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Cruiser or Escort for T4 grinding?

SystemSystem Member, NoReporting Posts: 178,019 Arc User
Have been hearing that the Exploration Cruiser (I think that's the right name) is kinda meh. I really want to get the Tac Escort (Defiant) but I am really digging the Cruiser class. I an usually a DPS kinda guy, but I like the tanking that cruisers can handle. My question is pretty much this...

Should I dump cruiser for T4 and pick it back up for T5 (Assault Cruiser) after leveling?
Also, I see you can equip cannons to the T5 Cruiser but haven't heard any feedback or seen any builds with it. My current set up is pretty much all phaser beams, with 1 Quantum torpedo in front and a phaser turret in the back (for the 360 autofire).

For the Assault, I was leaning to all phaser beams in the back and 2 DHC,Quantum launcher and a beam in the front.
If anyone can recomend a diffrent weapon type that would better suit this class, i'm open for suggestions.

I know i'm jumping ahead, but opinions would be helpful.
Post edited by Unknown User on

Comments

  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2010
    I personally hate the T4 Cruiser and generally choose a Science Vessel at that level rather then take it. If you haven't played an Escort, well, they have their own style that not everyone can get into - it goes beyond paper tiger.

    As far as Cannons on T5s, due to the Turn Rates I find beam weapons to be a better choice - for the wider arcs of fire. The torpedoes do enough punch on their own without needing to add more limited arc cannons, IMO.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2010
    T4 cruiser is the worst ship in the game, T3 cruiser is actually better than it at tanking and dps, simply because of the turning

    if you want a real cruiser at T4 take the science vessel, it can easily out tank and out dps a T4 cruiser, Right now cryptic needs to get their thumb our their holes and fix the cruisers at endgame aswell
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2010
    Can't say much on Cruisers as I've been Escort all the way since Tier2, personally....even with the great turning rate I stick to a beam boat load out, using the tactical escort:

    5X VIII Phaser beams
    1X VIII Photon Torpedo

    Using the beam focus skills such as;
    Beam Overload 2
    Beam Target:Shields
    Fire At Will 1
    (Coupled with)
    High Yield 3
    Work great to bring down shields and bring the heat

    Support Abilities such as:
    Emergency Power to Shields
    Engineering Team

    Power Buffs;
    Attack Pattern Alpha
    Fire On My Mark

    Power Management can be a *****, as 5x beams can drain you quick I use consoles that boost my weapons power level.

    Usually Flying head first, using Fire on my mark, Jam Sensors, Attack pattern Alpha, pushing shields for forward use and Beam target shields, Tractor beam, High Yield III....and they are down. Once that is done just bring down shields by circling, turn fire torps repeat on next target.

    So my answer is go Defiant lol
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2010
    I don't think i was ever successful in turning my T4 cruiser in a combat once. you fly in, make your initial run in then your back or side is to the enemy the entire rest of the fight.


    Science team BO skill was my friend at this tier.

    Someone mentioned T3 tanked better and that seemed true. I dont recall ever losing my shields that much and my hull rarely got touched. yet T4 i was constantly losing my shields and taking hull damage because it is completely non-maneuverable.

    T5 is much better for cruisers.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2010
    I'm loving my escort so far there, cannon load out. Run your power something like 85/60/25/45ish if you can manage and pound away. Turrets in back.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited February 2010
    I've gotten used to my Galaxy...f'd up 3d model excluded. I've been mowing through +3 battleships without much difficulty in full power to weapons. Though when I first got it, I was getting torn up by +0's with full power to defense.

    Probably the biggest thing about it is you absolutely have to have an EPS flow regulator console. Without it you might as well just use your 2 autofires and nothing else as even they cause an exaggerated decrease in weapons power. With a +2.5 EPS console it is much improved.

    It's not so much that the playstyle is that much different than the T3 with broadsides and such, but you definitely have to finesse it a bit more. Trading broadsides with other cruisers and wading into the pack of smaller ships and switching to fire torps at available targets when you can.

    I have all 3 T4 types because of the iconic status of Galaxy, Defiant, and Intrepid classes. You could get by fine flying a science while skilling up cruiser in this level and it's definitely easier to fly. I would suggest though that if you're willing to learn the T4 cruiser, you would probably do better with it in the end.

    Of course that's discounting the fact that T4 science can use Viral Matrix III...which is by for the most OP ability in game atm. If you need the "I win" button, then there's your decision.
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