8 replies to this topic

[Kargush]

The topic title really says it all. I'm slowly grinding my way through the Atlases, having gotten through the Cataphracts (well, 3 of them), and I'm looking ahead to see what's next. I've always like the look of the Dragons, and I've had a lot of fun with them in the tabletop. But I've only ever used the Dragon once that I can recall, and that was as a trial mech back in closed beta. So I've come here to get some opinions.

What builds do you use? What should I know before I actual get a Dragon? From what I've gathered, the key thing with Dragons is speed. It's like a heavy Medium more than an actual Heavy, like the Cicada is a Light on steroids. One reason I want to expand into Dragons is that I had a lot of fun with the Centurion D, and it seems that Dragons can do a lot of the same stuff, e.g drive-by shootings and mobile sniping. Another reason is that it'd be nice to get back to something with a bit of speed, seeing as both my Cataphracts and my Atlases are slow mechs. I'm fond of the hardpoints, allowing for ballistics, energy, and missiles. I've always loved ballistics, but I'll happily run mechs with no ballistics.

So, in short, Dragons. What do you think of them, and why should/shouldn't I get into them?

[RedrumnCoke]

I run this (you can run it on a 1c too): http://mwo.smurfy-ne...20e2d90f62dd84b

I keep on the outside of the battle and lop off important bodyparts like cats' ears. Had a few games tonight where i netted 3 kills; one with a little over 800 damage dealt. Also good to leg lights.

[Hex Pallett]

I own no Dragons, but when I'm riding my Centurions or Hunchbacks (or basically anything), when I see a Dragons, I usually charge them head-on.

Dragons have GIANT CT, and in order to carry enough weapons to justify Heavy, they usually have XL engines, thus strictly restrict them for ranged combat. Don't get me wrong, a 1C with a Gauss or a 5N with triple-AC2 going around 90 km/h (probably tweaked) is a very threatening fire-supporter, but they're rather easy to kill.

[One Medic Army]

First off, all dragons should run with an XL engine, given how absolutely tiny the side torsos are and how giant the CT is.
Secondly, as far as I'm concerned if you're not at least using a 325xl (preferably a 350) you'd be better off in a Cataphract, with more firepower and better hardpoints for a very small reduction in speed.

As far as hardpoints go, the ballistic arms can be tricky to use especially when you're close to your target (100m or less, both moving) with how wide they are and how convergence is handled.
The torso energy (and Flame's ballistic) hardpoints are placed high and near centerline, perfect for projectile weapons and sniping.

Personally I make sure my Dragons have a decent amount of rear armor, since piloting a Dragon is about strike and fade, so expect to get your back shot while you're repositioning.

Edited by One Medic Army, 01 April 2013 - 12:44 AM.

[SchwarzerPeter]

The Dragon is a nice mech, but they are also verry expesive. You need a XL engine in there to use all the hardpoints and remain the high speed. This isn´t a problem though, because the CT is pretty big and the RT/LT small and hard to hit.
The arms are big, so you can torso twist to protect the CT.

I have a C1 with an XL 300 in this loadout: DRG-1C
Mostly people run with a Gaus, but for me it fires to slow and sound like a BB Gun.

But yes, the Dragon drives almost like a Hutchback at full speed: You can take some hits, have a good weapon loadout and can fade in and out. But also must protect the precious parts of your mech ( hutch / CT)

[Solomon Ward]

Dragons, Awesomes and the new family member the Jagermechs all have a Torso with the size of a footballfield.

Some people still excel in them.(I don´t)

Do you have fun in your Dragon?
That is the most important question.

My prefered mechs are considered bad.
That doesn´t stop me from playing them.

Edited by Solomon Ward, 01 April 2013 - 05:09 AM.

[John MatriX82]

Dragons need ENDO, DHS, XL engines (300 or more rating) and learn to use them as strikers/harassers.

Unfortunately the SRM fix has reduced their effectiveness (I rely a lot on the SRM6 or dual SRM4 in my 1N), ballistics is always used and houses a GR. Anything else is a peanut shooter in my books.

In the end they play as big and as fast mediums.

[NRP]

If the 1C is still on sale, start with it. You can make it into a fast Gauss/PPC sniper, which is useful on the larger maps.

I own the Flame and Fang. I really like them both.

[Lyoncet]

I've had good experiences with the 1C mounting a 300 XL, 2 ERPPC, and MLAS + SRM as backup. My Flame builds that make good use of the speed and articulation of a 350 XL are my best mechs in kills/deaths and wins/losses. And of course Flame with 350 XL, 4 MLAS, and Gauss are deadly at any distance with the speed to dictate the range and pace of most it's engagements. So those are easy recommendations.

Most people would tell you to go 1N as your third variant on top of those two. The second CT missile hardpoint is better than the 5N's questionable third ballistics slot. But hear me out. I think the 5N would fit you personally better. Why? Because while the second missile point is nice, you trade energy hardpoint placement for it, getting one left torso and one left arm instead of two left arm. AND (this is the important part) if you want to run around with 2 missiles, 2 lasers, and 2 ballistics hardpoints with a fast XL engine, your current CN9-D already fills that role. And does it on a smaller frame with more crit slots for missiles, and without the convergence issues. If you already run a 9-D and are investing in some Dragons, I just really can't see the 1N filling any role in your roster of 'Mechs.

That's just me though. Most will tell you to go 1N.