Ok, I am basically new to STO. I have just hit captain, which was pretty exciting! I am a tactical captain and I am using an escort ship.

My question is regarding weapons. Should I even bother with beam weapons, or just load up on dual cannons in the front and turrets in the back?

The reason I ask is skilling up cannons and beam weapons and torpedoes seems to take a lot of skiill points.

Thanks :-)

I prefer 3 DHC's up front and all turrets in the back

Whether or not you want beams will really depend on your play-style. Some people love beams and BO 3 (and FAW), others love cannons and CRF 3 (and CSV), some like both and tend to mix and match. I tend to prefer all cannons on my Escorts but have mixed in a dual-beam bank every so often on different alts.

By picking one or the other you can specialize more - and get a little more effect out of one type or the other - but that is really only important in PvP. You can be equally good with either, both, and even wild Skill choices when playing PvE. So really just go with what is the most fun for you. Maybe you love seen beams streaking across the sky or maybe you love seeing rapid bursts shooting out. There is no one best way to do it. Just what is best for you.

This seems to be what I am reading. I think I will ditch the beam weapons for now and try going with cannons and turrets. I will approach slowly and blast away.

Ty for taking the time to answer. I appreciate it.