Budget Builds: 2020 Edition | Star Trek Online

[@lordblacktide]

I've watched almost all your videos from the past two years or so ago, so glad to have a knowledgeable tanker giving everything they have learned and opinions. Great job.

[@sabrejack69]

You are an sto god imo! If it wasn't for you, Timberwolf and Augmented Dictator I would have quit this game due to the learning cliff. Thanks to videos like this I persevered and love the game. I took your advice and got the sompek ground set for all my doffs on all my toons and boy was it worth it, the most fun I've had in ground combat for ages. Look forward to more quality content soon. Keep up the good work and stay healthy!

[@omgilovesteak6484]

I just started and i have to say that this damn game is information overload :o

[@geminijustgemini7784]

Hang in there. Find a good fleet (strikegroup...ahem) that will help the newer players along

[@Roadsurfer2k11]

Good grief you're not kidding. I returned after 6 years yesterday and completely clueless other than knowing it'll take hours just to get back in it to start. Ive been trying just to find what cookie cutter skill tree alone online to pick for my tactical. My guy is 50 which was max back then, and all skills were reset. Obviously I have none of this gear

[@jatgnyc]

@@Roadsurfer2k11 hit up my fleet or discord any time.. go to my twitch (even when I'm not streaming) use command !dis for a discord link or twitter.com/1800BrokenSoul

[@jatgnyc]

It's not that bad but yeah like most mmo's there's alot of info. There are people in the game years that have no clue about things or ways to do things I should say

[@IronicallySarcastic]

Really good, comprehensive information as a returning captain. Not too much info, not too little. Much appreciated!

[@matthewpena3932]

Four years later and still a solid video.

[@gausssto570]

The best advice I can give is to max out your reputations. It's free, you get dil for doing the dailies, some of the best items are from the rep system, the tier 2 traits are amazing, and you can even get fleet ship modules and retrain tokens. I don't have any data, but I feel like people don't bother because it's such a grind, but it's absolutely worth it. I took a new account, f2p, to 100k in 92 days with an engineer. Granted, that's with a lot of grinding, but it's absolutely possible to make a great build on a budget, or no budget.

[@giantdutchviking]

I stumbled upon this vid a month ago. I continued where I left STO years back, grinded loads of rep, mission/mid gear and almost at the point I can create most builds in this vid. Atm I'm grinding the last gear for a Science build to try this out for the first time. I'm demolishing advanced TFO's with these builds. Thank you for making this vid. I've been watching loads of your vids this past month. Hope to get the understanding to go from copy-pasting builds to understanding how to build. Like how much critd, crith, haste etc.

[@phillyflyers6928]

Really got to thank you for this as a returning player from 2014 this really helps.

[@CounterYoloGaming]

You're welcome -- glad I could help in my small way!

[@phillyflyers6928]

@@CounterYoloGaming thanks subbed and looking forward to more of you content

[@Moonbrony]

Also go for an engineering captain if you're on a budget. You won't be going for top end dps so your captain's Miraculous Repairs with Grace Under Fire space trait is very good for survivability.

[@LowBudgetKiwi]

I dunno mate, I've got a budget Tactical Build that would probably tear your Engineer a new one. Esp since its beam overload 3 with single beams can crit at over 100k

[@Tstahl962]

I gotta say, It's kinda sad that the T5-U's are dissapearing, but if you snipe one, you still can get a Bio-Warship for 3.8-4.5 mil, which is affordable if you look at it. And the Bio-Warship is a great ship. It's not as tanky as a marauder, wich is sad because the D'kora is currently at like 11 mil, and a very good engineering ship that can also hit hard. But the bioship still is decent.

[@thevalley2008]

I really appreciate the message at the end, thanks.

[@Haamre]

@CounterYolo - what about "the middle ground"? What I mean is - something that might require some (limited) C-Store ships, does contain fleet modules and assumes that you'll try to at least upgrade to Mk15 (with VR/UR quality). Maybe with some EC-available items, but with a "reasonably attainable" price cap?

[@josht9518]

My suggestion: Polaron Cannons with an event ship or a good T5 Ship that permits a free T5U upgrade. Best bet is a Dominion character or a much-slept-on Hirogen Heavy Escort (the big U-turn ability let's you stay mobile when you aren't getting tank items). I recommend Polaron because of how easy it is to get the full morphogenic set and lukari console in rep, plus several other Polaron buffing items in the story. You'll also be running one torpedo launcher so your energy levels are less of a problem. Disruptor is also a good choice. The only c-store ship you'll want is whatever gives your race the Withering Barrage trait. Everything else can be fleshed out with Lobi. The build also transfers very well onto most tac and even some eng event ships (perfect for Breen and Elachi Raiders, for example, as well as the last alliance ship).

[@CounterYoloGaming]

This is a really tricky question to answer, and a lot of it is generally time-sensitive for what you find on the subject out there. I attempted to make a "fully account-transferable" build for a middle ground (all equipment & traits were account-bound or C-Store reclaimable for free), but I wasn't happy with the results -- so the video never happened. Most of what I would honestly suggest in this category would probably just be these builds, but slightly modified with whatever C-Store coupon token starship you might choose from my previous videos on that subject.

[@mckenziecalhoun316]

For next editions: cap the exchange at 3-5 mil or so: it takes 15 minutes to fo tour of the galaxy ans it gives a ton, so you can easily get there without grinding hard ;)

[@ROLEPLAYA64]

You and Timber Wolf are my favourite Sto build/video creators! I think I'd like a build between you AND Timber Wolf, as I've been playing long enough to get fleet gear and T6 ships, but I'm too poor for Lobi and old event stuff :)

[@martinhansen2832]

Question do you have an intro for new players ??? since the once i seem to find is over 5 years old ( like thips and tricks set up of hud and so you know all the small thing who make the game more comtebel )

[@Willammt]

Why not slot a regular omni directional with the special omni directional. Would that not overall increase DPS? I also run the cutting beam sometimes that way i have 3 omnis.

[@scooder33413]

DEW Disruptor, replace a standard induction coil with Counter-Command Multi-Conduit Energy Relay for 2peice IIRC

[@PhotriusPyrelus]

32:00 You mention an Advanced Wide-Arc Quantum Torpedo, but I cannot find such a weapon. The icon is that of the Inhibiting (and Wide-Angle Advanced Inhibiting) Chroniton torpedo launcher from the gamma rep. Was this a mistype or what am I missing? @_@ The only "Wide-Angle" torpedoes are the Chroniton mentioned above, Quantum that comes on C-Store Assault Cruisers, and the Voth Transphasic-Chroniton from the Bulwark Dreadnought. "Wide-Arc" seem to be exclusively used to describe cannons. EDIT: Also, why do you say that Fleet Deflector isn't budget? Even without any discount, it's 15K dil, where Rep ones /with/ discount are 16,250.

[@CounterYoloGaming]

(1) Yes, I was referring to the torpedo from the gamma reputation (2) Someone, or a group of people, have to build up a fleet -- which requires a lot of dilithium to get everything opened up (for this same reason, fleet starships aren't used as budget starships -- even though fleet modules are earnable from T6 rep's). Because fleet items are variable cost & accessibility for players, I am not considering fleet items for the budget level. I consider fleet/exchange things that aren't from starships more akin to the "midgrade" level personally.

[@PhotriusPyrelus]

@@CounterYoloGaming Ah, thanks for the clarifications! =)

[@linz8291]

Science builds are very nice suggestion in particular you have mentioned three types torpedo launchers. While if we assume from photon torpedo launcher and fusion plasma torpedo launcher is a scientific process to 32nd-34th century (earth standard liner timeline), can you list those torpedo launcher types by contrast to gravitonic pulsar torpedo launcher? Thank you, your vlog is wonderful.

[@Macabri_2k10]

just as a pointer when doing budget builds, you also have to assume you are dealing with casuals and you should toss any abbreviations. I bet not everyone knows what DPRM is, for example. Also being precise when spitting out mission names helps when not providing links or text on screen, the polaron mission is called "Boldly they Rode" not Boldly they go !

[@demitrihrothgar]

As a casual gamer, I wholeheartedly agree

[@PandaPowerable]

Can't find Boldly they go or boldly they rode!

[@CounterYoloGaming]

Once you reach level 65, you can talk to your faction leader or ally (Quinn for federations J'mpok for klingons, or D'Tan for romulans, jem'hadar talk to faction ally) about starting a group of missions called the Lost Dominion. It's the last mission in the arc, but doesn't show up in the regular mission journal; you have to go to the available tab (and complete the missions before it normally) before you can play/repeat that one.

[@PandaPowerable]

@@CounterYoloGaming Great, thx!

[@YasariYusago]

for porlaron cannons u can also use the chronometric cannon and turret

[@deavonw]

Nothing wrong with making tons of alts in this game. Its extremely profitable to share the grind amongst different characters and you can spec characters certain ways without having to worry about respeccing. I have all sorts of characters with unique builds.

[@darkfire8008]

Nice video! Lately I've been kind of working on Advanced ready in 70 days builds myself. Limitations are F2P, 560k Dili(8000 a day times 70 days), and Fleet(allowing fleet ships with the rep tier 6 modules) so no zen/lobi. Will be using some of these as work around points. :) Though, I absolutely love Polaron, was my energy of choice when I started and the Morpho set just makes that even better since I think Pol/Pha/Dis are the easiest to budget around with all the available gears for them.

[@stevenlittle5743]

Do you guys have a website with Word docs or pdfs with the breakdowns like this....like the missions for reward and what works best with which set? This information is AWESOME and would be great to have a written doc that can be peered at from time to time

[@CounterYoloGaming]

I have a GoogleDrive with pdf versions of most of the videos. Link is in a pinned post on my channel facebook page.

[@SienjorQueso]

At 29:00 when talking about the nausican set, you say that eventually its smart to replace those "things" what exactly did you mean by that? Did you mean the whole set? Just the beam or also the torp maybe if you lose the weapons should I keep the nausican console. I am getting ready for a kelvin d7 build and I am a bit lost becuase this will be my first "real" build

[@CounterYoloGaming]

The good parts of the set is the standalone torpedo (for the guaranteed debuff) and the full 3-piece. However, on high-end beam builds, you only use one torpedo -- and the discovery legends 2-piece is really important. If you are going to do a dual beam bank dps build on the Kelvin D7, you can use the disruptor dual beam bank from the disco legends rep for the 2-piece, and still justify using the full nausicaan 3-piece (yes, you will end up with a few beam arrays in the front, DBB builds look weird). As for those Crit consoles I was referring to? See my Tanking in the T6X era video for those consoles (I only do 1 example build for each energy type there, and disruptors is a dual cannon version there, so will be slightly different than yours) Here's my personal recommendations for beam weapons -- however, I am a tank captain instead of a pure dps captain, so there could be better combinations out there: Scenario #1: "DBB" Disruptor build Front: Terran task force rep disruptor beam array Experimental romulan disruptor beam array Nausicaan energy torpedo Nausicaan beam array Discovery legends wide angle disruptor dual beam bank (get disco 2-piece with this weapon & lorca console) Rear: House Martok Omni-Beam Array Crafted or Lockbox Disruptor Omni-Beam of Choice [as a note here: some builds that are specific for only ISE/HSE are built so that they actually broadside with the wide arc dual beam bank -- this isn't realistic for most TFO's, but if you are building for only those queues that have slow & BIG targets w/o many tiny targets, you can use a beam array here for a tiny more dps] Experimental Weapon of choice If you want to do a traditional broadsiding beam build with all beam arrays, I'd suggest dropping the nausicaan set entirely. Your build will look something like this: Scenario #2: Traditional broadsiding beam array build Front: Terran task force rep disruptor beam array Experimental romulan disruptor beam array Discovery legends dark matter quantum torpedo (get disco 2-piece with this torpedo & lorca console) Disruptor beam array of choice (spiral wave is my preference, getting a cardassian ship from the C-Store unlocks these) Disruptor beam array of choice Rear: House Martok Omni-Beam Array Crafted or Lockbox Disruptor Omni-Beam of Choice Experimental Weapon of choice

[@SienjorQueso]

@@CounterYoloGaming Thanks for the in depth answer. It is good to see that I already have, or have acces to many of the things you recommended. You definetely deserve a like and a sub for your attention to you subs ;)

[@tyneskipper]

great vid - would you have a problem with me saving these builds to a google doc for quick reference?

[@tyneskipper]

never mind - just seen the doc link!

[@mckenziecalhoun316]

Shocked that 75% don' t play advanced: it takes less than two weeks to be advanced worthy (just got a new toon there, first science torpedo) and it has a whole lot of extra rewards AND it' s way more fun!

[@wolfstriker3992]

Its because people got tired playing sto and are playing other games it will pick back up soon

[@darkfire8008]

Two factors I think that play into that: 1. The difficulty spike post 50 making normal feel almost impossible if you can't figure out why you can't survive or kill things meaningfully. Even if by that point you've learned to not use multiple damage types or pick one target. 2. There seems to be little to no real end-game content outside of TFO's, which for puging are terrible sometimes and likely your favorite one is hardly qued for. On top of no meaningful rewards since once you have the reputation and mission rewards, nothing outside of zen/lobi items are going to help your ship improve at all. Not to mention there isn't much strategy in them(at least in pugging). It's either kill in time or constantly be killed.

[@mckenziecalhoun316]

@@darkfire8008 pugs can be frustrating, yes... I do mostly random advanced, and I know if I get procyon I am gonna have a painful time, but after a few (3) months I can parse 100k... I think that advanced is like nermal 3-4 years ago, tbh

[@djnoe85]

Your voice sounds great today. Silky smooth

[@sjknights26]

considering the 3 week double xp event friday, the timing of this video is excuisite

[@MelficeCyrum]

As someone who's getting back into STO, I'm curious how you would build one of the "sci" carriers, like the Aspero Support Carrier, on a budget anyway.. I say sci with quote marks because carriers don't have a secondary deflector and are clearly meant to leverage the fighter pets for DPS. Still, I figure it might be at least somewhat worthwhile to build them like a sci ship. Just that your traits should likely focus on the Pets with Traits, since there's really not a lot of pet-centric consoles (save for the one specific console from the Support Carrier)

[@CounterYoloGaming]

They are tricky in general, as they are the only science vessel subclass without access to a secondary deflector -- and buffing hanger pets will only get you so far in STO (as Cryptic doesn't feel hanger pets as your main source of dps gives much skill expression, and will nerf it into the ground when it gets too strong, aka the nerfs the Hivebearer & the hurq pets when they released at the end of the Victory is Life expansion, and the more recent nerf to Superior Area Denial). At the high-end (elite difficulty), I only really see it as a tanking platform [as the added threat available to tanks can offset the dps loss of no secondary deflector and still hold threat]. Science dreadnoughts have similar stats and can do it similarly well without the dps loss on a science/epg based build, and flight-deck carriers get 2-hanger bays while still having 8 weapons (so wpn-based build with hangers are better on them), which puts science carriers (and dreadnought carriers) in an awkward position. However, at the budget end of things, hanger pets can do great supplemental damage (to the point that the pets alone from many 2-hanger carriers can often out-dps players in normal difficulty that don't have a grasp on how to build a starship, which is a decent chunk of the playerbase -- as STO is notoriously bad at teaching players...). For budget in the context of this video (normal & advanced difficulty), science carriers are perfectly fine. Honestly, you can build it as a beam boat (and use an example from the video as your guide) or use the example science build at the end as well -- with the change being to not worry about abilities to proc the secondary deflector (as you don't have one) and to just use more AoE/control abilities. In normal & advanced difficulty, A LOT can work well. The builds in this video work for normal/advanced difficulty, so don't sweat about trying to buy any particular starship to do well [having any T6 starship is already a leg-up on the free T5's in the video). The new support carrier pets are some of the best in STO, so don't worry about trying to get another ship just to get better pets for it.

[@MelficeCyrum]

@@CounterYoloGaming I never play on Elite tbh, and yeah, STO is horribly bad at teaching players about builds. I had been using your budget sci-build and just using the carrier itself to throw out control/debuff effects and let my pets mop up the mobs. The support frigates that come with the carriers get some absurd HP values. At level 40 I had something like 60k-ish hp, and the support frigates had in the range of 45k. At level *40* I only bought the Aspero because I was someone who bought the Atrox when it was new because it was a really cool looking ship, and the Aspero was just more cool on top of that. I started a new Tac character and bought the Aspero as a birthday present to myself and it's amazing. I'm honestly considering just not using the standard fighters and using JUST the support frigates. But yeah, it's hard to find builds specifically for Carriers because of their weird niche in the science ship hierarchy, but they're also a ton of fun. Also, since the whole fisaco with Thunderwolf there's no way to access his skill guide for science ship builds. I assume a standard sci-skill tree will work just fine?

[@CounterYoloGaming]

Those fighter squadrons will "generally" do more damage if they survive , but many of the non-popular TFO's have issues what will make keeping them alive difficult without specific traits -- so having both hanger bays with support frigates will probably be more consistent for you. The new support carrier frigates are really high HP, and are basically a slightly less effective Terran Empire Frigate pet that is usable on all carriers. Only one frigate pet to my knowledge has higher base HP, the classic OG b'rotlh bird-of-prey frigates (usable on the Vo'Quv and Vo'devwl carriers) has higher HP (around the 90k-100k HP range) -- though it is noticeably less effective than the new support frigates. As for the skilltree, feel free to look around for standard science skilltrees. Make sure you don't invest so heavily in science pointsthat you have the science ultimate from the skilltree -- that is a REALLY BAD that actually lowers your dmg when used for a relatively minor healing effect. I have have some tank-centric example skilltrees in my "Tanking in the T6X Era" video, with a section talking about the skilltree itself. You aren't going for tanking per se, so some adjustments for less tank and more dps would be appropriate (or to just use Auggie's all-purpose version I have in that video as well). Make sure you skip around if you check it out, as it is a nearly 3-hour video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aobSlneujpd2a80

[@MelficeCyrum]

@@CounterYoloGaming Having used a set of the dilithium Adv Support Frigates with the ones provided by the ship for a few hours, and on a few random TFOs now and the difference in survivability is huge. The issue with the fighters/squadrons (not sure if there is any difference beyond the aesthetic), is that some enemy factions are just REALLY good at control or massive AoE damage (Voth and the Vaudwaar come to mind), which can someone's annihilate all my fighters instantly. Which sucks. The Frigates rarely need replacing on the other hand. Right now I'm using the skill tree from DPS League for science ships, but I'm open to looking at different takes. Right now it's a really offensive build, but I'll look into something a little more tanky to see the possibilities. I do love carriers, I just wish they weren't so awkward! As always your vids are a huge help.

[@JohnSmith-hq4ji]

You say Advanced Temporal Defense Polaron Duel Cannons, but I can only find Advanced Temporal Defense Polaron Duel HEAVY Cannons. Does the 1 second recharge difference in (equipped) cannons matter to procs, timing, ect. ?

[@aaronhouston3116]

Just the thing, wanted to get back into STO anyways. definitely taking notes, thanks for the vid! cheers.

[@laughingalex7563]

I wonder. How practical do you think getting aux to bat duty officers be if you did the duty mission in the nebula for them? You can have three of the same duty off for it, even if it looks silly. At least id think so. Unless failures make getting them harder along the way?

[@CounterYoloGaming]

It's not too hard to get them. I just ignored duty officers altogether for the budget builds series, because it would open up a HUGE can of worms of what I would/wouldn't be allowing for my budget definition; for simplicity and sanity, I didn't include duty officers. In my Tanking in the T6X Era video, I talk about A2B builds in the cooldown section.

[@Lukos0036]

Disruptor Phaser and Polaron in general seem to be the easiest to build around. Plasma can work but you don't get a set omni outside of the lobi set which annoys the hell out of me.

[@phantom6512]

What was the Klingon ship you recommended for cannons? It wasn't as obvious in the video as two of the starships you circled have blue text!

[@CounterYoloGaming]

Kar'Fi Battle Carrier. Current rumor is that the T6 version will be this year's winter ship. sto.gamepedia.com/Fek%27Ihri_Kar%27Fi_Battle_Carrier. If a slower ship isn't your speed for a cannon build, go with the Bird-of-Prey. Retrofit. For a budget build, 2 hanger bays and higher HP goes a LONG way honestly, but up to you -- sto.gamepedia.com/B%27rel_Bird-of-Prey_Retrofit#:~:text=The%20B%27rel-class%20Bird,Romulan%20Republic%20and%20Dominion%20characters.&text=Purchasing%20this%20starship%20will%20unlock,Bird-of-Prey%20Retrofit.

[@chadwickmccarty4944]

I've never got into STO's crafting. It just seems like such a steep incline that it intimidates me before I even start & what the end offers seem too little to me for the cost & effort. I have a couple of primary toons that I earn the T6 Rep but usually for my alts I just go to T5 Rep. Never a good enough pace in earning Specialization Points. Lately, I get so bored at times I'm going with 6x or 8x turrets with the possible other 2 being KT torps lol. Another great video full of useful information. You make the best TED Talks STO videos.

[@mckenziecalhoun316]

Just do those dailies, super easy, super useful for the traits you get and, of course, the craftings you unlock

[@obil8648]

might have to update this since the timber wolf video links aren't working anymore

[@boredcryptek5513]

Plasma with Altamid works really really well and you can get alot of the stuff from the exchange but that is pretty reliant on obviously affording it.

[@matthewbrewer5463]

Any plans to update this for 2021? Is it still relevant?

[@CounterYoloGaming]

Yep, this is still relevant. The only F2P addition to STO since this video has been the Fek'ihri Torment Engine, which is a situational EPG-specific tactical console (more useful on builds that aren't budget friendly). Whenever Cryptic decides to add a new reputation or a new mission set to the game, I'll make an updated version. The main point of added reputations & fleet holdings was engagement -- which is mostly done now by lower-effort FOMO events and the endeavor system -- so not sure when Cryptic will feel it is worth it to add another one.

[@geminijustgemini7784]

What video do you cover the skill tree settings? For a sci build, tactical and engineering captain? Never do I know what to do with them, specially the eng and sci skills

[@francescoevangelista1448]

Just wondering, for the phaser build where did you find the advanced wife-arc torpedo and the dark matter quantum torpedo launcher?

[@CounterYoloGaming]

Dark matter-- disco reputation. Wide arc -- gamma reputation

[@adamwilder2943]

Thanks, Mr. CounterYologaming sir.

[@malcolmPheonix2007]

Does anyone know how to build a temporal divergence scanner??

[@wolfstriker3992]

Im currently making a high end budget build

[@nb_Painter_k]

I think the “Uneasy Allies” missions are pretty broken, I personally tried to play it yesterday at least 10 times and each time it glitched and I couldn’t finish it. Either doors wouldn’t be unlocked or the “secure the gate” objective wouldn’t trigger... Don’t know if this is the same for everyone but it’s basically unplayable for me.

[@VipapkStudiosOfficial]

weird, I never got that problem :3

[@matthewbrewer5463]

I'm flying a Malem Warbrid atm. So, boff stations are a bit different. So, my universal station has 3 slots. I'm using an engineering officer there like is suggested for the Dehlan Warbird Retrofit. What would you suggest I use in the extra slot?

[@CounterYoloGaming]

Auxiliary to Structural integrity field. Super spammable self-heal. You don't see it much on modern builds, as most players on energy builds use Aux-to-Battery with special duty officers for their cooldown management.

[@matthewbrewer5463]

Thanks man

[@seadog6351]

Hi, not sure if you will notice this but hope you do. I've been using your builds and advice since I started and want to thank you very much. I have a question about your budget definition. Since, at T6 reputation, you can get fleet modules very easily, why don't you include fleet ships in your budget builds now? You use T6 items in some of the builds. Getting 20K fleet credits is not that hard. Maybe my understanding of this is wrong?

[@CounterYoloGaming]

I don't consider anything from the fleet budget. Getting the fleet credits isn't that difficult, it's the guaranteeing of getting into a high enough fleet military for the fleet starships you are going for -- which requires some socialization to do so or a LOT of contributions on your own to build one up. Everything in these budget builds requires no socialization to acquire -- just playing missions and running random TFO's. I don't disagree that fleet starships are in the **earnable** category (more so than lobi/exchange items/starships). I just don't consider them in the budget category. If fleet starships were on the table, then so would all fleet consoles (including the console/trait from the Tier V Colony Dranuur Scout Ship) as well as the trait unlocks. One of these days I'll price-out the cost of building up a fleet on your own just to show how expensive it would be (or was for original founders of popular finished fleets for them to build theirs up).

[@seadog6351]

@@CounterYoloGaming Whoa, I started looking into the cost of fleet equipment. The ships are the cheapest things! Now I get it.

[@shipmate3577]

Thanks

[@simonwillis1529]

I’m trying to upgrade I’m new and I’m rank 65 now but most missions I run I’m gettin beat know my ship isn’t optimised

[@matthewbrewer5463]

I may have missed this in the video. If so, I apologize. What's a good singularity core for an offensive build? Love the video by the way. It's exactly what I needed getting back into STO.

[@CounterYoloGaming]

For the Science dps meta, the singularity core equivalent from the Temporal Defense reputation for the 2-piece bonus is what you want. For the Energy dps meta, the Discovery reputation's singularity core if using the disco shield for the 2-piece survival bonus. Otherwise the Fleet Elite Thoron-Infused Singularity Core is decent. Alternatives to the Fleet Elite Thoron includes the crafted Plasma-Integrated or standard Thoron singularity cores -- depending on if you value power transfer rate more (CSV/CRF/FAW builds) or power cost reduction (beam overload) as to which you would go for. When it comes to upgrading, prioritize your warp/singularity core to very last.

[@giantdutchviking]

How current is this build 5 months later? I just started playing again and have loads of story arcs to play through. Would be nice to when focussing on certain items, if they are still current. Thanks for doing these vids. Ship building in STO has always been difficult for me. Having these vids around make it easier.

[@CounterYoloGaming]

We haven't had any new reputations added, no new good mission items, and all of the "new" items added to the game aren't in the F2P spectrum. With the constraints placed for this video, it is still current as of this comment.

[@giantdutchviking]

@@CounterYoloGaming thanks, I dont want to come over as do this, do that. Did you make a follow up vid on this one? As once you managed to create the budget build, how to upgrade your build to the elite stuff.

[@thomasgianopoulos9774]

Where would you get the Advanced wide-ark quantum torpedo?

[@CounterYoloGaming]

Gamma reputation.

[@thomasgianopoulos9774]

Thank you.

[@RAAM900]

The pixel plasma beam array got replaced by a pixel Polaris beam, should I still run it for the set bonus? Or run something else?

[@RAAM900]

*piezo

[@CounterYoloGaming]

The Advanced Piezo-Plasma beam array is available as a project once you get to Tier 6 lukari reputation. For budget and mid-range builds you should use the 2-piece.

[@jasonbritton2401]

Love your videos, quickly became a subsriber. I've wrestled with spending $30 on a T6 for weeks, but these builds have given me something else to work towards first. Plenty of great info here, but I do have one gripe. So I'm Romulan and sticking strictly to Warbirds (cuz I'm a fanboy and that bonus damage is clutch, shoot me). That being said, a great deal of these energy builds use a Warp Core, as opposed to Singularity Core. Obv wont work on any of the romulan ships displayed. I would love to switch to Antiproton for the crit severity (since I crit WAY more often than the low chance procs on most energy types), but I would be losing the 10% off the set bonus with ancient omni-directional. Now with critting so much, I still would likely see a dps more consistent dps vs plasma, but I don't really know if it's worth when I have other options like Poloron to choose from. TL;DR: I'm running Plasma Cannons on a Tac Warbird, but looking to switch. Am I better going Poloron or Antiproton?

[@CounterYoloGaming]

In theory, antiproton should be the best standard dps energy type. In practice, most of the other energy types (save tetryon) has something strong in its favor. And yes, besides beam overload builds (that get higher proc rates on their weapons) nowadays we really don't care about the procs of weapons anymore: Phasers -- advanced phasers (beams) with a long-lasting & significant CritD proc, a silly amount of BIS weapons for a 5/3 dual cannon/turret build, or . Disruptors -- spiral-wave disruptors (all wpn variants) take the cake here [+ terran task force rep weapon] Plasma -- Advanced Piezo-Plasma wpn is super nice (secret proc for beam overload build is STRONG, 2-piece also nice for extra dmg) + altamid plasma weaponry & altamid 3-piece set from lobi store Polaron -- Morphogenic 3-piece is the strongest part of polaron, but the set is also used for many torp builds out there as well. Also has Advanced piezo-polaron wpn from lukari rep. As it can also use regular piezo-polaron weaponry, it is my most recommended energy type for tanking & general survival. Antiproton -- nothing that special in sets & such in STO, but its standard CritD isn't bad either. Check the DPS League on the quirks of the other antiproton subtypes Tetryon -- Diffusive Tetryon (and the diffusive tetryon 3-piece from the lobi store) is ok but not spectacular vs other sets (like morphogenic or altamid that are game-changing). Refracting Tetryon is just about the best for them unfortunately. On a budget, polaron will be the best for you, as its strong 3-piece set is free from a mission (which gives FANTASTIC CritH/CritD -- strong enough even the DPS league recommends the full 3-piece on cannon builds and slotting the torpedo in a rear slot). If you want to keep your plasma cannons for the romulan feel, then keep it! The numerical differences between energy types isn't going to be super game-changing until you try to play elite difficulty TFO's (and you can stll perform well -- I mean Timberwolf did 100k+ dps in the Kobayashi Maru...). I'd take polaron or plasma over antiproton in the current state of STO.

[@jasonbritton2401]

@@CounterYoloGaming thank you! I'll probably look into polaron once I have the rep for it. I fear that's my biggest problem right now, pretty low on the rep grinds. I'll get some sets stacked up in time one way or another. Keep up the awesome vids!

[@LJ-vo3xe]

Just wandering why you consider the elite fleet stuff to be not budget, I’m a fairly budget player, time wise especially and I found it very easy to get elite fleet stuff? Love the channel btw, lots of valuable info.

[@CounterYoloGaming]

The concept of this video was that you would be completely anti-social and not interact with other players at all. This means not buying things on the exchange and not joining a fleet. Building up a fleet (to get the items from their stores) takes time; some players just join fleet that are already maxed out, and just have to worry about farming the resources to get the gear desired -- but that isn't exactly easy for everyone. Fleet consoles & starships (and trait unlocks) are definitely earnable in STO, I just don't consider them budget by any means. Just as a fun example, Timberwolf had to ask on Twitter to find someone who had a fleet with Fleet Colony Tactical consoles on the KDF side (tier v colony btw). If someone of his influence of knowing people had to make a general call for help outside of the game to get access to something from the fleet, I'm not going to assume it is easy for the vast majority of players. It's also for this same reason I didn't include Fleet T6 starships either, as again many players won't have access to the military tiers needed. In many RTFO's I'm in, I see many players using the regular C-Store versions instead of fleet versions of starships.

[@LJ-vo3xe]

@@CounterYoloGaming ah I get what you mean, that makes sense, I was lucky enough to join a fleet that had alot of stuff maxed out so it wasn't a trouble for me to get my fleet deflector and warp core, I get the perspective you have and for the context of the video its fitting, nice talking to you 😁

[@dvaisman]

Not every Romulan bridge officer off the exchange has the SUPERIOR Romulan operative trait - need to verify before purchase, mostly they are more expensive - around 60,000 EC.

[@works323]

This is such a blessing, but it seems that the Deuterium-Stabilized Warp Core is missing from the mission rewards. Any thoughts on this?

[@CounterYoloGaming]

If you are too low of level it doesn't show up. You need to be closer to max level to have that reward show up. No idea why they programmed it that way.

[@works323]

@@CounterYoloGaming weird since I'm already Lv 65 but I'll see if I get something. Also would a T5 LRSV work with a cheap beams build, or is it just best to go for sci torp? Edit: I just played "Where Angels Fear to Tread" and it seems that the Deuterium-Stabilized Warp Core isn't a reward anymore :(

[@CounterYoloGaming]

On the cheap-end (based on the restrictions set out in this video), sci-torp is the best build in the game honestly, and simple to make it stronger (adding stronger clickie consoles & the meta space/starship traits). Sci-torp builds don't even require upgrading the weapons to make them work -- as the proc's of weapons don't scale with rarity typically (and the proc's & set bonuses are why those weapons are in the build). If we're being honest, sci-torp is probably slightly overperforming in dps; as space science magic isn't that popular comparatively, it doesn't quite matter that much. Sci-energy can be a good build (better on science ships with 7 weapon slots), but is tricky to balance between energy & science dmg (and would change the most, as most new things affect energy dps or science dps in some way). If you want to go budget sci-energy, I'd suggest going polaron -- with the morphogenic mission 3-piece set + chronometric mission set (beam for shield-pen proc, console give polaron dmg & EPG, turret if you want the 3-piece clickie) + lukari reputation advanced beam/console. With the power creep in the game, and especially if all you care about is normal/advanced content, beams on the LRSV will work for you.

[@CounterYoloGaming]

That's interesting on the warp core removal from the mission. I tested it out on a few characters -- some can access the warp core and others can't. Here's the things that remain consistent for them: (1) Older characters that accessed the mission prior to the recent anniversary episode 2-parter can get the warp core without issues. It's newer characters, or older characters that didn't play through that mission arc that sometimes have this issue. (2a) Characters that were level 65 prior to playing the mission for the first time CANNOT seem to be able to get the warp core. (2b) Characters that accessed the mission the first time at super early levels (level 20-40), then went back to it later, see the item change and can get the warp core. My guess? There's probably silly in their level-detection code that was recently broken, and it probably isn't a priority for them to get it fixed (considered the inconsistencies I saw just looking over this a bit more). It probably can't be resolved easily without Cryptic pushing buttons behind the scenes. The Deuterium warp core (or thoron singularity core) can at least be crafted (though missing the fun clickie from the mission, it's the power-cost reduction that is important from it, and even a mk II common version has that). As most people go to their fleet or reputations for their warp/singularity core, you probably can find a replacement one relatively dirt cheap on the exchange. Sorry that Cryptic changed stuff on us -- I'll have to be diligent on leveling characters a few different ways when I make the next edition of this to see how mission items vary.

[@works323]

​@@CounterYoloGaming Hmm, it seems you're right. The mechanism is so wonky that somehow I have the mission reward actually available now. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Oh well, time to farm then HAHA

[@josht9518]

Should consoles and weapons from previously cstore locked T1-T4 ships be included (ex: Bio-neural Warhead from T3 KDF Raptor) as budget? I haven't seen anyone cover any of the unique things you can get freely (dilithium) from these ships now. If I'm wrong I hope someone points me in the right direction, but it would be a cool video.

[@CounterYoloGaming]

It's an interesting point I didn't consider honestly, but I could have. I did a video a while back on the most worthwhile T0-T5 starships from the C-Store (back when they were in the C-Store), which roughly covers this. The big winner console honestly is only usable for federation captains from the Perseus Escort (T3) called the M6 Computer. It's basically a diet DOMINO console that's only available to fed & fed-allied captains. sto.gamepedia.com/Console__-Universal-__M6_Computer As for other honorable mention consoles: the Aceton Assimilator & the Point Defense system consoles are fantastic for shuttle builds. For regular starships though, the things that would be worthwhile to add -- in my biased perspective at least -- would be a quad cannon (for flavor) over a wide-arc cannon on the cannon version of phaser/disruptor/plasma builds, and adding in the shield absorptive frequency generator [though this console only really gets strong once you have more consistently higher dps if you want to tank through your damage].

[@josht9518]

@@CounterYoloGaming Damn. I'll have to go back and check the video out. You could add the Quad Plasma cannon from the T4 Ar’Kala Tactical Warbird... But I mean... Is 150k dilithium really budget? Lol

[@CounterYoloGaming]

It's here on the technicality in that it isn't dependent on the player economy of STO at all (which is the TL;DR of my definition for "budget" in this video). Is 75k or 150k dilithium expensive? Yes, and they aren't things I would want to recommend to a player lightly (hence most of the list I mentioned here is honorable mention besides the M6 computer -- that is definitely worth the 75k dilithium for a budget player).

[@harlockJC]

Just wondering even with the Tetryon being lackluster with the Vorgon console befitting energy builds. Do you think the use of console makes tetryon worth playing, or still a pass?

[@CounterYoloGaming]

Any energy type (besides proton) is worth playing -- you can even go full rainbow and make it work in elite content if you desire. One of the vorgon consoles is ok (the one with dmg & CritD), but remember that the vorgon consoles can only be used on the vorgon starships -- and those starships are less noteworthy vs most other ships (as they are older event starships). Many of your higher-end consoles for energy/torpedo damage builds either have super strong clickies useful for everyone (DPRM, DOMINO, etc.) or have high innate CritH/CritD (Bioneural, etc.) that is useful to ALL energy types -- especially with the extra stats from the endeavor system now in the game. If you want a tetryon-themed build, feel free to go for it! I just label it as the most lackluster energy type generally because the amount of effort, time, & resources to invest in that one gets you less for your investment at all levels vs any of the others in the video.

[@malcolmPheonix2007]

Does anybody on here know where to go on the message boards to report a mission that's not working?? Cause I'm having problems with replaying The Measure of Morality part 1, cause when u go through the portal to start the first trial the game crashes

[@CounterYoloGaming]

Feel free to post on the bug thread on reddit oremail our current community manager directly: [e-mail]. Please remember to include a detailed explanation of what is going on with the points explained in the header of the bug thread: www.reddit.com/r/sto/comments/l5jtau/11th_anniversary_event_official_unofficial_bug/

[@malcolmPheonix2007]

Thanks for the info buddy but I have one more question, is there a place on the message boards where u can ask the developers to try to get their hands on a certain T6 ship & put it in the Zen Store?? Cause they don't have the T6 version of the Excelsior Class in the Zen Store

[@CounterYoloGaming]

@@malcolmPheonix2007 It's there. Remember that there is a fleet version that's stronger though, so buying it in the C-Store is just for the skin. C-Store: sto.gamepedia.com/Resolute_Advanced_Heavy_Cruiser Fleet: sto.gamepedia.com/Fleet_Excelsior_Advanced_Heavy_Cruiser

[@ajtame]

Any advice for a returning player, just leveled up from 60-65 but i have no idea what the endgame is or what gear i should get or where its from

[@CounterYoloGaming]

Endgame in STO is space/ground barbie and running Task Force Operations (TFO's). As long as you have a build with Mk 10+ weapons & damage consoles, you will be able to handle normal difficulty missions and TFO's just fine. This Budget Build video is to get you ready to handle any TFO at advanced difficulty (without any out-of-pocket costs) -- which is the highest difficulty that most players in STO ever do. You can search the STO Wiki for a piece of gear to find out where it comes from or how to earn it. Typing in a search engine "STO Wiki" and the item in question also works. Everything in this video comes from missions, reputation projects, or leveling research & development (crafting) to level 15 via the 20 hr cheap project for each one. These builds don't require the exchange nor the C-Store at all. For some beginner cheap builds to allow you to easily earn marks & such to earn these builds, someone on Reddit gave some example builds: Baby Step Part 1: www.reddit.com/r/stobuilds/comments/k88fel/the_baby_step_series_part_1_the_first_step_level/ Baby Step Part 2: www.reddit.com/r/stobuilds/comments/k8ultu/the_baby_step_series_part_2_the_next_step_fresh/ As for earning marks, you can run Random TFO's to get any mark you need, or you can capitalize on the current event with the Red Alert TFO's that are quick and can let you earn any mark in the game quickly (though it gets repetitive to earn the marks quickly)

[@ajtame]

@@CounterYoloGaming Thanks for the detailed reply, i forget when i last played it felt like a lifetime ago but i think in reality not that long I'm guessing as my gear looks to already be at MK XII when i was level 60 (im guessing i went for the anti proton beam build you suggested in the video), is there a tier 13, 14 now etc to work towards? what do people do once they hit their target build with mk12 stuff? grind TFOs?

[@CounterYoloGaming]

Gear that can be upgraded can go up to mk 15 and epic rarity (some consoles that come with starships or from lootboxes are already at max rarity); it's not really necessary for advanced difficulty, but many people that want to feel more comfortable in TFO's or are thinking about playing a few of the TFO's at elite difficulty upgrade everything. But yes, many in the dps community typically just play any new missions that come out and then just grind TFO's -- and do dps parsing & dps chasing in ISA/ISE (Infected the Conduit Advanced/Elite) and HSE (Hive Onslaught Elite). The Foundry no longer exists, which has really hurt the RP community in STO -- so you can't explore any player-made missions anymore unfortunately. Because this doesn't appeal to everyone, many people that are just playing to experience the story take breaks between content releases. The current Executive Producer (EP) has tried to increase daily/weekly numbers of players through the event campaign that occurs in the "breaks" throughout the year. New Featured Episodes no longer exist in STO, and instead we have FOMO TFO's to earn things similar to what featured episodes used to offer, except for just a limited amount of time (but when you earn it, it is for your whole account). That rant aside -- for advice from me, I suggest making sure you get all of the gear you want first before upgrading -- otherwise you may have a lot of regret on wasted resources on upgraded gear you won't ever use. If you want to tank in STO, my recent "Tanking Builds: T6X Edition" video is a great place to start (though aimed at elite difficulty). Most players just do general dps builds though, that don't require special survival traits/consoles on them. On the dps scene, generally the meta at the high-end for consoles is mostly fleet tactical consoles + critical severity consoles + DPRM & DOMINO consoles. For a broadsiding beam build, the Emergency Weapon Cycle trait from the C-Store is a staple trait to get eventually (either through converting dilithium to zen or through earning a starship in the yearly event campaign). Looking up dps builds on the STO Builds Reddit or on KZbin (like from Timberwolf or Augmented Dictator Gaming) and seeing what they commonly have on their builds are idea-starters for you Oh, T6X is something new. It's an upgrade on a T6 starship that gives you an extra starship trait, universal console [normally used as an extra tactical console in builds], & device. Playing through the current event gives you one for free for a starship. Honestly, it's the way for Cryptic Studios to delay giving us T7 starships while still increasing the overall price of the strongest endgame starships. Again, unless you are preparing for elite difficulty, it's not something you really need to have. As you mentioned your build is for antiproton damage, standard antiproton is still decent in today's STO (as most weapon proc's are less useful than they used to be). We prefer a nice guaranteed passive (like the base CritD normal AP weapons have). Ba'ul antiproton is the best for AP tanks due to the spreading threat. Thanks to the nerfs to Ba'ul AP's synergy with kemocite, Herald AP is once again slightly better than standard AP for dps builds (standard AP is quite a bit cheaper though and no RNG required to get the dps numbers).

[@einfachzwen]

Your Content is Very Very Helpfull. Many Thanks. Thumbs Up.

[@nonenone769]

When looking at the combat log, I would see phaser array deals val1 (val2) damage. What is val1 and val2?

[@CounterYoloGaming]

First one is the unadjusted damage of your weapon, the second is what the actual damage of the weapon does to the enemy (after resistances & debuffs area accounted for on your target).

[@wenlocke]

While events aren't really covered, how does the holo-bashir stack up as a science guy?

[@CounterYoloGaming]

Roughly a science version of the holo Uhura bridge officer for space, and a fun RP holo science officer for ground. We have very few holo science officers (especially compared to the MANY engineering & tactical holo officers available), so I'm fine with how he is personally. You won't use him for any meta builds nor loadouts. My old bridge officer traits video goes into greater discussion about what I consider the ideal traits in space/ground. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnOYaIdoeLJ3f6s

[@xontrax6610]

Human can use this build or only Romulan ?

[@linz8291]

Human are recommended to build Federation ships, Romulan and Klingon are our galactic neighbor(alien) starfleet developers.

[@mordredgwydion649]

the timberwolf videos are set to private

[@jatgnyc]

I have to ask.. even though your builds are very different all the time, are you friends with 1800brokensoul?... you guys sound alike when talking about budget stuff.

[@CounterYoloGaming]

This is the first that I'm hearing of him. If many others concur with my suggestions here, then it's probably evidence that these are great suggestions to go by.

[@jatgnyc]

@@CounterYoloGaming yeah don't think he's dropped your links on his KZbin; but he does mention you & Timberwolve as being some of the most creative guys out there, budget friendly & you guys think out the box. I know he has shown and dropped your links durring his twich streams for viewers

[@SNAKE_PLISSKEN1979]

Hey man. I love ure videos!! Thx 4 ure help. Qapla!

[@billbird3833]

Skill trees ,say cannon,beams, carrier pets. Would be nice

[@CounterYoloGaming]

My skilltrees are in the "Tanking in the T6X Era" video -- kzbin.info/www/bejne/aobSlneujpd2a80

[@antwan1357]

I tried my best but i just couldnt enjoy the game for some reason . However when i came across a player made mission i enjoyed it , but it was the only time really. i just wanted all the ships to just view.

[@b-chroniumproductions3177]

Sadly they removed the foundry :( I loved those player made missions, especially the one (fairly long) series that had you as a Terran Empire captain.

[@antwan1357]

@@b-chroniumproductions3177 those where the best ones man that sucks they just keep removing the best aspects of the game.

[@drshepherd6567]

Budget build tanks cause starts saying all the builds will be with two items only obtainable through far progress in discovery reputation. RIP!

[@CounterYoloGaming]

The concept of these builds is to handle advanced difficulty with minimal investment and no reliance on player economies nor fleet politics. Playing RTFO's on normal difficulty is completely fine with just about whatever you have on your starship while you are getting the currencies for some of the items in this video.

[@dahabs123]

wooo content! i got a new ship i need a new build...

[@stevenfowler5101]

the best place to sell you goods is in the reycalcing in bin you get the full ec

[@jkranz100]

Thanks.

[@JynxedKoma]

8:42 Precum, lol.

[@mypage3740]

or players just need item bags alts are great for that nothing wrong with new looks

[@Spckeck]

Soooo, don't use antiproton on Warbirds got it. That makes me sad, but I'll deal with it.

[@chrismeyers5963]

Yeah, a couple thusand EC, dude, have you seen how much MK 12's are now dude, they're anywhere from half a mil to a couple mil now lmao smh, a couple thousand, and that's just for consoles hell even MK 2-4's are around a couple hundred thousand, and I'd even be more than happen to provide a photo to show ya my dude, that's not a budget build by any means, not bashing or anything but you might want to go back and look at how much the exchange stuff is, it's stupid expensive right now even for low end stuff

[@CounterYoloGaming]

The point of this video was to show decent builds that have no reliance on the exchange market to build it. No traits nor consoles needed from the exchange whatsoever to make it. You can buy weapons/consoles for this build from the exchange to get the build faster, but it isn't necessary. You have a few options when it comes to the cost if you want VR mk 12 gear to fill out your tac consoles & equipment: (1) Replay the missions that have the guaranteed VR mk 12 gear you want. The New Frontiers group of missions on their own have a mission for each energy type that give out a VR tac console except for polaron. As for budget polaron, just start a Jem'Hadar character and you will have about everything you need from the get-go (besides replaying the "Home" mission a few times for the morphogenic set). Other missions from the Iconian War arc on also have VR mk 12 weapons available -- all depends on the playstyle you are going for will depend on what missions you might want to replay to get VR gear for just some extra time investment. (2) If you can't wait to do that grind of missions, just start with common mk 10-12 gear from the exchange. They are a bit cheaper and completely fine for normal content & TFO's while you get better gear over time. The gear suggestions in the video are for advanced TFO's once you have gotten T6 reputations completed -- you won't get all of this gear at once anyways. (3) Tour of the Galaxy is a great daily you can do to at least get an extra few 100k+ EC per day per character you use. If you have better equipment & experience doing Tour better, this can net you 1+ million EC per character/day. There are a few guides you can look up for more efficient routes for it. (4) VR gear also occasionally drops from missons & TFO's you play, as well as from the boxes you open for just leveling up your reputations each day. Honestly in reference to most STO builds out there, this is about as budget-friendly as you are going to find out there. Others have a reliance on things from the exchange or fleet, and mine here do not. It's for this reason I don't have a listed EC price range for the build -- as the real costs of the build is just what it takes to level up your reputations, whatever gear you are getting from those reputations themselves. and the time investment to do it.