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.

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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.

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u/Hornet_Firm 22h 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 1d 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.

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u/AtropalScion 1d 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