Is the Vaadwaur Astika HBC worth the money?

Who wants cupcakes? (Stomperx99)

I was taking a break from STO. But I'm back and itching to get a new ship, I was thinking about the Astika since I have it's escort counter part.

I'm going to guess it's not the BEST ship I could buy, but I really like it's design, and it's T-6 Trait sounds really good, can I get some opinions and maybe some builds please?


Thanks.

warmaker001b

The trait on the Astika is really great for BFAW/CSV use. The ship itself is a solid TAC Cruiser if a bit on the sluggish side. It's handling feels like a Galaxy, which isn't a good thing. Offensively she can shine: 5/3 layout, 4 TAC, and if you use the Universal as a TAC station, she'll be loaded quite well. You can also use the station as ENG while you use the ENG/Command Station for Command abilities. There's more flexible BOFF layouts these days (Avenger/Mogh, Veteran DDs for instance) but the Astika's is still flexible enough.

However, even though you CAN use DHCs/DCs on her, I wouldn't. The handling I mentioned earlier is not the best for DHC/DC weapon arcs. Her BOFF layout can support Cannon abilities easily, esp with a 5/3 layout. But her handling leaves much to be desired for a sluggish ship with narrow arcs when the combat situation is in flux.

coruunas

Wouldn't load anything with less than 90 degree arcs in the front. The ship seems designed to lance through a formation of ships on long firing runs, then come about and redo. The only reason I can think of to carry cannons is if you have both Vaadwaur traits using CSV. The fore shield arc makes head on assaults a bit more survivable. If you don't have both traits probably would just go with FAW DBB.

If you get lucky or have enough EC, getting both consoles will also reinforce the frontal assault style. One console will actually reduce turn rate (when activated, otherwise you get a turn bonus)), essentially locking you into the firing run while making weapons a bit nastier. The polaron barrage console for the escort is effective at causing chaos on the way through a cluster of ships.

Basically think of how the ship looks. It looks something like a dagger or thrusting sword, use it like one.

Who wants cupcakes? (Stomperx99)

I'll probably wait a little bit to see if that [REDACTED] comes out and chose between the two.


Thanks for the info!