star trek online guardian cruiser

Star Trek Online

Beaming in from the 'couv', t6 guardian cruiser.

I mentioned last week that I had Rodanna working towards mastering the T6 Guardian Cruiser and I figured today would be a good opportunity to write about that ship.

Before I dive into the Guardian, I would like to mention that the Sarr Theln Carrier in just a few short weeks has managed to reach the number two spot on my poll of Carriers, despite its 6 month handicap on the chart. There is only a week left in Q’s Winter Event, I hope you still have time to get those 1000 glossies! If not, save what you have till next year.

This Carrier poll originally came out last summer and the Sarr Theln was added only a few weeks ago. It quickly moved up the chart in popularity. This is a solid carrier and it is absolutely FREE!

Admiral Rodanna is not one of my three primary toons so she is only level 53 and does not have the best gear. I outfitted this Guardian with pretty standard fare for consoles and weapons. Most of the combat she has done has been in Romulan PVE, Romulan patrols and Delta Rising story content. The ship performs quite admirably I might say. I am beginning to really enjoy the intel BOFF abilities.

This new T6 Cruiser is not an “Intelligence” ship. It therefore lacks the full commander chair for an intel BOFF and does not offer the active sensor array. I like those two things, I really do, but this ship is a more traditional Starfleet cruiser and in that regard it is a solid ship worthy of consideration by even the most discriminating Captains.

The Guardian is a big cruiser like the Galaxy class with 1100 crew and all the standard big cruiser features. It does shave a little more maneuverability than most end game big cruisers in the federation. 6.5 base turn rate and a 35 inertia rating which is notably better than the Odyssey. Like other T6 ships I have written about, this one also has the dual Lt. Commander BOFF stations. This ship is perhaps the most versatile big fed cruiser in the game as far as BOFF seating is concerned. Yes, the Commander seat is an engineer, of course it is, this is a big feddy cruiser and that is what is expected. But this T6 ship offers both a Science and Tactical seat for a Lt. Commander! The hybrid seat is for a Lieutenant intelligence engineer and there is a universal chair for an ensign. This is very versatile seating for a Starfleet cruiser.

Rodanna is able to place her top science officer in a powerful bridge station offering abilities that enhance this ship’s performance against a variety of enemies. the ship is no slouch offensively either with a tactical chair for a Lt. Commander weapons officer. She has placed an intel officer with kinetic magnet and intelligence team II in the hybrid Lieutenant seat. I am really starting to like the intelligence team ability. The cooldown is fairly short and the effective flash cloak and fire it offers is great when operating a typically clumsy big cruiser. Kinetic magnet is an ability that I have mixed feelings about. Sometimes it is awesome but I really wish it worked against the Vaadwaur tricobalt mine weapons. It does not for some reason. I might have her change out the Tractor Beam Repulsors II for Gravity Well II in the Lt. Commander spot for PVE or other team play.

Many people on the forums have expressed their displeasure with the Intel T6 ship design and appearance. This Guardian Cruiser should appeal to the traditionalists among us with its classic nacelles and saucer. Personally, I don’t mind the artistic changes in some of the T6 ships; it adds variety to the game. Traditionalists that insist on flying classic Starfleet designs have many options with T5-U and T6 ships including this ship.

I believe I am going to make this T6 Guardian the standard big cruiser for Rodanna. It is a very solid performer. If she needs a more athletic and tactical ship she has both the T6 Intel Battle Cruiser and the solid T5-U Avenger Battle Cruiser, to utilize for those missions that require a more aggressive posture.

Honestly for a true engineering captain this T6 Guardian is pretty damn good. Take a look at it before you buy something else just to be sure you get the best ship for the job.

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• CombatLogReader

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We have created a set of comprehensive build guides for the most popular build-types in STO. These can be adapted to almost any ship or character that fits in these categories. To read all about the builds, follow the links below:

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Star Trek Expands Iconian Lore With Wild New Link to the Guardian of Forever

• The Guardian of Forever and the Iconian gateways may have a mysterious connection in the Star Trek universe.
• Star Trek #21 explores the potential link between these two iconic enigmas in the series.
• Both the Iconians and the Guardian of Forever continue to captivate fans and creators with their intriguing mysteries.

Warning: contains spoilers for Star Trek #21!

Although the Iconians are a long dead race in the Star Trek universe, new revelations about them continue to come to light–including a potential connection to the Guardian of Forever. The Guardian itself has only made a handful of appearances, but returns in Star Trek #21, sitting on the council of gods in the Pleroma . Even more intriguing is a possible connection between it and the Iconians.

Star Trek #21 is written by Jackson Lanzing and Collin Kelly and drawn by Megan Levens. The Guardian of Forever is one of the many gods present in the Pleroma. When the council gets ready to vote on helping T’Lir restore Organia, the Guardian abstains. In the same issue, a text piece, made to resemble a Starfleet briefing, lists the gods on the council. The entry for the Guardian of Forever suggests a possible connection to the Iconian gateways.

The piece does not elaborate any further on this potential link.

The Iconians and the Guardian of Forever Are Two Big Star Trek Mysteries

Linking these two star trek enigmas was a stroke of genius.

The Iconians were introduced during the second season of Star Trek: The Next Generation , in the episode “Contagion.” Once one of the dominant powers in the galaxy, the Iconians had long since faded into legend. According to the stories, the Iconians possessed technology allowing them to open gateways anywhere in the galaxy. The Iconains controlled a vast empire thanks to these gateways. The Enterprise encountered one of these gateways, as did crew members from Deep Space Nine. The Iconians have captured fans' imaginations, appearing in spin-off media as well.

Like the Iconians, the Guardian of Forever continues to inspire fans and creators alike.

Another enigma in the Star Trek universe is the Guardian of Forever. Created by the legendary writer Harlan Ellison, the Guardian of Forever was also a portal to anywhere in space, as well as in time. It would appear once more in Star Trek: The Animated Series before returning during Discovery’s third season, in a much different form. This time appearing as a humanoid, the Guardian was instrumental to the season’s plot, but has made no more appearances since. Like the Iconians, the Guardian of Forever continues to inspire fans and creators alike.

Star Trek Just Revealed the Origin of Biblical Angels in Its Official Lore

As Star Trek reveals its official realm of the gods, Captain Sisko's crew make a shocking discovery about the true form of Biblical angels.

What Link Does the Guardian Share With the Iconians?

These two star trek mysteries just got deeper.

But now, Star Trek has heightened the mystery surrounding these two, suggesting a link between them. It makes sense, as the Iconians relied on their gateways to sustain their empire. The Guardian, likewise, is also a portal. The key difference is, as far as fans know, Iconian Gateways only travel through space, not time. Otherwise, Iconians could invade the Federation. The Guardian of Forever and the Iconians are both huge Star Trek mysteries, and the issue does not explain the connection further, leaving it up to fans’ imaginations.

Star Trek #21 is on sale now from IDW Publishing!

• Federation Starship Types
• Cruiser (Federation)
• VisualEditor

A Sovereign class vessel over Earth.

Cruisers are large, powerful vessels that excel at long range missions and exploration. Though typically flanked by escorts in combat, cruisers can deliver high damage with their large warp cores and broad complement of weapons. Cruisers are the backbone of Starfleet , fulfilling the most vital roles for the Federation.

Compared to other Federation vessels, Cruisers have strong hulls and average shields. All Federation Cruisers at tier 2 (Lieutenant Commander) or higher have 4 device slots and gain a bonus +5 to all power levels .

• 2.1.1 Light Cruiser
• 2.1.2 TOS Constitution Class Cruiser
• 2.1.3 Cruiser
• 2.1.4 Cruiser Refit
• 2.1.5 Heavy Cruiser
• 2.1.6 Heavy Cruiser Refit
• 2.1.7 Advanced Heavy Cruiser
• 2.1.8 Support Cruiser
• 2.1.9 Exploration Cruiser
• 2.1.10 Exploration Cruiser Refit
• 2.1.11 Assault Cruiser
• 2.1.12 Mirror Universe Assault Cruiser
• 2.1.13 Assault Cruiser Refit
• 2.1.14 Star Cruiser
• 2.1.15 Mirror Universe Star Cruiser
• 2.1.16 Advanced Heavy Cruiser Retrofit
• 2.1.17 Support Cruiser Retrofit
• 2.1.18 Exploration Cruiser Retrofit
• 2.1.19 Dreadnought Cruiser
• 2.1.20 Odyssey Star Cruiser
• 2.1.21 Heavy Cruiser Retrofit
• 2.1.22 Mirror Universe Heavy Cruiser Retrofit
• 2.1.23 Fleet Heavy Cruiser Retrofit
• 2.1.24 Fleet Star Cruiser
• 2.1.25 Fleet Advanced Heavy Cruiser Retrofit
• 2.1.26 Fleet Support Cruiser Retrofit
• 2.1.27 Fleet Exploration Cruiser Retrofit
• 2.1.28 Fleet Dreadnought Cruiser
• 2.1.29 Fleet Assault Cruiser Refit
• 2.2.1 Cardassian Galor Class Cruiser
• 2.2.2 Undine Dromias Bio-Cruiser
• 2.2.3 Risian Luxury Cruiser
• 3 Performance

Overview [ | ]

To see which rank and profession of Bridge Officers you can have hover your mouse over the icons in the Bridge Officer column of the table. The values in the shield column show the capacity of the shield that ship has equipped as standard. See the shields guide for more details.

Variants [ | ]

Federation cruisers [ | ], light cruiser [ | ].

Miranda class

The Light Cruiser is the first starship that new Federation officers will be able to captain. Although a basic ship in terms of weaponry, design and speed, this frigate is considered the workhorse of Starfleet and is called upon in a huge variety of roles from resolving trade disputes to deployment in major confrontations. The NPC version of the Light Cruiser is classified as a Frigate .

TOS Constitution Class Cruiser [ | ]

Constitution class (2267)

Cruiser [ | ]

Constitution class (2270s)

The Cruiser is well-suited for cargo or transport missions. Its expansive cargo holds make it indispensable to Starfleet as a vessel used to resupply planets, space stations, and other starships. The power systems make it possible to run industrial replicators indefinitely, making this ship the ideal choice for evacuation and mercy missions.

Cruiser Refit [ | ]

Exeter class

The Exeter class is a variant on the famed Constitution Class. The Exeter honors the 400 crew members of the U.S.S. Exeter who were killed by a biological agent in 2268 . The Exeter class has the white hull texture common to modern Federation refit vessels. It features an additional Science console slot and upgrade the Ensign Engineering Bridge Officer Station to a Lieutenant Engineering Bridge Officer station.

Heavy Cruiser [ | ]

Cheyenne class

The Heavy Cruiser is one of the few Starfleet ship designs to have more than two nacelles, Heavy Cruisers fought in the Battle of Wolf 359 . These cruisers are much more capable than a tier 2 Cruiser.

Heavy Cruiser Refit [ | ]

Constellation class

The oldest ship of this type, the Constellation class borrows heavily from 23rd Century starship technology and design aesthetics, such as the Miranda and Constitution -classes. The Constellation-class U.S.S. Stargazer is perhaps the best-known ship of the class, being the first command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard .

Advanced Heavy Cruiser [ | ]

Excelsior class

The Advanced Heavy Cruiser has been in Starfleet service since the late 23rd century. The original prototypes took part in early experiments by Federation scientists to develop a transwarp drive, though it wasn't until the turn of 25th century that this came to fruition.

Support Cruiser [ | ]

Ambassador class

The Ambassador-class was developed at the San Francisco Fleet Yards . The U.S.S. Enterprise -C was the most famous Ambassador class starship ever commissioned by Starfleet . It was destroyed in battle in 2344 while protecting the Klingon colony on Narendra III from a Romulan attack, and all hands were presumed to be killed in action. This valorous sacrifice bought the Federation several decades of peace with the Klingon Empire .

Ambassador class vessels were later used in the Battle of Wolf 359 and throughout the Dominion War .

Exploration Cruiser [ | ]

Galaxy class

The ship of legend...and canon. The Exploration Cruiser was made popular by the multiple award winning series, Star Trek: The Next Generation or "TNG" for short. The vessel is slow but powerful, and strikes an imposing presence in any arena.

Exploration Cruiser Refit [ | ]

Venture class

Based on the Galaxy class design, but much larger (it is the largest of these four starships) , the Venture Class represents the pinnacle of starship design. It has a longer more swept neck, and a more faceted main deflector. It also bears details reminiscent of the Sovereign class , such as the raised V-shaped platform on the primary hull detail, and a whiter-colored hull with darker markings. It features an additional Science console slot and adds a fifth Ensign level Science Bridge Officer station.

Assault Cruiser [ | ]

Sovereign class

Introduced in the 2370s, the Assault Cruiser is a very powerful ship and a formidable adversary for any player as they carry huge amounts of firepower. The most well known Assault Cruiser is the USS Enterprise-E which was commanded former Captain made Ambassador Jean-Luc Picard after the Enterprise-D was destroyed. It is currently commanded by Captain Data.

Mirror Universe Assault Cruiser [ | ]

Emissary class

Utilised by the Terran Empire and an occasional few having drifted over via the Azure Nebula spacial rift, this ship looks more like the Prime Universe Star Cruiser , but has more of a tactical advantage in Bridge Officer slots and console configuration almost identical to the Prime Universe Assault Cruiser .

Assault Cruiser Refit [ | ]

Regent class

Like the Tactical Escort Refit and Heavy Escort Carrier , the Regent class by default uses a brighter, stark white hull paint base, with black highlights in the default "Andromeda" pattern. Its design is much more elongated than the other Assault Cruiser classes, and features a flatter saucer tapering into an engineering section derived from the Odyssey class split-hull. The nacelle pylons are swept forward, and if Regent nacelles and pylons are paired with a shorter hull option (such as the Sovereign), the nacelles models will clip into the saucer. The Regent also features bright dome-shaped structures on the underside of the saucer and on the dorsal hull. This variant is also much more Tactically focussed than the Sovereign class.

Star Cruiser [ | ]

Sentinel class

The Star Cruiser has one of the largest crew compliments which can improve hull repair and some bridge officer abilities. The Star Cruiser is larger than most Federation Cruisers. They are considered the flagship of fleets or support for advanced missions. These stout ships sport massive warp cores, which generate surplus power for subsystems.

Mirror Universe Star Cruiser [ | ]

Utilised by the Terran Empire and an occasional few having drifted over via the Azure Nebula spacial rift, this ship looks more like the Prime Universe Assault Cruiser , but favors Science Bridge Officer Seating and Console slotting almost identical to the Prime Universe Star Cruiser .

Advanced Heavy Cruiser Retrofit [ | ]

Excelsior class (refit)

The Retrofit variant of the Excelsior Class has been upgraded with modern technology, is heavily Tactically focussed and can and is capable of holding its own with newer ships. This class also follows the same variant and class-line as the U.S.S. Enterprise (NCC-1701-B) .

Support Cruiser Retrofit [ | ]

The Ambassador-class was developed at the San Francisco Fleet Yards . The U.S.S. Enterprise -C was the most famous Ambassador class starship ever commissioned by Starfleet . It was destroyed in battle in 2344 while protecting the Klingon colony on Narendra III from a Romulan attack, and all hands were presumed to be killed in action. This valorous sacrifice bought the Federation several decades of peace with the Klingon Empire . Ambassador class vessels were later used in the Battle of Wolf 359 and throughout the Dominion War . The Retrofit version of the Ambassador class has been upgraded with modern technology, resulting in a versitile design covering all three professions.

Exploration Cruiser Retrofit [ | ]

The ship of legend...and canon. The Exploration Cruiser was made popular by the multiple award winning series, Star Trek: The Next Generation or "TNG" for short. The vessel is slow but powerful, and strikes an imposing presence in any arena. The Retrofit variant is one of the most resilient ships ever seen and is capable of surviving an immense amount of firepower.

Dreadnought Cruiser [ | ]

Galaxy-class (refit)

The Galaxy class was refitted at the turn of the 25th century, after the collapse of the Khitomer Accords in 2399 . In response to increased hostility with the Klingons , the newly redesigned ship carries a cloaking device and a devastating spinal lance weapon.

The ship is an alternate reality version of the U.S.S. Enterprise -D from the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode " All Good Things... ".

Odyssey Star Cruiser [ | ]

Odyssey class

The Odyssey class is the largest vessel ever created by Starfleet . Its massive size makes it very resilient, but its turn rate is reduced by the bulk of the vessel. The Odyssey's unique split saucer pylon reduces subspace wake at higher warp speeds. The Odyssey is designed as an extreme long-range vessel, and can operate for long periods of time away from support. Because of this, it is the most versatile cruiser ever developed by the Starfleet Corps of Engineers. The Odyssey has three upgraded cousins; the Odyssey Operations Cruiser , the Odyssey Tactical Cruiser and the Odyssey Science Cruiser .

Heavy Cruiser Retrofit [ | ]

The Heavy Cruiser is one of the few Starfleet ship designs to have more than two nacelles, Heavy Cruisers fought in the Battle of Wolf 359 . These cruisers are much more capable than a tier 2 Cruiser. The Retrofit has been upgraded with modern technology and is on par with the Assault Cruiser in terms of Tactical orientation.

Mirror Universe Heavy Cruiser Retrofit [ | ]

Utilised by the Terran Empire and an occasional few having drifted over via the Azure Nebula spacial rift. The Mirror version is much more Science biased than its Prime Universe counterpart, and is much better at versitility as a result.

Fleet Heavy Cruiser Retrofit [ | ]

The Heavy Cruiser is one of the few Starfleet ship designs to have more than two nacelles, Heavy Cruisers fought in the Battle of Wolf 359 . These cruisers are much more capable than a tier 2 Cruiser. The Retrofit has been upgraded with modern technology and is on par with the Assault Cruiser in terms of Tactical orientation. The Fleet version gains an additional Tactical Console slot as well as better overall hull and shield strength.

Fleet Star Cruiser [ | ]

The Star Cruiser has one of the largest crew compliments which can improve hull repair and some bridge officer abilities. The Star Cruiser is larger than most Federation Cruisers. They are considered the flagship of fleets or support for advanced missions. These stout ships sport massive warp cores, which generate surplus power for subsystems. The Fleet version gains an additional Science console slot as well stronger overall hull and shields.

Fleet Advanced Heavy Cruiser Retrofit [ | ]

The Retrofit variant of the Excelsior Class has been upgraded with modern technology, is heavily Tactically focussed and can and is capable of holding its own with newer ships. This class also follows the same variant and class-line as the U.S.S. Enterprise (NCC-1701-B) . The Fleet version gains an additional Tactical console slot as well as better shield and hull strength.

Fleet Support Cruiser Retrofit [ | ]

Yamaguchi class

The Ambassador-class was developed at the San Francisco Fleet Yards . The U.S.S. Enterprise -C was the most famous Ambassador class starship ever commissioned by Starfleet . It was destroyed in battle in 2344 while protecting the Klingon colony on Narendra III from a Romulan attack, and all hands were presumed to be killed in action. This valorous sacrifice bought the Federation several decades of peace with the Klingon Empire . Ambassador class vessels were later used in the Battle of Wolf 359 and throughout the Dominion War . The Retrofit version of the Ambassador class has been upgraded with modern technology, resulting in a versitile design covering all three professions. The Fleet version adds another Science console slot as well as more hull and shield strength.

Fleet Exploration Cruiser Retrofit [ | ]

The ship of legend...and canon. The Exploration Cruiser was made popular by the multiple award winning series, Star Trek: The Next Generation or "TNG" for short. The vessel is slow but powerful, and strikes an imposing presence in any arena. The Retrofit variant is one of the most resilient ships ever seen and is capable of surviving an immense amount of firepower. The Fleet variant adds a fifth Engineering console slot as well as even stronger hull and shield strength.

Fleet Dreadnought Cruiser [ | ]

The Fleet version comes with an additional Tactical console as well as even stronger hull and shield strength.

Fleet Assault Cruiser Refit [ | ]

Like the Tactical Escort Refit and Heavy Escort Carrier , the Regent class by default uses a brighter, stark white hull paint base, with black highlights in the default "Andromeda" pattern. Its design is much more elongated than the other Assault Cruiser classes, and features a flatter saucer tapering into an engineering section derived from the Odyssey class split-hull. The nacelle pylons are swept forward, and if Regent nacelles and pylons are paired with a shorter hull option (such as the Sovereign), the nacelles models will clip into the saucer. The Regent also features bright dome-shaped structures on the underside of the saucer and on the dorsal hull. This variant is also much more Tactically focussed than the Sovereign class. The Fleet version adds another Tactical console as well as better shield and hull strength.

Cross-Faction Cruisers [ | ]

Cardassian galor class cruiser [ | ].

Galor class

The Galor is a cruiser, but smaller than many other vessels of its type. Its hull is not as strong as other cruisers in its class, but its smaller size makes it fast and maneuverable. It also has some of the best shields of any cruiser. The Galor class employs Spiral Wave Disruptor Arrays. This technology differs from standard disruptors by utilizing phaser technology as well. The Galor itself is a strong Tactical Cruiser with good maneuverablitity at its disposal.

Undine Dromias Bio-Cruiser [ | ]

Dromias class

Bearing a strong resemblance to the Nicor Bio-Warship and other Undine warships, the Dromias maintains a long, almost cylindrical central hull, capped at both ends by a claw-like arrangement of protrusions. Unlike the Nicor, the Dromias' protrusions are both larger and more extensive, particularly at the rear of the vessel. It has no visible bridge, windows, or portholes, seeing as these weaknesses in the superstructure would likely be breached by the intense pressure of Fluidic Space. The Dromias is a very versatile ship that is capable of performing tasks of all three professions.

Risian Luxury Cruiser [ | ]

Luxury cruiser

This unique Risian Cruiser resembles old Earth sea-based ships and boats that sail the oceans whilst carrying pylons to support the nacelles and, when at warp, Solar Sails to somehow improve speed when engaging Slipstream drive. The ship itself is Tactically biased for a Cruiser, but with it being smaller than most other Cruisers, it is a quick ship and can survive for an extended period of time.

Performance [ | ]

Cruisers are generally larger than other Federation ships. They have much stronger hulls than the Escort and Science vessels and are the only ones that can offer high level Engineering Bridge officer abilities . Having large warp cores they gain +5 to each power level (except the Lieutenant level light cruisers), allowing versatility in a player's build. In combat, a cruiser's slow turn rate and large number of weapons slots makes an attack from the broadside using Beam Arrays the most viable option. Cruisers are best suited to hull tanking .

Gallery [ | ]

• 1 Phoenix Prize Pack
• 2 Phoenix Redemption Store
• 3 Playable starship