Wow! I have loved the Galaxy X ever since I saw it in the series finale of TNG. I hope that when I grow up, I can fly that thing like you do! I have been trying to make it work on and off for so long, but I can never seem to get any build to do better than sub-standard. Its a sad state of affairs when I can make an Oddy work better than my X. I just wish it wasn't so expensive to build it the way you have it. How long did it take you to collect all the components for this build? And do you have any good suggestions for a jumping off point? I've only been playing since F2P, and I've never played an MMO before this, so I am not really too educated on how to build up DPS.
Yo, you spelled Tyranny wrong in your sig. Just an FYI.
Wow! I have loved the Galaxy X ever since I saw it in the series finale of TNG. I hope that when I grow up, I can fly that thing like you do! I have been trying to make it work on and off for so long, but I can never seem to get any build to do better than sub-standard. Its a sad state of affairs when I can make an Oddy work better than my X. I just wish it wasn't so expensive to build it the way you have it. How long did it take you to collect all the components for this build? And do you have any good suggestions for a jumping off point? I've only been playing since F2P, and I've never played an MMO before this, so I am not really too educated on how to build up DPS.
I started using this ship for no other reason than that a friend was going on about how useless the ship is in PvP. I bet him 15 million EC I could make a build with the ship that can perform adequately against premades and 1-shot just about anything in the game.
Today I am 15 million EC richer.
It's since grown on me.
The game was MUCH different when I set up my first PvP build. In the current state if you want to fly the Gal-X and just don't have the resources to blow, consider Borg equipment.
Borg Mk XI-XII weapons, MACO set, etc. Yes, the weapons won't perform AS we as mine, but it gives you a starting point to work from. Besides, if you compare side-by-side an MkXII ACC3 Phaser Cannon vs an MkXII Borg Phaser Cannon, I highly doubt you'd even notice the difference. Yes, the former is better. You'll crit more often, and more shots will land. But trust me, it isn't such a huge difference that you're even handicapped at all by it.
That'll give you what you need to start practicing tactics with the ship.
From there, you can build up what you need to equip the ship for optimal effect.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] "Yes, I fly a Galaxy-X... and yes, I just 1-shotted you with it." -- Alcione@Hakaishin
Followup question of sorts, I'm exhausted, but I had to put these questions down now:
As an update, I'm trying to drink the Kool-Aid and see how the cannon build wroks (replacing my previous 7 beams and a trico build). As a TAC officer, I've been able to maximize the lance in the Gal-X, the point is maximizing dps AND burst when he lance is not available (thats like 95% of the time).
I have become a better driver of the Gal-X with the cannon build, but can be much better. That being said, the Gal-X isn't a sports car, its a full-sized sedan with an extra wide wheelbase. Being with cannons means a bit more aggressive driving, but thinking two steps ahead is really the key to make up for the handling deficiency.
So, questions are as follows:
1- With a cannon (vs beam) build, do the two DEMs replace the EPtW in terms of alternating activation wiht EPtS (i.e. do you activate these alternatively every 15s?)
2- Will two copies of tactical team be useful? Isn't there a shared cooldown? I honestly don't remember
3- On the other hand, if I sacrifice a Tac team for a HY Torp and keep a trico up fronn with three cannons... am I losing that much in relatively sustained DPS vs burst damage from the trico? How do I "evolve" to get by on 4 cannons and 4 turrets? I suppose that's a manuevering thing again... keeping the front 180 degrees on the enemy.
4- 3 Shield distro Doff + Warp Core DOff + Cannon Doff OR 2-3 cannon doffs (for the near-constant CRF) + warp core doff + 1-2 shield distro doffs.... thoughts? And yes, cannon doffs are expensive, but so are Phasers that are ACC x 3 (yes, I'm envious).
Relatively unrelated but I got bored and adapted some of this for an excelsior.
Im using the omega deflector and engines with the maco shields.
4 cannons front with 3 turrets and a beam array rear (this is mainly to improve rear facing damage and reduce foreward power drain.).
Im running TT CRF1 and APO
EPTwx2 EPTS2x2 DEM2 Aux2Sif3 ET1
TSS1 and HE2
This is primarily a pve build for the new fleet actions. I seem to do decent damage through Particle Erosion(tm) and with my settings I get a 14 degree turn rate, so not too shabby.
I also have 6 in all my power abilitys so my lowest system is still at 50.
Give it a go and see what you think since its an almost identical captains spec for the dread.
As a time traveller, Am I supposed to pack underwear or underwhen?
Not everything you see on the internet is true - Abraham Lincoln
Yeah I just noticed that my galx didn't seem to bea ably to do all that much in the new missions. The lance is great for pvp but pve enemies tent to have more HP. This game just adds health rather than make the enemies smarter. So the lance was doing great damage but not as often as needed and the super tough enemys were more plentiful.
And cloaking is almost pointless since you can only do it once(unless you die or break combat but you dont't really have that option sometimes) and the console slot is better served with just about anything else in the new actions.
As a time traveller, Am I supposed to pack underwear or underwhen?
Not everything you see on the internet is true - Abraham Lincoln
Followup question of sorts, I'm exhausted, but I had to put these questions down now:
As an update, I'm trying to drink the Kool-Aid and see how the cannon build wroks (replacing my previous 7 beams and a trico build). As a TAC officer, I've been able to maximize the lance in the Gal-X, the point is maximizing dps AND burst when he lance is not available (thats like 95% of the time).
I have become a better driver of the Gal-X with the cannon build, but can be much better. That being said, the Gal-X isn't a sports car, its a full-sized sedan with an extra wide wheelbase. Being with cannons means a bit more aggressive driving, but thinking two steps ahead is really the key to make up for the handling deficiency.
So, questions are as follows:
1- With a cannon (vs beam) build, do the two DEMs replace the EPtW in terms of alternating activation wiht EPtS (i.e. do you activate these alternatively every 15s?)
Hakaishin: Not so much as replacing EPtW as that EPtW simply isn't nearly as needed with the cannon build. You're not using nearly as much power with a cannon build.
That said, in PvP the DEMs are great. That's a lot of extra damage seeping through the shields, and makes it so you can effectively kill even when enemies have 2x extends and/or RSP because a large % of your damage is bypassing the shields (and their damage resistance) altogether.
That said, you're able to simply keep EPtS on 24/7 every 15s and focus on your damage output. Becomes much less micro-management as well.
2- Will two copies of tactical team be useful? Isn't there a shared cooldown? I honestly don't remember
Hakaishin: There is a global cooldown like any other skill, but 2x Tac Teams lets you maintain Tac Team 24/7 while you're under fire. That + 2x EPtS adds a lot of survivability. Sci Team is there for the quick removal of subnucs when you're not being focused and it isn't entirely necessary to keep on 24/7.
That aside, it does also increase your damage output.
So is it useful? Hell yes, particularly since no other Ensign Tac skill is useful in the build.
3- On the other hand, if I sacrifice a Tac team for a HY Torp and keep a trico up fronn with three cannons... am I losing that much in relatively sustained DPS vs burst damage from the trico? How do I "evolve" to get by on 4 cannons and 4 turrets? I suppose that's a manuevering thing again... keeping the front 180 degrees on the enemy.
You can do that, and I even said that is still viable. I do it from time to time.
I just lean more toward full cannon as I've found it both more survivable and more capable of the damage I want.
Sacrifices 50% of your shield distribution and added DPS for that HY Trico burst, and if you don't time that torp JUST right, you sacrifice it all for nothing with a 60 second cooldown (which is an eternity in PvP).
Not unviable, but need to know what you're getting into.
4- 3 Shield distro Doff + Warp Core DOff + Cannon Doff OR 2-3 cannon doffs (for the near-constant CRF) + warp core doff + 1-2 shield distro doffs.... thoughts? And yes, cannon doffs are expensive, but so are Phasers that are ACC x 3 (yes, I'm envious).
Hakaishin: Go big or go home.
No need to ever waste resources on "tide-me-overs" unless absolutely necessary. DOFFs help, but you don't need to waste on tide-me-overs in that department to still be effective. Take your time there and reach optimal effect.
3x Shield Distributions + 2x Cannons would be best. Keep up your cruiser survivability and do everything you can to reduce the cooldown of that single CRF as much as you can.
You could even go 2-3 instead of 3-2 if you felt you needed a more offensive approach and a more reliable dropped cooldown.
Your choice. Either way, again - go big, or go home.
As always, thanks.
Hope that helps.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] "Yes, I fly a Galaxy-X... and yes, I just 1-shotted you with it." -- Alcione@Hakaishin
Yeah I just noticed that my galx didn't seem to bea ably to do all that much in the new missions. The lance is great for pvp but pve enemies tent to have more HP. This game just adds health rather than make the enemies smarter. So the lance was doing great damage but not as often as needed and the super tough enemys were more plentiful.
And cloaking is almost pointless since you can only do it once(unless you die or break combat but you dont't really have that option sometimes) and the console slot is better served with just about anything else in the new actions.
Unfortunately even I have come to this conclusion as well.
With the new missions, and the swarms of enemies, you're most effective as a beam boat. AoE damage is a crucial part of the new PvE missions, and I've to say that the old rule of PvP good in PvE doesn't necessarily apply as 100% certain as it used to.
AoE is the king of PvE at this point. The more damage you can produce to multiple targets simultaneously, the better.
This makes me interested in the Shotgun Lance wide beam a bit more.
Edit: I stand by my cannon stance for PvP and single-target burst however.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] "Yes, I fly a Galaxy-X... and yes, I just 1-shotted you with it." -- Alcione@Hakaishin
Yeah I just noticed that my galx didn't seem to bea ably to do all that much in the new missions. The lance is great for pvp but pve enemies tent to have more HP. This game just adds health rather than make the enemies smarter. So the lance was doing great damage but not as often as needed and the super tough enemys were more plentiful.
And cloaking is almost pointless since you can only do it once(unless you die or break combat but you dont't really have that option sometimes) and the console slot is better served with just about anything else in the new actions.
It's still a very sturdy cruiser, and as a Cruiser in PvE you should be Tanking or Healing, or some combination of both. Your DPS is support DPS, and it is secondary to a Cruisers primary function.
My recommendation would be to simply have an extra BOFF or two to swap to for PvE stuff.
Drop the Cloaking console and make sure you have some or all of the following skills: Aux to SIF, Extend Shields, Hazard Emitters, Transfer Shield Strength, Tac Team, Eng Team.
It's still a cruiser, it still has a great tanking/support layout, it still has 8 weapon slots + a free super beam overload.
I would however recommend switching to beams for the new content - 2x BFAW is generally going to do a lot more in the current Fleet Focused PvE content than 1xCRF or 1xCSV as well as weapon uptime on target.
Unfortunately even I have come to this conclusion as well.
With the new missions, and the swarms of enemies, you're most effective as a beam boat. AoE damage is a crucial part of the new PvE missions, and I've to say that the old rule of PvP good in PvE doesn't necessarily apply as 100% certain as it used to.
AoE is the king of PvE at this point. The more damage you can produce to multiple targets simultaneously, the better.
This makes me interested in the Shotgun Lance wide beam a bit more.
Edit: I stand by my cannon stance for PvP and single-target burst however.
This is not news. This was something you kept maintaining was true, but wasn't. Thanks for catching up. I suppose.
This is not news. This was something you kept maintaining was true, but wasn't. Thanks for catching up. I suppose.
It is actually news, given it has only been true for the last 7 days and I've been saying it for 2 years.
Prior to last week, anything that worked in PvP was ridiculously OP in any PvE scenario.
It's changed only with the new missions.
Aside from No Win Scenario recently introduced, I've been able to give my 6 year old son my keyboard (with my PvP builds) while I watched Netflix on a second monitor and he'd get me the mission complete AND bonus, generally without dying and schooling the n00bz he'd be playing with in basic situational awareness you learn in any FPS after the first 5 minutes playing.
Thanks for sharing an inaccurate fallacy.
I suppose.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] "Yes, I fly a Galaxy-X... and yes, I just 1-shotted you with it." -- Alcione@Hakaishin
So, what do y'all think about the 'lil nerf Cryptic is inflicitng on us phaser-users with tomorrow's update? No stacking of procs, I guess I can understand that... but a 10 second immunity time post-proc recovery??
Someone at Cryptic is overcompensating for something.... probably trying to squeeze more phaser-related items into the Exchange!
So, what do y'all think about the 'lil nerf Cryptic is inflicitng on us phaser-users with tomorrow's update? No stacking of procs, I guess I can understand that... but a 10 second immunity time post-proc recovery??
Someone at Cryptic is overcompensating for something.... probably trying to squeeze more phaser-related items into the Exchange!
It's a little nerf. Phasers might still be in need of a bigger one, as they still have a really powerful effect, though this should reign in the worst of it.
Also, lol at the Runabout pets all having one-too-many Phaser arrays.
Although once seperated your not really flying a cruiser anymore. Its like a halfbeed between Cruiser/Escort.
Which brings up the Question. If Im gonna fly it like an escort....Maybe I should be in one? lol
I know I flew my Oddy for a month or two and thats what if felt like to me.
Hakaishin, you are totally right - this build is awesome and the ship isn't for everyone.
so i did enough of those dumb surveys for free zen and bought a dread. previously, I've been flying a fleet escort (took me awhile to realize that just b/c you have a good build, doesn't make you a good player). anyway, finally feeling like i got my game together and used that free zen to buy the dread.
shes a beast - no doubt about it. i followed your strategy as best i could (using the tricobalt) given the lack of insane amount of energy credits to buy your weapons, i used what i had from STFs to get all the Borg stuff.
My top moment was definitely in PvP - a MVAE was trying to dance around me and keep out off my "broadside". but i listened to your build and went cannons/turrets - the 180 degree firing arc, awesome - he didn't see that coming. best of all, hit evasive maneuvers and used some of my fleet escort work to spin around in time to lance/tricobalt him. dropped em fast. no doubt, shocked him silly.
overall - this is a great build for a beast of a ship. i need to take time to truly learn and appreciate it this. i miss by amazing turning rate often, but when you get that awesome 1 shot, its great. this ship takes practice though regardless of the build - be ready to work with it, but I can see how its worth it!
one question though. your mouse - do you like it? i am thinking of a new mouse and wanted wireless but I've heard its risky since the battery could die mid game.
one question though. your mouse - do you like it? i am thinking of a new mouse and wanted wireless but I've heard its risky since the battery could die mid game.
thoughts?
I'm glad I was able to help you, the ultimate goal of this thread altogether. Not to argue about PvE/PvP, not to zeal over the trivial or sentimental. But to give others my experience/knowledge with the hopes they would build upon it, and even surpass it.
Enough of that would mean more numerous and more challenging PvP opponents for me, which I would want nothing more.
To answer the question directly though, now that I have it, I honestly don't see how I PvP'd without it. Not just in Star Trek, but any game. Given my physical ... issue, it has been an infinitely valuable asset and is probably the only reason I am able to stay competitive against seasoned and fully capable PvPers.
That said, I feel the Naga or Naga Epic would serve anyone as well as it had me.
If you're worried about battery life, I'd consider the corded Naga. Cord mice always respond better than wireless anyway. Nevertheless, I haven't had a problem with battery life. But then, I don't leave it charging 24/7/365 and kill the lithium cells, and I also don't run it into the ground.
Like any decently expensive piece of equipment, if you treat it with care, it will serve you.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] "Yes, I fly a Galaxy-X... and yes, I just 1-shotted you with it." -- Alcione@Hakaishin
Oh and i've been testing a similar build to yours, the tanking is undeniable with 3 piece borg + maco shield, however my spinal lance seems to have lost power, any idea how to boost it?
Oh and i've been testing a similar build to yours, the tanking is undeniable with 3 piece borg + maco shield, however my spinal lance seems to have lost power, any idea how to boost it?
In PvP as a Tactical, with all buffs primed, it's enough to 1-shot anything. If it seems to have lost power, time its use when your buffs are ready.
If for some reason that doesn't work, ask allies to stack Betas, FOMMs, Scans, etc on the target prior to your decloak.
Use your cloak. That's +15% damage right there, not including the WTF?!?!?! factor (which is infinitely useful in pvp).
Trust me, at that point they're dead, no matter who they are and what they're flying save for an RSP (which your team's Sci should be watching for anyway).
But even with RSP, a DEM on a lance that heavily buffed will still hurt. A lot.
Time your shots to coincide with FULL alphas on decloak, coordinate with your team to stack debuffs on your enemies prior to a burst, use all tools available to you, and don't underestimate the WTF factor.
A recent in-house PvP with SOB, I utilized these tactics to defeat our opponents rather efficiently. A war of attrition, since we both had very strong premades, I would literally just tank/heal for 10 minutes while the enemy gets comfortable, saving all SubNucs, alphas, etc etc etc.
While the enemy grew complacent after so long of a stalemate, we struck.
Hard.
The surprise attack would every time kill 2-4 in the span of a 30 second alpha.
I'd randomize the time of our blitz attacks (sometimes 10min, sometimes 4, sometimes 8, etc) and the timing + catastrophic combination of our combined alphas was extremely effective.
Match was about 40min, but for someone who loves PvP, this was not a bad thing in the least. It resulted in a longer-than-normal match... but a victory for us.
This is one reason why in competitive PvP, I find burst damage FAR more useful than sustained DPS.
You can recover from sustained DPS.
You cannot recover from a powerful burst.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] "Yes, I fly a Galaxy-X... and yes, I just 1-shotted you with it." -- Alcione@Hakaishin
By popular request, the thread is back. I've taken the liberty of updating it accordingly.
Before I continue, I should provide the following: WARNING!!! WALL OF TEXT TO FOLLOW!
Now then... Good afternoon, fellow dreadnought users and activists (and those stupid enough to scoff us).
I've been away from the game for a few months, though with Season 6's impending completion, I felt it was worth giving a shot (at least so long as Cryptic maintains the promise that they will give PvP the attention it deserves). Prior to my departure, some of you may have had the chance to view my dreadnought threads in the past, and I hope it helped you in some fashion.
As I hope it will help again.
In the past I've received countless PMs and in-game mails regarding my dreadnought, this thread is in an effort to answer them all universally and provide a central place to define my build and use tactics. A hub for my PvP experience for those interested in learning. I'll be blending both build mechanics and general cruiser PvP into one.
If anyone has further questions, feel free to respond to this thread and I'll do my best to provide as sound a response as I can. If you have something you feel you can (constructively) contribute, feel free. I'm not claiming to be the end-all-be-all source of information on the Galaxy-/Venture-X, and if I've missed anything of note, you are welcome to bring it up.
First, let me get the (seemingly) obvious mistakes out of the way...
1.) Galaxy-X is NOT an Escort. It is a DREADNOUGHT (spelled with an "o", by the way...). A battleship. It is large, slow, hits very hard, able to soak lots of damage, and designed as an anchor for fleet operations and tactics.
2.) Galaxy-X is NOT a Sovereign. Same BOFF/Console layout, but THAT'S IT. Those two factors DO NOT define the ship. If you walk into this thread expecting a comparison to that TRIBBLE piece of scrap tin showcased in First Contact that I can 2 shot in all of 4 seconds max, may I kindly point you to the exit as nothing you find here will benefit your style of play.
3.) Galaxy-X is NOT for everyone. Most find it to be very difficult to get a rewarding PvP experience out of it (though most will cite it works fine in PvE even with limited skill). This ship requires precision, brains, and reflex to control effectively. It requires you to not only out-think your opponent, but (as you would in Chess) think AHEAD of your opponent and move/act accordingly and with the support of your team.
4.) Galaxy-X is NOT a solo ship (though I will admit that 1v1s are very fun with this ship). Like the Nebula, it is designed for team play, and when anchored with a good team, you are a MONSTER.
An oddity question I received, but I will answer... No, I did not design a website/wiki on the use and mechanics of the Galaxy-X. I am a gamer just like the rest of you, and just happen to enjoy using this ship as opposed to others and post my experience/findings while using it for your benefit/examination respectively. Again, I do not claim to be an authority on the Galaxy-X or STO PvP. I simply enjoy the two, just as most of you do, and have a bit of experience between them.
So then... I've been flying the Galaxy-X for some time, and in all areas of gameplay (PvE Missions, STFs, PvP, and even the new Season 6 Fleet Actions), and have in that time tried a great many things. I've found several variants that work well, and I'll do my best to share them with you.
Doing some number testing in both PvE and PvP, I've found that with JJ's (a 12th Fleet Captain and the one who helped me perfect my first Dreadnought) suggestion of 2x DEM on my original Dreadnought, loading primarily Dual Beam Banks, I was doing well enough however my overall DPS wasn't quite hitting the numbers I wanted. I experimented and swapped my rear torpedo for another turret. My numbers universally improved slightly, but barely enough to notice. I swapped my forward Quantum for a forward Tricobalt. The numbers spiked up significantly as well as providing me a means of bursting my Lance targets down to debris instantly, but still wasn't what I wanted.
The major change came when I swapped my forward DBB's with Single Cannons and adding Cannon - Rapid Fire (CRF) to my arsenal.
For those curious why single cannons... well, you may have noticed, but this ship moves slow. Like it or not, even the best Galaxy-X pilot can't turn on a dime. I can get my nose on any target, but the true test is how long I can KEEP it on that target.
Single cannons bare a 180 degree firing arc, and allows me to bare down heavily on forward DPS bursts as well as broadside. I can, more-or-less, move freely in combat without having to worry too hard about keeping my nose or broadside on my target and maintain that damage.
If I went all beams, I would be provided fine broadside damage (provided I swap my 2x Directed Energy Modulation for Emergency Power to Weapons to maintain through their incredible drain), however the true strength of the Dreadnought, the forward-facing killing power, would be undermined.
And that is not what this ship is about, in my opinion.
Since I came back, I've even swapped out the Tricobalt for another Cannon (4x cannons, 4x turrets) to maximize this capacity and so far I am pleased with the results. While I miss the killing power of the torpedo from time to time, I've evolved enough that I don't require it to get fast, effective kills.
The build with Trico is still very usable however.
Moving on...
This resulted in almost no loss in per-hit damage, though double the firing arc (on this slow of a ship, you notice, and single cannons still generate more damage output than single beams) and the added bonus effect of 2x DEM on cannons versus beams (more hits = greater penetration with DEM, particularly with CRF), my strength bumped up quite a bit.
Note that even with F2P's launch, you STILL want to retain 100% Phasers. Phaser Relays will universally enhance your weapons, including your Lance, and allows us to equip the mix we need of Cannons/Turrets/Beams. Until Cryptic lets us choose the energy type of our Lance, we will continue to use Phaser. Swapping to Antiproton (the other energy types, imho, are not worth slotting on the Galaxy-X) would mean you would need to effectively have 7-8 Single Beams (which receive less benefit from your 2x DEM as well as smaller per-hit damage numbers) to be effective, and use the beam weapon console for maximum effect, but this method does not provide the same instantaneous punch power of the cannon variant. It also means you are constantly swapping between broadside and front arcs, which is not always feasible in active PvP combat as a Tactical. I would use that variant for an Engineer or Science Galaxy-X as opposed to Tactical (you get steady DPS continuous with the occasional light Lance burst, but rarely have the killing power of a Tactical. This would grant you a good means of offense with your Eng or Sci support mechanics).
BAM! Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the newer, and sexier with the advent of DirectX 11 beta, U.S.S. Hakaishin N.X. 97626-A (Destruction God, for those that require the Japanese translation).
Note: The following video is not intended to troll/belittle those I have squared off against. It is used solely as a method of demonstration. Thank you for compelling battles, and I look forward to more of the same. See you in PvP.
Note: I include my UI for those who have a difficult time finding a set that works for them, as a reference of what works for me. If you question my key mapping, note that I use a Razer Naga Epic, and the button configuration is what is most comfortable for me given my style of play. I have absolutely no ship functions tied to the keyboard with the exception of turning. My left arm actually has significant nerve damage due to combat injuries sustained overseas, so I bound just about every ship function, to include Ventrillo/Teamspeak, to my mouse. This is the result.
Character Profession: Tactical
Ship Class: Venture-X Dreadnought
Fore (PvP): Phaser Cannon Mk XII [ACC]x3
Fore (PvP): Phaser Cannon Mk XII [ACC]x3
Fore (PvP): Phaser Cannon Mk XII [ACC]x3
Fore (PvP): Phaser Cannon Mk XII [ACC]x3
Aft (PvP): Phaser Turret Mk XII [ACC]x3
Aft (PvP): Phaser Turret Mk XII [ACC]x3
Aft (PvP): Phaser Turret Mk XII [ACC]x3
Aft (PvP): Phaser Turret Mk XII [ACC]x3
Yes... I have all ACCx3s. You may substitute other weapons if necessary... this weapon loadout must've costed me about 700 hours and about 180-190mil Energy Credits (a bargain, I know... many have spent even more than that). But, I love it.
If you need to alternate, I recommend [CritH] primarily, followed by [CritD]. [Dmg] modifier is alright, but the aforementioned are far more beneficial, especially with the increased Crit rates base that the new skill system provides.
Fore (PvE): Phaser Cannon Mk XII [ACC] [CritH] [Borg]
Fore (PvE): Phaser Cannon Mk XII [ACC] [CritH] [Borg]
Fore (PvE): Phaser Cannon Mk XII [ACC] [CritH] [Borg]
Fore (PvE): Phaser Cannon Mk XII [ACC] [CritH] [Borg]
Aft (PvE): Phaser Turret Mk XII [ACC] [CritH] [Borg]
Aft (PvE): Phaser Turret Mk XII [ACC] [CritH] [Borg]
Aft (PvE): Phaser Turret Mk XII [ACC] [CritH] [Borg]
Aft (PvE): Phaser Turret Mk XII [ACC] [CritH] [Borg]
Deflector: MACO Mk XII
Engine: MACO Mk XII
Shield: MACO Mk XII
Tactical Console: Phaser Relay Mk XI
Tactical Console: Phaser Relay Mk XI
Tactical Console: Phaser Relay Mk XI
Science Console: Antimatter Spread Module
Science Console: Field Emitter
Devices: Shield Battery, Engine Battery, Scorpion Fighters, Subspace Field Modulator
Role: Tank, Burst, DPS, Support/Heal
PvP Uses: The Hakaishin Dreadnought is built to do one of two things, and can perform each task equally well.
1.) The surprise and instantaneous elimination of an enemy healer or secondary target (separate of the main group's primary focus target) before rejoining the main party as a supportive DPS and tank/healer while waiting on burst cooldowns.
2.) Focus with the main party, allowing your burst to instantly kill a target with them, allowing the entire group to move on to your next target. This creates swift and uniform kills, and for particularly difficult enemies, allows your group the ability to still successfully break the enemy's spine and turn a tide.
Either way, the general tactics used are the same. Modify to suit your own needs. I should warn you all that I am a military man, and my approach to combat and team play reflects that.
It should be noted that Engineers and Science Captains can still make good use of this ship. I simply recommend swapping all weapons to 8x Phaser Arrays and changing out the Directed Energy Modulation instances for 2 instances of Emergency Power to Weapons. You can maintain 24/7 Emergency Power to Weapons and Shields both, making such a build possible and effective. For that, simply change out to 2x Fire At Will and either a Tac Team or Attack Pattern Beta, your choice.
1.) Cloak at the outset of the match. In-combat maneuvers should be maintained at 1/2 impulse to maximize your ship's questionable turn rate (think of it like a car... the faster you move, the wider your turn will be). Full impulse should only be used to catch prey, retreat, or regroup with your party. Use Engine Batteries, Attack Pattern Alpha, and Evasive Maneuvers as appropriate.
2.) Allow your group to move ahead of you and engage. Linger a minimum of 10km behind the furthest back ally to avoid the initial wave of enemy detection and AoE while cloaked.
3.) Confirm with your group leader if their strategy enables you weapons free on a target of your choosing, or if they need you to focus your guns on their primary target. Coordination is the key to any victory. If you are group lead, decide quickly and instruct your group on what target to focus.
4.) When safe to do so (no Gravity Wells or Plasma in your way, for example), lock in your target and move in to between 2-3km of your enemy's broadside (NOT aft or fore - avoid the possibility of enemy Plasma and their primary firing arc). No greater than 4km (particularly against Escorts - this will improve your damage and keep the enemy in range of a tractor and in position for your Lance). Yes, this is very close, and takes some skill to do properly. So practice.
5.) [Warning! Step 5 encompasses complicated instructions and actions that must be processed VERY quickly! Read carefully and, if you have one, put that Razer Naga (Epic) to good use to better your reaction time!]
Do not decloak. Instead, apply all of your tactical damage-dealing buffs. The 3rd buff will automatically disengage your cloak if within 5km of your enemy, saving you precious seconds.
[IF YOU ARE USING THE TRICOBALT BUILD - RECOMMENDED USE ALONE WITHOUT TEAM SUPPORT] While finishing your buffs, tractor your opponent (if available), launch Scorpion Fighters with Antimatter Spread (the 3 extra "targets" with the scramble sensor effect of AS will make it MUCH harder for the enemy to shoot down your torpedo, retaliate against you, and heal themselves/allies. You've effectively made your enemy militarily irrelevant) and fire your High Yield Tricobalt and Lance before they could react (yes, fire the Tricobalt simultaneously with the Lance, NOT after. Not only does this bridge the time gap between enemy shield strip and torpedo hit, however the Lance beam, as large and bright as it is, will actually "cloak" the incoming Tricobalt, lowering your enemy's chances of shooting it down even further). If done successfully (and it will take a few attempts at practice to get your timing right... I've had the luxury of LOTS of practice, and subsequently, lots of kills), you will rip off the enemy facing shield and between 25%-45% of their hull on a non-critical. With all buffs applied, a critical is capable of 1-shotting an Escort (I've topped 71k damage with 1 of the 2 shots from the Lance on a Defiant... McAllen, if a name is necessary as validation).
[IF YOU ARE USING THE CANNON BUILD - RECOMMENDED USE COMPLIMENTED ON YOUR TEAM'S MAIN TARGET, OR IF YOU ARE AN ENGINEER OR SCIENCE CAPTAIN] While finishing your buffs, tractor your opponent (if available). Open fire with your Lance ASAP upon the decloak, do not grant time for a Reverse Shield Polarity counter. Use your Antimatter Spread to hinder the enemy's ability to heal themselves immediately after and follow up with Cannon Rapid Fire and your full secondary weapons fire. If the Lance doesn't kill them outright, the follow-up fire will make short work of them, particularly with your team's support.
6.) If timed correctly, the enemy (regardless of how strong they are, from Escort to Carrier to Star Cruiser) will die. From here forward, ensure you maintain 24/7 Emergency Power to Shields (your Weapon and Shield power will both be maintained as over 100 indefinitely). You've just pissed someone off royally, and they're likely screaming, "WTF?!!?!" at their monitor. You are now going to become Public Enemy #1. Tank it up!
7.) Maneuver defensively and begin tanking and healing your allies as appropriate. Support DPS any focus targets and/or targets of opportunity while waiting for cooldowns. This ship is still a cruiser and after the burst is done, needs to pilot like one. Support your allies.
8.) Ensure to time skills such as Graviton Pulse Generator, Antimatter Spread, etc to coincide with skills your allies are using to neutralize targets - if your ally uses a SubNuc, it's usually a good idea to follow up with an Antimatter Spread to slow down their ability to remove the effect with a Science Team and make the enemy die much faster/easier. Use common sense and situational awareness.
9.) When your cooldowns are ready (or within 10-15sec of becoming ready), confirm with your team that you're ready for another burst. With your group leader's approval, use Evasive Maneuvers to pull away from the combat zone when safe to do so. After 3 seconds of no damage dealt/received, you will have your Cloak ready for use again.
10.) Repeat from Step #3.
Many use the Galaxy-X as a tank. Many use it as a straight DPS'er. Many use it as a healer. Many use it without a specific role, or without knowing what it is truly capable of.
All of these things the Galaxy-X can do, and can do effectively.
I use it as a Shark. A Sniper. A tool of precision and devastation. A game of Chess.
Strategically move into position with stealth. When the time is right, surgically remove your target from play. Remove yourself from danger when/where appropriate and seek a new vantage point following every shot. Repeat.
This style takes grace and impeccable timing to be truly effective, and is NOT for everyone. If you prefer button mashing, I recommend the Defiant. If you prefer button mashing with slightly better armor/healing, I recommend the Excelsior.
If you prefer to be the tide that changes a battle in your favor, I recommend learning how to use the Galaxy-X effectively before knocking its abilities.
There is no such thing as a poor ship, and likewise a great one (even to those who knock the Miranda, I used it on Tribble with sub-par White equipment all the way through the Romulan and Breen campaigns. Friends of mine have taken shuttles through the old Borg campaign missions).
Only a comparable Captain and team/group make or break a ship.
To quote the famous IT proverb: You cannot blame the system for user error.
Comments
Yo, you spelled Tyranny wrong in your sig. Just an FYI.
- Demosthenes01101, from the REAL Star Trek Online forums!
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]
"The needs of the many, outweigh the needs of the few, or the one."
"You have been, and always shall be, my friend."
- Pointy-eared, green blooded, hobgoblin
"Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth."
- Sherlock Holmes
I started using this ship for no other reason than that a friend was going on about how useless the ship is in PvP. I bet him 15 million EC I could make a build with the ship that can perform adequately against premades and 1-shot just about anything in the game.
Today I am 15 million EC richer.
It's since grown on me.
The game was MUCH different when I set up my first PvP build. In the current state if you want to fly the Gal-X and just don't have the resources to blow, consider Borg equipment.
Borg Mk XI-XII weapons, MACO set, etc. Yes, the weapons won't perform AS we as mine, but it gives you a starting point to work from. Besides, if you compare side-by-side an MkXII ACC3 Phaser Cannon vs an MkXII Borg Phaser Cannon, I highly doubt you'd even notice the difference. Yes, the former is better. You'll crit more often, and more shots will land. But trust me, it isn't such a huge difference that you're even handicapped at all by it.
That'll give you what you need to start practicing tactics with the ship.
From there, you can build up what you need to equip the ship for optimal effect.
"Yes, I fly a Galaxy-X... and yes, I just 1-shotted you with it." -- Alcione@Hakaishin
Lots of luck, or buying them from people/exchange who have the luck.
Got mine through a mix of Kerrat and Exchange wh0ring.
"Yes, I fly a Galaxy-X... and yes, I just 1-shotted you with it." -- Alcione@Hakaishin
As an update, I'm trying to drink the Kool-Aid and see how the cannon build wroks (replacing my previous 7 beams and a trico build). As a TAC officer, I've been able to maximize the lance in the Gal-X, the point is maximizing dps AND burst when he lance is not available (thats like 95% of the time).
I have become a better driver of the Gal-X with the cannon build, but can be much better. That being said, the Gal-X isn't a sports car, its a full-sized sedan with an extra wide wheelbase. Being with cannons means a bit more aggressive driving, but thinking two steps ahead is really the key to make up for the handling deficiency.
So, questions are as follows:
1- With a cannon (vs beam) build, do the two DEMs replace the EPtW in terms of alternating activation wiht EPtS (i.e. do you activate these alternatively every 15s?)
2- Will two copies of tactical team be useful? Isn't there a shared cooldown? I honestly don't remember
3- On the other hand, if I sacrifice a Tac team for a HY Torp and keep a trico up fronn with three cannons... am I losing that much in relatively sustained DPS vs burst damage from the trico? How do I "evolve" to get by on 4 cannons and 4 turrets? I suppose that's a manuevering thing again... keeping the front 180 degrees on the enemy.
4- 3 Shield distro Doff + Warp Core DOff + Cannon Doff OR 2-3 cannon doffs (for the near-constant CRF) + warp core doff + 1-2 shield distro doffs.... thoughts? And yes, cannon doffs are expensive, but so are Phasers that are ACC x 3 (yes, I'm envious).
As always, thanks.
Im using the omega deflector and engines with the maco shields.
4 cannons front with 3 turrets and a beam array rear (this is mainly to improve rear facing damage and reduce foreward power drain.).
Im running TT CRF1 and APO
EPTwx2 EPTS2x2 DEM2 Aux2Sif3 ET1
TSS1 and HE2
This is primarily a pve build for the new fleet actions. I seem to do decent damage through Particle Erosion(tm) and with my settings I get a 14 degree turn rate, so not too shabby.
I also have 6 in all my power abilitys so my lowest system is still at 50.
Give it a go and see what you think since its an almost identical captains spec for the dread.
Not everything you see on the internet is true - Abraham Lincoln
Occidere populo et effercio confractus
And cloaking is almost pointless since you can only do it once(unless you die or break combat but you dont't really have that option sometimes) and the console slot is better served with just about anything else in the new actions.
Not everything you see on the internet is true - Abraham Lincoln
Occidere populo et effercio confractus
Hope that helps.
"Yes, I fly a Galaxy-X... and yes, I just 1-shotted you with it." -- Alcione@Hakaishin
Unfortunately even I have come to this conclusion as well.
With the new missions, and the swarms of enemies, you're most effective as a beam boat. AoE damage is a crucial part of the new PvE missions, and I've to say that the old rule of PvP good in PvE doesn't necessarily apply as 100% certain as it used to.
AoE is the king of PvE at this point. The more damage you can produce to multiple targets simultaneously, the better.
This makes me interested in the Shotgun Lance wide beam a bit more.
Edit: I stand by my cannon stance for PvP and single-target burst however.
"Yes, I fly a Galaxy-X... and yes, I just 1-shotted you with it." -- Alcione@Hakaishin
It's still a very sturdy cruiser, and as a Cruiser in PvE you should be Tanking or Healing, or some combination of both. Your DPS is support DPS, and it is secondary to a Cruisers primary function.
My recommendation would be to simply have an extra BOFF or two to swap to for PvE stuff.
Drop the Cloaking console and make sure you have some or all of the following skills: Aux to SIF, Extend Shields, Hazard Emitters, Transfer Shield Strength, Tac Team, Eng Team.
It's still a cruiser, it still has a great tanking/support layout, it still has 8 weapon slots + a free super beam overload.
I would however recommend switching to beams for the new content - 2x BFAW is generally going to do a lot more in the current Fleet Focused PvE content than 1xCRF or 1xCSV as well as weapon uptime on target.
This is not news. This was something you kept maintaining was true, but wasn't. Thanks for catching up. I suppose.
It is actually news, given it has only been true for the last 7 days and I've been saying it for 2 years.
Prior to last week, anything that worked in PvP was ridiculously OP in any PvE scenario.
It's changed only with the new missions.
Aside from No Win Scenario recently introduced, I've been able to give my 6 year old son my keyboard (with my PvP builds) while I watched Netflix on a second monitor and he'd get me the mission complete AND bonus, generally without dying and schooling the n00bz he'd be playing with in basic situational awareness you learn in any FPS after the first 5 minutes playing.
Thanks for sharing an inaccurate fallacy.
I suppose.
"Yes, I fly a Galaxy-X... and yes, I just 1-shotted you with it." -- Alcione@Hakaishin
Someone at Cryptic is overcompensating for something.... probably trying to squeeze more phaser-related items into the Exchange!
It's a little nerf. Phasers might still be in need of a bigger one, as they still have a really powerful effect, though this should reign in the worst of it.
Also, lol at the Runabout pets all having one-too-many Phaser arrays.
However, I do use the chevron sep module incessantly. It's hard to imagine flying a cruiser without it, honestly.
Which brings up the Question. If Im gonna fly it like an escort....Maybe I should be in one? lol
I know I flew my Oddy for a month or two and thats what if felt like to me.
so i did enough of those dumb surveys for free zen and bought a dread. previously, I've been flying a fleet escort (took me awhile to realize that just b/c you have a good build, doesn't make you a good player). anyway, finally feeling like i got my game together and used that free zen to buy the dread.
shes a beast - no doubt about it. i followed your strategy as best i could (using the tricobalt) given the lack of insane amount of energy credits to buy your weapons, i used what i had from STFs to get all the Borg stuff.
My top moment was definitely in PvP - a MVAE was trying to dance around me and keep out off my "broadside". but i listened to your build and went cannons/turrets - the 180 degree firing arc, awesome - he didn't see that coming. best of all, hit evasive maneuvers and used some of my fleet escort work to spin around in time to lance/tricobalt him. dropped em fast. no doubt, shocked him silly.
overall - this is a great build for a beast of a ship. i need to take time to truly learn and appreciate it this. i miss by amazing turning rate often, but when you get that awesome 1 shot, its great. this ship takes practice though regardless of the build - be ready to work with it, but I can see how its worth it!
thoughts?
I'm glad I was able to help you, the ultimate goal of this thread altogether. Not to argue about PvE/PvP, not to zeal over the trivial or sentimental. But to give others my experience/knowledge with the hopes they would build upon it, and even surpass it.
Enough of that would mean more numerous and more challenging PvP opponents for me, which I would want nothing more.
To answer the question directly though, now that I have it, I honestly don't see how I PvP'd without it. Not just in Star Trek, but any game. Given my physical ... issue, it has been an infinitely valuable asset and is probably the only reason I am able to stay competitive against seasoned and fully capable PvPers.
That said, I feel the Naga or Naga Epic would serve anyone as well as it had me.
If you're worried about battery life, I'd consider the corded Naga. Cord mice always respond better than wireless anyway. Nevertheless, I haven't had a problem with battery life. But then, I don't leave it charging 24/7/365 and kill the lithium cells, and I also don't run it into the ground.
Like any decently expensive piece of equipment, if you treat it with care, it will serve you.
"Yes, I fly a Galaxy-X... and yes, I just 1-shotted you with it." -- Alcione@Hakaishin
MACO shield and borg everything else most likely.
If not that, then probably the Aegis set.
"Yes, I fly a Galaxy-X... and yes, I just 1-shotted you with it." -- Alcione@Hakaishin
In PvP as a Tactical, with all buffs primed, it's enough to 1-shot anything. If it seems to have lost power, time its use when your buffs are ready.
If for some reason that doesn't work, ask allies to stack Betas, FOMMs, Scans, etc on the target prior to your decloak.
Use your cloak. That's +15% damage right there, not including the WTF?!?!?! factor (which is infinitely useful in pvp).
Trust me, at that point they're dead, no matter who they are and what they're flying save for an RSP (which your team's Sci should be watching for anyway).
But even with RSP, a DEM on a lance that heavily buffed will still hurt. A lot.
Time your shots to coincide with FULL alphas on decloak, coordinate with your team to stack debuffs on your enemies prior to a burst, use all tools available to you, and don't underestimate the WTF factor.
A recent in-house PvP with SOB, I utilized these tactics to defeat our opponents rather efficiently. A war of attrition, since we both had very strong premades, I would literally just tank/heal for 10 minutes while the enemy gets comfortable, saving all SubNucs, alphas, etc etc etc.
While the enemy grew complacent after so long of a stalemate, we struck.
Hard.
The surprise attack would every time kill 2-4 in the span of a 30 second alpha.
I'd randomize the time of our blitz attacks (sometimes 10min, sometimes 4, sometimes 8, etc) and the timing + catastrophic combination of our combined alphas was extremely effective.
Match was about 40min, but for someone who loves PvP, this was not a bad thing in the least. It resulted in a longer-than-normal match... but a victory for us.
This is one reason why in competitive PvP, I find burst damage FAR more useful than sustained DPS.
You can recover from sustained DPS.
You cannot recover from a powerful burst.
"Yes, I fly a Galaxy-X... and yes, I just 1-shotted you with it." -- Alcione@Hakaishin
trololol
I'm certain you feel so. Everyone and their mother has made that claim already. Most of whom were beaten.
I'm happy for you that you can make that mistake too.
"Yes, I fly a Galaxy-X... and yes, I just 1-shotted you with it." -- Alcione@Hakaishin
thhink im wrong? fight me
Think you're wrong? My God, you get so overworked thinking about fighting me.
Tell me, does it satisfy your sexual fantasies, as well as those induced by childish levels of testosterone?
Find me online whenever you want. I honestly don't give a damn.
"Yes, I fly a Galaxy-X... and yes, I just 1-shotted you with it." -- Alcione@Hakaishin