19 replies to this topic

[InnerSphereNews]

Greetings MechWarriors,

This post contains information for all variants of the Archer, releasing for eligible pilots with the March 15th patch.

Archer

Pictured variant: ARC-5S with standard Loadout and a customized House Davion Pattern

Release date for MC: June 7th 2016

Release date for C-Bills: July 5th 2016

First produced in 2474, the Archer was designed as a long-range fire-support BattleMech that would harass an enemy at range while also causing significant damage in the process. It brought a successful mix of paired Doombud LRM 20s with a bevy of Diverse Optics medium lasers as backup weaponry for close-in work. The Archer was not only a mainstay of the Star League Defense Force, but most of the Successor States produced a variety of variants, building on the impressive original platform.

Quirks

Archer ARC-T 'Tempest'

The ARC-T is the Hero variant of the Archer, and until its in-game MC purchase release date on June 7th 2016 is only available through direct purchase from the Archer page. It features a custom 'Tempest' Hero Pattern and a 30% boost to C-Bill earnings.

• Tonnage: 70
• Engine: 280 Standard

• Top Speed: 64.8 kph

• Max Engine Rating: 340

• Torso Movement:

• 100 degrees to each side.

• 25 degrees up and down.

• Arm Movement:

• 20 degrees to each side.

• 30 degrees up and down.

• Armor: 416 (Standard)
• Internal Structure: Endo-Steel
• Weapons & Equipment:

• Left Arm: Medium Laser

• Left Torso: LRM 20, Guardian ECM Suite, LRM Ammo x2, Double Heat Sink

• Center Torso: Engine, Medium Laser x2

• Right Torso: LRM 20, LRM Ammo x2

• Right Arm: Medium Laser

• Hardpoints:

• Left Arm: 2 Energy

• Lower Arm Actuator: Yes

• Hand Actuator: Yes

• Left Torso: 1 Missile, 1 ECM

• Center Torso: 2 Energy, 1 Missile

• Right Torso: 1 Missile, 1 AMS

• Right Arm: 2 Energy

• Lower Arm Actuator: Yes

• Hand Actuator: Yes

• Heat Sinks: 12 Double
• Jump Jets: 0 (0 Max)
• ECM Capable?: Yes
• MASC Capable?: No
• Module Slots:

• Mech: 1

• Consumable: 2

• Weapon: 2

• Movement Archetype: Large
• Quirks:

• +11 Additional Structure (CT)

• +7 Additional Structure (LT)

• +7 Additional Structure (RT)

• +5 Additional Structure (LA)

• +5 Additional Structure (RA)

• +7 Additional Structure (LL)

• +7 Additional Structure (RL)

• -5% Missile Heat Generation

• +5% Medium Laser Cooldown

• 30% C-Bill bonus

Archer ARC-2R [S]

The ARC-2R [S] is a Special version of the ARC-2R, and features a custom Classic IS Collection Pattern and a 30% C-Bill Boost to C-Bill earnings. It is only available through the Archer Collector Pack.

• Tonnage: 70
• Engine: 280 Standard

• Top Speed: 64.8 kph

• Max Engine Rating: 340

• Torso Movement:

• 110 degrees to each side.

• 25 degrees up and down.

• Arm Movement:

• 20 degrees to each side.

• 30 degrees up and down.

• Armor: 416 (Standard)
• Internal Structure: Standard
• Weapons & Equipment:

• Left Arm: Medium Laser

• Left Torso: LRM 20, LRM Ammo x2

• Center Torso: Engine, Medium Laser x2

• Right Torso: LRM 20, LRM Ammo x2

• Right Arm: Medium Laser

• Hardpoints:

• Left Arm: 2 Energy

• Lower Arm Actuator: Yes

• Hand Actuator: Yes

• Left Torso: 2 Missile

• Center Torso: 2 Energy

• Right Torso: 1 Missile, 1 AMS

• Right Arm: 2 Energy

• Lower Arm Actuator: Yes

• Hand Actuator: Yes

• Heat Sinks: 10 Single
• Jump Jets: 0 (0 Max)
• ECM Capable?: No
• MASC Capable?: No
• Module Slots:

• Mech: 1

• Consumable: 2

• Weapon: 2

• Movement Archetype: Large
• Quirks:

• +60% Acceleration Rate

• +60% Deceleration Rate

• +11 Additional Structure (CT)

• +35% Torso Turn Rate (Yaw)

• +5% Energy Cooldown

• -5% Energy Heat Generation

• +10% LRM 5/10/15/20 Velocity

• +15% LRM 5/10/15/20 Cooldown

• 30% C-Bill bonus

Archer ARC-2R

The ARC-2R is the standard version of the ARC-2R [S]. It does not possess the 30% C-Bill boost or the custom Pattern of its [S] counterpart. The Quirks and Loadout are identical to the ARC-2R [S] above.

Archer ARC-5S

• Tonnage: 70
• Engine: 280 XL

• Top Speed: 64.8 kph

• Max Engine Rating: 340

• Torso Movement:

• 120 degrees to each side.

• 25 degrees up and down.

• Arm Movement:

• 20 degrees to each side.

• 30 degrees up and down.

• Armor: 416 (Standard)
• Internal Structure: Standard
• Weapons & Equipment:

• Left Arm: Medium Pulse Laser, Streak SRM 2

• Left Torso: LRM 15, Narc, Narc Ammo, LRM Ammo, Streak SRM Ammo, CASE

• Center Torso: Engine, Medium Pulse Laser x2

• Right Torso: LRM 15, LRM Ammo x3, Streak SRM Ammo, CASE

• Right Arm: Medium Pulse Laser, Streak SRM 2

• Hardpoints:

• Left Arm: 1 Energy, 1 Missile

• Lower Arm Actuator: Yes

• Hand Actuator: Yes

• Left Torso: 2 Missile

• Center Torso: 2 Energy

• Right Torso: 1 Missile, 1 AMS

• Right Arm: 1 Energy, 1 Missile

• Lower Arm Actuator: Yes

• Hand Actuator: Yes

• Heat Sinks: 10 Double
• Jump Jets: 0 (0 Max)
• ECM Capable?: No
• MASC Capable?: No
• Module Slots:

• Mech: 1

• Consumable: 2

• Weapon: 2

• Movement Archetype: Large
• Quirks:

• +50% Acceleration Rate

• +50% Deceleration Rate

• +35% Turn Rate

• +5 Additional Structure (LA)

• +5 Additional Structure (RA)

• +7 Additional Structure (LL)

• +7 Additional Structure (RL)

• +45% Torso Turn Rate (Yaw)

• +10% Energy Range

• -10% Laser Duration

Archer ARC-5W

• Tonnage: 70
• Engine: 280 XL

• Top Speed: 64.8 kph

• Max Engine Rating: 340

• Torso Movement:

• 100 degrees to each side.

• 25 degrees up and down.

• Arm Movement:

• 20 degrees to each side.

• 30 degrees up and down.

• Armor: 416 (Standard)
• Internal Structure: Standard
• Weapons & Equipment:

• Left Arm: SRM 4, SRM Ammo

• Left Torso: LRM 20, LRM Ammo x2, Narc Ammo, CASE

• Center Torso: Engine, Narc

• Right Torso: LRM 20, LRM Ammo x2, Narc Ammo, CASE

• Right Arm: SRM 4, SRM Ammo

• Hardpoints:

• Left Arm: 2 Missile

• Lower Arm Actuator: Yes

• Hand Actuator: Yes

• Left Torso: 2 Missile

• Center Torso: 1 Missile

• Right Torso: 2 Missile, 1 AMS

• Right Arm: 2 Missile

• Lower Arm Actuator: Yes

• Hand Actuator: Yes

• Heat Sinks: 10 Double
• Jump Jets: 0 (0 Max)
• ECM Capable?: No
• MASC Capable?: No
• Module Slots:

• Mech: 1

• Consumable: 2

• Weapon: 2

• Movement Archetype: Large
• Quirks:

• +30% Acceleration Rate

• +30% Deceleration Rate

• +50% Turn Rate

• +11 Additional Structure (CT)

• +7 Additional Structure (LT)

• +7 Additional Structure (RT)

• +10% LRM 5/10/15/20 Velocity

[IronEricP]

Loving the look of the archer, really. Plan to enjoy playing it.

However...

Looking at the quirks, it seems like it may underperform vs the other classics. Not only do its hitboxes (missile doors WAY above body, will those count?) seem vulnerable, but it didn't get much toughness or offensive help. Compared to the Warhammer's durability AND offensive quirks... well, I think the Warhammer got too much toughness ANYWAYS compared to other heavies that can be energy boats.

Now, I'm not saying a want a quirk monster, and I will hold final judgement till I see how it actually performs. But I REALLY want to enjoy a versatile missile heavy. And even the Archers with SRMs on them stock only got LRM velocity or Energy weapon boosts.

EDIT:
Ok, to be fair the 2R is going to be nasty slinging larger LRM launchers with its 15% cooldown. My bad on that one.

Edited by Eric Portenelli, 11 March 2016 - 06:37 PM.

[Javin]

The missile doors when open make a HUGE target and this mech will die faster than a standing locust. Add in sub optimal quirks and terribly unimpressed. I am hoping the quirks are typos. If not, no reason to get this mech unless you are a lore hound.

[Twilight Fenrir]

Javin, on 11 March 2016 - 06:31 PM, said:

The missile doors when open make a HUGE target and this mech will die faster than a standing locust. Add in sub optimal quirks and terribly unimpressed. I am hoping the quirks are typos. If not, no reason to get this mech unless you are a lore hound.

The doors have their own HP, and do not count towards the torso... so... that doesn't really apply. Per a tweet from Russ

[IronEricP]

Twilight Fenrir, on 11 March 2016 - 06:45 PM, said:

The doors have their own HP, and do not count towards the torso... so... that doesn't really apply. Per a tweet from Russ

THANK GOODNESS!!!
Still gonna be easy to spot, but at least they aren't insta-death

[YaKillinMeSmalls]

Quirks are not the be-all, end-all of mech viability.

Quirks are intended to bring sub-par chassis/variants in line with better performing mechs. Firestarters and Arctic Cheetahs both have minimal quirks, but are still deadly nonetheless. There are plenty of other examples like this of mechs that are effective even without strong quirking. Yes, strong quirks can make a weak mech a strong one (such as the Blackjack), but strong quirks are not required to make a mech great. We won't know until Tuesday how strong the Archer is when we get to play it. Hell, we probably won't really know how strong it is until we've had a few weeks to level it and shake out some good builds for it.

So please don't complain about the quirks just yet.

Edited by YaKillinMeSmalls, 11 March 2016 - 08:19 PM.

[Aidan Pendragon]

YaKillinMeSmalls, on 11 March 2016 - 08:16 PM, said:

So please don't complain about the quirks just yet.

Given the OmniMech-like nature of IS 'Mechs in MWO, quirks are about all that sets one chassis apart from another. So, to see that the Archer, the archetypical LRM boat, only has useful LRM quirks on one chassis...well, that just put me off buying this package. I'll stick with my Awesomes and enjoy their cooldown quirks and greater room for ammo, thanks.

[Desintegrator]

Oh man - not +100 points of additional structure !!

I'm very dissapointed.

[Malleus011]

Paul mentioned something about the quirks being draft versions and perhaps not being final, so these may be incorrect.

The ARC-2R(S) loadout is incorrect in the quirk graphic, as has been stated often in other spots on the forum.
The ARC-2R(S) in the desktop wallpapers and quirk graphics is incorrectly armed.

[Monkey Lover]

Twilight Fenrir, on 11 March 2016 - 06:45 PM, said:

The doors have their own HP, and do not count towards the torso... so... that doesn't really apply. Per a tweet from Russ

Still another post about the archer from Pgi and they have yet to say anything about this. I'm thinking it's not going to happen.

[Will9761]

Does anyone think that the Archer look a little bow legged?

[YUyahoo]

I think its rather Ironic that the 2R(s) is show with SRMs (presumably as tested) yet none of the Archers have any SRM quirks. The lowish % of the quirks don't bother me half as much as the lack of flexibility in them...only the Tempest as a generic missile quirk. Despite the letdown, still excited to see this iconic mech in MWO.

[IronEricP]

YaKillinMeSmalls, on 11 March 2016 - 08:16 PM, said:

Quirks are not the be-all, end-all of mech viability.

Quirks are intended to bring sub-par chassis/variants in line with better performing mechs. Firestarters and Arctic Cheetahs both have minimal quirks, but are still deadly nonetheless. There are plenty of other examples like this of mechs that are effective even without strong quirking. Yes, strong quirks can make a weak mech a strong one (such as the Blackjack), but strong quirks are not required to make a mech great. We won't know until Tuesday how strong the Archer is when we get to play it. Hell, we probably won't really know how strong it is until we've had a few weeks to level it and shake out some good builds for it.

So please don't complain about the quirks just yet.

Yeah, I know, I over-reacted a bit. I was just surprised considering what the other Classics got right out of the gate, especially the Warhammer.

YUyahoo, on 12 March 2016 - 05:17 PM, said:

I think its rather Ironic that the 2R(s) is show with SRMs (presumably as tested) yet none of the Archers have any SRM quirks. The lowish % of the quirks don't bother me half as much as the lack of flexibility in them...only the Tempest [h]as a generic missile quirk. Despite the letdown, still excited to see this iconic mech in MWO.

So much this! I'm sooo excited to play my Archers, and even small helps are still helps, sure. But 2 variants with both SRMs AND Narc got nothing for those weapons, which is a shame. Ironically, the quirk I was most hoping for on ANY of the Archers that we didn't get on any: missile spread reduction. Leet dedicated missile mech would have been soo nasty with that

[Malleus011]

The ARC-2R is a dedicated LRM machine, so I can see its quirks being LRM only. The 5S and 5W quirks should be reworded to 'Missile' instead of 'LRM 5/10/15/20' as these machines use both types of launchers.

IMHO, the ARC-2R should have general and specific missile quirks, like 'mechs before it - something like 'Missile Velocity 10%, LRM 20 Velocity 10%' - otherwise there's no good reason to keep the big, poor performing launchers mounted on the chassis. The other chassis could make do with broader 'Missile' quirks.

[LegendaryArticuno]

When do we get the revised quirks?

[LordOfTheDeath]

nice

[llcr0wnll]

yes, really nice looking

[LegendaryArticuno]

Wow such amazing quirks on the Archer!

[D V Devnull]

Read the thread... If the Archer lives up to the hype, it might end up laying my Catapult plans to rest. Would be archive for one, rise and use for the other.

BTW, why no Ballistic HardPoints?

~D. V. "Heavier Mech? Hope it's got better capability!" Devnull



[Edit by author for a missed thought.]

Edited by D V Devnull, 17 March 2016 - 02:37 AM.

[LegendaryArticuno]

Archer did not live up to the hype even with the buff.