[Trekster]

STO is an amazing game, but I sometimes feel a bit overwhelmed. There's so much to do (nevermind trying to figure out what consoles, items to use). I know everyone plays and levels differently, but I have to confess I'm totally confused as to what I should be doing now that I've hit 50.

I guess the first step should be doing whatever I can for the fleet to get enough fleet marks or credit to get a fleet ship? My Science toon is kind of a Voyager tribute toon, so I suppose I should be working towards the long range science vessel fleet refit. Is that a viable end-game science ship?

What's next? If it's reputation, which should I try to get first? I haven't really done any of those grinds.

To answer the question some of you are asking: I'm not exactly sure what I want this toon to be about. I've played STO mostly as a lone wolf (in dead fleets), but I'm hoping to be able to do more group things and participate with fellow fleetmates now that I've found a great fleet like UFP. I guess I'd like to be a toon that is poweful enough to do things on my own when I need, but can also help the team if I do team up.

Sorry for the onslaught of questions. I'm just a bit lost at the moment. Feedback/advice is appreciated. Thanks!

[Shakken]

I have been playing science from launch so I can shed some light on your issues...

1) The Intrepid is just an "ok" ship for end game. I could adapt my shutdown build for it and you would be effective, but you would be better served with a Vesta, or the Dyson destroyer. Those two ships have extreme flexibility to play different roles depending on what's needed. If you want my shutdown build I will adapt it for an intrepid for you.

2) Rep. Start with Omega, that's your anti borg gear, and the STF's are pretty much the end game of STO. I would recommend attending "Intro to Ground STF's" hosted by Bill, and the Elite Strike Force. Check out the events calendar for the next show time . Also start working on Dyson rep. Its painless and does not take the same resources at Omega, best ground weapon in the game lives there.

3) Learn your STF's Give a yell to anyone in ESF and we can teach you everything you ever wanted to know about STF's and end game. Or look me up in game @Shakken and ill give you some info. Don't PUG the STF's you will just get frustrated.

In closing, people will tell you that science is "the weak class" or "escorts are better" Do not listen to them. My Vesta out guns most of the trash talkers. Stick with Science as it is a very good class. It just takes time and dedication to make it shine. I have been working at it for 4 years

Lemme know if you have more questions! Ill be able to check the forums most of the day!

[Begotten]

One can write a whole book on how to play a specific class, how it can contribute in a team and what ship to use in STO, If you have a microphone or you're a good listener I suggest you come on TeamSpeak and visit the Battle Bridge when there are some people present so you can ask a lot of questions, as there will no doubt be follow up questions and people asking you questions.

As for the reputation go for Dyson as soon as possible, Cryptic said they would nerf it so it'll be more difficult/take longer.
If you have the time to level a second reputation along the Dyson go for Omega because you can get the most gear out of it (3 ground sets, 4 space sets)

[Link Hyralian]

The reputation system is a pretty important part of STO, and does require a lot of grinding, but the rewards are worth it. I personally recommend doing the omega force reputation first, as STFs give a lot of marks, and pretty much all of our fleet is very experienced with them. The omega equipment obtained from the reputation is awesome, and is usually equipment players keep throughout their careers.

By playing the PvE matches, you should be get plenty of resources. If you want to help out the fleet a lot, just make sure to open up the fleet tab and contribute what you can. Don't feel to pressured to give everything you've got (though that doesn't hurt the fleet ).

Just keep playing STO. Reading descriptions often clarifies things up, and just using items and whatnot will help you out. Good luck.

[Trekster]

Thanks for the Info. Additional questions:
Do you keep one set of BOs for PvE and other for PvP?
How do you breakdown the 10 BOs you get (i.e. How many science, tac, eng)?
Is 100 DOFFs enough, or should I consider purchasing more?

[Shakken]

1) I have 3 builds I use, I carry boffs for them all.
2) Really depends on the build you use. Mine vary greatly.
3) I only have 100 slots and i do fine Thats a personal choice kind of thing.