I am currently running an all phaser/photon loadout on my Nebula class, but since using a science/research ship is new to me, I was wondering if there is any way that is more viable to run my loadout. I would prefer to use phasers/photons as I have kits that complement using them.
Here is my current loadout:
Fore weps
-XI phaser beam array CrtD
-XII dual phaser bank CrtD
-XII photon torpedo launcher CrtD
Aft weps
-XI Phaser turret CrtH x2
-XI phaser beam array CrtD
-XII photon torpedo launcher CrtH
0
Comments
Beam build is more conventional, but in experienced hands the single cannon/turret build can be quite effective.
A good start for gear is the set from the episode sunrise: http://sto.gamepedia.com/Mission:_Sunrise
For space gear the st from http://sto.gamepedia.com/Mission:_Stormbound
You have to remember that the strength of a science vessel is in its space magic/exotic damage and not in its weapon loadout.
It is also important to pick a secondary deflector which suits the science abilities you want to use:
http://sto.gamepedia.com/Secondary_Deflector
We'll need a bit more info on your build to advice you to improve.
If you can make your build in http://skillplanner.stoacademy.com/a9092c7b3f469500a9f5a372aa066856 then we can make specific recommendations.
Do you want a crowd-control build (very limited usage in PvE) or exotic damage build? Power leech (only really viable in PvP, since AI combatants don't really have limited power levels like players do) or healer?
That part really comes down to your personal preference, and I'll be no help there due to not having the foggiest idea on science/space wizardry.
U.S.S. Maelstrom, NCC-71417 (Constitution III-class/flagship) --- Fleet Admiral Hauk' --|-- Dahar Master Hauk --- I.K.S. qu'In 'an bortaS (D7-class / flagship)
sharpie65 and questerius, thanks for the help! Currently I have a deteriorating secondary deflector equipped and I like the idea of using my beam weps as debuffs with the "target systems" abilities. I'll make the switch to all beams or all cannons soon, the only reason I have the turret equipped is because I used it on my Excelsior class, when I had an extra wep slot. I found it useful for stopping heavy torpedoes and mines due to its high rate of fire.
Specialized science users may disagree with me, but personally i have not found a use for the target subsystem in PVE.
Most of the NPC have a very high subsystem repair and almost infinite power supply thereby making subsystem targeting almost useless.
A well executed drain build can work, but the time where a good drain build could effectively shut down tactical cubes seems to be in the past.
With a deteriorating secondary deflector your go-to science powers will be tachyon beam (not for the shield stripping but for the high rate of fire and radiation damage), energy siphon (damage and boost of your power levels), tyken rift (for damage and area effect) and Destabilizing Resonance Beam (DRB). Most of these are aimed at single targets so that is something to keep in mind.
For the science consoles you will want to max out of either EPG consoles to max out direct damage OR flow capacitors to maximize the drain.
When going this route it is also highly recommended that you have some investment in drain infection
http://sto.gamepedia.com/Skill:_Drain_Infection
Anything more specific will have to wait until we view the build in skill planner.