5 replies to this topic

[jeffsw6]

I just downloaded the game yesterday. I played MechWarrior in about 1994 and I was really excited to learn about this new game.

So I've played some games with the trial mechs, used C-bucks (?) to purchase a TBT-3C, but I can't figure out how to replace the armor with the lighter-weight armor to reduce my weight so I can customize the weapons. I like this mech more than the trial ones I tried, which I'm guessing are pretty basic.

Is there some kind of tutorial or guide that I have missed? I'm getting wrecked in most battles because I do not know how to build a competitive mech. I try to stay with teammates and play cooperatively since I can't really fight 1-on-1 and hope to win. I would like to improve my mech and be more useful though.

Also I read that armor needs to be repaired at some cost. Does that come out of your earnings for games automatically? I'm not sure how to re-stock my supply of missiles either! There are a lot of gameplay things that are hard to learn for a beginner.

I understand it is a beta game and a lot of documentation, tutorials, testing grounds, etc. are not ready for mass-consumption yet. Just looking for whatever might be out there. I'd like to join a clan of more experienced players but I doubt if a clan would want a total novice who doesn't know how to equip their mech yet!

Another question: Are there any forum threads on alternate controllers that are good for MW, such as joysticks, etc.? I used to have a great control with a couple of hat switches and about a dozen buttons. I wish I could find it. I think some kind of game-oriented controller would be an advantage though.

And finally .. does the in-game VOIP work? I have not had any success with it yet. Could be just me.

Thanks

[CMGrendel]

Troll post is accurate.

[EgoSlayer]

jeffsw6, on 12 March 2013 - 07:27 PM, said:

I just downloaded the game yesterday. I played MechWarrior in about 1994 and I was really excited to learn about this new game.

So I've played some games with the trial mechs, used C-bucks (?) to purchase a TBT-3C, but I can't figure out how to replace the armor with the lighter-weight armor to reduce my weight so I can customize the weapons. I like this mech more than the trial ones I tried, which I'm guessing are pretty basic.

You'll probably need to do more than just change armor to customize you load out. You can add/remove most things by dragging and dropping, and double clicking will remove most items. But before you do that in game I would suggest you do it in an online mech builder to see what you can fit and how much it will cost to customize:

http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/mechlab#i=60

Or

http://mechromancer....om/?mech=TBT-3C

jeffsw6, on 12 March 2013 - 07:27 PM, said:

Is there some kind of tutorial or guide that I have missed? I'm getting wrecked in most battles because I do not know how to build a competitive mech. I try to stay with teammates and play cooperatively since I can't really fight 1-on-1 and hope to win. I would like to improve my mech and be more useful though.

Most of the information is here in the forums, or fansites/youtube videos. You'll find lots of information here about builds in the guides section. Some basic tips are to stick with a group, or at least one other mech and focus your fire on what they are shooting at. When you start the match find a mech on your team that is slower than you and make them your wingman.

jeffsw6, on 12 March 2013 - 07:27 PM, said:

Also I read that armor needs to be repaired at some cost. Does that come out of your earnings for games automatically? I'm not sure how to re-stock my supply of missiles either! There are a lot of gameplay things that are hard to learn for a beginner.

Repair and Rearm have been removed from the game. Once you buy the equipment or ammo it's yours and remains in your inventory.

jeffsw6, on 12 March 2013 - 07:27 PM, said:

I understand it is a beta game and a lot of documentation, tutorials, testing grounds, etc. are not ready for mass-consumption yet. Just looking for whatever might be out there. I'd like to join a clan of more experienced players but I doubt if a clan would want a total novice who doesn't know how to equip their mech yet!

Another question: Are there any forum threads on alternate controllers that are good for MW, such as joysticks, etc.? I used to have a great control with a couple of hat switches and about a dozen buttons. I wish I could find it. I think some kind of game-oriented controller would be an advantage though.

This information is scattered around the forums, some in the player help area, some in the guides section, and some in the general forums. Joystick support right now isn't the best there are many posts about the problems and a few to make it workable, but for now it isn't the optimum controller choice.

jeffsw6, on 12 March 2013 - 07:27 PM, said:

And finally .. does the in-game VOIP work? I have not had any success with it yet. Could be just me.

Thanks

The integrated VOIP (C3) isn't complete and nobody uses it. Most people are using Teamspeak (TS) and there are community servers and open servers that you can join.

I think this thread is the unofficial list of TS servers that you can just drop into and find a group:
http://mwomercs.com/...mspeak-servers/

Welcome! The learning curve can be steep, but it's a load of fun once you have the basics!

Edited by EgoSlayer, 12 March 2013 - 07:58 PM.

[Koniving]

There's a basic tutorial guide called the "Training Grounds", which is a clickable link
Specifically go for the mechlab training video.

Was going to answer more, but the guy above pretty much covered it.

Edited by Koniving, 12 March 2013 - 07:56 PM.

[Deathlike]

When you buy your first mech, don't.

Wait until you gain c-bills 1.5 to 2 times the value of the most expensive variant for that chassis.

The reasoning for this is that you will want to figure out how to spend your money. Definitely use any Mechlab utility of your choice (the online one is great).

The last upgrade you want on your mech is almost always the engine, but you need to get a feel for what weapons work for you, so expect to spend money on weapons solely for the purpose of getting the proper feeling. The engine upgrade for a light mech usually is an XL engine, which is usually costing as much, if not more than the mech itself.

DHS is a virtual MUST upgrade for all new mechs you purchase. Endo Steel usually will follow that, unless you are going to buy an Assault Mech. Don't bother buying FF (Ferro Fibrous) and/or Artemis (for missiles that are not-streaks) until you are sure you want/need them. Endo is better than FF at saving tonnage, so acquire the Endo upgrade first before considering FF.

Outside of that, you are free to choose and figure stuff out.. use the Training Grounds to get a feel for the heat generation and weapons of your mech. You need to learn how a weapon reacts at long and short ranges (PPCs deal less damage @ under 90m, LRMs deal no damage under 180m, and so on and so forth).

Edited by Deathlike, 12 March 2013 - 08:51 PM.

[jeffsw6]

Thanks for the help. The www mechlabs were helpful.

My main point of confusion was I did not understand the hardpoint slots. I guess I need 14 free slots if I want the Ferro-Fib armor and I don't have that many empty. I already have Endo Steel. I ended up just removing some LRM ammo since I don't use it that much, and added a AMS and ammunition for it.

The TBT-3C I bought cost about 8m CB so it already had a lot of the things. I would like to have pulse lasers instead of the regular ones but I notice the range is a lot less. I guess that's the trade-off for reduced duration and slightly more damage. I might try changing my lasers later.

I am saving for a heavier mech next. Might just purchase some MC if I am still having fun in a few days. Thanks for the help!