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Weapons Better to grind for or upgrade?

pzzdachupzzdachu Member Posts: 39 Arc User
So Im just starting to get into upgrading and I was wondering, is it better to buy a Tier 1 weapon system and upgrade or grind for weaponry and Tech?
Allow me to introduce myself, I am P'zzd Achu.

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  • foxrockssocksfoxrockssocks Member Posts: 2,482 Arc User
    I assume you mean grind out reputation marks for rep gear? If that is the case, the answer is yes.

    You can't fully outfit most ships and weapon types with just rep or other set gear so you are going to need to get some drops/crafted/fleet stuff to fill in the gaps. But just because it comes in a set doesn't mean its worth equipping the set either, nor do you want the full set in most cases.

    You need to figure out what you want to focus on, get the applicable set gear and fill in the gaps.
  • pzzdachupzzdachu Member Posts: 39 Arc User
    Actually I was meaning the gear gained at the end of missions. I haven't even gotten around to figuring out the Rep part of the game. Heck, I'm still trying to figure out why Shields IV 3,000 gives one ship 3,000 points and another 2,300! Only playing for 2 weeks now...
    Allow me to introduce myself, I am P'zzd Achu.
  • peterconnorfirstpeterconnorfirst Member Posts: 6,225 Arc User
    edited October 2019
    Oh then welcome aboard. :)

    Depending on the resources you have on your hands (dil or ec) upgrading low level items while you level make sense (when low on ec). The exchnage market however so saturated that you can easily buy guns on the you like as well (when low on dil).

    My best advice I can give you is that whatever way you pick do not invest too many resources into it so early in game. Depending on the energy type the origins of the respective “best” weapons may vary a great deal and can lead to a bit of frustration when u put too much effort into suboptimal choices right at the start.

    Do you already have a plan or a, let’s say, favorite weapon type? Phasers and Disruptors for example have a lot of great options.
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  • foxrockssocksfoxrockssocks Member Posts: 2,482 Arc User
    Ah well if you are still leveling, you probably don't want to bother caring about much besides learning the game (though sadly leveling won't actaully teach you much.) Try the academy forum for lots of random information. Also the wiki is a great place too.

    The gear you get as drops is going to be just fine for leveling up. Just find stuff with the highest mk and/or color rarity to use and you are generally fine. Once you get to 50 you need to start considering a more cogent build for your ship because enemies get tougher faster at end game. But for now just explore and enjoy because there is a lot of information to take in if you really want to understand ship builds and gear and there isn't a reason to care at the low levels because the game is extremely easy at low levels.

    About shields specifically, every ship has a shield modifier to it. Some ships have weaker shields, some have stronger shields, so the same shield might have its strength multiplied by .9 for one ship and 1.3 for another.
  • pzzdachupzzdachu Member Posts: 39 Arc User
    Big fan of the dual phaser emitters with a torpedo or 2. There's a lot of info to digest, and Im kinda old fashion, I like having a source book to look at while Im playing.
    Allow me to introduce myself, I am P'zzd Achu.
  • tigerariestigeraries Member Posts: 3,492 Arc User
    edited October 2019
    I am not sure, but I think you can make mk 2 VR via crafting... maybe UR if it crits? Not sure since I dont craft. but from there you can upgrade and hope to get to Epic by the time you hit mk 15. unless you are not looking for a spec mod at UR like [Pen]... you will need to craft dozens of items. Or can you re-engineer the UR mod now to Pen on crafted items? /shrug
  • davefenestratordavefenestrator Member Posts: 10,501 Arc User
    You can craft Mark II VR with a 100% success rate once you reach level 15 or so. Tac consoles have no mods so you can just buy them from the exchange if you want, usually for 40-80,000 EC.

    One reason to craft is there are some fun mods you can only get from crafting: PEN for armor penetration, OVER for beam overload 1, SPR for torpedo spread 1.

    It is better to start with Mark II VR then for example Mark XII, because you get 10 extra very cheap chances for quality upgrades.
  • pzzdachupzzdachu Member Posts: 39 Arc User
    Im gonna need a universal translator. I haven't gotten the native lingo down yet.
    Allow me to introduce myself, I am P'zzd Achu.
  • szerontzurszerontzur Member Posts: 2,723 Arc User
    I'm going to assume you're not max level yet:

    The max you can acquire most gear is mk12(there is an exception, but it's not relevant at this time). Gear can go up to mk15, so you're going to have to upgrade it yourself or buy it at a premium from the exchange eventually.

    While you're still leveling, I'd suggest just working with whatever mission rewards and drops you get as you go - it's not really worth the resource investment required to upgrade it when you outgrow it so quickly. If you really like a reward from a mission, you'll be able to replay that mission for a mk12 version of it later.
  • pzzdachupzzdachu Member Posts: 39 Arc User
    I see your point!
    Allow me to introduce myself, I am P'zzd Achu.
  • rattler2rattler2 Member Posts: 57,973 Community Moderator
    If you want cheep on resources for quality upgrading, you get the weapons you want at mk 2 Very Rare (purple) and upgrade those. Good chance of easily getting them to at least Ultra Rare quality, with a decent chance of them going Epic by the time you hit Mk 12. Also watch for Upgrade Weekends. Those help a lot with upgrading. Phoenix Box events also can help as Phoenix Upgrade tokens don't require Dilithium.

    If you need help figuring out builds at some point, feel free to ask. Despite what some say, you can run any damage type and make it work. Some have more support than others in terms of gear, but all damage types are still viable with enough work. Also... if you just have fun that is also important.
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  • pzzdachupzzdachu Member Posts: 39 Arc User
    I haven't been able to upgrade a rare item yet. Only the common ones. But thats just something else I need to keep working on. B)

    Allow me to introduce myself, I am P'zzd Achu.
  • protoneousprotoneous Member Posts: 2,952 Arc User
    pzzdachu wrote: »
    Big fan of the dual phaser emitters with a torpedo or 2.
    I was meaning the gear gained at the end of missions.
    There's lots of good options for mission rewards that work well with phaser, including the phasers and torpedoes themselves.

    You'll probably end up upgrading some key mission reward items sooner or later no matter their level. It makes sense from an upgrade perspective to start with Mk II very rare weapons as you get more chances for an increase in quality.

    But as others have said with 2 weeks in-game there's also the options of mission replay, the exchange, and drops to fill in the gaps as well, until you're able to learn the game for a bit and make a more informed decision.
    There's a lot of info to digest, and Im kinda old fashion, I like having a source book to look at while Im playing.

    The wiki has some good info - https://sto.gamepedia.com/Episode_replay. People here can help fill you in on some pieces to focus on and things to do to get your ship and phasers working well.

    Where about are you level wise?
  • echattyechatty Member Posts: 5,913 Arc User
    tigeraries wrote: »
    Or can you re-engineer the UR mod now to Pen on crafted items? /shrug

    No, you cannot re-engineer the special mods (pen, over, rapid, snare, etc). You can only craft them in, relying on RNG to get them.
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  • leemwatsonleemwatson Member Posts: 5,331 Arc User
    echatty wrote: »
    tigeraries wrote: »
    Or can you re-engineer the UR mod now to Pen on crafted items? /shrug

    No, you cannot re-engineer the special mods (pen, over, rapid, snare, etc). You can only craft them in, relying on RNG to get them.

    You can also get those special mods from Doff equipment assignments.
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  • echattyechatty Member Posts: 5,913 Arc User
    Ah, thanks for the info. I rarely do the DOFF equipment assignments. Thanks again.

    Although I suppose those fall under crafting as well.

    You just can't get them through re-rolling.
    Now a LTS and loving it.
    Just because you spend money on this game, it does not entitle you to be a jerk if things don't go your way.
    I have come to the conclusion that I have a memory like Etch-A-Sketch. I shake my head and forget everything. :D
  • natureyouscarynatureyouscary Member Posts: 64 Arc User
    edited October 2019
    Tips: shields differ because ship types have different modifiers. Examble sci ships tend to do 1.3 ish x shield amount while escorts can sometimes run 0.9x

    Don't worry too much about upgrades till max level then choose a color .There are good free mission sets to get started with in almost every flavor.

    After that it's more efficient to upgrade weapons at mk II if you want to make gold(epic) quality ones but do that during upgrade events

    Other than that just have fun
  • peterconnorfirstpeterconnorfirst Member Posts: 6,225 Arc User
    edited October 2019
    pzzdachu wrote: »
    Big fan of the dual phaser emitters with a torpedo or 2. There's a lot of info to digest, and Im kinda old fashion, I like having a source book to look at while Im playing.

    Ah cool, we are talking phaser. B)

    Here are 2 good mission sets one can grind out and upgrade without any regrets:

    https://sto.gamepedia.com/Trilithium-Laced_Weaponry

    https://sto.gamepedia.com/Quantum_Phase_Catalysts

    The first one is so good that it’s 2 piece finds it way on a lot of high end builds (console and beam eg.). The other one is nice as well, especially if u aim for a beam/torpedo hybrid (again the console in any case).

    For the next Phoenix event try to get a token for the Phaser beam array of this set:

    https://sto.gamepedia.com/Prolonged_Engagement_Set

    Players keep it on high end builds as well so save to upgrade again. Later on from the Terran Reptutation System try to get the beam array of this set:

    https://sto.gamepedia.com/Terran_Task_Force_Munitions

    It’s the strongest phaser beam weapon in game.

    As @protoneous suggested try to get some filler weapons for the remaining slots and you are set to go as far as your gun ports are concerned. Ideal stuff, at close to zero cost. :)
    Post edited by peterconnorfirst on
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  • pzzdachupzzdachu Member Posts: 39 Arc User
    edited October 2019
    [quote="protoneous;c-13545011"Where about are you level wise?[/quote] Admiral/Upper (45th Lvl).


    Allow me to introduce myself, I am P'zzd Achu.
  • spiritbornspiritborn Member Posts: 4,248 Arc User
    edited October 2019
    I'd say that you really don't have worry too much about weapons, until Admiral or Fleet Admiral level before that as long as you're pretty close to your level appropiate mark and at least common you should be good enough for most normal mode content.

    Though you can start stockpiling resources for once you hit level 50+

    As someone stated in one of your other threads reputations unlock at "admiral" (or level 50) so you don't have to worry about those before that.

    There's some nice rewards from missions too though I think Pete linked most that would be good for your build idea.
  • seaofsorrowsseaofsorrows Member Posts: 10,918 Arc User
    edited October 2019
    tigeraries wrote: »
    I am not sure, but I think you can make mk 2 VR via crafting... maybe UR if it crits? Not sure since I dont craft. but from there you can upgrade and hope to get to Epic by the time you hit mk 15. unless you are not looking for a spec mod at UR like [Pen]... you will need to craft dozens of items. Or can you re-engineer the UR mod now to Pen on crafted items? /shrug

    The Lowest you can craft an item at is Mark II. These weapons are crafted at Very Rare Mark.

    The most optimal way is to indeed make an item at Mark II and Upgrade it from that mark. The optimal method is to do the upgrade using an Omega Upgrade Kit and a 2x Quality Improvement Accelerator. Ideally, you would do this on an Upgrade Weekend and it should take the item roughly to mark VIII giving you a 40% chance to increase in rarity every time. So you will have 6-7 upgrades with a 40% chance each time to get the 2 levels of Rarity you need for Epic.

    You could then use Phoenix Kits to get it the rest of the way to Mark XIV and re-engineer any mods you don't want.

    The Pen Mod cannot be obtained through Re-Engineering. The Mod can only be acquired as part of the items base stats at Mark II. An item that does not originally have the Pen Mod can never obtain it.
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  • nixie50nixie50 Member Posts: 1,260 Arc User
    you said Phaser, so here is what I do. if you can skip ahead in missions to get the the firt future proof mission Sunrise. run it 3 tims to get the phaser array, quantum console and the torpedo. the set boots phasers pretty well, and the 3 part clicky power is a decent additiona beam attack.
    the others mentioned crafting phasers and consoles but i will go one bit further. craft A LOT of them, like 25 of them maybe 30. of them you might get 4-5 with a proc that is good, like overload or penetration. THOSE, you do one upgrade. if they don't pop from VR to UR, then craft more. that way worst case you get to MK 15 at UR. you can bump a LOT or arrays using one upgradr than it would taking one peice up to MK 15. you asked about shields. shield strength varies by type of ship. scinece ships get a higher shield modifier, like 1.4 or higher. Cruisers stay around 1 and escorts are lower, like .7-.9. it is suppose to offset the offensive firepower of each class.
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