After flying the U.S.S. Insurgence into several TFOs, it's kind of nice being a bit more tank-y and not getting blown out of the sky at the drop of a hat (except versus the Jem'Hadar . . . they one-shotted my front shield and blew me up within 10 seconds).
Which should I pick? No matter which I pick, this will be a Phaser Beam / Torpedo ship.
~~~~~
"We do not do this thing because it is permitted. We do it because we have to. We do it because we are compelled." - Rorschach
I, personally, fill in the Intelligence Officer and Commando Specs because I think that they offer the most complimentary option for defense/healing.
Was thinking if this was me, I'd probably go for Intel primary and Strategist secondary.
I might even selectively fill out the certain portions of Intel that I think provide the most benefit for me to save on initial points (just enough to get Tier 4 opportunistic) and perhaps try to get the left hand side of Tier 1 Strategist done then immediately go for attrition warfare and the rest of Tier 2. I really like Commando being a player who enjoys ground, but usually save that for later.
Alrighty then! I'm now Level 61 and ready to pick the ship.
The choices:
Exploration Cruiser Retrofit: Tactical Escort Retrofit Long Range Science Vessel
After flying the U.S.S. Insurgence into several TFOs, it's kind of nice being a bit more tank-y and not getting blown out of the sky at the drop of a hat (except versus the Jem'Hadar . . . they one-shotted my front shield and blew me up within 10 seconds).
Which should I pick? No matter which I pick, this will be a Phaser Beam / Torpedo ship.
Beams kinda eliminate the Tac Escort Retrofit. Your spec leans more towards damage (isn't that science orientated) but is doable for the LRSV. Personally I'd go for the Tier 6 Arbiter Battle Cruiser
After flying the U.S.S. Insurgence into several TFOs, it's kind of nice being a bit more tank-y and not getting blown out of the sky at the drop of a hat (except versus the Jem'Hadar . . . they one-shotted my front shield and blew me up within 10 seconds).
Which should I pick? No matter which I pick, this will be a Phaser Beam / Torpedo ship.
Definitely the Tactical Escort. It's the only one of those that simultaneously meets all of the following:
-fewer than 4 aft weapons
-more than 3 fore weapons
-more than 3 tactical consoles
-at least a lt. tac and lt. cmdr. tac
For non-science builds, these are all but prerequisites to not being carried in advanced endgame content. Ideally you'd hold off on a torpedo until you get an energy torpedo (disruptor or polaron) and use disruptor or polaron cannons to go with it, but if you prefer phaser beams, dual beam banks can work as well - the optimal setup for that involving foreward dual beam banks (3 with 1 torpedo, if you want the torpedo), a crafted or purchased phaser omni-beam in the aft, alongside the Trilithium-Laced Phaser Omni-Beam from Beyond the Nexus (coupled with the Reinforced Armaments console from the same mission) and a Kinetic Cutting Beam (coupled with an Assimilated Module), both from the Omega reputation. You'll also want the Quantum Phase Converter from Sunrise somewhere in your consoles for the phaser damage boost (set bonuses optional).
If no one has mentioned Vulnerability Locators yet, you get them from your fleet's spire and are ideal for tactical slots due to their higher damage bonuses and crit chance bonuses (excepting the rare situation you'd already have enough crit chance, in which case you get exploiters).
As for survivability, remember: if you're already being targeted by the crowd, you only stand to benefit from running Threatening Stance - it gives a substantial boost to your hull as you get hit, helping a ton with your longevity. Also, if they're dead, they can't kill you - a principle that keeps most meta builds going.
Here's my Spec Tree (This is also a test to see if I uploaded the image properly to imgur)
(Somehow, my Secondary got set as Intel and my Primary isn't selected. Not sure how I managed that . . .)
Before each spent point selection, I tried to choose Tier 2 to use as few points as possible to get there.
Tier 1: Hide Weakness I-III and Automated Reinforcement I-II
Tier 2: Adaptive Targeting I
I have 10 unspent Spec Points and haven't chosen anything in my Primary.
I've read that some of you favor Pilot as my other Spec, some of you favor Strategist while another favors Commando. I'm sure each has advantages over the others, but which should I choose?
Edit: Huzzah! The picture works!
~~~~~
"We do not do this thing because it is permitted. We do it because we have to. We do it because we are compelled." - Rorschach
Do you realize that this cruiser only hasa single Lt tactical boff slot (less than your previous Tier 5 cruiser)? So that would mean if you use Tactical Team 1 which is a required skill to stay alive at your rank it leaves you with the choice of one of the following skills: Torpedo Spread or HY 2, APB1, BFAW2. Imho quite possible a sub - par choice under most circumstance (doing a mix of storyline and TFO's) at your rank.
It could be used as a beam only boat (no torpedoes) using TT1, BFAW2 with the engineering heavy boff slots allowing you to double up on EPtX powers or using an A2B build (requires 3 VR technician doffs via in-game star cluster doffing or approx 10M EC each).
You may very well be better off sticking with your Tier 5 Assault Cruiser for now and saving up for a real ship such as the Tier 6 Arbiter Battlecruiser. You started this thread in November 2018 (6 months ago) so that would be a cost of 5$ per month to you for a far more enjoyable and versatile ship that comes with a T5 ship mastery trait that's considered very good for energy builds.
Food for thought.
I've read that some of you favor Pilot as my other Spec, some of you favor Strategist while another favors Commando. I'm sure each has advantages over the others, but which should I choose?
Intel primary, strategist secondary will most likely provide you with the most benefits. Commando is ground only whereas Intel is both ground and space.
I have 10 unspent Spec Points and haven't chosen anything in my Primary.
I've read that some of you favor Pilot as my other Spec, some of you favor Strategist while another favors Commando. I'm sure each has advantages over the others, but which should I choose?
Always spend all on space first.
Intel, miracle, temporal, strategist and pilot. Miracle primary and pilot secondary. Survivability and maneverablity.
I have 10 unspent Spec Points and haven't chosen anything in my Primary.
I've read that some of you favor Pilot as my other Spec, some of you favor Strategist while another favors Commando. I'm sure each has advantages over the others, but which should I choose?
Always spend all on space first.
Intel, miracle, temporal, strategist and pilot. Miracle primary and pilot secondary. Survivability and maneverablity.
OP has already put points into Intel for primary and has 10 points left. I think we're supposed to pick the best secondary at this point (shortest route to something workable)? Pretty well leaves a choice of Pilot (turn) or Strategist (dmg, tank, and cool down reduction via attrition warfare) for secondary.
Here's my Spec Tree <snip>
Before each spent point selection, I tried to choose Tier 2 to use as few points as possible to get there.
Tier 1: Hide Weakness I-III and Automated Reinforcement I-II
Tier 2: Adaptive Targeting I
I have 10 unspent Spec Points and haven't chosen anything in my Primary.
Intel is your primary. Personally I think you made a good choice both in point allocation so far and in focusing on things that help you in space, using as few points as possible to get each tier. The next to come up in intel is Tier 3 flanking bonus's. They work very well and you don't even need all of them to start out.
As you have 10 points left consider putting them into Strategist Tier 1 left, then all of Tier 2, especially AW 1 & 2. You could then back fill some more in Intel and then Strategist as time and spec points permit.
There may be an alternative optimal placement of a limited number of spec points, but this is something I'll likely be trying on my own new tactical toon who'll also be in a cruiser for a while at end game. The shortest route to something workable that gives the most return is my goal at well.
An upgrade weekend just means that you get twice the points per upgrade used than normal, so you can upgrade your stuff for half price if you use normal upgrades and with Omega/Phoenix upgrades you can really upgrade your stuff and no dil cost.
I waited for it myself so my main could upgrade his ship stuff to max. Had just enough Omega and Phoenix ones to do that. Might start collecting the phoenix ones during the next phoenix event by stockpiling dil to buy more boxes while getting the daily freebie.
Now a LTS and loving it.
Just because you spend money on this game, it does not entitle you to be a jerk if things don't go your way.
I have come to the conclusion that I have a memory like Etch-A-Sketch. I shake my head and forget everything.
But seriously, if you wish to, you can begin skipping missions and do the ones that give you the best gear for you Captain and your ship.And then, of course, you can just go back and play those skipped mission actually enjoy the fuller, overall Star Trek story.
You can also, try your hand at ENG or SCI if you wish. There are other Factions. Several are really still part of the Federation over all.
Or try being a Klingon. Romulans have a neat story, but eventually join up with either the Feds or the Klingons.
I'm confused. (What else is new?) Which TFO am I supposed to be doing to gain points towards the free T6 ship? I did the Operation: Riposte one, got my Fleet Marks, but no points towards the ship.
Please help.
~~~~~
"We do not do this thing because it is permitted. We do it because we have to. We do it because we are compelled." - Rorschach
I'm confused. (What else is new?) Which TFO am I supposed to be doing to gain points towards the free T6 ship? I did the Operation: Riposte one, got my Fleet Marks, but no points towards the ship.
Please help.
It's a common question in-game so you're not alone. Only featured TFO's give points towards the Tier 6 ship and currently there isn't any FTFO. They'll be announced ahead of time here on the news page, most likely on the landing screen, and will also be on the in-game calendar.
There's two more FTFO's to go through this fall. Plenty of time to work towards the ship. Grab a bonus ship rewards weekend if you can. These will also be announced.
I have never used that method for the ramps. I cross using, on the last long batch of ramps, the right-side ledges. It requires a lot of hopping and jumping, pausing, shooting, more hopping, jumping, pausing, shooting to get all the way across, but any ship in a storm, right?
they can jump higher. That said, you can still use the ledge, but you must shoot the ramp triggers and step out just far enough to jump up onto the next ledge. It's slow and time consuming but it gets you across just the same.
Experimentation is a must for this method. If you do drop and die, you might find yourself up on a bridge. Carefully move to the edge and shoot the triggers for the ramps and jump down and try to get to the ledges again unless you can get a clean run to the end or the room.
Again, experimentation is key you first time through. Good luck.
My apologies for my absence over the past week or so, but RL belted me right in the mouth. I just got out of the Hospital yesterday after being there for 9 - 10 days (the first 2 of which were spent in Intensive Care). You see, I have a Chronic health issue (Ulcerative Colitis) that I have basically been ignoring for the past 5 years or so. Well, it finally caught up with me, and darn near killed me. Now, I'm back (more or less healthy). I'm back on the meds, and things should be fine. I just have to stop taking my health for granted.
It'll probably take me a couple of days to get back into the game, but I am coming back. See you then!
~~~~~
"We do not do this thing because it is permitted. We do it because we have to. We do it because we are compelled." - Rorschach
My apologies for my absence over the past week or so, but RL belted me right in the mouth. I just got out of the Hospital yesterday after being there for 9 - 10 days (the first 2 of which were spent in Intensive Care). You see, I have a Chronic health issue (Ulcerative Colitis) that I have basically been ignoring for the past 5 years or so. Well, it finally caught up with me, and darn near killed me. Now, I'm back (more or less healthy). I'm back on the meds, and things should be fine. I just have to stop taking my health for granted.
It'll probably take me a couple of days to get back into the game, but I am coming back. See you then!
Dude you don't have to apologies for RL stuff. I spent the better part of last Summer looking after my wife during a health crisis. These things happen.
Glad you're feeling better, but come back when you're ready. Games not going any where.
The easy way to do the Dust-to dust jumping puzzle is what I can the "lemming Rush" Just go as fast as you can and hope to trigger check points before you die.
You're not gonna get certain of the accolades, but those require you to not fall, ever.
Comments
The choices:
Exploration Cruiser Retrofit:
BOffs: 1 TAC (2 pips), 3 ENG (1 pip, 2 pips, 3 pips), 1 SCI (2 pips)
Weapons: 4 Fore, 4 Aft
Consoles: 2 TAC, 4 ENG, 3 SCI
Abilities: Saucer Separation, Strategic Maneuvering, Shield Frequency Modulation, Weapon System Efficiency, Attract Fire
Tactical Escort Retrofit
BOffs: 3 TAC (1 pip, 2 pips, 3 pips), 1 ENG (2 pips), 1 SCI (2 pips)
Weapons: 4 Fore, 3 Aft (Can equip Dual Cannons)
Consoles: 4 TAC, 3 ENG, 2 SCI
Abilities: Cloak
Long Range Science Vessel
BOffs: 1 TAC (2 pips), 1 ENG (2 pips), 3 SCI (1 pip, 2 pips, 3 pips)
Weapons: 3 Fore, 3 Aft
Consoles: 2 TAC, 3 ENG, 4 SCI
Abilities: Ablative Generator, Subsystem Targeting, Sensor Analysis
After flying the U.S.S. Insurgence into several TFOs, it's kind of nice being a bit more tank-y and not getting blown out of the sky at the drop of a hat (except versus the Jem'Hadar . . . they one-shotted my front shield and blew me up within 10 seconds).
Which should I pick? No matter which I pick, this will be a Phaser Beam / Torpedo ship.
"We do not do this thing because it is permitted. We do it because we have to. We do it because we are compelled." - Rorschach
~~~~~
I might even selectively fill out the certain portions of Intel that I think provide the most benefit for me to save on initial points (just enough to get Tier 4 opportunistic) and perhaps try to get the left hand side of Tier 1 Strategist done then immediately go for attrition warfare and the rest of Tier 2. I really like Commando being a player who enjoys ground, but usually save that for later. Beams kinda eliminate the Tac Escort Retrofit. Your spec leans more towards damage (isn't that science orientated) but is doable for the LRSV. Personally I'd go for the Tier 6 Arbiter Battle Cruiser
-fewer than 4 aft weapons
-more than 3 fore weapons
-more than 3 tactical consoles
-at least a lt. tac and lt. cmdr. tac
For non-science builds, these are all but prerequisites to not being carried in advanced endgame content. Ideally you'd hold off on a torpedo until you get an energy torpedo (disruptor or polaron) and use disruptor or polaron cannons to go with it, but if you prefer phaser beams, dual beam banks can work as well - the optimal setup for that involving foreward dual beam banks (3 with 1 torpedo, if you want the torpedo), a crafted or purchased phaser omni-beam in the aft, alongside the Trilithium-Laced Phaser Omni-Beam from Beyond the Nexus (coupled with the Reinforced Armaments console from the same mission) and a Kinetic Cutting Beam (coupled with an Assimilated Module), both from the Omega reputation. You'll also want the Quantum Phase Converter from Sunrise somewhere in your consoles for the phaser damage boost (set bonuses optional).
If no one has mentioned Vulnerability Locators yet, you get them from your fleet's spire and are ideal for tactical slots due to their higher damage bonuses and crit chance bonuses (excepting the rare situation you'd already have enough crit chance, in which case you get exploiters).
As for survivability, remember: if you're already being targeted by the crowd, you only stand to benefit from running Threatening Stance - it gives a substantial boost to your hull as you get hit, helping a ton with your longevity. Also, if they're dead, they can't kill you - a principle that keeps most meta builds going.
I forgot to answer this question . . . sorry. I have:
I also have 65,086 Dilithium.
Also, do I have to go someplace special to pick my free ship at Level 61? I went to the usual spot on ESD, but everything cost Zen.
"We do not do this thing because it is permitted. We do it because we have to. We do it because we are compelled." - Rorschach
~~~~~
It's there look harder between the zen ships do not get distracted by zen.
(Somehow, my Secondary got set as Intel and my Primary isn't selected. Not sure how I managed that . . .)
Before each spent point selection, I tried to choose Tier 2 to use as few points as possible to get there.
Tier 1: Hide Weakness I-III and Automated Reinforcement I-II
Tier 2: Adaptive Targeting I
I have 10 unspent Spec Points and haven't chosen anything in my Primary.
I've read that some of you favor Pilot as my other Spec, some of you favor Strategist while another favors Commando. I'm sure each has advantages over the others, but which should I choose?
Edit: Huzzah! The picture works!
"We do not do this thing because it is permitted. We do it because we have to. We do it because we are compelled." - Rorschach
~~~~~
4 pips = Commander (Cmdr). 3 pips = Lieutenant Cmdr (LtC). 2 pips = Lieutenant (Lt). 1 pip = Ensign (Ens).
Do you realize that this cruiser only has a single Lt tactical boff slot (less than your previous Tier 5 cruiser)? So that would mean if you use Tactical Team 1 which is a required skill to stay alive at your rank it leaves you with the choice of one of the following skills: Torpedo Spread or HY 2, APB1, BFAW2. Imho quite possible a sub - par choice under most circumstance (doing a mix of storyline and TFO's) at your rank.
It could be used as a beam only boat (no torpedoes) using TT1, BFAW2 with the engineering heavy boff slots allowing you to double up on EPtX powers or using an A2B build (requires 3 VR technician doffs via in-game star cluster doffing or approx 10M EC each).
You may very well be better off sticking with your Tier 5 Assault Cruiser for now and saving up for a real ship such as the Tier 6 Arbiter Battlecruiser. You started this thread in November 2018 (6 months ago) so that would be a cost of 5$ per month to you for a far more enjoyable and versatile ship that comes with a T5 ship mastery trait that's considered very good for energy builds.
Food for thought.
Intel primary, strategist secondary will most likely provide you with the most benefits. Commando is ground only whereas Intel is both ground and space.
Always spend all on space first.
Intel, miracle, temporal, strategist and pilot. Miracle primary and pilot secondary. Survivability and maneverablity.
As you have 10 points left consider putting them into Strategist Tier 1 left, then all of Tier 2, especially AW 1 & 2. You could then back fill some more in Intel and then Strategist as time and spec points permit.
There may be an alternative optimal placement of a limited number of spec points, but this is something I'll likely be trying on my own new tactical toon who'll also be in a cruiser for a while at end game. The shortest route to something workable that gives the most return is my goal at well.
"We do not do this thing because it is permitted. We do it because we have to. We do it because we are compelled." - Rorschach
~~~~~
"We do not do this thing because it is permitted. We do it because we have to. We do it because we are compelled." - Rorschach
~~~~~
Just use as you normally would and enjoy.
Here's the update: I am now level 65.
This is Upgrade weekend, and I meant to ask earlier this week about how this thing works, so I'd be ready for it, but Real Life happens sometimes.
SO! How exactly does this upgrade thing work? I have never attempted to upgrade anything.
I apologize for the lateness of this question.
"We do not do this thing because it is permitted. We do it because we have to. We do it because we are compelled." - Rorschach
~~~~~
I waited for it myself so my main could upgrade his ship stuff to max. Had just enough Omega and Phoenix ones to do that. Might start collecting the phoenix ones during the next phoenix event by stockpiling dil to buy more boxes while getting the daily freebie.
But seriously, if you wish to, you can begin skipping missions and do the ones that give you the best gear for you Captain and your ship.And then, of course, you can just go back and play those skipped mission actually enjoy the fuller, overall Star Trek story.
You can also, try your hand at ENG or SCI if you wish. There are other Factions. Several are really still part of the Federation over all.
Or try being a Klingon. Romulans have a neat story, but eventually join up with either the Feds or the Klingons.
So lots to choose from.
Speaking of story... Are you enjoying to story?
Please help.
"We do not do this thing because it is permitted. We do it because we have to. We do it because we are compelled." - Rorschach
~~~~~
There's two more FTFO's to go through this fall. Plenty of time to work towards the ship. Grab a bonus ship rewards weekend if you can. These will also be announced.
I am now level 65
"We do not do this thing because it is permitted. We do it because we have to. We do it because we are compelled." - Rorschach
~~~~~
A Mission to return to for Personal Shields and Armor for your Captain and main BOFFs as you level and once you are level maxed.
https://sto.gamepedia.com/Mission:_Jabberwocky
A Mission I, personally, return to for Kobali Shields, Impulse Engines, Deflector Array.
https://sto.gamepedia.com/Mission:_Dust_to_Dust
You may find another Mission Space Set you prefer.
You may need some help with the DtoD maze and Ramp crossing.
I have never used that method for the ramps. I cross using, on the last long batch of ramps, the right-side ledges. It requires a lot of hopping and jumping, pausing, shooting, more hopping, jumping, pausing, shooting to get all the way across, but any ship in a storm, right?
Here's another if you still need help.
Not saying it will be difficult for you, as it was for me, but I wish I had seen one of these vids before play.
Edit- Nearly forgot about this short clip.
This method is not valid unless you are a Caitian.
https://sto.gamepedia.com/Caitian
they can jump higher. That said, you can still use the ledge, but you must shoot the ramp triggers and step out just far enough to jump up onto the next ledge. It's slow and time consuming but it gets you across just the same.
Experimentation is a must for this method. If you do drop and die, you might find yourself up on a bridge. Carefully move to the edge and shoot the triggers for the ramps and jump down and try to get to the ledges again unless you can get a clean run to the end or the room.
Again, experimentation is key you first time through. Good luck.
https://sto.gamepedia.com/U.S.S._Sally_Ride
She out there for the taking. Just find her and say, "Hello."
Edit - Here's a vid to show you where to go in case it's not easy to find.
It'll probably take me a couple of days to get back into the game, but I am coming back. See you then!
"We do not do this thing because it is permitted. We do it because we have to. We do it because we are compelled." - Rorschach
~~~~~
Dude you don't have to apologies for RL stuff. I spent the better part of last Summer looking after my wife during a health crisis. These things happen.
Glad you're feeling better, but come back when you're ready. Games not going any where.
Many of the accolades can be done before the Event begins, so now is a good time to get started and to see what Risa looks like.
Also, keep one eye on the board for other threads loaded with help not just with new activities but for help with older activities.
Master Relaxer is needed to be able to purchase the purple DOFFs.
Yup. As I recall you can buy those DOFFs from one of the Resort bars.
You're not gonna get certain of the accolades, but those require you to not fall, ever.
My character Tsin'xing
Yes, they're directly across the way from the bird/monkey trainer stations on the Promenade.