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Master Ship Building for Dummies (Well, just this one)
azurescarab
Member Posts: 18 Arc User
To all you captains out there,
Hello.
My name is Scarab, and I?m the driver of a little vessel whose name is unimportant. But what is important is that, in recent developments, I?ve started to feel a little bit dissatisfied with my current ship. Having recently come across some major windfall, I went out and used some of it to buy a handful of Zen. I?ve also started doing some research, reading things on these forums and seeing what the general consensus is about a few things that particularly interest me. The one thing all these things have in common is that they are supposed to help us build a better ship. Now, I?ll be frank, I?m not hugely interested in PvP. PvE is more my focus, especially since my fleet (the Dodecahedron Defenders, look us up) is working to get up in the ranks.
That said, allow me to set out the various pieces of my quest, and perhaps you can all sound off on them and give me some advice on them.
And for the record, I?m an ENG Captain driving an RSV. Anything about myself, ask.
Sidequest 1: Reputation & Powers
The main thing I?ve been working on for myself is bringing myself up in the ranks for the various Rep factions ? I groaned when a new one was announced, but the Dyson faction promised less grind, and it?s delivered that, if you ask me. As of right now, here?s where I am.
New Romulus ? Tier 1 (Passive: Lethality)
I haven?t invested a lot of time into New Romulus yet, mainly because I figured it to be an easy one to climb the ranks in ? plus I have a fleetmate who might be able to sponsor me (via the new Claim Sponsorship mission), so for the time being, I?ve got this one aside. Though any suggestions on powers are welcome ? and yes, I know about Havelock?s guide.
Nukara Strikeforce ? Tier 4 (Passives: Identify Vulnerability; Enhanced Shield Penetration; Emergency Fix; Auxiliary Power Configuration ? Defense)
Nukara is my highest Rep. Many an hour was laid into it, and all the marks I gained during the special Crystalline Entity event were Nukara. I started out taking the powers that would give me a little more offensive punch, but thanks to the choices I made in the others, I decided for the final space passive choice that APC-Def would give me an extra survival layer. Other than grinding for rep to get up to the last tier, this is done.
Task Force Omega ? Tier 3 (Passives: Omega Weapon Proficiency & Training, Regenerative Shield Augmentation)
Omega is the rep that I?ve enjoyed the most, because the major thing I wanted to be able to do at the top of my game is be a Borg slayer. I realize that, being Science and not Tactical, that?s rather difficult, but I figure I could at least be a decent attack support ship. The only real thing for me at this point is the grind to get to max level (for the equipment), and the 4th tier passive, which I?ll probably go with the shield aug instead of the Graviton Beam.
Dyson Command ? Tier 1 (No Passives Yet)
I just hit Tier 1 a handful of hours ago. Hadn?t really decided on the passive yet. I do like what?s being done, though, to reduce the feel of grind for this faction. At this point, I?m thinking that the passives are going to be the ?top shelf? ones ? the boosts to Critical Severity, and then the Damage Resistance boost to self as Hull/HP decreases. The ones that decrease opponent DR sound nice, but they?re only good if you?ve got your enemy on the ropes.
The Rep Passives are just one part of this, though. The real major part of the Reputation groups is the Equipment sets. I already picked up the standard MACO set for ground engagements against Borg, and I have as backup an anti-Voth Polaron Full Auto Rifle. Mostly, I?m satisfied with it. And, as you remember, dear reader, this is SHIP Building. That said.
I?ve had my eye on a handful of different Space Equipment Sets ? the initial one was Nukara, but I?ve heard good things about the others, so I?m interested in hearing from the others. Now, I?ve heard all the comparisons already ? MACO/Adapted are good, TF Omega are so-so?so on. What I want to hear from each of the groups is a general pros & cons, plus reasons why, for the following sets.
Ancient Obelisk Tech
Assimilated Borg Tech
Dyson Joint Command
Jem?Hadar
MACO
Nukara Strikeforce Technologies
(If you want to sound off on the Reman/Romulan sets, you can, but it?s not necessary).
Okay. Moving on.
Sidequest 2: Shields & Shield Consoles
For a long time, I stuck to Resilient Shields ? the lower bleedthrough and absorption appealed to me ? but as of recent I?ve been using Regenerative Shields, since they mean I can get back into a fight quicker when I have to pull away. I?ve avoided Covariants because I?ve felt like they?re good burst damage shields, capable of taking massive quantities of damage before you need to turn out of the fight ? and that makes them good for Cruisers, who have huge amounts of hull and several ENG BOffs to help out with that, but for Science Vessels, I haven?t really seen the benefit. (But, again, maybe you can convince me otherwise).
That said. What is, either in general or for Science ships, the best kind of overall shield array? Do note: if I can afford it, I always go for purple-quality shields, with one energy reduction modifier, one stat modifier (Cap/Reg), and the third is a general floater. If I can?t, then I?ll drop down to blue, without the floating modifier.
In case people want more information for assistance, I?m mainly interested in fighting Borg and Tholians ? yes, I know that that means I should have an array with a Plasma energy modifier for Borg, and Tetryon for Tholians ? but I?m more interested in the second modifier, the booster to Capacity or Regen. Do remember, I plan on taking the shield regen booster passive for TF Omega Tier 4.
Alongside shield arrays is shield consoles. I?ve found three major consoles, and they?re all in the Science category ? lucky me. As you know, they?re the Emitter Array (boosts active shield heals, like TSS or EPtS); Emitter Amplifier (boosts passive shield regen rate); and the Field Generator (boosts total shield capacity). What?s your opinion on each of these, and if I can?t have all three, then which ones should I prioritize?
Sidequest 3: MOAR GUNS (or at least, better ones)
Right now, I stick to Polaron weapons, since they provided a nice proc and had the benefit of being cheap at high quality levels (since I scrimped for every EC). My setup is a pair of DBBs in the front with two turrets in back as support. For mods, I mainly stick to [Acc] bonuses (since +Acc means +Critical), followed by either of the Crit modifiers (I don?t use the [Dmg] mod at all).
This has worked out fairly well for me, despite the change in tactics that moving over from BArrays that this precipitated. However, two things ? some of that Zen I bought I used to buy Lockbox Keys while the sale two weeks ago was ongoing, and I got a handful of purple Phased Tetryon Beam Arrays. Now, I know conventional wisdom is that Tetryon sucks?but what of these? And what?s the general opinion regarding Antiproton weapons?
And, as a more general question, what sorts of weapons should I stick to for Science Vessels, as well as for Cruisers (explained further down). I currently have a theoretical Cruiser layout in my head utilizing Antiproton weapons ? a quartet of Beam Arrays (two in front, two in back), the Omni-Directional Beam Array from SoI, a torpedo launcher in back and two up front (evaluations welcome)!
Final Sidequest: The remaining Zen
I have just enough Zen left to, if I want, buy a ship from the store. (Otherwise, some of it will be used for a few services and some sold on the Exchange for dilithium.) I?ve been around, but there have been a lot of differing opinions on this. So, I?ve got the following ships in mind for my particular addition (there are a few ship slots left, and there?s at least 1 ship I plan on retiring.):
Long Range Science Vessel Retrofit (the one w/Ablative Generators)
Multi-Mission Explorers: Engineering or Science variants (currently leaning Eng, for the extra console)
Odyssey Star Cruiser: Science variant
Just as a final note, I spent some Zen earlier to pick up enough Fleet Modules for one ship, which I have in mind for later on ? Fleet Science Vessel Retrofit (Aurora-class, probably). My fleet?s shipyard is T1 right now, and to get the above requires a T3, so the main thing will be is that this ship will be a holdover (a very LONG holdover) until I get that one.
Thanks much!
Hello.
My name is Scarab, and I?m the driver of a little vessel whose name is unimportant. But what is important is that, in recent developments, I?ve started to feel a little bit dissatisfied with my current ship. Having recently come across some major windfall, I went out and used some of it to buy a handful of Zen. I?ve also started doing some research, reading things on these forums and seeing what the general consensus is about a few things that particularly interest me. The one thing all these things have in common is that they are supposed to help us build a better ship. Now, I?ll be frank, I?m not hugely interested in PvP. PvE is more my focus, especially since my fleet (the Dodecahedron Defenders, look us up) is working to get up in the ranks.
That said, allow me to set out the various pieces of my quest, and perhaps you can all sound off on them and give me some advice on them.
And for the record, I?m an ENG Captain driving an RSV. Anything about myself, ask.
Sidequest 1: Reputation & Powers
The main thing I?ve been working on for myself is bringing myself up in the ranks for the various Rep factions ? I groaned when a new one was announced, but the Dyson faction promised less grind, and it?s delivered that, if you ask me. As of right now, here?s where I am.
New Romulus ? Tier 1 (Passive: Lethality)
I haven?t invested a lot of time into New Romulus yet, mainly because I figured it to be an easy one to climb the ranks in ? plus I have a fleetmate who might be able to sponsor me (via the new Claim Sponsorship mission), so for the time being, I?ve got this one aside. Though any suggestions on powers are welcome ? and yes, I know about Havelock?s guide.
Nukara Strikeforce ? Tier 4 (Passives: Identify Vulnerability; Enhanced Shield Penetration; Emergency Fix; Auxiliary Power Configuration ? Defense)
Nukara is my highest Rep. Many an hour was laid into it, and all the marks I gained during the special Crystalline Entity event were Nukara. I started out taking the powers that would give me a little more offensive punch, but thanks to the choices I made in the others, I decided for the final space passive choice that APC-Def would give me an extra survival layer. Other than grinding for rep to get up to the last tier, this is done.
Task Force Omega ? Tier 3 (Passives: Omega Weapon Proficiency & Training, Regenerative Shield Augmentation)
Omega is the rep that I?ve enjoyed the most, because the major thing I wanted to be able to do at the top of my game is be a Borg slayer. I realize that, being Science and not Tactical, that?s rather difficult, but I figure I could at least be a decent attack support ship. The only real thing for me at this point is the grind to get to max level (for the equipment), and the 4th tier passive, which I?ll probably go with the shield aug instead of the Graviton Beam.
Dyson Command ? Tier 1 (No Passives Yet)
I just hit Tier 1 a handful of hours ago. Hadn?t really decided on the passive yet. I do like what?s being done, though, to reduce the feel of grind for this faction. At this point, I?m thinking that the passives are going to be the ?top shelf? ones ? the boosts to Critical Severity, and then the Damage Resistance boost to self as Hull/HP decreases. The ones that decrease opponent DR sound nice, but they?re only good if you?ve got your enemy on the ropes.
The Rep Passives are just one part of this, though. The real major part of the Reputation groups is the Equipment sets. I already picked up the standard MACO set for ground engagements against Borg, and I have as backup an anti-Voth Polaron Full Auto Rifle. Mostly, I?m satisfied with it. And, as you remember, dear reader, this is SHIP Building. That said.
I?ve had my eye on a handful of different Space Equipment Sets ? the initial one was Nukara, but I?ve heard good things about the others, so I?m interested in hearing from the others. Now, I?ve heard all the comparisons already ? MACO/Adapted are good, TF Omega are so-so?so on. What I want to hear from each of the groups is a general pros & cons, plus reasons why, for the following sets.
Ancient Obelisk Tech
Assimilated Borg Tech
Dyson Joint Command
Jem?Hadar
MACO
Nukara Strikeforce Technologies
(If you want to sound off on the Reman/Romulan sets, you can, but it?s not necessary).
Okay. Moving on.
Sidequest 2: Shields & Shield Consoles
For a long time, I stuck to Resilient Shields ? the lower bleedthrough and absorption appealed to me ? but as of recent I?ve been using Regenerative Shields, since they mean I can get back into a fight quicker when I have to pull away. I?ve avoided Covariants because I?ve felt like they?re good burst damage shields, capable of taking massive quantities of damage before you need to turn out of the fight ? and that makes them good for Cruisers, who have huge amounts of hull and several ENG BOffs to help out with that, but for Science Vessels, I haven?t really seen the benefit. (But, again, maybe you can convince me otherwise).
That said. What is, either in general or for Science ships, the best kind of overall shield array? Do note: if I can afford it, I always go for purple-quality shields, with one energy reduction modifier, one stat modifier (Cap/Reg), and the third is a general floater. If I can?t, then I?ll drop down to blue, without the floating modifier.
In case people want more information for assistance, I?m mainly interested in fighting Borg and Tholians ? yes, I know that that means I should have an array with a Plasma energy modifier for Borg, and Tetryon for Tholians ? but I?m more interested in the second modifier, the booster to Capacity or Regen. Do remember, I plan on taking the shield regen booster passive for TF Omega Tier 4.
Alongside shield arrays is shield consoles. I?ve found three major consoles, and they?re all in the Science category ? lucky me. As you know, they?re the Emitter Array (boosts active shield heals, like TSS or EPtS); Emitter Amplifier (boosts passive shield regen rate); and the Field Generator (boosts total shield capacity). What?s your opinion on each of these, and if I can?t have all three, then which ones should I prioritize?
Sidequest 3: MOAR GUNS (or at least, better ones)
Right now, I stick to Polaron weapons, since they provided a nice proc and had the benefit of being cheap at high quality levels (since I scrimped for every EC). My setup is a pair of DBBs in the front with two turrets in back as support. For mods, I mainly stick to [Acc] bonuses (since +Acc means +Critical), followed by either of the Crit modifiers (I don?t use the [Dmg] mod at all).
This has worked out fairly well for me, despite the change in tactics that moving over from BArrays that this precipitated. However, two things ? some of that Zen I bought I used to buy Lockbox Keys while the sale two weeks ago was ongoing, and I got a handful of purple Phased Tetryon Beam Arrays. Now, I know conventional wisdom is that Tetryon sucks?but what of these? And what?s the general opinion regarding Antiproton weapons?
And, as a more general question, what sorts of weapons should I stick to for Science Vessels, as well as for Cruisers (explained further down). I currently have a theoretical Cruiser layout in my head utilizing Antiproton weapons ? a quartet of Beam Arrays (two in front, two in back), the Omni-Directional Beam Array from SoI, a torpedo launcher in back and two up front (evaluations welcome)!
Final Sidequest: The remaining Zen
I have just enough Zen left to, if I want, buy a ship from the store. (Otherwise, some of it will be used for a few services and some sold on the Exchange for dilithium.) I?ve been around, but there have been a lot of differing opinions on this. So, I?ve got the following ships in mind for my particular addition (there are a few ship slots left, and there?s at least 1 ship I plan on retiring.):
Long Range Science Vessel Retrofit (the one w/Ablative Generators)
Multi-Mission Explorers: Engineering or Science variants (currently leaning Eng, for the extra console)
Odyssey Star Cruiser: Science variant
Just as a final note, I spent some Zen earlier to pick up enough Fleet Modules for one ship, which I have in mind for later on ? Fleet Science Vessel Retrofit (Aurora-class, probably). My fleet?s shipyard is T1 right now, and to get the above requires a T3, so the main thing will be is that this ship will be a holdover (a very LONG holdover) until I get that one.
Thanks much!
Post edited by azurescarab on
0
Comments
I'll try to give what advice I can, but bear in mind I usually pilot escorts or battlecruisers so that'll taint my opinion somewhat.
In regards to claim sponsorship, to my knowledge you can only send them to your own alts via your account bank (this costs zen to purchase btw) so I dont believe your fleet mate will be able to help you on this one.
On to the advice. Firstly, as an ENG, have you considered trying a (true) cruiser? If you want to experiment with the cruiser playstyle you can pick up a mirror assault cruiser for peanuts on the exchange. It could help you decide if the Sci odyssey is your thing.
Si ships are really bottom of the barrel right now in terms of power, with both escorts and cruisers stomping over them head to head and in terms of mission performance unless you're very good and/or specialized. The Vesta is the main exception to this which I'll discuss later, though the Nebula also has its place.
If you would like to stick with sci ships, then have you tried the Nebula that was given away as a freebie a few months back? Assuming you were here back then anyway. Its the tankiest of all sci ships and if you did get it in the giveaway will only cost one FSM to upgrade to fleet level. If you didn't get it free it probably isn't worth it.
In terms of gear, I'd definitely look at the obelisk core for your Sci ship since it raises the Aux cap to 135 (though it is substandard on anything but a sci ship or carrier). Jem'Hadar gear makes a nice place-holder (especially with your polaron weapons) while you grind for STF gear which is superior in most instances, and makes STF's a little easier.
Long term I'd personally aim for two pieces Adapted MACO (you need tier 5 Omega rep for this sadly). The engine is nice (fantastic turn and boosts low power levels), the deflector is great for sci skills and the 2 piece set bonus is great, boosting Aux by 7
and giving a good boost to projectile damge. Borg engine and deflector is a nice alternative.
The Shield is a little trickier in the long run, and you've got two main choices for optimum. MACO Resilient is a great all round shield, boosts power levels and takes hits like a champ. Your other option is Elite Fleet Shields with the Adapt modifier, which grow more resistent to incoming damage types as you take damage, whilst also having an excellent flat resist to three damage types as standard.
Plasmonic leech is recommended if you can afford it off the exchange, and if you run high flow caps in your build it'd be incredible. Bare in mind you should run Elite Fleet shields if you pick it up since it will cancel Maco shields power boost.
The Nukara set you mentioned (I assume you mean the console+weapons set) is fantastic. The console helps with tanking, sci skills and makes your beams more accurate while the Mines are even better. Its worth noting the mines run of Aux power, perfect for a sci ship.
On a Sci ship you should ideally be running aux as high as you can afford, so weapons power wont be your first priority. A kinetic cutting beam can help mitigate this issue somewhat, along with the assimilated console. A zero point module from rm rep is fantastic whatever your ship and playstyle.
Finally in terms of ship it really depends what you want. The Vesta has incredible power, a hangar bay and even comes with great no-compromises forward DHC's which run off Aux power so you dont have to choose between powerful guns and effective sci powers. Its a truly fantastic ship and feels very Fed as well.
The Fleet Nova has the advantage of more agility and (I think) more shield strength, at the cost of the hangar bay and the amazing Aux cannons. It can use the Rhode Island skin obtained form the T2 giveaway in August if you were here for that too.
As much as I love the Intrepid design, I can't honestly recommend it. It has no teeth whatsoever and a very questionable BOFF layout. I dont know much about the sci odyssey so I can't say much on it.
PS.
I meant to say with the Nukara set that you may wish to consider going for the full 3 piece set with Hyper Dual Beam Bank. Tetryons take a bit of extra work to realise their full potential but can be deadly in the right hands (they are my fave energy type).
Especially with the limited tac consoles of a sci ship, the +9% tet damage from 2 piece nukara can be a life saver and the special DBB hits like a truck. Tets synergize well with the flow caps a sci ship should be running for things like tykens rift and plasmonic leech, though so do polarons.
On the topic of shield consoles I have to say that Field Gens arent what they used to be. +ShH embassy sci consoles will do more for your shield than any field gen. I'd go embassy flow caps +ShH and 1 embassy emitter array +HullH. A good balance between offense and defence.
If you think all this fleet gear is too far away dont worry. Just go on the public service channel or use in game chat to find a fleet willing to give you an invite. This will allow you access to their tiering (it use your fleets provisions so costs them nothing, though obviously you have to run the provisioning assignments)
Duty officers are another gigantic help. At the very least you want a fabrication engineer which increases the duration of reverse shield polarity, 2 or 3 Shield Distribution officers (so brace for impat gives a huge shield heal) and another of your choice depending on your BOFF powers.
I hope this helps.
Then please fill out my dissertation survey on feline attachment, it'd be a massive help (-:
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/87XKSGH
As for shields, the Mk 12 MACO shield is really good, and your Science vessel has an innate shield bonus.
As far as ships go, you really can't go wrong with the Vesta. If you can wait, and farm dilithium, you can get your hands on the 3-pack, which is *totally* worth it. If you can get it, you can run the 3pc bonus or 2pc bonus. Stick the Breen set on there and you have a super-powered science vessel that can launch pets and use massive numbers of sci abilities. It's all up to playstyle, though.
Okay. A few comments in reply to your post (TrueTom, thanks for your input).
1: Fleet Nova is my eventual goal. I loved my original Nova, and hated I had to leave it behind. Having a Fleet variant is icing on the cake for me. The Fleet Nova is why I bought those Ship Modules to begin with.
Sadly, I don't have the Rhode Island skin you talked about...probably because August was my STO-desert period - I was too busy IRL to manage to get on during then. And sadly, I don't have the free Nebula, either...though it always struck me as a good, solid ship.
2: I've always liked Tetryon weapons. I used them a lot when I was at Commander and Captain stages, and they always served me well. I hated it when I had to come up to Admiral and get the LOL TETRYON NOOB comments, and pretty much ditch them or face ridicule. It was a great day for me when I opened a handful of Tholian lockboxes and got that quartet of Phased Tetryon Beam Arrays. I would love to hear your comments about how to boost the effectiveness of Tetryon weapons.
3: I have a Plasmonic Leech console now. Really, really like it. Am aware of the MACO glitch, but I figure that my MACO ship will be my specific-Borg fighter. I'll keep in mind your comments for when I finally hit T5 (as a note, unless it's offered at an earlier tier - like the Nukara Particle Converter console - I never buy less than Mk XII equipment).
Okay. Now, on to a few more things.
Cruisers?: Yes, I've considered driving a real cruiser. I actually have a Mirror Star Cruiser in my bank that I picked up from a lockbox I opened, and have been considering using it when I replace a couple of ships in my lineup. Or if I buy another couple of ship slots. I would say that using a Cruiser would certainly let me play to my advantages - as an ENG, I can train my BOffs in skills that are otherwise denied me in a science ship or escort. But at the same time...Cruisers feel so slow, and more suited to scads of beam arrays then anything else. If I were to pick up a Cruiser, aside from the one I've already got (Mirror Star Cruiser), any suggestions?
DOffs: I've got my roster full-up of DOffs. All blue quality, except for one. 1 Conn Officer - reduce recharge for Evasive Maneuvers (my 'heck outta Dodge' button); 1 Projectile Weapons Officer (Law, from the Nimbus missions, purple quality, reduce recharge time for torpedo reload); 1 Damage Control Engineer (reduce recharge time for Emergency Power BOff skills); 1 Warp Core Engineer (adds chance to boost power to all systems when using Emergency Power BOff skills); and 1 Tractor Beam Officer (Drains shields when using Tractor Beam - I have TB III).
Fleet Invites: I'll keep that in mind.
Nukara Sets: I actually meant the other one - Deflector, Engines, Shield - but if you think the weapons set is worth it, I'll certainly look it up. I was actually planning on setting up my Fleet Nova to be the one to carry all that stuff. Since you know now, what's your thought on the other Nukaran set? (BTW, I already have the console you're talking about. One of the best investments I've made ever.)
Ship: As I noted, my eventual goal is a Fleet Nova. Mainly because it offers good tactical abilities in complement to its sci-powers. However, I would feel up to driving a Vesta-type in the interim (or until I can get an invite from another Fleet).
That said.
What's your take on the three Vestas? I wanted to angle for the ENG Vesta, so my console setup could be something like (at current moment - when better stuff is available, I'll take it):
Tac - Double Energy Type Console, Nukara Console
Eng - RCS Accelerator, Electroceramic Plating, Ablative Armor
Science - Emitter Array, Emitter Amplifier, Graviton Generator, OPEN SLOT
In my original conception, the OPEN SLOT was fitted with the Plasmonic Leech.
As before, please - the good points of each ship, and what they can be used for.
As for my play style...I tend to be more aggressive in combat. Take the space Conduit ESTF. Once you blow up the transwarp gate, and you fight the Tactical Cube, my usual strategy is to fly over the Cube (within 4-6 km), and harass it with fire.
Your move, good sir.
If you're after a pewpew cruiser, you really can't go wrong with the Avenger (or Fleet Avenger). 5 fore weapons slots, turn rate between cruiser and science vessel, console slotting rather between a cruiser and an escort, and adequate BOff seating. The universal console that comes in the C-store version (which reduces the cost of the fleet version just like any other tier5 ship) is really good too.
With the Vestas, you're kind of choosing between console layouts and universal console setups. The Boff seating is the same all the way around (Lt Cmdr and Ensign universal, Cmdr science, Lt Eng and Tactical).
The Tactical-oriented Vesta has really nice tactical and science console slots, and the Quantum Field Focus Controller is a nice boost to DPS every once in a while. The Science Vesta has 5 science console slots, and the universal console that comes with it is good for healing groups as long as you're all within 3 KM of each other. If you're that close to each other, it's not necessarily a good thing. The Engineering Vesta has the most balanced console layout of all 3, with 3 Eng, 3 Tac, and 3 Sci. Its console is also somewhat useful, though, as it protects from a decent amount of kinetic damage with some damage reflect (but only kinetic). The two piece bonus is kind of meh, as slipstream speed is on a lot of warp cores and if you're turning in slipstream, you're kinda doing it wrong. The 3 piece is a nice invulnerability for a short time, but weapons stop firing during it.
They're all hybrid carriers, so you get one hangar bay capable of launching small fighters only. Delta Fliers work well for stripping shields, Runabouts are good for holds, and Scorpions are decent pewpew pets. They're kinda redshirts, though. They'll die if your enemy sneezes at them, but they can dish out some damage.
Frankly, I'm not sure I'd get the 3 pack. The Tactical one is quite good on its own, the aux phaser cannons are quite good with high aux power, but Vestas as a whole are hobbled by minimal weapons slots, especially if you like LEEEROYing enemies. They make up for it by console slots and highly versatile BOff seats, to some degree, but you'll still get more pewpew out of a Cruiser's 4 weapons slots, or the Avenger's 5 fore weapons and ability to use cannons. If you own the cloaking device from the Defiant retro you can stick that on the Avenger for some turnrate bonus while cloaked.
To summarize, the Vesta line is very very versatile, and that's both its strength and its weakness. If you're more aggressive, you might want to consider a ship with higher shield and hull strength (not to mention more weapons slots), like the Avenger. I think you'll find it's more possible to survive in those than others.
For consoles, I'd highly suggest some threat-scaling science consoles from the fleet embassy, and some of the neutronium consoles from the dilithium mine holding. If your fleet isn't capable of supplying those, there's a channel with people who are more than willing to give you fleet map invites to fleets that have the required tier of holding to get the console you want. I forget what it is off the top of my head, but it's a very valuable resource. Definitely use your Leech console, though. That thing is ridiculously powerful.