I'm very interested in your recommendations for how I can improve my Defiant-R's layout.

I'm a Tac VA who regularly runs all space elites (even achieves the elusive Cure optional occasionally ... alas still no engine!). Regularly places first place in space fleet actions (Gorn, Kling, etc.). My focus is PVE ... my layout is aligned to Borg STFs; i dont spend a lot of time flipping out consoles for specific runs and I dont run PVP. Rarely i'll drop a Sci console to put back in my cloak; recently normal config is without it.

What can I improve? replace? any "must haves" I may be missing?

All opinions welcome. Thanks for your time.


Ship layout:
AP DHC MKXII (3)
Quantum MKXII

Assimilated Deflector Array
Assimilated SubTrans Eng
MACO Resilient Shield MKXII

AP Turrets (3)

Devices: Weap Batts, Shield Batts
Eng Cons: Electroceramic MKX, Neutronium Alloy MKXI (2)
Sci Cons: Universal Assimilated Mod, Biofunction Monitor MKXI
Tac Cons: Zero Point Quant Chamber MK XI, AP Mag Reg MKXI (3)

i would say drop the the biofunction monitor and get a field generator.

Also, replace the Zero Point Chamber for another Antiproton Mag Regulator.

I'd also recommend going with a 2-piece Borg set and a 2-piece STF set (Omega or MACO).

thanks Shook-Yang

... which 2nd piece of MACO might you recomment? Assuming you'll saying i keep the MACO shield.

also ... which Borg piece should i drop? Maybe replace the Borg Deflector with MACO one?

I usually swap out the Deflector rather than the Engine, on the grounds that the Borg Engine is pretty good as it is, but the MACO Deflector generally has more useful buffs than the Borg one.

A field generator would be handy if you find your Shields dipping low regularly. I'd also drop the Electroceramic for another Neutronium Alloy - or drop them both for two Monotaniums.

Concerning the weapons loadout: you'll generally do better DPS with two fore Photons (and 2x Purple Projectile DOFFs) than one Quantum in ESTFs, given that you're going to spend a lot of time shooting at unshielded structures (or Cubes with stacks of hull points)... but there's nothing to stop you using a Quantum normally and only swapping in the Photons when you need to. Using DHCs and Turrets to fill up the other spots are pretty much optimal, though I'd usually go for Disruptors over Antiprotons since the bonus from Antiprotons buffs YOUR damage, but the bonus from Disruptors buffs your entire team's damage output. If you're going for Photons, you'll probably want to keep one or two Photon Damage Tac Consoles instead of ALL energy damage ones - they really do make a lot of difference to your DPS versus structures.

BOFF powers would affect things a lot, as would captain skills and energy settings, but so far nothing else looks obviously out of place.

thanks Maelwys. Curious what your thought are on running 4 AP Mag Regulators as suggested? I'd expect you'd still favor only 3 with a Photon dmg console as you're suggesting 2 photon launchers up front. ???

I used to run Disruptors but I have found only when the entire team is on same target will that disruptor bonus be applicable (i.e. final STF bosses). all other times, often everybody isnt on same target and enhancing my dmg has seemed more effective. Maybe something i should test. thx


to any and all others ... keep the good thoughts coming.

this guy gave good advice except leave the 3 anti protons and 1 quant chamber, other than that u have an excellent set up

2x borg with maco shields is better than full maco imo

Thanks SpaceTank420. I have read a full MACO isnt the way to go. I'm assuming you agree with replacing the Borg Deflector with the MACO Deflector then ... to get to a 2 Borg set-up? Keep the Engine and the Module?

Yes, I would say go with the deflector.

Honestly, on my Tactical Escort Retrofit, I only have the 2-piece MACO set. I use the Omega Force Engines and Assimilated Module.

In the time it takes you to fire 2 quantum torpedoes, you will have had 4 volleys with your energy weapons. The boost you get from the torpedo console is not going to be all that much more than having a 4th mag regulator. Especially since there are no diminishing returns on the tactical consoles.

Then, you have to be concerned about the target's shield regen. If your target manages to get their shield up before the torpedo hits, the damage you do with the torpedo is drastically reduced.