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Using the Phaser Lance Effectively

dashuk2381dashuk2381 Member Posts: 230 Arc User
edited August 2012 in Federation Discussion
I sometimes use the Gal-X as one of my end game ships for STFs, mainly a tanking build beam-boat set up with Fire at Will and Tac Team/Attack Pattern Beta, which I use to keep everything occupied so the team can take out the objectives with little worry about the Borg ships.

The Phaser Lance baffles me quite honestly, I see all these posts claiming insane damage and one-shotting ships when the shields are down, but to me it just doesn't seem all that effective. When I am firing it off the opposing ship is normally at half hull-hp, shield facing is down completely and I try to pop a weapons battery prior to the shot. I'm still only seeing damage around 6-7k per blast with crits sometimes 10-11k, but I am not "one shoting" or normally destroying my target even if it is at 50% hull with shields down.

As far as I know EPTW doesn't effect the damage dealt by the lance and neither does beam overload, but I think the Phaser Relay consoles do. Any tips for boosting the damage or systems to spec into with skill points?
Post edited by dashuk2381 on

Comments

  • areikou#8990 areikou Member Posts: 0 Arc User
    edited August 2012
    The one shots come from tactical characters using all of the tactical buffs available while debuffing the resistance of the mob.

    The phaser lance IS affected by weapon power, 125 weapon power will yield a far higher damage output of the lance than say, 75.

    There are other factors to use as well, such as the cloak, DEM, and a few others.

    So yes, you can one shot players with the lance, possibly a lot in STFs, but you have to use a lot of buffs/debuffs to do it. Hakaishin's dreadnought build details what it takes to one shot with the dreadnought.

    http://sto-forum.perfectworld.com/showthread.php?t=285491
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
    [Unrepentant] Lapo@overlapo: the problem with space STF
    is that you can't properly teabag your defeated opponent

    Unrepentant: Home of the Rainbow Warrior and the Rainbow Brigade.
  • dashuk2381dashuk2381 Member Posts: 230 Arc User
    edited August 2012
    I guess as an Engineering captain it will just be useful as a nice little burst damage tool and that's all. Honestly I am probably better off in my Assault Cruiser since I seem to have the same survivability and can get comparable DPS to the lance with my high yield Quantums on both ends which are available to fire more often w/o the energy drain.
  • baudlbaudl Member Posts: 4,060 Arc User
    edited August 2012
    dashuk2381 wrote: »
    I guess as an Engineering captain it will just be useful as a nice little burst damage tool and that's all. Honestly I am probably better off in my Assault Cruiser since I seem to have the same survivability and can get comparable DPS to the lance with my high yield Quantums on both ends which are available to fire more often w/o the energy drain.

    to be honest...the dreadnought is an assault cruiser + lance. So effectively you get a burst dmg ability for free in a dread while having everything the assault cruiser has.
    ergo...dread>AC if looked at dmg output if used with same setup...but only slightly.
    Go pro or go home
  • lianthelialianthelia Member Posts: 7,921 Arc User
    edited August 2012
    baudl wrote: »
    to be honest...the dreadnought is an assault cruiser + lance. So effectively you get a burst dmg ability for free in a dread while having everything the assault cruiser has.
    ergo...dread>AC if looked at dmg output if used with same setup...but only slightly.

    Now with the fleet assault cruiser being available some day...I would say AC>Dread.

    Four tac consoles and the lt cmdr tac boff will make much more of a punch than the phaser lance.
  • dashuk2381dashuk2381 Member Posts: 230 Arc User
    edited August 2012
    baudl wrote: »
    to be honest...the dreadnought is an assault cruiser + lance. So effectively you get a burst dmg ability for free in a dread while having everything the assault cruiser has.
    ergo...dread>AC if looked at dmg output if used with same setup...but only slightly.

    I see, though I honestly feel more effective in STFs when using the AC, it seems I can still hold aggro just as well, my shields stay up and I can still tank effectively while getting a bit more DPS from Quantums and spread/HY BOFF powers then i do even with the Lance due to the long recharge on it. Just really trying to tweak the Gal-X to see what else I can get out of it because I do enjoy using it to switch things up a bit.
  • lianthelialianthelia Member Posts: 7,921 Arc User
    edited August 2012
    I wish they would finally just allow the Dread to use the saucer separation...would be a cool addition and might help make up for being left behind from not getting a fleet treatment.

    Though would also be nice if it had a lt cmdr tac boff slot!
  • dknight0001dknight0001 Member Posts: 1,542
    edited August 2012
    lianthelia wrote: »
    Now with the fleet assault cruiser being available some day...I would say AC>Dread.

    Four tac consoles and the lt cmdr tac boff will make much more of a punch than the phaser lance.

    Since the Fleet Assault Cruiser was pulled from the game, I don't think it will have the same layout as it's short lived glimpse did. Could be wrong but. I think the best option for a Fleet version of the Assault Cruiser is go to a Carrier style BOFF layout combining the Tac Ens and Lt into a Lt.Com.
    lianthelia wrote: »
    I wish they would finally just allow the Dread to use the saucer separation...would be a cool addition and might help make up for being left behind from not getting a fleet treatment.

    Though would also be nice if it had a lt cmdr tac boff slot!

    I can understand why people want it, but I never really liked the idea personally as part of putting the Lance on the Galaxy involved permanently disabling Saucer Separation. Also possibly because CBS said no to it. Come on the Galaxy pack with the proper TNG bridge, Gal-R, Gal-X, Venture costume and AMS would have sold like hotcakes why else would they have canned it?
    I was once DKnight1000, apparently I had taken my own name so now I'm DKnight0001. :confused:
    If I ask you a question it is not an insult but a genuine attempt to understand why.
    When I insult you I won't be discreet about it, I will be precise and to the point stupid.
  • hakaishinlegionhakaishinlegion Member Posts: 2 Arc User
    edited August 2012
    Since the Fleet Assault Cruiser was pulled from the game, I don't think it will have the same layout as it's short lived glimpse did. Could be wrong but. I think the best option for a Fleet version of the Assault Cruiser is go to a Carrier style BOFF layout combining the Tac Ens and Lt into a Lt.Com.



    I can understand why people want it, but I never really liked the idea personally as part of putting the Lance on the Galaxy involved permanently disabling Saucer Separation. Also possibly because CBS said no to it. Come on the Galaxy pack with the proper TNG bridge, Gal-R, Gal-X, Venture costume and AMS would have sold like hotcakes why else would they have canned it?

    First paragraph from DKnight I don't agree with, but the second I do.

    I actually rather liked the brief glimpse at a truly offensive cruiser. I don't believe a Carrier variant BOFF layout would be preferable, but hence the definition of "preferable"... that is my preference.

    Second statement I wholeheartedly agree with, however. With Fleet Ships and STO moving more and more to a "Free-2-Snore, Pay-2-Win" model common with other PW titles, the Galaxy-X receiving a Saucer Sep would not be enough to catch it up with the flow of power as well. The Saucer Sep, Shotgun Lance would give the ship the ability to cause AoE damage in PvE, but useless in PvP.

    It is the focus power of the lance, its ability to instantaneously eliminate a target from the battle by itself, which makes it a force to be reckoned with.

    Not its ability to tickle a few Abrams before they decide it's time to steamroll you.
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
    "Yes, I fly a Galaxy-X... and yes, I just 1-shotted you with it." -- Alcione@Hakaishin
  • hakaishinlegionhakaishinlegion Member Posts: 2 Arc User
    edited August 2012
    On topic however, two people have already linked to my thread (of which I am honored), so there really isn't much more I can add.

    Videos also added in that thread if you want to see the Lance 1-shot all kinds of stuff from Escorts to Cruisers to Sci Ships first hand.

    I am nothing if not honest, and provide proof for my words where necessary.
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
    "Yes, I fly a Galaxy-X... and yes, I just 1-shotted you with it." -- Alcione@Hakaishin
  • baudlbaudl Member Posts: 4,060 Arc User
    edited August 2012
    dashuk2381 wrote: »
    I see, though I honestly feel more effective in STFs when using the AC, it seems I can still hold aggro just as well, my shields stay up and I can still tank effectively while getting a bit more DPS from Quantums and spread/HY BOFF powers then i do even with the Lance due to the long recharge on it. Just really trying to tweak the Gal-X to see what else I can get out of it because I do enjoy using it to switch things up a bit.

    you see it is the SAME ship...the numbers are identical (except for one point turnrate)
    you can equip and use your quants on the dread just the same way you use them on the AC.

    to illustrate it even further: Assault cruiser
    Dreadnought cruiser


    it has 1k HP more, 200 crew more, cloak, lance

    so take your boff setup from your AC...put it into your dread, no extra tweaking neccesary...use your quants and be happy that you have a dread.
    Go pro or go home
  • dknight0001dknight0001 Member Posts: 1,542
    edited August 2012
    First paragraph from DKnight I don't agree with, but the second I do.

    I actually rather liked the brief glimpse at a truly offensive cruiser. I don't believe a Carrier variant BOFF layout would be preferable, but hence the definition of "preferable"... that is my preference.

    I'd love to see a more offensive faster and lighter Cruiser that can mount DHC's, with maybe a Lt.Com & Lt Tac stations and the Ensign as an Eng. but I don't want it to be the Assault Cruiser.

    As for the Carrier style BOFF layout I was taking a shot at way of changing it. For a Fleet version while I wouldn't be happy with the $20 a character cost I'd be happy with just a 10% boost to shields, Hull and a 10th Console on it.
    I was once DKnight1000, apparently I had taken my own name so now I'm DKnight0001. :confused:
    If I ask you a question it is not an insult but a genuine attempt to understand why.
    When I insult you I won't be discreet about it, I will be precise and to the point stupid.
  • lianthelialianthelia Member Posts: 7,921 Arc User
    edited August 2012
    Since the Fleet Assault Cruiser was pulled from the game, I don't think it will have the same layout as it's short lived glimpse did. Could be wrong but. I think the best option for a Fleet version of the Assault Cruiser is go to a Carrier style BOFF layout combining the Tac Ens and Lt into a Lt.Com.



    I can understand why people want it, but I never really liked the idea personally as part of putting the Lance on the Galaxy involved permanently disabling Saucer Separation. Also possibly because CBS said no to it. Come on the Galaxy pack with the proper TNG bridge, Gal-R, Gal-X, Venture costume and AMS would have sold like hotcakes why else would they have canned it?

    It was removed? Hmm guess I missed that...haven't checked the shipyard in a while.

    That kinda sucks, but with all the hype they built up if they don't release it in some way they are gonna have alot of unhappy customers.
  • robdmcrobdmc Member Posts: 1,619 Arc User
    edited August 2012
    If you want to improve your damage in an stf you can do a cannon build on it. 4 3DHC 1 dbb and 4 turrets. you don't need to worry about the firing arc since the beach whale can out maneuver the barn.
  • synthiasuicidesynthiasuicide Member Posts: 458 Arc User
    edited August 2012
    I bought a fleet Ship, then a buddy gave me a SubSpace Jump Console.

    Had to pull the dread back out for a run with it.

    Jump Console + Phaser Lance........:eek::D

    I love playing in all different ships, Constantly messing with builds etc. But I always go back to the Dread. And now with that Console being available to Feds. And its Particuliar amazing Combo with the Lance. Auto warping you to 3KM behind your opponent? Yeah, I'm Sold.

    I'm a beam fan Myself with a slow moving crusier. So that Console lets me play that way and when the Lance is up, And my buffs are ready. Its time to Eliminate something from the field. :cool:
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
  • hakaishinlegionhakaishinlegion Member Posts: 2 Arc User
    edited August 2012
    I'd love to see a more offensive faster and lighter Cruiser that can mount DHC's, with maybe a Lt.Com & Lt Tac stations and the Ensign as an Eng. but I don't want it to be the Assault Cruiser.

    As for the Carrier style BOFF layout I was taking a shot at way of changing it. For a Fleet version while I wouldn't be happy with the $20 a character cost I'd be happy with just a 10% boost to shields, Hull and a 10th Console on it.

    Granted. But to be honest, the monetary system of STO and the necessity for PvPers to pay to win is infuriating enough that I'll "vote with my wallet" if you will by stepping down.

    Mech Warrior head start is in a few days, Guild Wars 2 is later this month. I think I'll be okay PvPing there, where PvPers aren't shafted at every turn.

    Would love to see you there as well.

    @SynthiaSuicide - Another Gal-X enthusiast, interesting. I hadn't bothered with the "Jump Lance", given my tactics are generally in line with a Shark or Sniper instead of zipping around the battlefield like a Hornet on Crack. Will have to give it a shot after a six pack of beer just to get the giggles on.

    *Decloak, Lance for 150k, wait 3min, Jump Lance at point blank, pee my pants squeeling*
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
    "Yes, I fly a Galaxy-X... and yes, I just 1-shotted you with it." -- Alcione@Hakaishin
  • rdm1958rdm1958 Member Posts: 822 Arc User
    edited August 2012
    just my 2 cents worth; the lance looks and sounds good, but i don't find it to be that great of a weapon.
  • hakaishinlegionhakaishinlegion Member Posts: 2 Arc User
    edited August 2012
    rdm1958 wrote: »
    just my 2 cents worth; the lance looks and sounds good, but i don't find it to be that great of a weapon.

    Then you've not used it properly.

    Just my 2 cents.
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
    "Yes, I fly a Galaxy-X... and yes, I just 1-shotted you with it." -- Alcione@Hakaishin
  • dashuk2381dashuk2381 Member Posts: 230 Arc User
    edited August 2012
    Yeah I got a jump console the other night and paired with the lance it is pure awesomeness.
  • synthiasuicidesynthiasuicide Member Posts: 458 Arc User
    edited August 2012

    *Decloak, Lance for 150k, wait 3min, Jump Lance at point blank, pee my pants squeeling*

    Well always loved Decloak, Lance. But wasnt a fan of leaving a battle to Re-Cloak. The Jump Lance solves that for sure. You can stay in the battle. And in 3 mins someones gonna be like "WTF just happened?" lol

    Just feels like it's the key the ship was missing. Hell they could add Seperation at this point and I wouldn't care. Personally I'm not a fan of flying the Stardrive anyways.
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
  • hakaishinlegionhakaishinlegion Member Posts: 2 Arc User
    edited August 2012
    Well always loved Decloak, Lance. But wasnt a fan of leaving a battle to Re-Cloak. The Jump Lance solves that for sure. You can stay in the battle. And in 3 mins someones gonna be like "WTF just happened?" lol

    Just feels like it's the key the ship was missing. Hell they could add Seperation at this point and I wouldn't care. Personally I'm not a fan of flying the Stardrive anyways.

    The cloak has more uses than simply the WTF?!?! factor induced on your target.

    1.) With good ping it almost guarantees your enemy can't RSP to avoid your Lance.

    2.) A +15% damage bonus (on a weapon capable of dealing 100k+ damage in one hit, that helps.

    3.) It allows you to maneuver safely to point blank range and catch an enemy completely off guard.

    Having to leave the battle is somewhat inconvenient, but it does have benefits as well.

    The Jump solves #3 and the problem of having to leave the scene. However, it sacrifices a fairly heavy damage buff and #1 is iffy at best.

    I suppose it boils down to preference. I don't forsee myself giving up the cloak anytime soon, but then, I won't be playing STO long enough for any of that to matter, so I won't have to.
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
    "Yes, I fly a Galaxy-X... and yes, I just 1-shotted you with it." -- Alcione@Hakaishin
  • dknight0001dknight0001 Member Posts: 1,542
    edited August 2012
    Granted. But to be honest, the monetary system of STO and the necessity for PvPers to pay to win is infuriating enough that I'll "vote with my wallet" if you will by stepping down.

    Mech Warrior head start is in a few days, Guild Wars 2 is later this month. I think I'll be okay PvPing there, where PvPers aren't shafted at every turn.

    Would love to see you there as well.

    I do love Mechs, some of my fondest gaming memories are playing Mechwarrior 2 with friends. But I agree that it feels like they are about to cut open the goose to get the golden eggs out faster. I'll be trying it that's for sure.
    I was once DKnight1000, apparently I had taken my own name so now I'm DKnight0001. :confused:
    If I ask you a question it is not an insult but a genuine attempt to understand why.
    When I insult you I won't be discreet about it, I will be precise and to the point stupid.
  • hakaishinlegionhakaishinlegion Member Posts: 2 Arc User
    edited August 2012
    reyan01 wrote: »
    That's a real pity - are you able to elaborate on why?

    Just disgruntled with PWE. A member of Sad Pandas put it best - vote with my wallet.

    Mech Warrior Online and Guild Wars 2 will both launch rather soon. Phantasy Star Online 2 will be later, but still another title I want to look into.

    @DKnight - If you're there, hit me up. Name hasn't changed in gaming since I moved away from "Dimitri Enerjak" in the original Guild Wars... and gave ArenaNet a reason to nerf the Blood Necromancer after having won 2 of their annual sponsored 1v1 tournaments, beating nearly every opponent with 100% HP remaining... lulz...

    I love build customization, makes people like me completely OP. :D
    [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
    "Yes, I fly a Galaxy-X... and yes, I just 1-shotted you with it." -- Alcione@Hakaishin
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