the A-10 wouldn't make sence for them, not really designed for carriers. Its more of an Army support plane, the Army's been trying to get that plane for a while now.
Before I joined the Marines we had this discussion. Carrier basing wasn't so much the problem as operating from short battlefield runways and higher support costs. It was equiped for aerial refueling so could still be gotten in theater without being carrier based and the original procurement plan had been for army and marine, but spent more time in Army reserve units than active duty. The army had it but it was religated to the reserves because other programs developed faster. The new "Harrier" VSTOL fit the
Marine role better. But for close heavy support, with the kind of payload the A10 can carry and the amazing loiter capability, IMO, it could have done well in either service. I sure would have liked to fly one.
TBH with you, it might have been a good idea to wait till 15th march and check out the new t5 varients.
They're overpriced imho. However - after playing my Dread and trying different loadouts ... I'm really starting to like it lol It's not as frantic to play as my escort or as simple as my beam boat. I went with dual phaser beam banks fore and vary my rear loadout. She does good dps and can survive the agro I get with FAW and the lance.
Quote:
Originally Posted by xentilla
Got my Dread ... kinda disappointed
1 Ensign and 1 Lieutenant Tac console
3 minute cooldown on Phaser Lance ... which really sux when it doesn't hit anything
I don't have it all geared up yet but i get the feeling I'll be playing my escort and Oddy more
They're overpriced imho. However - after playing my Dread and trying different loadouts ... I'm really starting to like it lol It's not as frantic to play as my escort or as simple as my beam boat. I went with dual phaser beam banks fore and vary my rear loadout. She does good dps and can survive the agro I get with FAW and the lance.
The dread really does need a better boff layout, but as a tac captain it is manageable with tactical initiative, which allows 3 full cycles of 15 sec ability CDs. It's not much, but it's better than nothing.
The phaser lance though really does such when it misses. That is why I would highly recommend maxing out you're starship accuracy skill if you haven't, and use a tractor/EjWP on your target, and make sure it actually stops before you shoot the lance.
Before I joined the Marines we had this discussion. Carrier basing wasn't so much the problem as operating from short battlefield runways and higher support costs. It was equiped for aerial refueling so could still be gotten in theater without being carrier based and the original procurement plan had been for army and marine, but spent more time in Army reserve units than active duty. The army had it but it was religated to the reserves because other programs developed faster. The new "Harrier" VSTOL fit the
Marine role better. But for close heavy support, with the kind of payload the A10 can carry and the amazing loiter capability, IMO, it could have done well in either service. I sure would have liked to fly one.
As far as the in flight refueling, that really doesn't work well with the design of the Corps, they work in tandem with the Navy, which use carriers in forward deployments. Would you really want Marine pilots having to fly those planes that long to redeploy them, and making them less ready for action?
The A-10 fits the Air Forces airbases and ground support for the Army very well. Plus once deployed, theres no reason the the zoomies couldn't lend support to Marine ground units. Despite the rivalry between branches, we all bleed red, white and blue.
The dread really does need a better boff layout, but as a tac captain it is manageable with tactical initiative, which allows 3 full cycles of 15 sec ability CDs. It's not much, but it's better than nothing.
The phaser lance though really does such when it misses. That is why I would highly recommend maxing out you're starship accuracy skill if you haven't, and use a tractor/EjWP on your target, and make sure it actually stops before you shoot the lance.
I'm maxed out in accuracy, and have tried the lance. It doesn't work well for me. It hits, but (for me) really doesnt do much more damage than a good Beam Overload 3 does.
As far as the in flight refueling, that really doesn't work well with the design of the Corps, they work in tandem with the Navy, which use carriers in forward deployments. Would you really want Marine pilots having to fly those planes that long to redeploy them, and making them less ready for action?
The A-10 fits the Air Forces airbases and ground support for the Army very well. Plus once deployed, theres no reason the the zoomies couldn't lend support to Marine ground units. Despite the rivalry between branches, we all bleed red, white and blue.
I do like the rivalry, hence my sig. but I prefer making the enemy bleed their colors instead of my fellow service members whatever their branch.
Back on topic. The only thing the dread needs is a Lt Cmdr Tac slot. That one more Boff Power would bring it all together, a galactic alignment would occur, and all would be well in the multiverse. Just saying...
I'm maxed out in accuracy, and have tried the lance. It doesn't work well for me. It hits, but (for me) really doesnt do much more damage than a good Beam Overload 3 does.
I would say if your a tact in the Galaxy X with all phaser tact consoels and you lance Acc as a trait your phaser lacne will miss a lot less also if you max the energy weapons crit dmg modifier on the skill tree you can crit as high as 75k + there is video of this from the 12th fleet they have a member who has proven a Galaxy can be a nasty ship of war if setup correctly. go to YouTube and type in 12 fleet and you will see
I do like the rivalry, hence my sig. but I prefer making the enemy bleed their colors instead of my fellow service members whatever their branch.
Back on topic. The only thing the dread needs is a Lt Cmdr Tac slot. That one more Boff Power would bring it all together, a galactic alignment would occur, and all would be well in the multiverse. Just saying...
I agree that the DN does need more, but a LT. CMDR tac station may be too much, thats the claim of fame for the Excel'. Possibly two LT. Tac stations could be better.
Comments
I took it for a quick spin and it was great! Just wade into a pack of enemies and let loose. Keep circling around the outside and tun in (or away) for finishing shots.
TONS of fun.
You might consider 8 beams instead. Otherwise you're losing out on dps because you're spliting your time between fore/aft weapons and braodside weapons. So basically you're never firing all your weapons. Where as 8 beams you can have all your weapons firing all the time.
unless I'm misunderstanding the above example, that's not *entirely* true - even in a tricked out beam boat, you only have two 70 degree arcs (starboard and port) in which all 8 of your beams will be able to track - otherwise, you're at 4 beams that can track a single target IF it manages to get outside your side 70 degree arc (excepting Fire at Will, in which case all 8 of your beams will fire willy nilly at whatever they can hit)
the reason many people prefer the beam boats, is that, no matter where your target is, you've *always* got at least 4 beams on that target, and 140 degrees of 8-beam coverage (but only 70 degrees at a time) - plus, for whatever reason, keeping a target in your side arcs tends to be easier than keeping an enemy in your front arc - *especially* for cruisers
So, while watching this thread and several others, I've done some experimentation with the cruisers I can get my hands on so far, and here's what I've learned, and what I'm still having questions about, and ideas for the future
#1 - presumably, there may be some new ships coming out as of the 15th - people are talking about it, but I've missed whatever "official" posts may have mentioned it - so it's possible it's all a filthy rumor - if it isn't, there may be more options and answers coming out soon
#2 - Assault Cruiser - My Assault Cruiser is currently my experimental cannon boat - i'm currently playing with the somewhat popular 3 cannon/quantum forward, 3 turret/quantum rear setup, and the results have been reasonable. The AC has much better approach damage (that is, the damage I do while approaching my target from head on) without doubt - the follow up requires some variations in skills and tactics to keep that forward facing. The 180 degree arc for cannons is fairly generous, however, and the proc rate on CRF and turrets/cannons in general *seems* to be considerably higher (i'm using phasers, and I'm observing what *seems* to be far more system shutdowns with cannons than with beams, although it's quite possible its just my imagination, or coincidental uptick in system shutdown procs)
I'm even more excited about the idea with the excel refit, which is my next idea - I'm interested in the improved Excel-refit manueverability, tied with the already agreeable cannon outgoing dps, and maybe some enemy lockdown skills (although the engineer loadout of BOFF stations on the excel is really, REALLY inconvenient)
#3 - The Odyssey - I'm reasonably proud to say that I've developed a reasonably survivable heavy tank build - I've taken my Odyssey into pvp (where I often find the most glaring weaknesses of your build will come to light), and I can tank 1v1 and 2v1 rather impressively, and even hold my own rather admirably, for a considerable time, 3v1 - obviously, at 4 and 5v1, I don't have any expectations of living long
high end escorts, of course, still prove to be a significant problem, but some of that is inevitable, and some of that still requires some more development of my own piloting skills.
but whats bothering me with my odyssey/beam boat cruiser build, is the fact that most dedicated PVP'ers seem to put out FAR MORE DAMAGE than I am - I can *take* almost as much damage as they can, but they're still winning, because I can't seem to do the kinds of damage that they're doing. And I'm having a hard time figuring out what it is I'm missing - they've got the same BOFF stations i've got, and the same choices - mostly FAW1 or 2, TT1, and BO1 or 2
my weapons are *slightly* substandard, at least #'s - wise (i'm using 3 of the retrofit phasers, 2 of the mark XI borg phaser arrays, and one mark 10 or 11 purple) but not *that* substandard - I see a lot of the high end users using the anti-proton beams, and i'm sure the crit procs are helping to a certain degree...
I've also got *decent* cruiser gear - 3 of the borg retro set (engines, deflector, univ console) and the Aegis Shield (I know many people seem to prefer the maco, but I'm still a ways away from the mark xi shield, and a long way from the mark xii) I've got full aegis set, if folks think thats superior to the borg stuff, but the general consensus seems to be borgish and maco.
if someone knows something about the nature of weaponry that I'm missing, I'd love some advice - otherwise, I'll muddle through as I am
so anyway, the odyssey has turned out to be a very survivable tank, at least with what I've tested so far (I've avoided testing elite STF's, as I know some people can be very...touchy...about unprepared participation), the cannon build is slightly more agreeable to me, but presents certain...re-evaluations of maneuvering and boff skills to complement the weaknesses of being in a cruiser, and I'm still waiting to test out some dedicated beam boat variants if I can figure out what key component of outgoing beam damage I seem to be missing
still watching this thread - always curious to see what you folks come up with next, and thank you for all the useful and polite contributions so far
Well I didn't mean that all your weapons can all fire 100% of the time. But with 8 beams you generall have a much easier time getting that broadside. Because if you think about it, the beams have a 70 deg on each side (left and right), and the cannons have a 90 deg on each side. The difference isn't that big, and in a slow moving cruiser it's probably easier to fly in a big circle for the broadside than it is to aim your nose at something.
1. Odyssey will not put put as much damage due to only 2 tac consoles (New versions next week might though)
2. 8 beams, Faw 1 X2 beta 1 on an assualt cruisers, or FAW1 FAW2 and beta 2 on an Excelsior, make sure to run 2x copies of EPTW and EPTS
3. BO sucks DEM sucks
4. I'll take bamboo as a tip for this advice
If anything I would use a tricobalt as the aft torp. The disable helps with escorts on you your TRIBBLE$. As far as procs, if I'm not mistaken it is 2.5% per pulse, so each shot has a chance to proc. So with CRF you get 10 (12?) chances vs the 5 with BFaW.
This is likely due to your gear plain and simple. Dedicated pvpers use mk12 [acc]x3 weapons, which is by far more powerful than what you're using.
You should at least aim for mk12 borg weapons, as well as mk12 maco shield. The 3 piece borg is actually good enough, as I use it also even though i have mk12 deflector/engine.
Go do elites and pick up some new gear. You certainly can't do less damage than the people who are still shooting rainbows (3-4 different weapon types, mostly from questing).
the thing i see is that with an Odyssey you can change on the fly to match what you need. Need DPS? flip in a tac Boff with tt1 bol2 and hyt3 or a torpedo spread. need CC? drop in a science officer with tykins rift and gravity well. need survivability? drop in your engineer, and you have the warp plasma and aceton options.
at least in theory. my BF drives an soverign because he likes the extra sci slot for HE1
but with the turn rate, it's worthless unless the target is very slow
In pvp yes, the DHC is more or less pointless. In pve however, it works just fine because the borg doesn't really try to get out of your way, so keeping them in the firing arc isn't an issue.
BO doesnt suck, especially if youre using it on an a one beam, rest cannon boat to have a heavy hitting energy weapon. DEM works great with cannons/turrets.
I will look into some of those...
Already using High Yield Torp, Tact Team, Eng Team, Sci Team... though some of them I am already using the Teir II versions of...
Recently, I've started going into the Enemy Contact Vortex's; as I ws too nervous to try them earlier in my lower levels... I fly around looking for targets and find other Players flying Cruisers and Science Vessels, trying to take on a fleet of 2 - 3 D'deridex's with maybe 4 Mogai's escorting them....
These Cruiser and Sci players are getting their hulls pounded to heck; I come and swoop in with my Defiant and its dual fore Cannons and dual Fore Torps... blast the hell out of the D'deridex within moments, then finish off the Mogai's and fly off to find another enemy group, only to discover that the other players are suddenly following me... with numerous instances where the Sci Vessels attempt to 'heal' my ship during combat...
Its put my little Defiant Escort into a new light for me...
Doesn't mean I still don't wanna try a Cruiser again...
But since Dilithium seems rather difficult to come buy, I'll probably either wait till i unlock the first Admiral Teir Cruisers, or buy the Galaxy Refit in the C-Store at some point...
Try different setups in the Tribble test server with some friends, thatll really help buy experice.
Ok now... how does one access different Servers?
I read somewhere once, that there is an option at Login.... but I've never seen one!
When you get to the login screen (that you see the game uploading updates) and chpoose the different servers.
I don't have that option on that screen?
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/8051/stologin.jpg
Or... is that some subscriber only option? O.o
Uhm...
I don't have any screen before that...
http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/7985/stologin2.jpg
I launch the game, and thats the first thing that pops up, its the same screen as the first only the first is what it looks like after its finished running the patcher.
I enter my username, password... it runs a little patcher at the bottom of that screen, I click "engage" and it loads into the Game after I select which Character I want to play...
My only beef with the dread is the Boff layout, specifically the TAC officers. This ship should have a Tac Cmdr and Tac Lt. with the sci and eng slots remaining the same as current. The thing is nothing less than a war ship. It screams tactical in the same way the Thunderbolt A-10 Warthog should have been for the Marine Corps instead of the Air Farce.
All joking aside, really hope this could be changed some day.
Youre welcome, but I'll argue the whole Marine/ A-10 topic, the A-10 wouldn't make sence for them, not really designed for carriers. Its more of an Army support plane, the Army's been trying to get that plane for a while now.
Before I joined the Marines we had this discussion. Carrier basing wasn't so much the problem as operating from short battlefield runways and higher support costs. It was equiped for aerial refueling so could still be gotten in theater without being carrier based and the original procurement plan had been for army and marine, but spent more time in Army reserve units than active duty. The army had it but it was religated to the reserves because other programs developed faster. The new "Harrier" VSTOL fit the
Marine role better. But for close heavy support, with the kind of payload the A10 can carry and the amazing loiter capability, IMO, it could have done well in either service. I sure would have liked to fly one.
Originally Posted by xentilla
Got my Dread ... kinda disappointed
1 Ensign and 1 Lieutenant Tac console
3 minute cooldown on Phaser Lance ... which really sux when it doesn't hit anything
I don't have it all geared up yet but i get the feeling I'll be playing my escort and Oddy more
They're overpriced imho. However - after playing my Dread and trying different loadouts ... I'm really starting to like it lol
The dread really does need a better boff layout, but as a tac captain it is manageable with tactical initiative, which allows 3 full cycles of 15 sec ability CDs. It's not much, but it's better than nothing.
The phaser lance though really does such when it misses. That is why I would highly recommend maxing out you're starship accuracy skill if you haven't, and use a tractor/EjWP on your target, and make sure it actually stops before you shoot the lance.
As far as the in flight refueling, that really doesn't work well with the design of the Corps, they work in tandem with the Navy, which use carriers in forward deployments. Would you really want Marine pilots having to fly those planes that long to redeploy them, and making them less ready for action?
The A-10 fits the Air Forces airbases and ground support for the Army very well. Plus once deployed, theres no reason the the zoomies couldn't lend support to Marine ground units. Despite the rivalry between branches, we all bleed red, white and blue.
I'm maxed out in accuracy, and have tried the lance. It doesn't work well for me. It hits, but (for me) really doesnt do much more damage than a good Beam Overload 3 does.
I do like the rivalry, hence my sig.
Back on topic. The only thing the dread needs is a Lt Cmdr Tac slot. That one more Boff Power would bring it all together, a galactic alignment would occur, and all would be well in the multiverse. Just saying...
I would say if your a tact in the Galaxy X with all phaser tact consoels and you lance Acc as a trait your phaser lacne will miss a lot less also if you max the energy weapons crit dmg modifier on the skill tree you can crit as high as 75k + there is video of this from the 12th fleet they have a member who has proven a Galaxy can be a nasty ship of war if setup correctly. go to YouTube and type in 12 fleet and you will see
I agree that the DN does need more, but a LT. CMDR tac station may be too much, thats the claim of fame for the Excel'. Possibly two LT. Tac stations could be better.