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Command the Echelon Intel Science Spearhead!

baddmoonrizinbaddmoonrizin Member Posts: 11,441 Community Moderator
Prepare to revisit the fleets seen on screen in Star Trek: Picard, as we welcome the introduction of the Echelon Intel Science Spearhead [T6] into the Infinity Lock Box.

https://www.playstartrekonline.com/en/news/article/11575308
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Comments

  • stormx12233stormx12233 Member Posts: 4 Arc User
    Yay,, yet another lockbox ship,,
  • eazzieeazzie Member Posts: 4,500 Arc User
    Nice and great to see a blog with Sunna's name to it. I wish though the odds of obtaining it were drastically reduced. But hey that's how STO makes it's money.
  • throst#8196 throst Member Posts: 7 Arc User
    edited April 30
    There are too many Federation ships. :(
    Something like the escort carrier would be good on both the Klingon and Romulan version.
    But the ships are basically very one-sided.
  • gearphoenix2727#6637 gearphoenix2727 Member Posts: 9 Arc User
    edited April 30
    this is one of those ships that feels like it was built with haste, Commander Science with Intel opens up strong exotic control and damage options like Photonic Officer III or Gravity Well III(not overly special), while Intel gives you tools like Override Subsystem Safeties or Subnucleonic Carrier Wave for layered utility. You’ve also got decent offensive capability from the LtC Tactical for things like Attack Pattern Beta, and the LtC Engineering/Command bridge seat adds survivability or group buffs through abilities like Cheer Up or Inspirational Leadership.

    The Tracer Payloads console is a real standout in coordinated team play. The crit buff scaling with stacks can do serious work when your team is focusing down high-priority targets, and the synergy potential is high in organized groups. The Persistence Hunters trait adds another layer of utility with stacking slows, resist debuffs, and eventually a short impulse/shield subsystem shutdown—strong in elite TFOs where control and disruption are key. Add in classic science vessel features like Subsystem Targeting and Sensor Analysis, and the Echelon slots comfortably into long-form control or support roles.

    Still, if you're hunting for top-tier DPS, this isn’t the ship to beat. While it can run exotic builds fairly well, it doesn’t reach the same level of output as something like the Verne or Sutherland. The 4/3 weapon layout and lack of baked-in exotic damage boosts keep it a step behind for spike-focused builds. In PvP, the trait's ramp-up and cooldown mechanic make it less consistent, and the ship’s survivability in a burst-heavy environment is dependent on how defensively you spec.

    Mobility-wise, it's middle of the road. The 0.19 impulse modifier and 11 base turn rate won’t win any races, and while Dual Cannons are an option, you’ll need to put effort into improving turn rate if you want to make them work comfortably.

    That said, what really dampens the ship’s appeal for many players is the lockbox distribution. While the Echelon is a great design with meaningful strengths in the right hands, it’s becoming harder to justify engaging with the lockbox system. The lockbox model as a whole feels like it’s drifting a bit—there hasn’t been much lately that stands out as truly worthwhile, and the reality is, a lot of players just don’t have the money (or inclination) to gamble for ships. A design like this, with its science-heavy, team-friendly focus and Starfleet aesthetics, would have made a fantastic campaign reward or event ship—something more accessible to the wider player base.

    For captains who love support play, exotic builds, and layered tactical synergy, the Echelon earns a solid 7.5 to 8 out of 10. For those chasing raw numbers, it’s closer to a 6.5. It’s a quality ship with real potential—but unfortunately, wrapped up in a system that continues to wear thin.

    Seriously We need more Romulan and KDF and even JH ships this push on fed ships are getting old. I don't remember the last time I flew something that wasn't fed.
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  • geezerpunkgeezerpunk Member Posts: 147 Arc User
    edited May 2
    Lifetime member here -

    I usually buy something every time I get a disability check (coin, X unlocks, & Keys, etc). I went to buy a new ship for my Romulans, and either I own it, or it is so aged looking that it breaks the experience for me. Klingon is getting that way.

    I know that Fed ships make more money, but the other races keep the interest going. When it becomes "Federation Online" I will leave for the first time since beta.
  • davefenestratordavefenestrator Member Posts: 10,865 Arc User
    edited May 3
    1x Lieutenant Universal
    1x Ensign Universal

    I'd much rather have Lt C. Science for more SCIENCE! but maybe that's just me?

    Having Lt C. Tac and Eng is technically better than for example the C-Store Brigid ( https://stowiki.net/wiki/Brigid_Multi-Mission_Surveillance_Explorer ), but with the Brigid you can have Commander, Lt. Commander, Lt. all as science if you want.
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