Looking for engineer/cruiser build input

kamakaze101

Ok people. Looking for recremedations for a new ship (maybe) and some skill tree stuff, and a general build for an engineer/cruiser. I like phasers for the look, with quantum/photons. Currently flying the t6 exploration cruiser that I got during a promotion, liking it so far. It only does like 6k dps but it has all my old gear that's xi and xii, because I just got back in the game after leaving back in 2014. I stay alive, and seem to hold some Agro when I use Agro buffs.

seaofsorrows

I have an Engineer that flies the Yamato Dreadnought. It's basically the same thing as your Andromeda with a few slight changes.

Here is a link to how I have my ship setup.

The Beams are all available from your Fleet Store. They come at Mark XII Ultra Rare, I just waited until an upgrade weekend and took them to Mark XIV. This character is an Alt and not one that Play that much so I didn't put a whole ton of expensive gear on her. The most expensive things I got from the Exchange were the Plasmonic Leech console and the Kemocite Laced Weaponry, and neither is that expensive. If you're hurting for EC though, just go for the leech, the Kemocite is not needed at all, just nice to have. I also got the RCS Accelerator from the exchange, but those are dirt cheap and can also easily be crafted.

The Bridge Officer Layout, Skills, Traits, etc are all complete. Again though, as I always do when posting my builds I need to explain that this is just what works for me. This is basically a 'cookie cutter' DPS oriented build for this ship I'm not pushing any boundaries of build design here. It's a simple build made up of fleet and reputation gear. Nothing is terribly expensive and doesn't rely on crafting. This ship is easily capable of handling any story content, Red Alerts, and Advanced or Elite qued content.

Feel free to use it for any ideas, but as always, I encourage you to experiment with what works for you and adapt it to your own personal style. If it works for you exactly as is.. then great.. enjoy. Hope it helps a little.

kamakaze101

Thanks, I'll have a look at that. I don't have a problem with the qued content, or alerts, I'm just looking for a little more oomph thanks again

questerius

I notice the assimilated console and KCB combo is not included. Is that an exception or the new meta due to the iconian set and Mk XIV EPS consoles/Leech

seaofsorrows

questerius wrote: »

I notice the assimilated console and KCB combo is not included. Is that an exception or the new meta due to the iconian set and Mk XIV EPS consoles/Leech

Personal preference really.

Using the KCB with the console gives you the Omga 2pc bonus which is quite nice.

Not using the KCB lets you put an additional weapon with the mods you want that's buffed by your consoles.

Ultimately, since power drain isn't a problem with the Leech Console, Points in Drain, and cycling 2 copies of EPTW it's more beneficial to me to go with all beams. Those reasons plus the fact that the KCB isn't effected by any BoFF abilities like FAW are the reasons why I opt for 8 beams instead.

I believe it's about 50/50 on this as far as the 'meta' is concerned. I see plenty of people still using the KCB/Assimilated Console combo. It's a good combo, I just prefer to get as many beams as possible. I pretty much only use the KCB in Front Facing builds where I have 3 aft weapons.

dumas13

If you do decide to go for the Plasmonic Leech (very nice by all accounts, but I've never bothered with it myself) and want to use phasers, you may want to look into the Quantum Phase Catalyst set from the mission Sunrise. The console boosts phaser damage and Drain Expertise, which makes the Leech more effective, and the weapons have a shield drain effect. I'm not sure if that effect scales with Drain Expertise.

I'd also look into the Desperate Defenses (AKA, Sol Defense) set from Midnight and Quantum Phase Applications from Stormbound as stopgaps while you grind out marks and dil for rep gear (if you get any). The first is rather tanky and brings a handy AOE heal (and a gorgeous flame effect for your engines); the second has science stats that can also help the Leech.

If you're in the market for a new ship, I'd suggest the T6 Battlecruiser, the Arbiter class. It's a good bit more maneuverable than the average cruiser and comes with one of the better ship traits, which enhances Emergency Power to Weapons. It also has Lt. Commander Intel seating with access to some interesting powers.

seaofsorrows

Excellent advice dumas, well said.

kamakaze101

Thank you all!