Welcome to our comprehensive ‘Star Trek Online: Endgame Guide,’ your ultimate resource for mastering the galaxy’s challenges once you hit level cap! Whether you’re a seasoned captain or a recent graduate of Starfleet Academy, this guide will equip you with all the essential knowledge you need to thrive in the endgame content. Dive into key strategies across major areas, including ‘Preparing for Endgame,’ where we help you transition smoothly into advanced gameplay, ‘Best Gear for Endgame,’ spotlighting the elite equipment that sets you above the rest, ‘Managing Resources and Currency,’ to ensure you handle your assets like a pro, ‘Using Abilities Effectively,’ offering tips to maximize your skillset, and ‘Strategies for Endgame Content,’ providing tried-and-true tactics for dominating the toughest missions. Ready to become a legendary officer? Engage!

Star Trek Online: Endgame Guide#

Preparing for Endgame#

So, you’ve reached level 65 in Star Trek Online and you’re ready to dive into the endgame content. This is where the game really opens up and lets you dig into some of its most exciting challenges. But before you start charging headfirst into Task Force Operations (TFOs) or elite missions, there are a few things you need to get squared away.

Gear Up#

First and foremost, you’ll want to upgrade your gear. Standard issue equipment won’t cut it for high-level content. Start by focusing on:

• Ships: Ensure you’re using a Tier 6 ship. These ships offer the best performance and customization options.
• Weapons and Consoles: Aim for Mk XV (15) gear. This is the highest mark and offers the best stats. You can upgrade your existing gear using “Upgrade Kits” found through missions, events, or the market.
• Shields, Deflectors, and Engines: Just like weapons, get these up to Mk XV and consider using reputation gear sets for additional bonuses.

Reputations#

Reputations are special systems that allow you to earn unique gear and perks by completing specific missions. Focus on the following reputations to really ramp up your power:

• Omega Force: Best for general purpose ground and space sets.
• Romulan Imperial Navy: Offers great plasma weapons and improved stealth capabilities.
• Borg Task Force: Specialized in anti-Borg technology, essential for Borg-centric missions.

Grind out these reputations by running their associated missions and applying daily tokens; it’s a bit grindy but worth it.

Traits and Skills#

Traits and skills make a significant difference in your performance. Ensure you’re using:

• Personal Traits: These are traits specific to your Captain and can be toggled in the traits screen. Look for traits that align with your play style, be it DPS-focused, tank, or support.
• Starship Traits: Earned from leveling Tier 6 ships, these traits can give you crucial buffs in combat.
• Skills: Use your skill points wisely to maximize DPS, survivability, or power management. Consider focusing on Tactical, Engineering, or Science skills based on your role.

Duty Officers and Bridge Officers#

Don’t ignore your crew! They can provide massive bonuses if outfitted correctly:

• Duty Officers: These are your behind-the-scenes crew members that run tasks while you’re off battling in space. Focus on acquiring Duty Officers that complement your play style with passive bonuses.
• Bridge Officers: These officers support you directly in missions. Train them in high-tier abilities to support your ship’s capabilities, such as “Emergency Power to Shields III” or “Attack Pattern Beta III”.

PVE and PVP Readiness#

With your gear, traits, and crew sorted, you’ll want to dip your toes into PvE and PvP content. Start easy:

• PvE Content: Begin with Advanced TFOs before tackling Elite missions. This gear check will help you assess if you need upgrades or better strategies.
• PvP Content: Balance and readiness are key here. Coordinate with your team and learn the meta strategies.

Fleet Participation#

Finally, joining a fleet can make a world of difference. Fleets provide:

• Fleet Holdings: Access to some of the best gear, consoles, and ships.
• Team Support: Experienced players can offer advice, help with missions, and provide a ready-made team for tougher content.

So, gear up, get your skills in order, and join a fleet to make the most out of Star Trek Online’s endgame. Remember, the final frontier isn’t just about exploration; it’s about being ready for anything the galaxy throws your way. Happy hunting, Captain!

Best Gear for Endgame#

So, you’ve reached the endgame of Star Trek Online and you’re ready to tackle the toughest missions the galaxy has to throw at you. Great! But you need the right gear to make sure you’re not left floating in space. Here’s a rundown of the best gear for navigating the toughest challenges STO has to offer.

Ships#

First things first: Your ship. Different ships excel in different areas, so pick one that matches your playstyle.

• DPS (Damage-per-second) Ships: The Terran Cygnus Battlecruiser is a solid choice for any captain focusing on raw firepower. It offers a blend of destructive capabilities and resilience. Also, the Vaadwaur Juggernaut is a beast for DPS, with great maneuverability and offensive capabilities.

• Tanking Ships: To soak up damage, the Kelvin Timeline Intel Dreadnought Cruiser is top-tier. It’s a fortress with firepower and can also support your team with some heavy-duty abilities. The Command Battlecruiser is also great for tanking and comes with strong team support skills.

• Science Ships: If you prefer utility and science-based warfare, check out the Temporal Light Cruiser. Its temporal abilities can really shift the odds in your favor. The Garand Temporal Destroyer is another excellent science ship that can mess with enemy defenses.

Weapons#

Your ship’s weapons can make or break your battle performance.

• Energy Weapons: For raw power, use Disruptor Beam Arrays or Polaron Dual Heavy Cannons. Disruptors debuff enemy defenses, and Polaron weapons can drain enemy power, making them very effective against tough opponents.

• Torpedoes: Quantum Torpedoes are a go-to for their high single-shot damage. For AoE (Area of Effect) damage, the Argala Plasma Torpedo Launcher packs a punch and can ignite enemies in its blast radius.

• Mines: If you prefer a more tactical approach, use Quantum Mines. They deal massive damage and can control the battlefield by restricting enemy movements.

Shields and Deflectors#

Keeping yourself safe is just as important as dishing out damage.

• Shields: The Elite Fleet Adaptive Shield Arrays offer robust protection and regenerate quickly. For a resilient option, the M.A.C.O. Resilient Shield Array is very effective, especially against energy weapons.

• Deflectors: The Elite Fleet Intervention Protomatter Deflector is great for boosting your science abilities and also enhances shield repair. The Delta Alliance Ferrofluid Deflector Array is good for healing and defense bonuses.

Consoles#

Boost your performance with the best consoles available.

• Tac Consoles: The Vulnerability Locator Tachyon consoles from fleet holdings are exceptional for increasing critical hit chances and damage. Put as many of these as you can in your tactical slots.

• Engineering Consoles: For survivability, use Conductive RCS Accelerators for better turn rates and additional resistances. The Regenerative Integrity Field is also excellent for improving hull regeneration rates.

• Science Consoles: The Bioneural Infusion Circuits give a great boost to critical hit chances and severity. The Assimilated Module is another must-have as it perks up almost all aspects of your firepower and defenses.

Traits and Reputation Gear#

Maximize your captain’s potential with these key traits and reputation gear.

• Personal Traits: Equip traits like Inspiration Leader, which boosts overall team performance, Accuracy, for more precise hits, and Superior Beam Training if you use beam weapons.

• Starship Traits: Traits like The Best Defense give you better tanking capabilities, Emergency Weapon Cycle for reduced weapon power cost, and Super Charged Weapons for greater burst damage can turn the tide of battle in your favor.

• Reputation Gear: Aim to complete Omega Force and Romulan Imperial reputation missions to get some of the best reputation gear. These offer sets that boost both your ship’s defenses and offensive capabilities.

Duty Officers#

Don’t forget about your Duty Officers (DOffs). They can provide passive bonuses and unlock special abilities during combat.

• Projectile Weapons Officers: These officers can decrease torpedo recharge time, making your torpedo setup even more deadly.
• Damage Control Engineers: Great for improving your ship’s repair rate during heated battles.

Equip these strategic loadouts, and you’ll be ready to face any challenge Star Trek Online throws at you. With the best endgame gear, you’ll take on the galaxy like a pro — and come out on top. Engage!

Managing Resources and Currency#

Welcome, Captains! If you’re going to make it in the vast universe of Star Trek Online, you’ll need to master the art of managing your resources and currency. We know it sounds boring, but trust us, being efficient with your space cash makes all the difference when you’re upgrading your ship for that epic battle or snagging the coolest gear. Let’s break down the essentials.

Energy Credits (EC)#

Energy Credits are your bread and butter. This is the currency you’ll use most often for everyday transactions like buying gear, replicators, and paying for services. You can earn EC by selling loot, completing missions, and participating in various activities.

• Quick Tip: Keep an eye out for valuable items that you don’t need. Sell them on the Exchange for a nice stack of EC!

Dilithium#

Dilithium is the premium currency and it’s more tricky to earn. You’ll need it for major upgrades, fleet projects, and special items. Dilithium can be refined from Dilithium Ore, and you’ll gather this from missions, daily quests, and events.

• Daily Refinement Limit: Don’t forget there’s a cap on how much Dilithium you can refine each day (8,000). Make refining part of your daily routine to maximize your earnings.

Zen#

Zen is the cash shop currency. You’ll use this to purchase ships, vanity items, and other premium goodies from the C-Store. You can buy Zen with real money or trade Dilithium for it via the in-game ZEN Exchange.

• Budgeting Tip: Use Zen for big-ticket items and save your Dilithium for in-game necessities like gear upgrades or fleet contributions.

Marks & Reputation Systems#

Marks are specific to different reputation systems like Omega Marks, Romulan Marks, and others. You earn them by participating in PvE queues and completing reputation missions. Once you have enough Marks, you can use them to boost your reputation and unlock exclusive gear.

• Pro Tip: Focus on one reputation system at a time. Spread too thin, and you’ll take longer to see significant rewards.

Fleet Credits#

Fleet Credits are for fleet projects and fleet-specific gear. Earn them by donating resources to your fleet’s development projects. Fleet gear is often some of the best in the game, so these credits are valuable.

• Donations: Check what your fleet needs regularly, and donate items like common duty officers or resources you’re swimming in. This will help you rack up Fleet Credits while also progressing your fleet’s projects.

Lobi Crystals#

Lobi Crystals come from opening lockboxes and are used for exclusive items and ships in the Lobi Store. You can either spend real money on keys to open lockboxes or trade for them, though gathering Lobi is typically a slower process.

• Strategic Spending: Since Lobi is hard to get, only spend it on items that will make a real difference to your gameplay or collection.

Crafting Materials#

Throughout your adventures, you’ll gather a ton of crafting materials. Use these in the R&D system to create better gear, upgrade existing items, or contribute to fleet projects.

• Inventory Management: Keep your inventory organized. Convert low-tier materials into higher-tier ones using the R&D system if you start running out of space.

Tips for Resource Management#

1. Daily Missions: Prioritize missions that give valuable resources like Dilithium and Marks.
2. Sell Smart: Regularly check the Exchange for market trends. Some items are more valuable at different times.
3. Event Participation: Take part in special events and seasonal activities. These often have the best rewards for the time invested.
4. Fleet Involvement: Active participation in your fleet can help you gather Fleet Credits and other resources quicker.
5. Know When to Spend: Save your high-value currencies for times when you need them most. Think ahead about future updates or content drops.

Managing your resources and currencies might not sound as thrilling as battling Borg or exploring unknown sectors, but it’s key to thriving in Star Trek Online. Keep a watchful eye on your stuff and you’ll find yourself living long and prospering with ease.

Using Abilities Effectively#

When you dive into Star Trek Online, abilities can be your best friends. Knowing when and how to use them can be the difference between a glorious victory and a frustrating defeat. Here’s a helpful breakdown to ensure you’re getting the most out of your character’s skills.

Understand Your Role#

First things first, know your role. Are you a tank, a DPS (damage per second), or a healer? Each role thrives on using certain types of abilities:

• Tanks: Focus on aggro (keeping enemies’ attention on you), damage mitigation, and survivability. Abilities like Rotate Shield Frequency or Emergency Power to Shields are your go-tos.
• DPS: You want to maximize damage output. Abilities such as Beam Overload for energy weapons or High Yield Torpedo for kinetic weapons will help you dish out damage efficiently.
• Healers: Your job is keeping everyone alive. Abilities like Science Team or Hazard Emitters should be on your quick dial.

Timing is Everything#

Using abilities at the right moment can make a huge difference. For example, popping Emergency Power to Shields before encountering a heavy attack can mitigate a lot of damage, rather than scrambling to cast it after your shields have already dropped.

• Pre-combat buffs: Activate abilities that have a duration so you go into the fight already boosted. Example: Attack Pattern Alpha for added damage or Emergency Power abilities to ensure your systems are ready.
• Timing debuffs: Use debuffs like Target Engines or Gravity Well when enemies are clustered for maximum effect.

Ability Synergy#

Some abilities work great in tandem. Think of it like a combo system in a fighting game. Combine them for devastating effects:

• Attack Patterns and Tactical Abilities: Tactical Team followed by Torpedo Spread for a broad damage spread all benefiting from the increased crit chance.
• Engineering Synergy: Auxiliary Power to Dampeners plus Reverse Shield Polarity can make you nearly impervious for critical moments.
• Science Combos: Use Gravity Well to bunch up enemies followed by Tyken’s Rift to sap their power and deal damage over time.

Cooldowns and Resource Management#

Keep an eye on your cooldowns and manage your resources efficiently. Spamming abilities without a plan can leave you vulnerable. Always have a backup plan if things go sideways.

• Stagger Abilities: Instead of using all defensive or offensive abilities at once, stagger them to ensure you always have something available.
• Monitor Power Levels: Managing your power levels (shields, weapons, engines, auxiliary) effectively can mean the difference between rapid firing your energy weapons or sputtering out.

Bridge Officer Skills#

Don’t forget your Bridge Officers (BOFFs)! Their skills can supplement your own and create powerful team dynamics. Assign abilities that complement your playstyle and cover your weaknesses.

• Balanced Spread: Ensure a good mix of defensive, offensive, and utility abilities. If you’re a DPS, having a BOFF with healing abilities can be lifesaving.
• Placement Matters: Assign BOFF abilities to quick slots where you can easily access them during combat. The wrong click might mean a wipe.

Practice Makes Perfect#

Lastly, practice. Each battle will teach you something new. Experiment with different ability combinations and timing strategies. The more familiar you are with your abilities and their cooldowns, the more effectively you can use them.

Using abilities effectively in Star Trek Online is a mix of knowing your role, timing, synergy, and resource management. Master these elements, and you’ll be a force to be reckoned with in any starship battle. Live long and prosper, captains!

Strategies for Endgame Content#

So, you’ve hit the level cap in Star Trek Online and are ready to tackle endgame content? Congrats, Captain! But before you boldly go where few have gone before, let’s break down some strategies to help you dominate the galaxy.

Optimize Your Ship and Crew#

Know Your Ship Build#

First things first, make sure your ship is equipped with the best gear possible. This means upgrading your weapons, shields, and engines to Mk XII or higher. Ideally, aim for Mk XV if you can.

• Weapons: Focus on one type of energy weapon (phasers, disruptors, etc.). Maximize your damage output with matching Tactical Consoles.
• Shields and Deflectors: Look for sets that boost your survivability and match your playstyle. The Iconian Resistance set is a solid choice for many builds.
• Engines: Don’t overlook speed. Faster engines can help you dodge attacks and get into position quickly.

Recruit the Right Bridge Officers#

Your Bridge Officers (BOffs) play a huge role in your success. Choose officers who complement your tactical, engineering, or science build.

• Tactical Officers: Prioritize skills like Attack Pattern Beta and High Yield Torpedo.
• Engineering Officers: Abilities like Auxiliary to Structural and Reverse Shield Polarity can mean the difference between victory and a warp core breach.
• Science Officers: Gravity Well and Tyken’s Rift can control the flow of battle, pulling enemies into a tight cluster.

Master the Fleet and Special Task Force (STF) Missions#

Join a Fleet#

Being part of a Fleet provides access to better equipment, discounts, and team coordination for missions. Fleets often run advanced content together, making challenging missions feel like a walk in the park.

Understand STF Missions#

Special Task Force (STF) missions are designed for max-level players, offering high rewards and significant challenge.

• Know Your Role: Whether you’re the DPS, tank, or healer, knowing your role and sticking to it will keep your team on track.
• Communicate: Use in-game chat or voice coms to stay in sync with your team. Call out when enemies are vulnerable or when special tactics are needed.
• Learn the Mechanics: Each STF has unique mechanics. For example, in “The Infected: Conduit,” understanding how to disable the Nanite Generators makes or breaks the mission.

Participate in Events and Reputation Systems#

Seasonal Events#

Keep an eye out for seasonal events like the Summer Event and Winter Event. These often provide unique gear and ships that can give you an edge in battle.

Reputation Systems#

Reputation in Star Trek Online offers powerful gear and bonuses. Focus on grinding reputations like Omega Force, Task Force Omega, and Terran Task Force for some of the best equipment in the game.

• Daily Projects: These give you reputation marks and experience. Don’t forget to complete them for steady progress.
• Elite Marks: Earn elite marks from advanced missions to unlock top-tier equipment.

Practice Makes Perfect#

Refine Your Strategies#

Take time to practice in patrol missions or the holodeck to get used to your new equipment and skills. The better you know your ship and crew, the more effective you’ll be in high-stakes missions.

Stay Informed#

Frequent forums, Reddit, or fan sites to keep up with the latest strategies and meta builds. The game evolves, and staying updated can give you a big advantage.