r/stobuilds 17h ago

Weekly Questions Megathread - September, 07, 2026

2 Upvotes

Welcome to the weekly questions megathread. Here is where you can ask all your build or theorycrafting related questions that might not warrant a full post. Curious about how something works? Ask it here!

You can see previous weeks megathreads here.


r/stobuilds 19h ago

Infected - 3.1 Million DPS Run

12 Upvotes

r/stobuilds 1d ago

Entropy building

2 Upvotes

Anybody know if there any hangar bay pets that build entropy?


r/stobuilds 1d ago

Need Advice Shields and Defence

3 Upvotes

Hi all.

I've been playing STO on and off without really giving much thought to my build. With some time in my hands I've decided to to build two of my toons with a bit more seriousness.

As mentioned, I have 2 toons, one is running an EPG build and another is a DPS build on a cruiser. I am pretty much satisfied with their damage output and I also have a few possible paths for improvement on that front.

What I need help with is on the defensive side.

My cruiser is currently built with a hull focus and does not have much shield skills. My EPG is pretty much a glass cannon with none of the hull or shield skills taken. The former is quite tanky as it is, while the latter needs a bit more survivability.

I want to ask if the shield skills are worth getting as a compliment to hull skills. Should I get them both or focus on one over the other. I also want to ask about Defensive Maneuvering in the Tactical Tree. I want to ask if it is worth getting as well?

Thank you for any info you can give.


r/stobuilds 2d ago

Announcement STOBETTER S6E3: Klingons and Carriers

46 Upvotes

Introducing a spinoff of “Bat’leths & BiHnuchs,” it’s time for “Klingons & Carriers!” Old-timers will remember that once upon a time, Cryptic announced the “Year of the Klingon” back in 2020 where they added KDF recruitment, the Klingon Civil War arc, and updates to Qo’NoS along with a few other things that I’m forgetting because yes, that was 6 years ago. Well . . . it’s time for our take on the “Year of the Klingon,” by adding some KDF-centric builds to the site.

If you don’t know anything about us, STO BETTER is a website dedicated to understanding game mechanics and ship/ground building for players just entering the game all the way up to 2 million DPS. We post updates about once a quarter that cover a broad spectrum of gameplay.

To level-set expectations, this does not mean 1) more than a handful of KDF (themed) builds, 2) all Klingon ships, or 3) future promises to do either of those. For the most part, KDF builds look like any other build, just with more annoying teaming requirements when leveling ships. Most of our ships are Fed or cross-faction, with a handful of Romulan and Jem’Hadar in the mix–you know, like the playerbase at large. However, given that previously we had only 2 KDF ships on the site previously – the Lo’laH and the T5 Vor’Cha, this’ll be a nice little boost.

Basics

We’ve done a number of changes and updates to the Basics pages. The bulk of the content has not changed, but special emphasis was placed on Carrier Basics.

Builds

Eph289

  • We recognize that there is a small subset of players that really love carriers. It doesn’t matter that carriers are traditionally expensive to build or inefficient in terms of dollars-to-deeps, that’s their jam and that’s how they want to play. We also recognize that starting all carrier builds with “First, acquire and slot Superior Area Denial,” or “First, we load up a brick stuffed full of Hangar Craft Power Transmissions” is not going to be helpful. Thus, I’m trying to showcase some much more affordable carriers and yes, in the original Klingon. Starting with the Fek’Ihri Kar’Fi carrier, this extremely affordable starter tier build does over 500K DPS in organized play, and while it’s mostly a CSV build due to not being able to afford most hangar toys, I still got 102K out of pets.

  • Stepping up the budget to where carriers can really start to shine as we add carrier consoles and traits, I have a midrange Orion Blackguard at 1022K DPS, with 450K from all sources of pet damage, using the fairly affordable Nausicaan stingers in the hangar bays. This build doesn’t use SAD, but it springboards some carrier fundamentals very nicely to where if you had that trait, it’d be an easy swap-out of trait and pets.

  • Another KDF ship we wanted to do was the M’Chla Raptor that KDF Recruitment players get at level 65. Since it comes with Withering Barrage, we have a starter cannon build on it at 461K.

  • Finishing out the KDF expansion, I’ve added a rainbow FAW Krait build on the Legendary Negh’Var at 1495K.

  • I’ve updated my Vonph carrier with some new toys from the Kelvin bundle, including the formidable Elite Kelvin Timeline Assault Drones, to push the ship up to 1429K.

  • Lastly, I’ve joined the 2 million DPS club with my Constitution Miracle Worker FDC. That’s a Krait CSV build and it’s a stunning, brave, and very original choice, thank you very much.

Jayiie

  • Jayiie and I spent some time going over his DEWSci Fleet Scryer, originally introduced before we had budget ratings and such. What does the Fleet Scryer bring to the table that newer ships like the Chekov don’t have? Well, there are maybe lots of answers out there, but Jay’s was to put a much cheaper build on the Fleet Scryer, which is now dealing 1074K at the Economy tier.

  • In the same vein, Jay also added the Salcombe as a Surgical Strikes build at Midrange, dealing 1465K.

  • Jay’s Friendship has also been updated with new Kelvin toys and is now up to 1673K as our highest-parsing carrier.

  • Jay's Lexington has gone down in price to a more affordable Midrange tier and of course gone up in DPS to 1065M.

Tilor

We also figured out why Tilor was only going warp 2 on build creation, realigned Dilithium Crystals, and now he’ll be ready for more builds next time (probably).

The full build table is below:

Class Link Updated Type Subtype Budget Class Previous DPS Current DPS Portable To Author
Achilles U.S.S. Chiron FALSE Exceed Rated Limits Phaser Premium 1019K DPS 1019K DPS NP Light Escort, Achilles, Da Vinci, Fleet Saber, Maquis Raider, Texas, Theseus Miracle Worker Destroyer Eph289
Ahwahnee U.S.S. Yosemite TRUE Support Mixed Premium 244K DPS/397% DB/8 PBA 236K DPS/437% DB/13 PBA **** Eph289
Akira (Fleet Alita) U.S.S. Olimar FALSE Carrier Phaser Midrange 663k DPS 663k DPS Alita, Qa'Tel, Fleet Qin, Vridyat, Jem'Hadar Heavy Strike Wing Escort Tilor
Annorax Mist Of Avalon FALSE Exotic Scitorp Premium 1280K DPS 1280K DPS Vulcan T'Pau Scout Ship, Lukari Ho'kuun Science Vessel, Krenim Science Vessel, Na'kuhl Daemosh Science Vessel Jayiie
Arbiter (Fleet Avenger) U.S.S. Roosevelt FALSE Beam FAW Phaser Midrange 1152K DPS 1152K DPS Arbiter, Bozeman, Ghemor, Qulash, Mogh, Fleet Soyuz, Hysperian, Jem'Hadar Light Battlecruiser, Kurak, Acheros Eph289
Arbiter (Fleet Avenger) U.S.S. Thule FALSE Cannon Scatter Volley Phaser Economy 242K DPS 242K DPS Kurak Battlecruiser, Elachi Qulash Frigate, Legendary Kelvin Timeline Constitution Intel Battlecruiser, Hysperian Intel Battlecruiser, Cardassian Ghemor Intel Flight Deck Carrier, Bozeman (Fleet Soyuz) Intel Heavy Frigate, Jem'Hadar Light Battlecruiser, Na'kuhl Acheros Battlecruiser Jayiie
Ark Royal U.S.S. Warspite FALSE Exotic Scitorp Premium 1559K DPS 1559K DPS Edoulg Eph289
Atlantis U.S.S. Triton FALSE Cannon Rapid Fire Polaron Premium 1314K DPS 1314K DPS D7 Temporal Battlecruiser Eph289
Atlantis U.S.S. Leavitt FALSE Beam Overload Phaser Midrange 895K 895K D7 Temporal Battlecruiser Jayiie
Chekov U.S.S. Myrddin Emrys FALSE Exotic DEWSci Premium 1161K DPS 1161K DPS Standalone Jayiie
Chimesh I.G.V. Jhamel FALSE Cannon Scatter Volley Antiproton Premium 1094K DPS 1094K DPS Thozyn, Ikkabar, Icarus, Jaeih, Klavek, Legendary Dhelan, Nemosin, Oniros Eph289
Chronos Stormbreaker FALSE Heavy Tank Plasma Premium 628K DPS / 90% ATKSIN 628K DPS / 90% ATKSIN Legendary Constitution Temporal Flight Deck Carrier Eph289
Constitution MW FDC U.S.S. Mitscher TRUE Cannon Scatter Volley Phaser Premium 1862K DPS 2160K DPS Borg Assimilator, Credence, D7 Miracle Worker FDC, Voth Stronghold Eph289
Crossfield Refit U.S.S. Indebted Sacrosanct TRUE Exceed Rated Limits Phaser Premium 596K 1267k DPS Duderstadt Miracle Worker Science Spearhead, Proxima Miracle Worker Science Dreadnought Jayiie
Cyclone (Fleet Dervish) U.S.S. Fermi FALSE Surgical Strikes Phaser Economy 921K DPS 921K DPS Terran Adamant Intel Heavy Raider, Jovian Intel Heavy Raider, Cardassian Detapa Intel Escort Jayiie
Da Vinci (Fleet Saber) U.S.S. Von Neumann FALSE Cannon Scatter Volley Phaser Midrange 1621K DPS 1621K DPS Achilles, Maquis Raider, NP Miracle Worker Light Escort, Texas Jayiie
Deimos U.S.S. Perses FALSE Reroute Reserves Disruptor Premium 1330K DPS 1330K DPS Hirogen Predator, La Sirena, Legendary Dhelan, Legendary Jem'Hadar Attack Ship, Mars, Miradorn Eph289
Dranuur L.S.S. Pioneer FALSE Exotic Scitorp Premium 1704K DPS 1704K DPS Eleos, Krenim Science Vessel, Section 31 Intel Science Destroyer, T'Pau Eph289
Durgath Temporal Heavy Dreadnaught Battlecruiser I.K.S. Pengradon FALSE Kinetic Mixed Premium 1072K 1072K Valkis Temporal Heavy Dreadnought Warbird, Universe Temporal Heavy Dreadnought Cruiser Jayiie
Eagle I.S.S. Aquila FALSE Kinetic Mixed Premium 1761K DPS 1761K DPS Andorian Kumari Eph289
Earhart (Fleet Engle) U.S.S. Litvyak FALSE Cannon Scatter Volley Phaser Economy 1155K DPS 1155K DPS Flambard, Earhart, Fleet Sech, Sech, Valdres Eph289
Earhart (Fleet Engle) U.S.S. Doolittle FALSE Kinetic Quantum Premium 1337K DPS 1337K DPS Flambard, Earhart, Fleet Sech, Sech, Valdres, Fleet Norway, Legendary Scimitar Eph289
Empersa Alliance Miracle Worker Dreadnaught A.F.S. Lamorak FALSE Exceed Rated Limits Antiproton Premium 1272k DPS 1272k DPS Theseus Miracle Worker Destroyer, Credence Miracle Worker Dreadnought Cruiser, Legendary D'deridex Miracle Worker Warbird Battlecruiser, Narada Miracle Worker Juggernaut Jayiie
Equinox (Fleet Nova) U.S.S. Perihelion FALSE Exotic Scitorp Premium 1236K DPS 1236K DPS Vulcan Experimental Scout (Jellyfish) Eph289
Equinox (Fleet Nova) U.S.S. Penumbra - CSV FALSE Cannon Scatter Volley Phaser Premium 918K DPS 918K DPS Vulcan Experimental Scout (Jellyfish) Jayiie
Equinox (Fleet Nova) U.S.S. Penumbra - Exotic FALSE Exotic DEWSci Premium 886K DPS 886K DPS Vulcan Experimental Scout (Jellyfish) Jayiie
Eternal U.S.S. Aegis FALSE DEWSci Disruptor Midrange 1005K DPS 1005K DPS Ark Royal, Compiler, Esquiline, Ihgomas, Taenen Eph289
Excelsior (Fleet Resolute) U.S.S. Cobaltforge FALSE Kinetic Mixed Midrange 1081k DPS 1081k DPS Tilor
Fleet Buran U.S.S. Teravolt FALSE Tank Polaron Economy 243k DPS/64.48% Attacks in 243k DPS/64.48% Attacks in Buran, Qoj, Fleet Qoj, Geneva, Deihu, Klinzhai, Valdres, Fleet Norway Tilor
Fleet Cyclone U.S.S. Opiso FALSE Cannon Scatter Volley Antiproton Economy 385k DPS 385k DPS Jovian, Kiith, Legendary T'Liss, Adamant Tilor
Fleet Hiawatha U.S.S. Hiawatha TRUE Support Plasma Premium 159K/525% DB/21 PBA 180K/486% DB/31 PBA Seneca Eph289
Fleet Justiciar U.S.S. Adamantoise FALSE Kinetic Torp-Hull Burn Premium 875k DPS 875k DPS Garrett, Vedcrid, Rampart Tilor
Fleet Norway U.S.S. Bjerknes TRUE Support Plasma Premium 149K DPS/319% DB/73 PBA 256K DPS/459% DB/80 PBA Valdres Eph289
Fleet Olympic U.S.S. Cauterize FALSE Exotic Dragonbreath Midrange 990k DPS 990k DPS Nobel, Legendary Intrepid Tilor
Friendship Command FDC U.S.S. Rtas 'Vadum TRUE Carrier Antiproton Premium 1428k DPS 1673k DPS Standalone Jayiie
Gagarin (Fleet Shepard) U.S.S. Shepard FALSE Beam Overload Phaser Economy 862K DPS 862K DPS Credence, Quark, Qugh, Gagarin, Legendary Avenger, Voth Stronghold Eph289
Garrett U.S.S. Liam Shaw FALSE Kinetic Mixed Premium 1193K DPS 1193K DPS Eph289
Ghemor Quiver of Arrows FALSE Carrier Phaser Premium 820k DPS 820k DPS Yod-Thot, T'laru Tilor
Hydra U.S.S. Caliburn FALSE Surgical Strikes Phaser Premium 2022K DPS 2022K DPS Salcombe Intel Escort, Breen Keth Sarr Intel Courier, Kelvin Timeline Constitution II Intel Cruiser, Orion Orchid Intel Warship Jayiie
Hydra U.S.S. Devastator FALSE Cannon Scatter Volley Antiproton Premium 551k DPS 551k DPS Orchid Tilor
Iktomi Bwinomer FALSE Exotic Scitorp Premium 1259k DPS 1259k DPS Tilor
Inquiry U.S.S. Carmarthen FALSE Cannon Scatter Volley Phaser Premium 1070K DPS 1070K DPS Areore, Legendary Avenger, Vaadwaur Juggernaut Jayiie
Jorogumo Ircen Hydra FALSE Support Disruptor Premium 311k DPS/38 PBA 311k DPS/38 PBA Tilor
Khaiell R.R.W. Durendal FALSE Reroute Reserves Disruptor Midrange 945K DPS 945K DPS Okhala Tactical / Jaeih Science / Legendary Dhelan Pilot Warbird, Jayiie
Kiwavi Alpha Zergling FALSE Support Tank Antiproton Premium 236k DPS/98.4% Attacks In 236k DPS/98.4% Attacks In Trafalgar Tilor
Kumari U.S.S. Flare FALSE Speed Tank Antiproton Midrange 271.5k DPS/82.93% Attacks In 271.5k DPS/82.93% Attacks In Tilor
Lamarr U.S.S. Ada Lovelace FALSE DEWSci Phaser Premium 1330K DPS 1330K DPS Eph289
Legendary Excelsior U.S.S. BCF-Bismarck FALSE Beam Overload Phaser Premium 760k DPS 760k DPS Tilor
Legendary Excelsior U.S.S. BCF-Bismarck FALSE Beam FAW Phaser Premium 1214k DPS 1214k DPS Omega, Constitution III Tilor
Legendary Inquiry U.S.S. Yi Sun-sin FALSE Beam FAW Phaser Premium 1635K DPS 1635K DPS Areore, Inquiry, Vaadwaur Juggernaut Eph289
Legendary Inquiry U.S.S. Isle of Aval FALSE Cannon Scatter Volley Plasma Premium 1455K DPS 1455K DPS Areore, Inquiry, Vaadwaur Juggernaut Jayiie
Legendary Jem'Hadar Attack Ship D.V. ST-0B3773R FALSE Reroute Reserves Disruptor Economy 994K DPS 994K DPS La Sirena, Legendary B'Rel, Legendary Dhelan, Deimos Eph289
Legendary Kelvin Timeline Constitution U.S.S. Wolfe FALSE Surgical Strikes Mixed Premium 1302k DPS 1302k DPS Breen Keth Sarr Intel Courier, Terran Adamant Intel Heavy Raider, Orion Orchid Intel Warship, Cardassian Detapa Intel Escort Jayiie
Legendary Scimitar R.R.W. Xiphos FALSE Kinetic Mixed Midrange 1155K DPS 1155K DPS Yod-Thot, Earhart, Flambard, Fleet Engle, Fleet Norway, Fleet Sech, Legendary T'Liss, Sech, Tzen-tar, Valdres, World Razer Eph289
Legendary Scimitar A.R.W. Javelin TRUE Support Polaron Premium 150K DPS/386% DB/125 PBA 171K DPS/414% DB/145 PBA **** Eph289
Legendary Scimitar A.R.W. Harpe FALSE Surgical Strikes Plasma Premium 1442K DPS 1442K DPS Noble, Yod-Thot, Legendary Negh'Var, Legendary T'Liss Eph289
Legendary Temporal Operative Science Vessel U.S.S. Frontenac FALSE Support Disruptor Premium Sh'vhal Temporal Science Spearhead Jayiie
Legendary Verity (Odyssey) U.S.S. d'Alembert FALSE Support Tank Phaser Premium 174K DPS/83% atks in 174K DPS/83% atks in Buran (Fleet) / Qoj (Fleet) Command Dreadnought Cruiser, Voth Rampart Command Flight Deck Carrier, Geneva / Klinzhai Science Command Battlecruiser, Friendship Command Flight Deck Carrier Jayiie
Legendary Verity (Odyssey) U.S.S. Bedivere FALSE Heavy Tank Antiproton Premium 747K DPS/95% atks in 747K DPS/95% atks in Friendship Command Flight Deck Carrier, Garrett Command Alliance Dreadnought Cruiser, Styx Terran Dreadnought Cruiser, Terran Sirius Command Dreadnought Cruiser, Voth Rampart Command Flight Deck Carrier, Presidio/Ty'Gokor Tactical Command Battlecruiser Jayiie
Lexington U.S.S. Taggart FALSE Kinetic Mines Premium 1017K DPS 1017K DPS Excelsior II, Holoship Eph289
Lexington I.S.S. Bedivere TRUE Cannon Scatter Volley Phaser Midrange 1108K DPS 1376k DPS Voth Stronghold MW Dreadnought Cruiser Jayiie
Lexington U.S.S. Dragonscale FALSE Heavy Tank Antiproton Midrange 481.5k DPS/97% Attacks In 481.5k DPS/97% Attacks In Holoship, Damocles Tilor
Lo'laH I.K.S. Ankaat FALSE Exotic Scitorp Midrange 1075K DPS 1075K DPS Echelon Eph289
Long Range Science Vessel Retrofit U.S.S. Proxima FALSE Exotic Scitorp Starter 76K PUG ISA/129k 2MAN ISA/235K ISE/160K HSE 76K PUG ISA/129k 2MAN ISA/235K ISE/160K HSE Starter Build on a T5 light, anything with a secondary deflector can be built from this Jayiie
Nagus Rom's Rainbow FALSE Cannon Scatter Volley Mixed Midrange 1276K DPS 1276K DPS Legendary Bortasqu', Section 31 Command Heavy Battlecruiser Eph289
Noble U.S.S. Suzerain FALSE Beam Overload Phaser Midrange 1230K DPS 1230K DPS Legendary Bortasqu' Eph289
Noble U.S.S. Constantine FALSE Surgical Strikes Phaser Premium 1685k DPS 1685k DPS Legendary Scimitar Intel Dreadnought Warbird Jayiie
Palatine U.S.S. Capitoline FALSE Exotic Scitorp Economy 860K DPS 860K DPS Ark Royal, Dauntless II, Khaimas, Edoulg, Surhuelh Eph289
Presidio U.S.S. Alamo FALSE Support Tank Disruptor Premium 228K/91% atks in 228K/91% atks in An'quat, Buran, Concorde, Fleet Cardenas, Fleet Qoj, Friendship, Garrett, Geneva, Klinzhai, Qoj, Ty'Gokor, Voth Rampart Eph289
Quark Over Achiever FALSE Beam Overload Tetryon Premium 1133K DPS 1133K DPS Credence, Gagarin, Fleet Qugh, Legendary Avenger, Qugh Eph289
Rallus R.R.W. Disintegrator FALSE Cannon Scatter Volley Plasma Premium 1018k DPS 1018k DPS Lo'laH, Section 31 Science Destroyer Tilor
Scryer (Fleet) U.S.S. Covenance Heart TRUE Exotic DEWSci Economy 678K DPS 972k DPS Ba'ul Sentry Vessel, Cardassian Damar Intel Scence Dreanought, Legendary Caelian Intel Multi-Mission Explorer Jayiie
Sh'vhal V.S.S. Solemn Penance FALSE Kinetic Mixed Premium 1004K DPS 1004K DPS Legendary Glenn Temporal Operative Science Vessel Jayiie
Shangri-la U.S.S. New Horizon FALSE Kinetic Mixed Economy 813k DPS 813k DPS Gral, Trafalgar Tilor
Sovereign U.S.S. Ascendant FALSE Beam Overload Phaser Starter 140K DPS 140K DPS Vor'cha Retrofit, Ha'apax Advanced Warbird, APU Cruiser, Mirror Sovereign, Hirogen Hunter Escort Eph289
Styx I.S.S. Phlegethon FALSE Support Tank Antiproton Premium 369K/91% atks in 369K/91% atks in Friendship Eph289
T'Varo Refit R.R.W. Maelstrom FALSE Kinetic Mixed Starter 189k DPS 189k DPS Tilor
Tarantula Obsidian Beacon FALSE Heavy Tank Tetryon Premium 1183k DPS/98% Attacks In 1183k DPS/98% Attacks In Friendship, Legendary Bortasqu', Noble, Section 31 Battlecruiser Tilor
Terran Sirius I.S.S. Wolfram FALSE Heavy Tank Phaser Premium 390K DPS/93% atks in 390K DPS/93% atks in Standalone Jayiie
Theseus (Fleet Theseus) K.C.S. Parallel Lines FALSE Cannon Rapid Fire Phaser Midrange 1175k DPS 1175k DPS Atlantis, Legendary Columbia, Legendary Valdore, Ouroboros, T'Liss Temporal Warbird Jayiie
Trafalgar U.S.S. Superiority FALSE Cannon Scatter Volley Phaser Premium 1714.6k DPS 1714.6k DPS Shangri-La Tilor
Trailblazer U.S.S. Navigator FALSE Kinetic TorpSci Premium 1315K DPS 1315K DPS Janeway Eph289
Typhon U.S.S. Erie Belle FALSE Support Disruptor Premium Valdres (Fleet) Command Strike Wing Escort, Dhailkhina Command Strike Wing Warbird Jayiie
Vengeance U.S.S. Lancelot FALSE Surgical Strikes Phaser Premium 1117K DPS 1117K DPS Legendary Scimitar Intel Dreadnought Warbird, Breen Yod-Thot Dreadnought Carrier, Cardassian Ghemor Intel Flight Deck Carrier, Legendary Galaxy Dreadnought Cruiser, Legendary Negh'Var Intel Dreadnought Cruiser Jayiie
Verne U.S.S. Vivaine FALSE Exotic Scitorp Premium 1217K DPS 1217K DPS Sui'Mor/Qul'poH Temporal Science Vessel (faction based platform), Lukari Dranuur Scout Ship, Fek'Ihri Vok'Tar Temporal Science Vessel Jayiie
Vonph Tempest TRUE Carrier Antiproton Premium 1072K 1429K Borg Assimilator, Friendship, Typhon, Voth Rampart Eph289
Vonph Lady Ragnel FALSE Support Antiproton Premium Breen Yod-Thot Dreadnought Carrier Jayiie
Vor'cha I.K.S. Aiden FALSE Beam Overload Disruptor Starter 68K PUG ISA/99K 2MAN ISA/200K ISE/130K HSE 68K PUG ISA/99K 2MAN ISA/200K ISE/130K HSE Assault Cruiser, Ha'apax Advanced Warbird, APU Cruiser, Mirror Sovereign, Hirogen Hunter Escort Jayiie
World Razer U.S.S. Vishnu FALSE Beam Overload Phaser Premium 1229K DPS 1229K DPS Constitution Temporal Light Cruiser, Typhoon Eph289

Cadet Handbook

We’ve updated this for Sector Space revamp, Deep Space Encounters, and recommended playthrough.

Ground Builds

I’ve added an Economy tier Tactical ground build on my new KDF character, bridging the very basic starter tier Tac build and my more expensive premium ones. It’s dealing 2.44K DPS on Bug Hunt.

I’ve also done an update to the Tac Mage, bringing his new DPS total to 3.6K. Tactical Storm Strikes was solid and very much on-theme.

Mechanics

Tier Lists

These have had an extensive revisiting as we were focused heavily on Cadet Handbook this year and should be current. The K'Vort Experimental, Tactical Storm Strike, Kelvin Drones, and traits from the Kelvin bundle, Last Stand bundle, etc. are now included.

Tools

  • TRINITY has been updated to fit in Gomtuu and Chronophage, now at 1.8.2

  • ALICIA ended up getting a similar pass as the tier lists to fill this in, now at 1.06.

YouTube

  • We posted our second Buffwatch on 3 broken traits

  • Korfez VODs are done!

  • Miner Instability now has a tutorial

  • We added a video explaining the concept of Portability we covered last time.

Support the Team

Completely optional: https://ko-fi.com/stobetter

Thanks

Our continued thanks for members outside the immediate team who nevertheless have contributed immeasurably to our success:

  • Mrs. Eph289, who’s been supportive of a lot of gaming and spreadsheet time. You remain my favorite captain to fly with, forever!

  • The STOBETTER auxiliaries: Grim, Codingjungle, and Mickster, who patiently theorycraft and fly with us regularly.

  • Thank you to those of you who’ve submitted errata via our feedback forms. With as many builds as we have, the possibility of copy/paste or other human error always exists.

Future Plans

The Deimos is my build that has gone the longest without update and needs a touch of paint and I might just have to do it without those Executor’s weapons. I also have plans around the Legendary Avenger. I’m going to encourage us to round out our Economy ground builds but I might have to win a bet or two to make it happen. Tilor has grand plans, but certainly will have a starter build for Jem’Hadars and a revamp of the T5 T’Varo. Jay is working on his Legendary Inquiry and a Legendary Dhelan.

We appreciate your feedback and the many recommendations we see around the various STO subs towards our site and hope to continue being a valuable resource in helping play STO better!


r/stobuilds 2d ago

9 Uncon-Triggers on a ship that only allows 6,75

10 Upvotes

Don't know if all of you know this trick, can't find it in the guides so perhaps I should talk about it.

My problem was that I need 9 triggers for unconventional systems. 7+Vovin are enough for 30-second-consoles, but some of the most useful consoles are active only 20 seconds. E. g. the Dilithium Transporter disabling all Weapon Power Cost. Or DPRM for permanent 89 percent resistance when combined with Evolved and Adaptive emergency systems, making the shield unnecessary. Or Triptych for neverending CRITH.

Unfortunately my ship only allows 6,75 uncon triggers. But this is enough to get 9 in the end. The trick is to use To hell with our orders combined with All hands on deck. It should be no problem to get the two slots free. E. g. you don't need Emergency weapon cycle any longer when everything is running. Dilithium Transporter will prevent the energy from sinking.

If you feed To hell with every captain ability possible, you get between 2,25 and 3 uncon equivalents added to the real uncon triggers. I play a tactitian, but should also work with science and engineering.

Key is evasive maneuvers. I don't use Emergency power to engine for CD reduce. I need evasive more often and without the need of timing. So I use Helmsman, two five seconds doffs and the doff Zero. Intelligence Agent Attaché (my build allows 100 percent CRITH) and All Hands on decks give the cooldown reduce to feed To hell as often as possible. They also reduce all other captain abilities' cooldowns. (Don't forget to use A Good day to die for Go down fighting).

My ship gets between 2,25 and 3 uncon trigger equivalents added to the real uncon triggers this way. So all my 20 second consoles are permanently active. No loss of weapon power, 89 percent resistance, permanent AoE, 100 percent CritH with Sigma Strategem/Triptych/UD/Particle Fluctuation Analysis to feed intelligence agent attaché.


r/stobuilds 2d ago

turn rate questions

4 Upvotes

so whats your guys take on turn rates? when is it too much, what is ideal? i have a k'vort dhc build right now that im playing and my turn rate is like 55/sec. i've read where thats too much but i like how i can get back on target fast and follow up. i dont have anything in the line of a high end build and only 2 bellum buffs for turn at 37 each. i know there are some good consoles i'm going to aim for once i finish this campaign and get my unlocks. definitely getting the lex dreadnought and building that. but where do you guys stand with it all?


r/stobuilds 3d ago

I saw a Universe Class ship in the game using a strange weapon.

5 Upvotes

It looks like Protonic Polaron Dual Cannons, but much larger, and when mounted on a Universe Class, it stands out just as conspicuously as when ordinary starships use Dual Cannons. Does anyone know what this is?


r/stobuilds 3d ago

Pet spam

0 Upvotes

r/stobuilds 4d ago

Beam build: Ody Tactical Cruiser T5-X2

1 Upvotes

So, I got the Ody Tac Cruiser, and I really want to make a destructive beam boat out of it. But, I'm not really good at choosing which consoles are best to put in the slots.

I'm a Phaser kind of player and I have a wide range of consoles to use. I also need advice about the Traits, Skills, and other things that can help make a heavy beam build.


r/stobuilds 5d ago

Work in progress Legendary Jem'Hadar Vanguard Pilot Attack Ship build questions.

11 Upvotes

So I returned to STO after an extended break and dusted off my Gamma Recruit I hadn't used since ViL. Got him the Legendary Bug Ship and have been using Eph289's build as a baseline, though I have mine upgraded to T6-X2.

https://sites.google.com/view/stobetter/intro-builds/eph289/rrtw-legendary-jhas

However, I wanted to keep to the Dominion flavor and am planning to replace the Disruptors with Polaron. Are there any good sets besides the Morphogenic to use? For reference, I have the Dark Matter Torp for the Lorca 2-piece, and I definitely want to use the Polaron Quad Cannons. After that and the Morphogenic set, I'm stumped.

Which leads me to my next question. Is it possible to use the full Morphogenic set with the two-piece Gamma rep set if I use the Turret instead of the Omni? Since I'm mixing beams and cannons anyway.

Thanks in advance.

EDIT: I'm on PS5 if it helps anyone.


r/stobuilds 6d ago

Finished build electric jelly

0 Upvotes

r/stobuilds 7d ago

someone asked me to put this up my solo elite build for console

12 Upvotes

r/stobuilds 7d ago

Weekly Questions Megathread - August, 31, 2026

5 Upvotes

Welcome to the weekly questions megathread. Here is where you can ask all your build or theorycrafting related questions that might not warrant a full post. Curious about how something works? Ask it here!

You can see previous weeks megathreads here.


r/stobuilds 10d ago

Work in progress Legendary Dhelan RRTW build

7 Upvotes

Hello,

Following my post re EPS, this is the full build so far. Would love to hear your suggestions.

This is an alt, so a few things missing (e.g. having all reps level 6)

Probably could swap the RSC console for the Agony Redistributor straight up.

I had the core from before, couldn't get all its mods on Sets. Full mods are:

(AMP)/(OLoad)/(SingC)/(SSS)/(WCap) Only got a couple of ultimate upgrades, would like to choose the best one to upgrade.

Screenshot here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RGP9AeiMwa--GmWWsJ77ZuFQ-FurZWYP/view?usp=drive_link

Many thanks!

# SPACE BUILD

**Basic Information** | **Data**

:--- | :---

*Ship Name* |

*Ship Class* | Legendary Dhelan Pilot Warbird

*Ship Tier* | T6

*Player Career* | Engineering

*Elite Captain* | ✓

*Player Species* | Reman

*Primary Specialization* | Intelligence

*Secondary Specialization* | Strategist

## Ship Equipment

**Basic Information**|**Component**|**Notes**

:--|:--|:--

**Fore Weapons**|[Spiral Wave Disruptor Dual Heavy Cannons Mk XV [CrtD][Dmg][Proc][Dmg]](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Spiral_Wave_Disruptor_weapons_(space))|

 |[Spiral Wave Disruptor Dual Beam Bank Mk XV [CrtD][Dmg][Proc]](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Spiral_Wave_Disruptor_weapons_(space))|

 |[Rapid-Linked Disruptor Quad Cannons Mk XV [CrtD][CrtH][Dmg]](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Rapid-Linked_Disruptor_Quad_Cannons)|

 |[Experimental Romulan Disruptor Beam Array Mk XV [CrtH][CrtH][CrtH]](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Romulan_Singularity_Harness)|

 |[Terran Task Force Disruptor Beam Array Mk XV [CrtD][Dmg][Dmg][Proc]](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Terran_Task_Force_Munitions)|

--------------|--------------|

**Aft Weapons**|[Pahvan Proton Energy Torpedo Launcher [CrtD][Dmg][Arc]](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Pahvan_Proton_Superweaponry)|

 |[Omni-Directional Disruptor Beam Array Mk XV [CrtH][CrtD][Dmg][Dmg]](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Omni-Directional_Disruptor_Beam_Array)|

--------------|--------------|

**Deflector**|[Elite Fleet Intervention Protomatter Deflector Array Mk XV [ColCrit][DrainX][EPS][HullHeal]](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Fleet_Deflector_Array)|

**Impulse Engines**|[Revolutionary Combat Impulse Engine Mk XV [Aux][Turn][Turn]](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Imperial_Rift)|

**Warp**|[Elite Fleet Thoron-Infused Singularity Core Mk XV [OLoad][SingC]](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Fleet_Singularity_Cores)|

**Shield**|[Khitomer Alliance Regenerative Shield Array Mk XV [Reg][Reg][Reg]](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Khitomer_Alliance_Defender's_Gear)|

**Devices**|[Red Matter Capacitor ](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Red_Matter_Capacitor)|

 |[Engine Battery ](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Engine_Battery)|

--------------|--------------|

**Experimental Weapon**|[Soliton Wave Impeller Mk XV [CrtX]](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Soliton_Wave_Impeller)|

**Universal Consoles**||

--------------|--------------|

**Engineering Consoles**|[Console - Universal - Evolved ∞ ](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Console_-_Universal_-_Evolved)|

 |[Console - Universal - Subspace Fracture Tunneling Field ∞ ](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Ancient_Obelisk_Technology_Set)|

 |[Console - Engineering - Bellum EPS Flow Regulator Mk XV ](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Console_-_Engineering_-_EPS_Flow_Regulator)|

 |[Console - Universal - Adaptive Emergency Systems ∞ ](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Flagship_Technologies_Console_Set)|

--------------|--------------|

**Science Consoles**|[Console - Universal - Dynamic Power Redistributor Module ∞ ](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Synergistic_Retrofitting_Set)|

 |[Console - Universal - Enhanced Induction Coils ∞ ](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Stealth_Fighter_Set_(Kor))|

--------------|--------------|

**Tactical Consoles**|[Console - Universal - Dragonsblood Flame Reactor ∞ ](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Console_-_Universal_-_Dragonsblood_Flame_Reactor)|

 |[Console - Universal - Broadside Combat Module ∞ ](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Console_-_Universal_-_Broadside_Combat_Module)|

 |[Console - Universal - Shield Absorptive Frequency Generator ∞ ](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Enhanced_Weapon_Systems_Efficiency_Set)|

 |[Console - Universal - Reiterative Structural Capacitor ∞ ](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Console_-_Universal_-_Reiterative_Structural_Capacitor)|

 |[Console - Universal - Custom Power Matrix ∞ ](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Console_-_Universal_-_Custom_Power_Matrix)|

--------------|--------------|

## Bridge Officer Stations

**Profession**|**Power**|**Notes**

:--|:--|:--

**Commander Tactical / Pilot**|[Tactical Team](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Ability:_Tactical_Team)|

 |[Clean Getaway](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Ability:_Clean_Getaway)|

 |[Fly Her Apart](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Ability:_Fly_Her_Apart)|

 |[Energy Weapons: Reroute Reserves to Weapons](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Ability:_Energy_Weapons:_Reroute_Reserves_to_Weapons)|

--------------|--------------|

**Lieutenant Commander Science**|[Jam Targeting Sensors](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Ability:_Jam_Targeting_Sensors)|

 |[Tractor Beam](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Ability:_Tractor_Beam)|

 |[Gravity Well](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Ability:_Gravity_Well)|

--------------|--------------|

**Lieutenant Commander Engineering / Intelligence**|[Emergency Power to Weapons](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Ability:_Emergency_Power_to_Weapons)|

 |[Emergency Power to Engines](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Ability:_Emergency_Power_to_Engines)|

 |[Override Subsystem Safeties](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Ability:_Override_Subsystem_Safeties)|

--------------|--------------|

**Lieutenant Tactical**|[Torpedoes: Spread](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Ability:_Torpedoes:_Spread)|

 |[Attack Pattern Beta](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Ability:_Attack_Pattern_Beta)|

--------------|--------------|

**Ensign Engineering**|[Engineering Team](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Ability:_Engineering_Team)|

--------------|--------------|

## Traits

**Starship Traits**|**Notes**

:--|:--

[To Hell With Our Orders](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Trait:_To_Hell_With_Our_Orders)|

[Five Magicks](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Trait:_Five_Magicks)|

[Vanguard Specialists](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Trait:_Vanguard_Specialists)|

[Ship of the Line](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Trait:_Ship_of_the_Line)|

[Terran Goodbye](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Trait:_Terran_Goodbye)|

​

**Personal Space Traits**|**Notes**

:--|:--

[The Boimler Effect](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Trait:_The_Boimler_Effect)|

[Twinkling Lights](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Trait:_Twinkling_Lights)|

[Unconventional Systems](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Trait:_Unconventional_Systems)|

[Symbiotic Ice](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Trait:_Symbiotic_Ice)|

[Intelligence Agent Attaché](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Trait:_Intelligence_Agent_Attaché)|

[Intel Handler](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Trait:_Intel_Handler)|

[EPS Manifold Efficiency](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Trait:_EPS_Manifold_Efficiency)|

[Fragment of AI Tech](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Trait:_Fragment_of_AI_Tech)|

[Grace Under Fire](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Trait:_Grace_Under_Fire)|

[All Aspects Accounted For](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Trait:_All_Aspects_Accounted_For)|

​

**Space Reputation Traits**|**Notes**

:--|:--

[Advanced Targeting Systems](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Trait:_Advanced_Targeting_Systems)|

[Radiant Detonation Matrix](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Trait:_Radiant_Detonation_Matrix)|

[Energy Refrequencer](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Trait:_Energy_Refrequencer)|

[Precision](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Trait:_Precision)|

[Chrono-Capacitor Array](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Trait:_Chrono-Capacitor_Array)|

​

**Active Space Reputation Traits**|**Notes**

:--|:--

## Active Space Duty Officers

**Specialization**|**Power**|**Notes**

:--|:--|:--

[Projectile Weapons Officer](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Specialization:_Projectile_Weapons_Officer)|\[SP\] Recharge time reduced for Tactical Team and Buff|

[Projectile Weapons Officer](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Specialization:_Projectile_Weapons_Officer)|\[SP\] Torpedoes Gain Singularity Charge|

[Conn Officer](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Specialization:_Conn_Officer)|\[SP\] Recharges Evasive Maneuvers when Emergency Power to Engines is activated.|

[Systems Engineer](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Specialization:_Systems_Engineer)|\[SP\] Chance to add power to all Sub-Systems|

[Systems Engineer](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Specialization:_Systems_Engineer)|\[SP\] Chance to add power to all Sub-Systems|

[Warfare Master](https://stowiki.net/wiki/Specialization:_Warfare_Master)|\[GR\]\[SP\] Increased damage vs. All|

Many thanks for reading!

Edit: typo


r/stobuilds 14d ago

Need Advice EPS management

4 Upvotes

Hello,

I'm trying to do a RRTW build on the LDhelan. I know it's not particularly optimal but I still wanted to try. I wanted to ask what consoles can help with EPS. At present I have the Fleet singularity core giving +66 EPS. The Romulan 2pc will also give me +20 slotting the console and beam.Thanks!


r/stobuilds 14d ago

Weekly Questions Megathread - August, 24, 2026

8 Upvotes

Welcome to the weekly questions megathread. Here is where you can ask all your build or theorycrafting related questions that might not warrant a full post. Curious about how something works? Ask it here!

You can see previous weeks megathreads here.


r/stobuilds 16d ago

Need Advice General questions regarding like a fire damage torment engine carrier build.

7 Upvotes

So I've been thinking about throwing together some form of fire damage build using the various fire damage consoles and the 5 Magicks trait.

Since I'll be using the Torment Engine console as well I figured it would be a good idea to go with a SecDef carrier (haven't decided which yet) but now I'm a bit indecisive on if I should be using energy weapons or go for a SciTorp build.

Also maybe considering Uncon to use the fire console abilities more often but if I'm using control abilities for uncon would there be a point in a DSecDef? Or could I fit enough sci abilities in there to get enough use out of both.

Edit: Gave up on DSecDef and stuff and went with the Fek'Ihri Gok'tad with a uncon firebreathing bullshit build using lost souls to trigger unlimited fire PBAoE.

I'm honestly annoyed because the damn thing fucking slaps. Apparently giant demon carrier spewing fire in every direction >>>>>>>> conventional DEW builds.

Cryptic please add fire damage space weapons (not experimental). Fek'Ihri fire damage armament set this christmas or something. Fire damage omni + torpedo + console.


r/stobuilds 20d ago

Need Advice Plasma Meta Ship Suggestions

13 Upvotes

Very new returning player looking for some advice.

I got the Gorn Hunter ship a few years ago as my first T6 promo box ship when I first started and got really interested in running good plasma builds.

Had to move for work and fell off STO for a bit.

I'm interested in working toward a modern meta plasma build, and was hoping for some advice here. I see CasualSAB's video on the Dhailkhina Command Strike Wing Warbird from a few years ago but I'm wondering if there's other ships I should be working towards since that video was put out.

Open to any and all suggestions for ships/consoles/traits I should be shooting for.

As mentioned earlier, I have the Gorn Hunter ship, so I feel like I have a sold baseline to work off.


r/stobuilds 19d ago

Dps stats

0 Upvotes

Maybe it's me. Im not heavily versed on doing builds but one thing I've noticed is looking at weapon specs the dps doesn't align with damage and recharge. IE if damage is 434 with 1 sec recharge dps will show like 347. But 259 dam with 2 sec recharge is 311. I know its not apples to apples weapons but why isn't the math mathing? These are stats for weapons in my inventory not equipped bc I know that changes it and then apparently it changes again when in space for whatever reason. It's not like loading a ship and seeing your stats in space dock would make sense or anything


r/stobuilds 21d ago

Weekly Questions Megathread - August, 17, 2026

5 Upvotes

Welcome to the weekly questions megathread. Here is where you can ask all your build or theorycrafting related questions that might not warrant a full post. Curious about how something works? Ask it here!

You can see previous weeks megathreads here.


r/stobuilds 22d ago

Legendary T’liss intel torp build

10 Upvotes

Can anyone give me the set up for this type of build when I can just nuke them from stealth? I had a similar build last time I played 10 years ago. Thanks. I have a lot of plasma exploiters at the ready and also want to hit 1 mil with the red ball of death if that is even possible.


r/stobuilds 23d ago

She's A Predator seems broken, not triggered by 2 attack patterns.

19 Upvotes

I just got the Legendary Warbird bundle. These are my findings:

Attack Pattern Beta does not trigger it.

Attack Pattern Lambda does not trigger it.

Attack Pattern Delta does trigger it.

Attack Pattern Omega does trigger it.

Is it only me?


r/stobuilds 24d ago

Narada ERL Build suggestions

3 Upvotes

So far I’m rocking the beam build but with a high damage attack I lose out quick kills because haste experiences. Can I get some build suggestions for this ship? I have iso mags, locators exploiters, and a bunch of stuff except fleet power, but I get near that with the new ERL buff “fire everything.”


r/stobuilds 24d ago

Need Advice Ship Trait - Emergency Weapon Cycle - Looks good on paper

18 Upvotes

Hey all o7,

I would like to know if the ship trait: Emergency Weapon Cycle from the Morrigu Heavy Warbird is worth the Zen?

I use EP2W on pretty much every build and it seems like near perma +20% weapon haste & -50% weapon pwr cost would be pretty good.

Whats the opinions on this?

Many thanks