64 replies to this topic

[1453 R]

Hello. My name is 1453-R. And I am an RVN-2X pilot.

It's okay. You can admit it, too. You're not alone. Lots of people have bought the RVN-2X, it's nothing to be ashamed of. After all, Ravens are cool, and that 3L is pretty expensive to kit out. There's nothing wrong with wanting to try a less expensive chassis first, or even in buying a variant of the 3L to get those shiny Elite efficiencies for the 3L.

You didn't do anything wrong, and Bad 'Mechs Anonymous' four-step program will not only help you realize that, but maybe even help you get some real use out of your RVN-2X.

Step One: Admit that your RVN-2X is not, and never will be, an RVN-3L.
This is not only the first step, but the most important step of all. Many RVN-2X players compare their 2X variant Raven to their 3L. It's a natural comparison to make, but it's also one that can only lead to anger. Anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.

Instead, realize your RVN-2X's differences from the RVN-3L. Learn to accept them, even cherish them, for it's the RVN-2X's differences that make it unique. Your RVN-2X will never go over a hundred and fifty kilometers an hour, nor will it disappear into the mists with the ECM equipment it can never mount – but that's okay. It's not the end of the world. Without the ability to carry a high-rated engine and ECM, your RVN-2X has the ability to carry a significantly heavier armament than its shinier, socially acceptable brother. Your RVN-2X can do this while still remaining nimble and maneuverable. Why not make use of that?

Step Two: Redefine your RVN-2X's goals.
The RVN-2X is a p!ss-poor scout 'Mech. It's not a terribly good skirmishing harasser, either – it's too slow for either job even with its highest-rated engine. Remember Step One – your RVN-2X isn't an RVN-3L, and will never play like one. Trying to make it do the same job as an RVN-3L will only lead to anger. Anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.

Instead, redefine your RVN-2X's goals. You're a terrible scout and a mediocre forward skirmisher – what else is there that your RVN-2X can do? Could you rebuild your RVN-2X to act as a surprisingly heavily-armed escort unit for your team's large, valuable assault 'Mechs? Yes! Remember – your RVN-2X is still a light 'Mech. It's nimble and light on its feet even if it's also still slow, and nobody bothers targeting a non-ECM Raven unless the Raven's pilot is dumb enough to be the first thing their enemy sees. Don't act like a typical light 'Mech, because you're not in one. With the right mindset and the right configuration, your RVN-2X can still be a valuable asset to your team – and the assault 'Mech you're guarding will be grateful for your assistance!

Step Three: Redesign your RVN-2X.
Now that you've accepted what your RVN-2X cannot do, and redefined for yourself what your RVN-2X can do, it's time to actually boot up MechWarrior Online, go into MechLab, and head to that dark, dusty corner of your hangar where your RVN-2X has been hiding, away from the light and the pain of its shortcomings. Apologize to your RVN-2X, and tell it that its day in the limelight has come at last. No more anger. No more hate. No more suffering.

Instead, give your RVN-2X an armament heavier than many medium 'Mechs see. Once you accept that your RVN-2X can never truly be fast, you'll find that it doesn't really need that expensive, awkward-for-anything-else 245XL you never bothered to save for in the first place. The 210XL you got out of your RVN-3L is just fine for your RVN-2X. You're an escort machine – why do you need to go more than twice as fast as the things you're protecting? Instead, save tonnage for that outsized armament that'll let you really argue the point with anyone trying to bother your charge.

Your RVN-2X is not a scout. It's not a spotter, it's not a skirmisher or a disruptive element. The RVN-2X configuration was designed by the Federated Suns to turn a tricksy but ultimately failed Capellan chassis into a straight-up fighter. Let your inner Davion shine, and don't put any extra electronics in your RVN-2X. No TAG, no BAP. You have five weapon hardpoints – why not use each of them for a weapon?

Your RVN-2X's large laser will let it add extra emphasis to its charge's own long-distance attacks. You're no HBK-4SP, sitting just below the hill and twiddling its thumb actuators until something actually threatens its charge in close range. Get up there and help! Snipe alongside your charge, help him even as he's helping you. And when enemies finally do close in and seek to destroy your charge in the heat and madness of the brawl...show them why they were wrong to dismiss your RVN-2X as a threat. Show them what three medium pulse lasers and an SRM-6 can do when they're too busy with your charge to defend against you properly. Show light 'Mechs why weaponry, not necessarily speed, is a light hunter's greatest weapon.

Show them that you're not ashamed of your RVN-2X anymore.

Step Four: Don't be a bad pilot.
It is inarguable that your new RVN-2X OKUU variant escort Raven runs hot. In fact, it runs really hot – if you run it that way. Firing all of your weapons at their maximum cycle rates will shut you down in short order, and then your charge will be defenseless. Getting blown up while shut down due to overuse of your otherwise-awesome armament will only lead to anger. Anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.

Instead, exercise proper trigger discipline. You have multiple weapons and multiple weapon groups – make use of them. My own Okuu keeps four groups – one for all three pulse lasers, one for the two arm-mounted lasers, one for the large laser, and one for the missiles. Use your weapon groups to keep a tight rein on your heat bar and fire only what you can sustain. Don't use your large laser in close combat unless you have no choice, or unless doing so will net you a serious advantage. Remember your arm-lasers group is also your riding-the-heat-curve group. Work with your charge to capitalize on your enemy's mistakes and dismantle her without cooking yourself.

Conclusion: It'll be okay.
You weren't the first to buy an RVN-2X. You won't be the last. The RVN-2X may well be the red-headed stepchild of the Raven family, but that doesn't mean you can't make it work to the best of its own abilities. You may need to pilot your RVN-2X in order to get efficiencies for your RVN-3L. You may have just snagged an RVN-2X at some point because you like Ravens, and the 2X tickled your fancy before you knew any better. Whatever your reason, by following Bad 'Mechs Anonymous' four-step program you can overcome your bitterness and buyer's remorse and get your RVN-2X efficiencies without anger, hate, or suffering. Who knows? You may even wind up with a certain sneaking fondness for your RVN-2X and the nice little zing of vindication you feel any time you destroy an enemy with a 'Mech considered to be one of the worst in the game.

I know I did, and I'm sure you can, too.

Edited by 1453 R, 21 April 2013 - 10:11 AM.

[Kamelkaze]

Rvn 2x:

2 ERLL, 19 Singleheatsinks, xl 170.


Got basic within a 3 hours.

[Tahribator]

I'm not a Raven pilot, but that was a great read! Makes me want to get a 2X and try to make it work, I'm an underdog person when it comes to mechs in this game.

[Hex Pallett]

TL;DR. Build is reasonable, if not a bit slow.

How about this.

[1453 R]

Works perfectly fine, if you want to spend an extra four million C-bills on 15 extra KPH and then proceed to still be too slow. The way I figured it, if I was going to be slow no matter what engine I put in it, I may as well use one I have as opposed to one I don't, save a little bit of weight/a significant chunk of money, and use the extra mass to beef up the weapons enough to give it a distinct role the 3L can't do better. Heh...it's not great, or 'optimal', but I've had some surprising successes with it.

[AlaskanShrake]

This was a good read man, speaking as someone who mastered the 3L and 4X as his first 'Mechs.

2X I found was good to guard your heavier mechs from those little piranha fish circling around, laughing it up.
So many Lasers on this thing, wasn't that hard to level it up.

I actually recently had to let my 2X go, because of only nine mech bays.

Would've been a fun build to try though, heheh.

[Scurry]

Nice concept. I do notice that you can do very well in underestimated chassis like this one, due to the fact that you're a low-priority target, and so can keep blasting away while people ignore you for bigger game.

Basically, your build seems like a medium mech with less armor but a much smaller profile, and that can be pretty effective. Especially so if you make yourself a little satellite to another bigger mech.

Anyways, I would have thought that a mech named Okuu would at least have a PPC. Arm cannons FTW!

[TheStrider]

I had some fun with my two "bad" ravens. XL210 shared on both - 2xERPPC on one, AC20 (21 Shots) on the other and played on a double XP weekend.

[Mokou]

Just try stock jenner F. And u will know how looks "bad mechs".

[BoPop]

i too have stumbled. i actually ran this a few times this morning and got "4MG are you serious??" i only run this little booger in between my real mechs.

thing is, i joined conquests intent on playing cap warrior! and ANYONE who saw me, began to pursue me. cicadas, commandos, even stalkers and awesomes tried to keep up with me, all i did was lead them back to their spawn, capped it and moved along! bwuahaha won several rounds by resource and my team was picking off the dudes who decided to play kill the spider!!

i'm going to put a ML back on him tho... maybe a small laser teeheeteehee was trying a standard engine for durability. one round a 3L spotted me and took me down though. 3L's are OP!!! just kidding.

[Delchev]

For those who have good aim the build below (2xLL + 2xML + SRM4) will work better due to better threat at range. Same alpha, same heat efficiency.
SRM4 is actually superior to SRM6 in most respects. Checkout forums for explanation.
http://mwo.smurfy-ne...61d439505049f2d

You are welcome.

[1453 R]

Hmm...interesting. Somehow the thought of a second large laser just never crossed my mind. Heh, just goes to show that there really isn't any reason pretty much ever to use medium pulse lasers. If any 'Mech was going to use them successfully it'd be this one, and now I have to tweak around with dual larges. I would, however, put the larges in the torso and the mediums in the arms - you're more likely to need the smaller lasers going vertical given the short ranges/weird issues with high/low enemies, and the larges would then also be both more stable at range and better protected against enemies.

Scurry: I tried an ER PPC for a while, and I did like it, but eventually I had to toss it for the extra small beam. Didn't sit right with me leaving one of my energy slots unconnected when I was trying to out-muscle any other light. Heh...still, may try an adaptation of Delchev's configuration up there and drop a couple of missile tubes instead to get the particle cannon back. Got me some variants to test! Good to see people following the program!

Also, mostly named my 2X Okuu because it's the WTFbraindead version of the 3L, much like Okuu is sorta the WTFbraindead version of the Black Bird of Chernobyl (the last being my 3L). Heh, but I'll also admit that my 2X is much cuter than Chernobyl, and doesn't make the forums go into nuclear meltdown the way the 3L used to

Edited by 1453 R, 22 April 2013 - 02:39 PM.

[Caswallon]

Great post! At last some Raven love.

Coincidently I just re-bought a 2X. I made the mistake of selling my old one off when I unlocked basic on all 3 and thought I'd be migrating to another type; but then fell in Love with my 4X. Naturally when I unlocked elite on it I realised I had made a mistake and repurchased a 2X..

Not quite my load out but scarily close! Glad to see what I was planning to do with slowpoke here was close to what the O.P. was suggesting. maybe my 2X will teach me to SLOW DOWN and stop sticking your beak out too far as I have been......

[Thoummim]

RVN-2X

This is how I roll, people dont expect so much firepower coming from a light mech its usually their last mistake of the match.

[Deathlike]

1453 R, on 21 April 2013 - 10:08 AM, said:

Hello. My name is 1453-R. And I am an RVN-2X pilot.

It's okay. You can admit it, too. You're not alone. Lots of people have bought the RVN-2X, it's nothing to be ashamed of. After all, Ravens are cool, and that 3L is pretty expensive to kit out. There's nothing wrong with wanting to try a less expensive chassis first, or even in buying a variant of the 3L to get those shiny Elite efficiencies for the 3L.

You didn't do anything wrong, and Bad 'Mechs Anonymous' four-step program will not only help you realize that, but maybe even help you get some real use out of your RVN-2X.

Step One: Admit that your RVN-2X is not, and never will be, an RVN-3L.
This is not only the first step, but the most important step of all. Many RVN-2X players compare their 2X variant Raven to their 3L. It's a natural comparison to make, but it's also one that can only lead to anger. Anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.

Instead, realize your RVN-2X's differences from the RVN-3L. Learn to accept them, even cherish them, for it's the RVN-2X's differences that make it unique. Your RVN-2X will never go over a hundred and fifty kilometers an hour, nor will it disappear into the mists with the ECM equipment it can never mount – but that's okay. It's not the end of the world. Without the ability to carry a high-rated engine and ECM, your RVN-2X has the ability to carry a significantly heavier armament than its shinier, socially acceptable brother. Your RVN-2X can do this while still remaining nimble and maneuverable. Why not make use of that?

Step Two: Redefine your RVN-2X's goals.
The RVN-2X is a p!ss-poor scout 'Mech. It's not a terribly good skirmishing harasser, either – it's too slow for either job even with its highest-rated engine. Remember Step One – your RVN-2X isn't an RVN-3L, and will never play like one. Trying to make it do the same job as an RVN-3L will only lead to anger. Anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.

Instead, redefine your RVN-2X's goals. You're a terrible scout and a mediocre forward skirmisher – what else is there that your RVN-2X can do? Could you rebuild your RVN-2X to act as a surprisingly heavily-armed escort unit for your team's large, valuable assault 'Mechs? Yes! Remember – your RVN-2X is still a light 'Mech. It's nimble and light on its feet even if it's also still slow, and nobody bothers targeting a non-ECM Raven unless the Raven's pilot is dumb enough to be the first thing their enemy sees. Don't act like a typical light 'Mech, because you're not in one. With the right mindset and the right configuration, your RVN-2X can still be a valuable asset to your team – and the assault 'Mech you're guarding will be grateful for your assistance!

Step Three: Redesign your RVN-2X.
Now that you've accepted what your RVN-2X cannot do, and redefined for yourself what your RVN-2X can do, it's time to actually boot up MechWarrior Online, go into MechLab, and head to that dark, dusty corner of your hangar where your RVN-2X has been hiding, away from the light and the pain of its shortcomings. Apologize to your RVN-2X, and tell it that its day in the limelight has come at last. No more anger. No more hate. No more suffering.

Instead, give your RVN-2X an armament heavier than many medium 'Mechs see. Once you accept that your RVN-2X can never truly be fast, you'll find that it doesn't really need that expensive, awkward-for-anything-else 245XL you never bothered to save for in the first place. The 210XL you got out of your RVN-3L is just fine for your RVN-2X. You're an escort machine – why do you need to go more than twice as fast as the things you're protecting? Instead, save tonnage for that outsized armament that'll let you really argue the point with anyone trying to bother your charge.

Your RVN-2X is not a scout. It's not a spotter, it's not a skirmisher or a disruptive element. The RVN-2X configuration was designed by the Federated Suns to turn a tricksy but ultimately failed Capellan chassis into a straight-up fighter. Let your inner Davion shine, and don't put any extra electronics in your RVN-2X. No TAG, no BAP. You have five weapon hardpoints – why not use each of them for a weapon?

Your RVN-2X's large laser will let it add extra emphasis to its charge's own long-distance attacks. You're no HBK-4SP, sitting just below the hill and twiddling its thumb actuators until something actually threatens its charge in close range. Get up there and help! Snipe alongside your charge, help him even as he's helping you. And when enemies finally do close in and seek to destroy your charge in the heat and madness of the brawl...show them why they were wrong to dismiss your RVN-2X as a threat. Show them what three medium pulse lasers and an SRM-6 can do when they're too busy with your charge to defend against you properly. Show light 'Mechs why weaponry, not necessarily speed, is a light hunter's greatest weapon.

Show them that you're not ashamed of your RVN-2X anymore.

Step Four: Don't be a bad pilot.
It is inarguable that your new RVN-2X OKUU variant escort Raven runs hot. In fact, it runs really hot – if you run it that way. Firing all of your weapons at their maximum cycle rates will shut you down in short order, and then your charge will be defenseless. Getting blown up while shut down due to overuse of your otherwise-awesome armament will only lead to anger. Anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering.

Instead, exercise proper trigger discipline. You have multiple weapons and multiple weapon groups – make use of them. My own Okuu keeps four groups – one for all three pulse lasers, one for the two arm-mounted lasers, one for the large laser, and one for the missiles. Use your weapon groups to keep a tight rein on your heat bar and fire only what you can sustain. Don't use your large laser in close combat unless you have no choice, or unless doing so will net you a serious advantage. Remember your arm-lasers group is also your riding-the-heat-curve group. Work with your charge to capitalize on your enemy's mistakes and dismantle her without cooking yourself.

Conclusion: It'll be okay.
You weren't the first to buy an RVN-2X. You won't be the last. The RVN-2X may well be the red-headed stepchild of the Raven family, but that doesn't mean you can't make it work to the best of its own abilities. You may need to pilot your RVN-2X in order to get efficiencies for your RVN-3L. You may have just snagged an RVN-2X at some point because you like Ravens, and the 2X tickled your fancy before you knew any better. Whatever your reason, by following Bad 'Mechs Anonymous' four-step program you can overcome your bitterness and buyer's remorse and get your RVN-2X efficiencies without anger, hate, or suffering. Who knows? You may even wind up with a certain sneaking fondness for your RVN-2X and the nice little zing of vindication you feel any time you destroy an enemy with a 'Mech considered to be one of the worst in the game.

I know I did, and I'm sure you can, too.

Yea, you should be using all the spare tonnage for more firepower. Speed be damned... although your mech is too slow for my tastes.

Revised your build - shaved .5 from the head (unlikely to get hit) and left arm (you don't need it that much) to increase speed a bit:
RVN-2X

Helmstif, on 21 April 2013 - 12:37 PM, said:

TL;DR. Build is reasonable, if not a bit slow.

How about this.

Slowed it down more, but added 1 extra DHS to make it cooler - left arm armor was sacrificed:
RVN-2X

Delchev, on 22 April 2013 - 12:33 PM, said:

For those who have good aim the build below (2xLL + 2xML + SRM4) will work better due to better threat at range. Same alpha, same heat efficiency.
SRM4 is actually superior to SRM6 in most respects. Checkout forums for explanation.
http://mwo.smurfy-ne...61d439505049f2d

You are welcome.

SRM4 is better since its clusters are more concentrated than the SRM6.. plus the rate of ammo consumption is better..

Increased speed and reduced head/left arm armor for speed improvement:
RVN-2X

Thoummim, on 27 April 2013 - 04:25 AM, said:

RVN-2X

This is how I roll, people dont expect so much firepower coming from a light mech its usually their last mistake of the match.

Small armor sacrifice (head/left arm) for speed+heat efficiency improvement:
RVN-2X

[Lefty Lucy]

Why bother with the 2X at all when it is completely outclassed by the Jenner D?

[One Medic Army]

Lefty Lucy, on 27 April 2013 - 03:38 PM, said:

Why bother with the 2X at all when it is completely outclassed by the Jenner D?

To be fair, the 2X does have a slight advantage in being able to fire an SRM6 in one volley.
But yeah, Raven tweaks will be interesting, see how they make 2X and 4X less crap.

[ApolloKaras]

Lefty Lucy, on 27 April 2013 - 03:38 PM, said:

Why bother with the 2X at all when it is completely outclassed by the Jenner D?

Agreed, unless you are mastering for the 3L....

[Deathlike]

Lefty Lucy, on 27 April 2013 - 03:38 PM, said:

Why bother with the 2X at all when it is completely outclassed by the Jenner D?

The Jenner-K is the closest equivalent ... and still superior.

One Medic Army, on 27 April 2013 - 03:59 PM, said:

To be fair, the 2X does have a slight advantage in being able to fire an SRM6 in one volley.
But yeah, Raven tweaks will be interesting, see how they make 2X and 4X less crap.

A Raven hero is coming... these tweaks are done in conjunction with a hero mech launch... so it's not too far off.

[1453 R]

The other reason to bother with the 2X is because one has the 2X. I didn't write this to convince people who didn't have one to go out and buy one, I put it together to give folks who already had one a shot at getting some use from it. Heh...bad 'Mechs happen, there will be people who buy one before they know any better, or just because they like the damn thing. Just because there's a better chassis out there doesn't mean there isn't any way to play a bad 'Mech. Sure, a Jenner has the same hardpoints and a much better engine cap, but that doesn't help you if you have an RVN-2X and not a Jenner, now does it?

Really, there isn't a single chassis in this game that's completely unplayable. The RVN-2X is as close as most folks would agree it gets, and if you just forego trying and failing to make it go fast with a big, expensive 245XL, you can - as I and several others in this thread have shown - shove enough guns in it that it does start to play more like a low-profile medium. Is it a phenomenal top-tier RHoD 'Mech? of course not - but that doesn't mean you can't still have fun with it.