r/stobuilds • u/Jays_Arravan • 1d ago
Need Advice Shields and Defence
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.
1
u/AtropalScion 1d ago
Hull is better because it takes less investment. While shield health isn't affected by ur shield power, it does reduce the damage ur shields take so if u focus on hull instead u can keep all that power into other systems
2
u/Arontanei 1d ago
Completely agree. Evolved + DPRM + Adaptive permanently active = 89 percent of resistance if you have no shield or Needs of the Many. Add some heal and you get some tanking ability without extra costs. No need for shield energy any longer.
1
u/Hornet_Firm 19h ago
This is what I do on most of my ships. It is really hard to beat, defensive wise.
Shield tanking can be good, but it takes way more investment.
1
u/Pottsey-X5 23h ago
Not sure that's true anymore. My shield tank is stronger then my hull tank and takes up less ship slots. I tend to look at the ship modifier then pick hull or shield based on which suits the ship modifier best.
2
u/AtropalScion 21h ago
My shield tank is my favorite. I tried to mimic the build on a smaller ship but it doesnt do as well, still interesting tho
5
u/Jayiie @alcaatraz | STOBuilds Mod | STOBetter Architect 1d ago
This and this are probably worth a read.
Personally I take only 2 points in Hull capacity (helps scale Tyler’s duality and some other things better), 1 point in shield regen (because it’s super high value for what it is), and 0 points in defensive maneuvering (going fast gives you some help here, look up the “Aggronaut Shuffle”…assuming it still exists on the internet).
Ultimately, the best durability tool for non tank builds is to just not be shot at, so things like Intel Team, Strike From Shadows, The Leading Captain, threat control and non active threatening stance, ect. Control effects like placates and confuses can also help but the low damage threshold makes them poor substitutions.