108 replies to this topic

[Tyler Valentine]

Start with the Thunderbolt. 65 tons is definitely a sweet spot in this game and that is the best IS heavy IMO. Pay attention to, but don't be a slave to, the perks.

[ninthstreet]

Stormcrow, Blackjack, Shadowhawk in that order would be my recommendation.

Stormcrows are fast, agile, and can run just about any loadout you or your unit could want simply by changing the ominpods. If your unit is doing CW and you want to join in then a 4 Crow dropdeck is not bad. I advise against dropping CW alone since only the best players can do well right now solopugging CW.

Blackjacks are good with multiple ballistic, laser hardpoints all set up high in the mech. Highmounted hardpoints are very desired by the playerbase because they allow you to hillhump and not expose all of your mech to enemy fire.

Shadowhawks have good hitboxes, JJs, and highmounted ballistic and laser hardpoints.

I advise against a Hunchback because most are shortrange brawler mechs and brawling is something that will take some time to get the hang of for a new player. Knowing the right time to commit yourself in a match when your in a brawler takes experience. Choose the wrong time and you will get blown away.

If you do decide to drop a little money on the game then I highly recommend going with the $20 dollar Marauder package. Its a great mech with good hitboxes, tanky, and can run some great builds such as 3xLPL3xML, 3xAC5 4xML, 2xUAC5 5xML. I dropped running a Marauder in my dropdeck during the recent battle of Tukayyid and it really shined even facing the top clanmechs such as the Timberwolf and Ebon Jaguar. It also comes with 30 days premium which normally costs fifteen bucks and 3 cockpit items including a warhorn. This is also very important since the Marauder package comes with two XL300 engines. This engine is probably the most highly used XL engine in the game with many light and medium mech builds centered around it. Thats about 12 million cbills in engines right there. You can take those engines out and use them in a variety of mechs as you aquire them. With the new tonnage limit set at 250 tons for IS you can run a 3 Marauder 1 Locust dropdeck in CW with your unit.

Glad to have you aboard and hope you stick around. See you out there!

[Herr Vorragend]

ninthstreet, on 11 December 2015 - 04:43 PM, said:

Stormcrow, Blackjack, Shadowhawk in that order would be my recommendation.

I´d take an Enforcer instead of a Shadowhawk. But maybe that´s my personal taste. After I played all Enforcers tonight I definitly want to recommend them to the OP. My best one is the 5P:
http://mwo.smurfy-ne...7701a0f64586f06
Followed by the 4P:
http://mwo.smurfy-ne...2ebb5cd7cb00a92

Edited by Herr Vorragend, 11 December 2015 - 05:13 PM.

[Not A Real RAbbi]

HUNCHBACKS. It's not a FIRM consensus, but generally the forum agrees that it's a fine first mech.

Here's the thing: It's not an EXCELLENT chassis. (THERE! I said it!) It's fair to good. And that makes it PERFECT for a beginner.

That is, it's not going to survive a really bad positioning decision, or getting focused, or forgetting to twist, etc. It WILL survive a mild case of the above, though. So, it allows the new player a little forgiveness of common new player mistakes, but eventually punishes in order that the newb recognizes having done something wrong.

It's not the fastest medium out there, but it's also not the slowest (close, though, I think). It's not the tankiest, but not the squishiest. It may be one of the most heavily-armed mediums in the game, though. There are five standard variants already, as well as a reasonably good HERO variant, and a reasonably good Champion as well. That all means that it's got one of the most valuable-for-newbs Mastery Packs. And it's one of the original mechs in the game, dating all the way back to closed beta, so there's a LOT of experience among active players with it.

Yeah. Hunchie is the one. If I had to pick ONE mech to be THE recommended first mech for all new players, it's the Hunchback.

[Lupis Volk]

Okay second question. If i wanted to buy a mastery bundle or two which ones would be the better choice? I'm currently eyeinf the Jenner one at the moment. (i have enough steam money for $50 MC)

[Tesunie]

Lupis Volk, on 11 December 2015 - 02:21 PM, said:

Well after talking to the clan training me i got 3 Black jacks X1, 3, 1DC. Now i'm eyeing the Jenner mastery bundle since i'm loving the trial Jenner.

Also can anyone link me a BJ-1DC ballistic build?

Lupis Volk, on 11 December 2015 - 06:59 PM, said:

Okay second question. If i wanted to buy a mastery bundle or two which ones would be the better choice? I'm currently eyeinf the Jenner one at the moment. (i have enough steam money for $50 MC)

I'll nab these in one post...

If you like the Jenner: If you are having fun with the Jenner: Then... Maybe you should GET the Jenner!


The Jenner is a fine mech. Not what I would recommend for a first mech, but if you are having fun with the chassis as a trial mech, and you are willing to accept the known warnings about light mechs and play anyway, then by all means. This is a game. Play for fun. Don't worry about anything else (within the rules of the game of course).

Jenners have recently gotten a hit box pass, so I'm not familiar with them now. Before hand they were good solid mechs, but were all Center Torso for the most part. I believe they evened out the hit boxes a bit better from what I've heard, so they should be even better than they were before hand.

Overall, play what you want. The Jenner Hero will be an odd Jenner due to lack of jump, but the Champion should serve you well even without any alterations if you are already doing well in game with it. (Personally, I'd avoid the Mech Pack, and just earn it with C-bills, unless that Hero mech really interests you. Then it would be worth the money.)

[Lupis Volk]

Tesunie, on 11 December 2015 - 08:29 PM, said:

Overall, play what you want. The Jenner Hero will be an odd Jenner due to lack of jump, but the Champion should serve you well even without any alterations if you are already doing well in game with it. (Personally, I'd avoid the Mech Pack, and just earn it with C-bills, unless that Hero mech really interests you. Then it would be worth the money.)

Well i'd get the bundle so i can get all the skills for them.

[Eaerie]

Jenners are fine mechs, just the hero play quite a bit different than the other ones. it only has missles where the other varients rely more on laser pewpew and no JJ's on the hero so really have to pay attention going down steep hills, can easily lose a leg.
The hit box pass seems to have made the ST a little bigger, which seems to be helping spread damage a bit more instead of all going to the CT. (i still die to CT almost every time but at least other parts get damaged now)
but if you already own a Jenner another option is to buy 2 more varients and just swap engine from one to the other. the 300XL works great in all varients. then take the money you were going to invest in that mastery pack and look at a different pack. maybe something out of the mediums or heavies..

[MavRCK]

Firestarters or Jenners.

[Lupis Volk]

Is there anything in the medium class that's like the Jenner?

[jss78]

Lupis Volk, on 11 December 2015 - 11:39 PM, said:

Is there anything in the medium class that's like the Jenner?

I haven't played Jenners, but they're such quick mechs that you typically just don't get that type of speed in mediums.

There's ONE notable exception: the Cicada. While it's a medium, it's just barely into the medium category at 40 tons, and is really something of a pseudo-light in terms of gameplay. Lorewise it was conceived as a heavier competitor to the Locust.

The Cicada mastery bundle is an immensely good value because all the mechs in it come with big XL engines (320, 330, and 340). Those are basically what you need for Cicadas, and they're really expensive to buy with c-bills.

[ninthstreet]

If its not to late then I advise buying the clan IIC jenner. It can switch engines and use clan weaponry. The general consensus is it could be the best light ingame when it comes out Dec 15.

[Lupis Volk]

jss78, on 12 December 2015 - 02:21 AM, said:

I haven't played Jenners, but they're such quick mechs that you typically just don't get that type of speed in mediums.

There's ONE notable exception: the Cicada. While it's a medium, it's just barely into the medium category at 40 tons, and is really something of a pseudo-light in terms of gameplay. Lorewise it was conceived as a heavier competitor to the Locust.

The Cicada mastery bundle is an immensely good value because all the mechs in it come with big XL engines (320, 330, and 340). Those are basically what you need for Cicadas, and they're really expensive to buy with c-bills.

yeah i'll check with the unit i'm in about the cicada looks that'll be the second mastery bundle i'll get.

Edited by Lupis Volk, 12 December 2015 - 04:55 AM.

[Modo44]

If you want to spend money right off the bat, I would recommend getting the [Hunchback IIC pack](https://mwomercs.com/origins#mech2). It will give you the new and improved Jenner and Hunchback mechs - 3 variants each - for an easy start with two great chassis.

For just an easy to use, versatile mech, stick with the already recommended Stormcrow. It will let you try all kinds of builds and playstyles while becoming exponentially scarier as you get better.

Edited by Modo44, 12 December 2015 - 05:49 AM.

[Dragonporn]

Just started today and I have pretty much same question as OP. I read few topics but still have very small idea about this game.
Visually I like mechs like Marauder and from the looks of it I want my first mech to be Heavy. I plan to stick on distance, so no Brawler ones. Is that supposed to be a good choice?

Also, regarding weapons, in older MechWarriors I played, I loved ballistic weapons combo with rockets. Is it possible to outfit this mech with mostly ballisrics or lasers are must? Any tips or builds for a newbie would be much appreciated.

[Rogue Jedi]

Dragonporn, on 12 December 2015 - 06:24 AM, said:

Just started today and I have pretty much same question as OP. I read few topics but still have very small idea about this game.
Visually I like mechs like Marauder and from the looks of it I want my first mech to be Heavy. I plan to stick on distance, so no Brawler ones. Is that supposed to be a good choice?

Also, regarding weapons, in older MechWarriors I played, I loved ballistic weapons combo with rockets. Is it possible to outfit this mech with mostly ballisrics or lasers are must? Any tips or builds for a newbie would be much appreciated.

my first tip is to try all the trial Mechs and figure out what works for you.

if you want ballistics and missiles that is viable, SRM+AC20 works great as a brawler, and LRMs with AC5 or Gauss can work, although there are weapons with much better synergy

if you want a heavy with missiles and ballistics, here are your choices that I can think of, there are probably more, the Jagermech JM6-A, any Helbringer, any Ebon Jaguar, any Summoner, any Timber Wolf, and any Orion can do that.

it is usualy wise to take at least a few lasers because you will still want weapons after you run out of ammo

Edited by Rogue Jedi, 12 December 2015 - 06:53 AM.

[Tesunie]

Lupis Volk, on 11 December 2015 - 11:39 PM, said:

Is there anything in the medium class that's like the Jenner?

Cicada will feel like a jumpless Jenner (until the (L) variant comes out, can't recall it's title). It's as fast, as agile, and can pack as much of a punch as a Jenner. No missiles on them, but a mix of either all energy or energy and ballistics.

The Vindicator may be decent, but it's going to be a LOT slower. Not sure how that would work for you.

Then we call into the Blackjack again, which can get up to decent speeds (not as fast as the Jenner though), has Jump jets, and a decent payload it can carry.

I can also recommend the Griffins and Shadowhawks. The Griffin can get decent speeds, and is very agile. Also has that mix of energy and missile hardpoints like the Jenner has, but is slower. One variant even has ECM. The Shadowhawk will be slower, but can also get jump, and has a decent balance of all hard points.

Don't know if any of this is helpful to you.

Dragonporn, on 12 December 2015 - 06:24 AM, said:

Just started today and I have pretty much same question as OP. I read few topics but still have very small idea about this game.
Visually I like mechs like Marauder and from the looks of it I want my first mech to be Heavy. I plan to stick on distance, so no Brawler ones. Is that supposed to be a good choice?

Also, regarding weapons, in older MechWarriors I played, I loved ballistic weapons combo with rockets. Is it possible to outfit this mech with mostly ballisrics or lasers are must? Any tips or builds for a newbie would be much appreciated.

I'd have to agree with Rogue Jedi here. Try the trials for a while. See what ones you like best and have the most fun with. The average starter mech is a medium or a heavy. I recommend the Hunchback or Enforcer for most new players, as they are solid mechs to work with. However, without knowing what play style you are looking for, and/or without knowing what Trial mech you like best, I can't suggest anything specific for you. I will say that the Hunchback has a variant for everyone, even if it isn't the best looking mech in the game.

If you have the free money in your pocket, you can always buy the Marauder pre-release pack. It isn't going to be out for C-bills for a while longer, and that will give you a full set to level up (because you need at least 3 variants of the same chassis anyway). For $20 you can get the basic package, or for $40 you can upgrade to the next level which would give you one chassis with a +30% C-bill earning boost. (Any time you play a mech with a +30% c-bill boost, you will earn an extra 30% income for that match. Even in Community Warfare (also being known as Faction Warfare).)


EDIT: As far as a preference for Ballistics and Energy, the Jagermech comes strongly into mind. So does the Cataphract, and the Catapult K2 (only). The Orion can also fill that roll easily. If you want Clan mechs, the Timberwolf and Ebon Jaguar would be sound choices as well.

Edited by Tesunie, 12 December 2015 - 08:30 AM.

[Johny Rocket]

Tesunie, on 12 December 2015 - 08:27 AM, said:

Cicada will feel like a jumpless Jenner (until the (L) variant comes out, can't recall it's title). It's as fast, as agile, and can pack as much of a punch as a Jenner. No missiles on them, but a mix of either all energy or energy and ballistics.

This is already out, CDA-F(L) stupid fast max xl and stupid far jump, I can get it to fly vertically further than even the Jumpy Spider variant with 12 jj.

Edited by Tractor Joe, 12 December 2015 - 08:56 AM.

[Rogue Jedi]

Tractor Joe, on 12 December 2015 - 08:55 AM, said:

This is already out, CDA-F(L) stupid fast max xl and stupid far jump, I can get it to fly vertically further than even the Jumpy Spider variant with 12 jj.

I am pretty sure Tesune meant out for cbills/mc, if you did not get it with the loyalty rewards you cannot currently obtain a Cicada with Jumpjets

[Lupis Volk]

Tesunie, on 12 December 2015 - 08:27 AM, said:

Cicada will feel like a jumpless Jenner (until the (L) variant comes out, can't recall it's title). It's as fast, as agile, and can pack as much of a punch as a Jenner. No missiles on them, but a mix of either all energy or energy and ballistics.

The Vindicator may be decent, but it's going to be a LOT slower. Not sure how that would work for you.

Then we call into the Blackjack again, which can get up to decent speeds (not as fast as the Jenner though), has Jump jets, and a decent payload it can carry.

I can also recommend the Griffins and Shadowhawks. The Griffin can get decent speeds, and is very agile. Also has that mix of energy and missile hardpoints like the Jenner has, but is slower. One variant even has ECM. The Shadowhawk will be slower, but can also get jump, and has a decent balance of all hard points.

Don't know if any of this is helpful to you.




I'd have to agree with Rogue Jedi here. Try the trials for a while. See what ones you like best and have the most fun with. The average starter mech is a medium or a heavy. I recommend the Hunchback or Enforcer for most new players, as they are solid mechs to work with. However, without knowing what play style you are looking for, and/or without knowing what Trial mech you like best, I can't suggest anything specific for you. I will say that the Hunchback has a variant for everyone, even if it isn't the best looking mech in the game.

If you have the free money in your pocket, you can always buy the Marauder pre-release pack. It isn't going to be out for C-bills for a while longer, and that will give you a full set to level up (because you need at least 3 variants of the same chassis anyway). For $20 you can get the basic package, or for $40 you can upgrade to the next level which would give you one chassis with a +30% C-bill earning boost. (Any time you play a mech with a +30% c-bill boost, you will earn an extra 30% income for that match. Even in Community Warfare (also being known as Faction Warfare).)


EDIT: As far as a preference for Ballistics and Energy, the Jagermech comes strongly into mind. So does the Cataphract, and the Catapult K2 (only). The Orion can also fill that roll easily. If you want Clan mechs, the Timberwolf and Ebon Jaguar would be sound choices as well.

I already have three BlackJacks. Got three Jenners from the mastery bundle and am thinking on getting the Cicada mastery bundle.

Okay third question. the clan that's mentoring me is prepping me to get into CW. they want me to get a havy. i'm siding with IS. what's a noob friendly IS heavy?

Edit: got the Cicada mastery bundle. my god....it's beautiful...they should have sent a poet.

Edited by Lupis Volk, 12 December 2015 - 04:09 PM.