Let's Discuss Ground Builds....Kit Modules and their uses.

where2r1 · January 2019

Since RTFOs include the possibility of getting "stuck" in a ground queue...before you all just take the AFK penalty, lets talk about how to improve the ground builds for a bit.

I don't want to get stuck in the "I can't reconfigure my Specialization" b.s. which is totally useless...because they are not changing it. Right now, anyways.

Let's focus on kit modules and their uses. To start. Though all ground build advice and tips are welcome.

TIPS FOR GROUND QUEUES are VERY WELCOME.
Though some of us are still not there yet...so, tips at all levels are fine.

Engineer. Science. Tactical. Universal.
For efficiency. For specific situations.
Tell us your useful must have. Or the ones just for fun. And how you use them.
Whether the basics, from events, or fancier ones from boxes.
Give us your take on your favorite Kit Modules (by default, equivalent BOFF powers will most likely be pulled in, too).

@baddmoonrizin would you mind leaving this in General Discussion, then move it over to The Academy after people find it?

where2r1 · January 2019

This is original post made by @questerius....

questerius wrote: »

One thing to keep in mind is that there are no useless kit modules, but merely situational ones.
Since i enjoy engineering most of all i will try to write a short overview of the various modules and in which situations they are best used.

One module which has been slandered earlier in this topic, but has its use is combat supply.
In space, but also on the ground many people seem to be obsesses with mere DPS while overlooking important aspects like keeping the team alive.

An engineer can do a lot of damage, but it is without a doubt one of the most potent team supporters and combat supply is a prime example.

https://sto.gamepedia.com/Ability:_Combat_Supply

In the age where "everyone" seems to have Mk20 double star gear (i know i am Exaggerating) having someone who boosts shields, armor, health, damage, or move speed is redundant right?
Other than a few people specializing in ground, this area is still mostly unexplored territory for the majority of players. Most maps unfamiliar and most NPC new. In a situation like that the boost from combat supply is very useful.

https://sto.gamepedia.com/Specialization:_Systems_Engineer#Combat_Supply_variant

Other than mere support it can also be used for damage with a combat variant doff on duty.

So first snippet. Will try to get most done later. I encourage specialized tactical and science players to do the same in this topic.

where2r1 · January 2019

For more help with Ground Builds....please check out the Wiki section of the STO Ground Reddit...
I am not sure how active the admin folks are, right now, though.

https://www.reddit.com/r/STOGround/wiki/index

where2r1 · January 2019

I was playing the ViL missions with my new Jem'Hadars....one thing I noticed right off the bat was: the Jem'Hadar BOFF's equal to the Chroniton Mine Barrier ability seemed to work much better than I had seen before.

I was thinking is it some trait or the way the skill tree is set up....then. I got thinking maybe it is because the Hur'q bugs just rush everything and run themselves into the mines. ????

I am busy with breakfast, right now...will go look up the names of this stuff later in the Wiki.

where2r1 · January 2019

Can someone signed up with Reddit, DM the Moderators at STO Ground to contribute their wisdom to this thread, if they have the time?

questerius · January 2019

where2r1 wrote: »

@questerius do you mind if I cut and paste your post from the other thread here?

Go ahead.

where2r1 · January 2019

questerius wrote: »

where2r1 wrote: »

@questerius do you mind if I cut and paste your post from the other thread here?

Go ahead.

Thanks. And done.

Hopefully, we can get more people posting about their favorites....
Having several events on going, though...always gets a little pressed for time.

+++++++++++++++

A lot of this stuff is just practicing and testing with your characters on the ground.
Which, with all the options that we have in this game....it doubles the time one needs to study.

But I am not sure if Cryptic will ever relent on separating RTFOs into Ground and Space....since they stated the reason for some of this was to get players into the various "forgotten" queues.

So, lets start sharing our observations about the Ground. And ideas on how to integrate it into the whole game plan.

sheldonlcooper · January 2019

for science I use the exothermic and set them on fire then I hit boss with radiation. I always have the medical tricorder and the frame is from the lab with the shield heal power. I also often use the crystal spike. oh also cold fusion. a freeze em after burning them.

my engineer is my best ground character - a kitty. Uses mines, romulan plasma, a turret from the exchange that has a big cylinder on top. shield heal, crystal spike.

i'm useless with tac both in space and on the ground. i use the graviton spike, and often that thing that bombs people.

markhawkman · January 2019

I'll start with science.

Science is one where certain powers are much more deadly with doffs. Anything that applies a debuff(including but not limited to run speed debuffs) triggers the Biochemist doff which gives a damage resist debuff. This can make AoE spam a super-deadly way to wipe low-tier enemies.

It's the defensive science powers that get REALLY interesting though.
Nanite Health Monitor: an old favorite because it heals you automatically when you need it most. It can also be applied to a team mate. And it adds a damage resist buff(DR) when triggered.
Medical Tricorder: Single target but the short cooldown is the best feature, also adds some DR
Triage: this has easy of use as the best feature since you don't need to target someone, just stand near them and use it. Also adds some DR.
Vascular Regenerator: single target heal/debuff removal, also adds DR.
Dylovene: buffs physical melee damage and increase max HP
Melorazine: removes debuffs and increases energy damage resist, this isn't a side bonus though, DR is the actual main effect.
Biofilter sweep: at first glance it looks like a weaker version of Melorazine, BUT, this one is an AoE and doesn't require you to target your allies to use it on them.

Now for a few select science modules that aren't available for crafting:
Metaphasic Rejuvenation(Terran rep): it's a healing AoE, but it's centered on a target, not on you(unless you target yourself). also it can revive KOed allies.
Vaadwaur Shield Drone: it's a science kit that summons a pet that repairs shields instead of HP. Doesn't SOUND like a big deal, until you realize how few things there are that let science players do that
Reconstructive nanites(Delta box): DR with a side benefit of a HoT. secondary trigger: team Max health boost
Energy Inversion Matrix(Xindi-A box): short recharge, causes target's energy attacks to heal shields instead of dealing damage
Automated adrenal hypo(Xindi-A box): best features: makes you run faster, if you get KOed before the effect wears off, it rezzes you.
Psionic assault(Undine box): maintained effect, reduces target's damage, and can stun them

wraithknight · January 2019

For Xbox One
- Terran kit to boost kit performance
- Johnny Cochrane's shotgun (Borg doesn't adapt to shotguns)
- a few ground kits from Q's Winter Wonderland fit for tactical, engineering and science (cryo grenade, freeze armor etc)
- Solar Gateway
- Patience
- ask questions or find a fast video of said map

Personally I like the STO ground battles, I don't understand why folks brag about Halo, Destiny and CoD but when it comes to Star Trek ground battles the same tough gamers just sit there like a turtle at times or rage quit 😒

rattler2 · January 2019

Slight detour: Most specs have both ground and space attributes. The only ones that don't are Commando (secondary Ground), Pilot (Primary Space), and Specialist (Secondary Space).

So unless people are running Pilot/Specialist, they're getting the benefit of whatever they have slotted on the ground too. Granted my main is semi nerfed because she's doing Intel/Pilot, but still... I'm getting that defense boost from Intel on the ground. Command/Commando may be a bit more optimal for ground but... do what you can with what you got.

Back on topic:

Science characters can be built to health tank just about anything with the right kit modules. A skilled Medic can be dang near invincible. Engie characters can do something similar with shield tanking, but its not as effecient.

My Romulan Engie is set up with what I call the "Drone Master" kit. Basically got every deployable drone I can get my hands on in game, and slot the ones I feel will be the most useful. There are only a few situations where a Bunker Engie will actually be useful, and said Bunker Engie also has to be smart about where to put generators, kinda like base building in a strategy game. But a Drone Master can stay mobile, and have their own personal army. Combine it with some traits... you can have multiple support drones from the native engie power that also have wide beam secondary attacks, on top of a Seeker Drone and various other Drones. Only weakness of the Drone Master would be in PvP against someone with Sabotage however. But in someplace like Sompek... MUA HAHAHAHA. More things to distract the enemies with.

My TOS Science is set up as a Cryomancer. Endothermic Inhibitor Field, Cryo Visor, Cryo Stasis, Cold Fusion Flash, and a Med Tricorder for a heal. Pretty effective IMO.

Tac... I actually kinda like the old Fire Team setup. Couple buffs, a couple grenades...
I do have a friend though who made a pretty good Sniper kit. Don't remember what he used but he could hit for 1k at least with a sniper.

tasshena · January 2019

where2r1 wrote: »

For more help with Ground Builds....please check out the Wiki section of the STO Ground Reddit...
I am not sure how active the admin folks are, right now, though.

https://www.reddit.com/r/STOGround/wiki/index

o.O There's a separate reddit for STO Ground? I... never knew that. Wow. ^_^

xyquarze · January 2019

markhawkman wrote: »

Nanite Health Monitor: an old favorite because it heals you automatically when you need it most. It can also be applied to a team mate. And it adds a damage resist buff(DR) when triggered.
Medical Tricorder: Single target but the short cooldown is the best feature, also adds some DR
Vascular Regenerator: single target heal/debuff removal, also adds DR.

This is a slight detour from the main topic, but I always run around with a sci boff with these three (tricorder doubled). While not strictly necessary, you'll almost never have to worry about doffs going down again and will every so often see your health bar jump up when you need it. Add one or two eng shield restorations and you're set, even if that means slightly lower DPS.

where2r1 · January 2019

sheldonlcooper wrote: »

for science I use the exothermic and set them on fire then I hit boss with radiation. I always have the medical tricorder and the frame is from the lab with the shield heal power. I also often use the crystal spike. oh also cold fusion. a freeze em after burning them.

Here's the Wiki pages that I could find...

https://sto.gamepedia.com/Science_Kit_Module_-_Exothermic_Induction_Field
https://sto.gamepedia.com/Science_Kit_Module_-_Medical_Tricorder

I hope this is what you mean by "hit the boss with radiation":
https://sto.gamepedia.com/Science_Kit_Module_-_Hyperonic_Radiation

https://sto.gamepedia.com/Universal_Kit_Module_-_Crystalline_Spike
https://sto.gamepedia.com/Science_Kit_Module_-_Cold_Fusion_Flash

sheldonlcooper wrote: »

my engineer is my best ground character - a kitty. Uses mines, romulan plasma, a turret from the exchange that has a big cylinder on top. shield heal, crystal spike.

https://sto.gamepedia.com/Engineering_Kit_Module_-_Chroniton_Mine_Barrier

I can not figure out "a turret with a big cylinder on top". ???? One of the Mortars???

Two shield heals I found in the Wiki:
https://sto.gamepedia.com/Engineering_Kit_Module_-_Shield_Generator
https://sto.gamepedia.com/Engineering_Kit_Module_-_Shield_Recharge

https://sto.gamepedia.com/Universal_Kit_Module_-_Crystalline_Spike

sheldonlcooper wrote: »

i'm useless with tac both in space and on the ground. i use the graviton spike, and often that thing that bombs people.

I don't know why I am horrific with Tac, too. Both ground and space.

https://sto.gamepedia.com/Tactical_Kit_Module_-_Graviton_Spike

I can not figure out "that thing that bombs people". ???? I assume you are not talking about grenades?
Do you mean this one???

https://sto.gamepedia.com/Tactical_Kit_Module_-_Chroniton_Micro-Torpedo_Spread

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Here is the page in the Wiki with the Kits listed....can you scroll through that and recognize the icon?
https://sto.gamepedia.com/Kit

Anyhoo...I had a night of killing Snowmen and Kramp'Ihri hordes and running ice races (and losing)...and I am ready to go to sleep. So I will link more stuff tomorrow.

where2r1 · January 2019

OH...one more thing before I go.... my favorite Science Kit Module is: Sonic Disruption from Summer Event.

Because some of those felons just want to get in your face....
And I love this because, well, you can give them a good shove. LOL!

Matter of fact, I like anything with "kickback" animation to it. Because I think it is hilarious.

https://sto.gamepedia.com/Science_Kit_Module_-_Sonic_Disruption

It is a good reason to dust off your lohlunat wallets.

questerius · January 2019

sheldonlcooper wrote: »

for science I use the exothermic and set them on fire then I hit boss with radiation. I always have the medical tricorder and the frame is from the lab with the shield heal power. I also often use the crystal spike. oh also cold fusion. a freeze em after burning them.

my engineer is my best ground character - a kitty. Uses mines, romulan plasma, a turret from the exchange that has a big cylinder on top. shield heal, crystal spike.

i'm useless with tac both in space and on the ground. i use the graviton spike, and often that thing that bombs people.

Do you mean this one?
https://sto.gamepedia.com/Ability:_Coordinate_Bombing_Strike

this one
https://sto.gamepedia.com/Ability:_Mass_Gravimetric_Detonation

or this one
https://sto.gamepedia.com/Universal_Kit_Module_-_Protomatter_Munition_Deployment

B.t.w the turret from the exchange with the cylinder is this one
https://sto.gamepedia.com/Engineering_Kit_Module_-_Biotech_Turret

rattler2 · January 2019

where2r1 wrote: »

I can not figure out "a turret with a big cylinder on top". ???? One of the Mortars???

Could be the flamethrower turret.
Plasma_Flamethrower_Turret.jpg?version=f8233813f43ef4fbc9aa4d0c70c99bcb

Only other turret I can think of that comes close is theBiotech AP...
Biotech_Antiproton_Turret.jpg?version=1f04411af316493bb3eb3ab36f8bfc92

where2r1 · January 2019

Yeah, glancing through the STO Wiki Kit Module page....https://sto.gamepedia.com/Kit

I find I am NOT familiar with any of the kit modules from Reputation and Specializations or from Lockboxes.

Matter of fact, I am not familiar with any of the gear from Reputations at all. I just do not buy them.

The fleet ones:
I have the Kligat...https://sto.gamepedia.com/Universal_Kit_Module_-_Kligat
But I assume Leck's Throwing Knives may be a step up...though that is taking up a weapons slot.

A friend suggested I get the Staff of Landru...
https://sto.gamepedia.com/Universal_Kit_Module_-_Staff_of_Landru
But I have not had any time to practice using that one.

The Kit Modules from Specialization can anyone use those?
Oh wait, I guess, one would have to fill those Specialization Trees to "unlock" them?

Is there something similar for BOFFs on ground? I guess, the ground abilities need the Specialization Training Manual....but don't need special "slots" like on the ships.

https://sto.gamepedia.com/Bridge_officer_and_kit_abilities Scroll down to Specialization.

Boy, there is a lot to study with Specializations.

tigeraries · January 2019

dps league has ground build suggestions with kit mods listed.

https://www.sto-league.com/ground-builds/

where2r1 · January 2019

tigeraries wrote: »

dps league has ground build suggestions with kit mods listed.

https://www.sto-league.com/ground-builds/

So....out of this list, which build do you have the most fun with??

Do you use the builds exactly as advertised with no personal touches?
Because you have a favorite Kit Module that is not in the build?
Which ones are those?

where2r1 · January 2019

I forgot I had a teeth cleaning appointment today, so I really have not had as much time to spend on this post as I would have liked.

I will try to catch up on looking up Kit Modules, listing the link to them and asking questions over the weekend.

That is if I don't get caught up in WW...I only have a week and a half left to get my fill of Snowman hits.

sheldonlcooper · January 2019

the turret I meant was this one:
https://sto.gamepedia.com/Universal_Kit_Module_-_Overcharge_Turret

it's a little slow but works well. the romulan plasma is faster so they work nicely together

some of my tacs do use the coordinated bombing strike
some use the plasma feedback which does well against hard hitting bosses.
some use sompek lightning
polaron bombardment (I like this better than the bombing strike)
some use cryogrenade
along with the usual team boosting modules

where2r1 · January 2019

Gosh darn it....what is the trick to get those "builds" posted on STO Academy to work right?
I can never see what I want to see on those things.

questerius · January 2019

sheldonlcooper wrote: »

the turret I meant was this one:
https://sto.gamepedia.com/Universal_Kit_Module_-_Overcharge_Turret

it's a little slow but works well. the romulan plasma is faster so they work nicely together

some of my tacs do use the coordinated bombing strike
some use the plasma feedback which does well against hard hitting bosses.
some use sompek lightning
polaron bombardment (I like this better than the bombing strike)
some use cryogrenade
along with the usual team boosting modules

@sheldonlcooper
If you like the overcharge turret, you should try this one:
https://sto.gamepedia.com/Universal_Kit_Module_-_Plasma_Blastwave_Turret

vetteguy904 · January 2019

I do not know how well it woulld work out in a ground TFO, but I like having 2 modules on any flavor character. Solar Gte, because if nothing else, it strips shields pretty well, and the echpo Papa drone. yes, it disables your run, but that's offset bu the fact it's an aggro magnet. it has decent DPS, reactivates, harasses and lets you flank the enemy

questerius · January 2019

vetteguy904 wrote: »

I do not know how well it woulld work out in a ground TFO, but I like having 2 modules on any flavor character. Solar Gte, because if nothing else, it strips shields pretty well, and the echpo Papa drone. yes, it disables your run, but that's offset bu the fact it's an aggro magnet. it has decent DPS, reactivates, harasses and lets you flank the enemy

Keep in mind that the Solar gateway heals Tholians so be careful where to use it.

w00q · January 2019

Lightning of Sompek (Epic, scalable to your character) is good especially for groups of NPC who stands around.

Easy to obtain; need only three (3) weekend vouchers during Arena of Sompek.
Account unlock via Weekend Reputation

where2r1 · January 2019

vetteguy904 wrote: »

I do not know how well it woulld work out in a ground TFO, but I like having 2 modules on any flavor character. Solar Gte, because if nothing else, it strips shields pretty well, and the echpo Papa drone. yes, it disables your run, but that's offset bu the fact it's an aggro magnet. it has decent DPS, reactivates, harasses and lets you flank the enemy

I asked my Fleet Leader about it... he says be careful using that Echo Papa Drone as an aggro magnet...because once it aggros and it disappears....all that aggro comes on to you. So, make sure everything is dead.

(Well...he meant "you" as in ME. Because he knows I probably couldn't handle it.)

https://sto.gamepedia.com/Universal_Kit_Module_-_Echo_Papa_607_Drone_System
(I think I got this from the Phoenix Box).

https://sto.gamepedia.com/Universal_Kit_Module_-_Solar_Gateway (Infinity box per Wiki, check Exchange)

***Note*** I almost exclusively play Solo. So, any comments from me is from that point of view.

where2r1 · January 2019

sheldonlcooper wrote: »

the turret I meant was this one:
https://sto.gamepedia.com/Universal_Kit_Module_-_Overcharge_Turret

it's a little slow but works well. the romulan plasma is faster so they work nicely together

some of my tacs do use the coordinated bombing strike
some use the plasma feedback which does well against hard hitting bosses.
some use sompek lightning
polaron bombardment (I like this better than the bombing strike)
some use cryogrenade
along with the usual team boosting modules

Coordinated Bombing Strke: https://sto.gamepedia.com/Ability:_Coordinate_Bombing_Strike
(Command Specialization Kit, but there is a kit for your Captain. No page specific for that kit but this is the ability, you can train BOFFs)

Plasma Feedback Cascade: https://sto.gamepedia.com/Universal_Kit_Module_-_Plasma_Feedback_Cascade
(Mission Reward: "Uneasy Allies"

Polaron Bombardment: https://sto.gamepedia.com/Tactical_Kit_Module_-_Polaron_Bombardment
(Infinity Lockbox, check Exchange)

Cryo Grenade: https://sto.gamepedia.com/Tactical_Kit_Module_-_Cryo_Grenade
(Winter Event store)

Which are your favorite Team Boosting Modules?

I usually stick Overwatch and Rally Cry on my Tac.
Reading the description in the Wiki, now....well, it LOOKs good.

I wonder if it actually is helping in Solo play, though.
(I really hate playing with my Tac. Poor thing.)

https://sto.gamepedia.com/Tactical_Kit_Module_-_Overwatch
https://sto.gamepedia.com/Tactical_Kit_Module_-_Rally_Cry

questerius wrote: »

@sheldonlcooper
If you like the overcharge turret, you should try this one:
https://sto.gamepedia.com/Universal_Kit_Module_-_Plasma_Blastwave_Turret

Holy moly...they have a picture of that Plasma Blastwave Turret firing on the Wiki page. They are not kidding it is a "blastwave". Is this the one you are calling Romulan plasma, @sheldonlcooper ???

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Couple of people were talking about: Sompek Lightning (I have never done Sompek, myself).

https://sto.gamepedia.com/Universal_Kit_Module_-_Sompek_Lightning
(Weekend event store)

Did I get everything???? I think I did.

where2r1 · January 2019

xyquarze wrote: »

markhawkman wrote: »

Nanite Health Monitor: an old favorite because it heals you automatically when you need it most. It can also be applied to a team mate. And it adds a damage resist buff(DR) when triggered.
Medical Tricorder: Single target but the short cooldown is the best feature, also adds some DR
Vascular Regenerator: single target heal/debuff removal, also adds DR.

This is a slight detour from the main topic, but I always run around with a sci boff with these three (tricorder doubled). While not strictly necessary, you'll almost never have to worry about doffs going down again and will every so often see your health bar jump up when you need it. Add one or two eng shield restorations and you're set, even if that means slightly lower DPS.

When I first started playing....my Fleet Leader taught me to "set up" a "healer" Science BOFF on my Away Team. Of course, back then, the ability had to be "trained" at the BOFF trainer and NO SWITCHING.

It is so flexible, now.

To this day, my Away Team has that one Science BOFF "healer" running on it. Although, I am not so sure it is trained for only healing abilities, these days.

EDIT: Of course, I call up the launcher and realized I forgot to mention.....make sure the BOFF you pick as healer has the Trait called "Peak Health". It really helps keep that healer alive.

I have not taken the time to test and change things around on ground very much. I am sure that is the same for most other players. Hence, this outcry about the RTFOs mixing it up.

And who wouldn't concentrate on the Space portion??? A player is putting down a sizable investment in those fancier ships. Yeah, yeah, "you don't need any of it"....my TRIBBLE.

+++++++++++++++

Anyhoo...it is getting late, and I want to get on Winter Wonderland for my round of races and snowball fights....so, I will hit Rattler2, then wraithknight, then markhawkman posts with links, later or tomorrow.

sheldonlcooper · January 2019

where2r1 wrote: »

sheldonlcooper wrote: »

the turret I meant was this one:
https://sto.gamepedia.com/Universal_Kit_Module_-_Overcharge_Turret

Holy moly...they have a picture of that Plasma Blastwave Turret firing on the Wiki page. They are not kidding it is a "blastwave". Is this the one you are calling Romulan plasma, @sheldonlcooper ???

I've never used that one, but I'll try it out soon. I've also been meaning to try the 23rd century drones for like years now
I meant the romulan plasma turret from the embassy. It really does very well against targets that get close to it. Not so good when it only fires bolts at distant targets.

Let's Discuss Ground Builds....Kit Modules and their uses.

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