25 replies to this topic

[Zordicron]

hey. So I have my 4x at master now, and yet, I havent found a build I really really like yet. so far, I know this:
I will use a standard engine
I like having the LRM 5 with one ton ammo
I use 2 med lasers in CT for tonnage/dmg and picking off lights

Right ow i think I have one of the biggest engines in it, and it is still pokey(but it is a 4x so eh). I have tried a lot of things with the ballistic arms. I used some streak 2, srm and lrm in the missle, and also empty- and decided on lrm5 because one ton ammo gives a lot of rounds, and it is amazing how you can influence movement of enemy team with just some silly lrm5 rounds at them and Betty whining about incoming missile. The streak was broken IMO with ECM, and I havent had a loadout yet where SRM felt good, it;s too hard to charge the enemy with a phract, especially a pokey 4x, and only for SRM4 dmg.

So, the Torso is pretty well set, LRM5, 2 med lasers.

As for the arms:

I tried
2x AC5, 2x AC2
3x AC5
2x Uac5
2x AC10
2x UAC5 and 2x MG

What I have found-
2x AC10 iss fun, but I dont know if it's a bug or what, but enemy within 200m means there is a 33%chance both rounds will go right through the enemy for no hit. That is exceptionally annoying. So while longer range it is potent, at closer range, even though there is no minimum, they fail, a lot for me. I got that also a bit with the AC5/AC2 combo, but not as bad, and with 3 AC5 I found one round mysteriously just shoots off into space about a third of the time. 2x AC5 doesnt quite punch hard enough.

As for UAC5-
My ping is bad. Not always, sometimes it is good, but it wont stay that way, not even for a full match. I can watch it go up and down between 50 and 450 in one match, randomly. What this does to UAC5 is: somtimes I can rip off shells like a madman, but most of the time the gun jams after one round, or even after zero rounds. So, while I like 2x UAC5 best, it ends up costing me big time when I play during peak hours(My ISP is really junk, but thats another story)

so, i wonder if anyone could offer something else to try. i thought about gauss +??, or lbx-10 +?? but not sure what to try. if nothing else I will come back to this mech when I find AC10's dont teleport through my enemy anymore.

[Tahribator]

I have tried lots of builds like you as well and settled on the 2xAC10 build. The recycle time is pretty good compared to AC20(more DPS). I kept the LRM5 as well, as it's a superb psychological weapon. You can make stronger enemies dash for cover just because of that missile warning.

I don't think you can do much else. Maybe try going for 2xLBX10's and replace LRM with SRM for a brawling build? My current favourite mech is a 3D with 2xLBX10 and 4xML's. I've seen some people go the double gauss route as well, but I didn't like it because Cataph arms are just too close to the ground.

Edited by Tahribator, 11 March 2013 - 02:02 AM.

[Shifty Eyes]

I'd be interested in build advice for the 4x as well. My 4x is the heaviest mech I've bought so far, and I can't tell if I've been sucking it up because I'm not used to piloting such a pokey mech or if my builds have been dumb. Probably a combination of both. I seem to maximize my damage with dual gauss or 4 AC5's, but even in good matches I don't reach the damage I do with a medium or light. Maybe I should just stick with more nimble mechs.

[John MatriX82]

If I had the 4X, I'd do it like this: CTF-4X

Having the Ilya that can sport a XL 280 or 300 with 3xML as backup of the dual gauss, the 4X was a worthless choice.. Whenever I tried to run my CTFs with engines that are lower than 280 i felt them to be too slow for being viable to me.

[Th0rsten]

I am having fun with 4 ac5 2ml (xl engine)

Two uac2 worked for me as well, but i just wanted to take advantage of the four hardpoints and mg just did not work for me.

[liku]

I was loving this chassis, with
dual gauss
lrm5
ERLla
MG
XL210

Everytime i was using it, i was o caustic.. so going there was painfull but then the camping helped making it bearable...

I also tried the salad cutter:
DHS endo
STd 250-5
MG
dual lbx 10
2 ml
srm4.

But on the way for master.. i just bought a 1x...and then i realize very well how much the 4x is slow, with utterly less maniability.

If i had knew that i would never have taken the way for the 4x

[Gunnr75]

I find the 4x fills a different role then my other two 'phracts. The 1x with dual erppc and 3ml is an effective damage dealer at all ranges. My 2d is a close up killer with ac/20, 3ml, 2 ssrm2's. For me the 4x is more of a support role. Using the the lrm's and ac5/s and ac/2s to distract and rattle the enemy while my teammates do the actual killing. I also have fun using 1 ac/10 and 1 lbx10 with a LL. I get way more kills with my other phracts but I can have fun with the 4x if I cruise the edge of the fight. But its so slow. Very hard to get out of trouble if you make a wrong move.

[Pkunk]

I've played a lot of matches in the 4X and this is what stuck:
CTF-4X

I find it an awesome firesupport. You need to get used to the lack of burst. And also get used to the high sustained damage. But this is also it's strength. Another advantage is the long range you have which gives you a really good poke. Especially against ppc boats.

Probably the hardest part is learning to land your shots at moving targets. Once you've mastered this you'll notice a pretty drastic difference in damage per match for the better.

[Zordicron]

Pkunk, on 11 March 2013 - 12:26 PM, said:

I've played a lot of matches in the 4X and this is what stuck:
CTF-4X

I find it an awesome firesupport. You need to get used to the lack of burst. And also get used to the high sustained damage. But this is also it's strength. Another advantage is the long range you have which gives you a really good poke. Especially against ppc boats.

Probably the hardest part is learning to land your shots at moving targets. Once you've mastered this you'll notice a pretty drastic difference in damage per match for the better.

I did try 4x AC2. I forgot to put that in the list. I liked the range, but I tend to try to defend my fatlas pal and end up in closer ranges a lot. if the 4x was 10k faster, I think I would stick with this too, but the ac2 doesnt have enough punch to make those up close types back off.

I have a 3D also, and I put 2erppc in the torso, 2 med lasers and a lbx-10. I am growing fond of the lbx, mostly because it seems immune to this wierd convergence hit recognition bug I am getting so much with AC10. My 3D also does 69k instead of 64, which is enough I guess to make it feel more nimble. My 1x has the same 2 erppc, and then 3mdlsr in the arms, and a giant engine so it actually runs 78k. Both of these PPC phracts feel comfortable to me, one can splatter brawl foes to make them think twice about hammering on me, and the other can move fast enough to get out of dodge. Poor 4x seems to need to hang back about 150m from a fatlas so it doesnt get team targeted though. Which is ok, I just need a loadout that fits that role really well.

The post about the LL made me think on this some more maybe I will try some mix of 1 ERLL, the lrm5 and lbx-10. i had some mix of LL and AC's at one point, but no missile and I think it was like 2 AC5, so not very potent. I also liked the idea of AC10 and lbx. Maybe I will see if I can cram 1 gauss and 1 lbx on somehow. One thing I have noticed is the smaller mechs get scared when you paste them with an lbx round. The 4x needs that psi warfare bit because it is too fat and slow of a target to escape if your foe decides to keep pushing. LL and lbx are pretty good for picking off that annoying trollmando circling my fatlas pal too.

I will have to go to Smurfy's and see what I can do. thanks for the ideas all.

[Eumenes]

I've struggled as well, ground through master with 2 AC-10s or 2 gauss. It's parked for now while I work on mastering trebuchets.

[liku]

i'm still reluctant to invest in this make... maybe i'll got for it later.

[SnakeTheFox]

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...e30ea683a5c19da

I run this, it does well enough (2.2 k/d with it so far). I prefer gaussphracts. I tried all manner of autocannon combinations, and while the stats are all there, I find it doesn't hit hard enough in those situations where you only have a small window of opportunity to do damage. This build has comparable range, and higher burst and sustainable DPS, but it's a medium range support mech through and through; it's only okay at brawling up close.

Further, light mechs are a death sentence unless they're slow or dumb enough to give you a clear shot at their legs. But it absolutely wrecks anything medium or heavier, between 100 and 600m. The ability to pinpoint drop 39 points of damage means clipping off arms and legs is a viable strategy.

The only major downside is the gun placement. It definitely takes getting used to. Once you start becoming aware though, it quickly shows its strengths over the gaussapults with its extra tonnage to play around with (in this case going for heavier armor and an ERLGL over gaussapult)

Edited by SnakeTheFox, 12 March 2013 - 06:12 PM.

[SquawkHawk]

Std 250 Engine (57.8kph or 63.6 with speed tweek)
2 UAC5 (Chain Fire) - 7 tons Ammo
1 ER Large Laser
1 SRM4 - 1 ton Ammo
AMS - ton Ammo
416 Armour
10 DHS (Runs very cool)
ENDO

Ive been enjoying this 4X.
I found chain firing the 2UAC5s reduced the jams substantially, and increased the chance of achieving its potential of 98 damage in 4.4 seconds at 600 meters.
The speed allows it to keep up with my teams other Heavies and Meds for protection, but its best played as a support mech using ranged damage over time rather than as a brawler.
Im looking forward to coming back to this guy when Balistics get the State Rewind treatement Lasers have just got.

[Crockdaddy]

Easy answer and I get great / consistent results.

2 UAC 5
2 UAC 2

I pair them up and set each arm to chain fire. I have NEVER jammed my UAC5's like this. Not once. I still get a great rate of fire and typically I put out 400 to high 600 dmg per match. I use it as a pug, great results ... and in a 4 man. Just be a bit patient aiming and you will both suppress enemy mechs and throw out quite a bit of damage.

[SquawkHawk]

CrockdaddyAoD, on 12 March 2013 - 08:46 PM, said:

Easy answer and I get great / consistent results.

2 UAC 5
2 UAC 2

I pair them up and set each arm to chain fire. I have NEVER jammed my UAC5's like this. Not once. I still get a great rate of fire and typically I put out 400 to high 600 dmg per match. I use it as a pug, great results ... and in a 4 man. Just be a bit patient aiming and you will both suppress enemy mechs and throw out quite a bit of damage.

Nice, Im gonna try this Crock, can you sneek a std 225 engine in or is it a std 210 build?
I hadnt tried Chaining AC2 with UAC5.

[Arktiswylf]

My Main mech atm is the 4x and I run a pretty good build for it:

2 AC2 3 tonnes of ammo (You will never run out of ammo even with spamming)
2 UAC5 6 tonnes of ammo ( ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^^ ^ ^ ^^ ^ ^^ ^ ^^ ^ ^ )
Endo Steel (Need this or you won't fit your Engine)
10 Double Heat sinks (You need double heat sinks or you WILL over heat)
336 Armor (So you're on the squishy side for sure)
STD 235

The Way I run it is Keeping my AC2's as my primary fire and my UAC5s as secondary fire. I use my AC2s to poke down the enemy from long range and when i get a clear shot i will double shot them with my UAC5s. Using the UAC5s in this manner gives you pretty good burst and keeps them from jamming too often.

I have tried a multitude of 4x builds and I find this one to be the most effective by far. I've tried 2x UAC5 + 2x AC5 but this has major ammo issues. I've tried 4 chainfired AC5s which is probably my second favorite 4x build, as it has a decent alpha with 20 dmg and very strong sustained dmg. Next i've Tried 2x AC5 and 2x AC2 which is decent but doesn't get as much dmg as the current set up. I don't tend to put missiles or lasers in my 4x as I like to hold true to it's major ballistic potential.

Don't use the gaussphract as it's arms are to low to snipe properly.

[marabou]

I think that best setups are:
-2 med. lasers+ 2 gauss(50 ammo) with std.255 engine
-2 med. lasers+ 2UAC5(150 ammo)+2AC2(150 ammo) with 255 xl engine

[Selfish]

The AC/10's "warping" through enemies shouldn't be a problem, and if it is then it will happen with all your ACs. Dual AC/10's are definitely my favorite setup on the mech. It's not the fastest firing or greatest DPS, but it's really reliable. The extra weight from not strapping two additional ACs to your mech lets you comfortably fit ammo, max STD engine, an SRM4, and your CT lasers. It's a very hardy setup for the mech that's really great at tandem support with Juggernauts and general PUG play.

[Zordicron]

Selfish, on 13 March 2013 - 10:08 AM, said:

The AC/10's "warping" through enemies shouldn't be a problem, and if it is then it will happen with all your ACs. Dual AC/10's are definitely my favorite setup on the mech. It's not the fastest firing or greatest DPS, but it's really reliable. The extra weight from not strapping two additional ACs to your mech lets you comfortably fit ammo, max STD engine, an SRM4, and your CT lasers. It's a very hardy setup for the mech that's really great at tandem support with Juggernauts and general PUG play.

Well, as stated above, it is a problem, and indeed, it is a problem on all AC lol. Not as much on smaller calibre, but AC10 fired in a pair, lol I have seen them go two directions, I have seen them shoot in an "X" way in front or behind the enemy, I have seen the X go right through an atlas at least 3 times I can think of, etc. Otherwise yeah, I liked double AC10 quite a bit too.

The Uac5 crowd: Yeah I loved it too. Except my bad ping fluctuations make it dam near impossible to use right as I have had jams without even a shell firing off from crazy ping jumps. I have not tried chain fire with AC2 though, so I will give that a go just to see.

Tried a AC10/LBX10/LL build, worked well for support fire, really well actually. But when something comes after me, it doesnt do to well. not enough sustained fire to make them try to manuever, and 4X is just so fat and slow it is hard to spread dmg out and avoid getting a torso blown away or something. Brawling hunchies were the worst, but I had a few fang/flame encounters too that went pretty meh. I am going to try this Uac5/ac2 thing tomorrow to see if it over-rides craptastic ping or not.

Thanks again all.

[Zordicron]

Update:
I tried the 2x AC2 and 2x UAC5 combo. It does indeed help with weapon jam, quite a lot. While the ultra doesnt pump out dmg for me like it can for others(ping issue as above) even at normal chain fire speed, it has a cooldown quicker then a regular AC5.

I can do roughly 600 dmg before ammo shortage, and thats with roughly 70-80% hit ratio. It is important to remember you cant just fling slugs all over trying to hit lights and that, or you waste a lot of ammo.

I do not think I am quite done tweaking on this 4x yet, but so far this is the most reliable loadout I have tried. Thank you to above posters for the recomendation.