20 replies to this topic

[MysteryNotes]

As in title.
I'm a new player to mechwarrior, and i would like advice on what medium mech to pick.

I spent most of my cadet bonus on Centurions but don't really like how vulnerable the arm is.
After managing to scrape together 4.5mil Cbills, i can afford a Shadow hawk or a Griffin.

I'm looking for a mobile, fast mech that can deal with lights and still not do too badly with heavy mechs(I don't plan on standing and trading hits with them, hit and run most likely).

What would you guys suggest i go with?
Or is there a better option than the Shadowhawk or Griffin?

Advice would be very much appreciated!
(*edit* I also have that founder atlas i got with the pack a while back, should i simply use that instead?)

Edited by MysteryNotes, 21 February 2014 - 01:53 AM.

[RushOutlaw]

Shadowhawk is my pick, nice and tough and with an AC20 packs a punch!

Run a standard engine for extra survivability and put in a few MLs

Perfect.

[Inflatable Fish]

wouldn't recommend an Atlas to a fresh player, unless you're real patient and can deal with the frustration of learning to efficiently pilot a slow-ass assault mech.

out of the two mediums you mentioned, the Shadow Hawk is the more versatile platform and has been in high regard since it came out. pick the 2H if you want to focus more on ballistics, the 2D2 if you prefer missiles (it's the go-to light killer SHD variant.)

sample build:

SHD-2H

this is the one I'm using, it's served me well on many occasions. can't really help with a specific 2D2 build, I'm not that fond of relying on scores of streaks, someone will certainly know more about that variant.

[LiGhtningFF13]

Centurions are always a good choise. Also take Hunchbacks and Shadowhawks, speed and mobility are the key!

[Denolven]

For a newbie I would recommend the Shadowhawk or the Trebuchet. The Griffin might work too, but the hardpoint distribution is a bit tricky. Shadowhawk is without a doubt the most flexible one, so in case you ever want to do something other than hunting lights, you will always find other builds with the hawk.

Griffin and Hawk are both 55 tons, thus are a bit less agile but a bit more armored than the Trebuchet. However, I 've found that I like the way the Trebuchet moves more - it has a different feel. Shadowhawk always has this torso-heavy weaponry, while Trebuchet is mostly arm weaponry and allows better aiming. So more agility + better aiming = better skirmisher, which is the way I use it. (Shadowhawk fills the mid/long range role imho)

My favourite is the Trebuchet 5J. I use ALRM15 for those situations when direct confrontation is not wise, or simply as additional firepower at 200-400m. The lasers have proven to be enough to scare lights away, although an additional streak will certainly help if you want to focus on lights a bit more. The 7M can mount more streaks and less lasers (you can use LL). However, the additional punch of a focused LRM15 while skirmishing is quite nice.

Pro tipp: always use a BAP to counter those pesky ECM lights.

Edited by Denolven, 21 February 2014 - 05:00 AM.

[Mighty Spike]

Centurions are really hard to kill..they deal damage without Arms and legs....
My starter Mech was the Hunchback SP, give him a try. Good punch with good speed with STD Engine..260 = 92 km/H + 4med laser and 2 srm6

[Aluminumfoiled]

MysteryNotes, on 21 February 2014 - 01:42 AM, said:

Or is there a better option than the Shadowhawk or Griffin?


(*edit* I also have that founder atlas i got with the pack a while back, should i simply use that instead?)

Shadowhawk is hard to beat in the medium class. Go fast in mediums is my rule and the jump jet Shadowhawk will do it with good hitboxes. Some of my mediums need an XL engine to work but check around before you put in a XL in SHD's, if it's worth the risk. STD 275 stock is fine to get you going. Hesitate to suggest any other medium for a first mech.

The Atlas. Like all assaults they need some major cBills to get them there IMO. I'm more of a go fast pilot like you and the Atlas is painfully slow. You need to read far ahead and slowly go there , leading a push is a rush when the team follows. Use it grind some $$ maybe while you decide.

This is my preview tool when getting ready to buy. Q&A too. http://www.twitch.tv...arrior%20Online
Close to 24/7 casts now.

edit: XL for light hunting likely needed. Add ~ 4.5-5.5 million.

Edited by MicroVent, 21 February 2014 - 06:04 AM.

[MysteryNotes]

Thanks for all the replies guys, i've been trying out my founders hunchback as well, and find it fairly nice to play with.

I think i will also buy a shadow hawk as well, it seems like alot of fun.

If i pick the SHD-2H for ballistics, will it also be able to deal with lights decently?

Im worried that if i go with the 2D2 i won't be able to do squat to heavier mechs

*Edit*
Just noticed the 2H has 3 Ballistics, 1 energy and Missiles, and the 2D2 has 4 Missiles and 1 ballistic with 2 energies.

So if i do decide to switch between ballistics and missiles, the 2h would probably be a better choice, right?

Edited by MysteryNotes, 21 February 2014 - 04:50 AM.

[Denolven]

MysteryNotes, on 21 February 2014 - 04:45 AM, said:

Im worried that if i go with the 2D2 i won't be able to do squat to heavier mechs

Don't underestimate focused LRM fire. I play the 2D2 with 2x streak, 2x ALRM10 and 2x ML, and dealing damage to heavies has not been a problem so far. You can use your speed to control the range, and at 200-250m all weapons work. The fast fired LRM with Artemis rip bigger holes than you think.
I use it with a skirmishing style. While I like the Trebuchet slightly more because of the better mobility, the Hawk certainly has all you need. And as long as you don't need 3 ballistic hardpoints, there's no need to use the Hawk 2H in particular.

[MysteryNotes]

Denolven, on 21 February 2014 - 05:08 AM, said:

Don't underestimate focused LRM fire. I play the 2D2 with 2x streak, 2x ALRM10 and 2x ML, and dealing damage to heavies has not been a problem so far. You can use your speed to control the range, and at 200-250m all weapons work. The fast fired LRM with Artemis rip bigger holes than you think.
I use it with a skirmishing style. While I like the Trebuchet slightly more because of the better mobility, the Hawk certainly has all you need. And as long as you don't need 3 ballistic hardpoints, there's no need to use the Hawk 2H in particular.

Okay then, i will get the the 2D2 then, after all i can go buy the 2H as well later on =]
Meanwhile, ill go look for some builds.

Does anyone have any they would like to recommend?

Edited by MysteryNotes, 21 February 2014 - 05:20 AM.

[Arcadies]

MysteryNotes, on 21 February 2014 - 05:20 AM, said:

Okay then, i will get the the 2D2 then, after all i can go buy the 2H as well later on =]
Meanwhile, ill go look for some builds.

Does anyone have any they would like to recommend?

I suggest you reconsider starting another chassis before mastering the ones you have.

As a legendary founder, you have a Jenner, a Hunchback, a Catapult, and an Atlas. I strongly recommend mastering those specific chassis as you have a strong lead with the Founders variants and their 25% cbill bonus.

[M4NTiC0R3X]

Have you mastered the four mechs that came w/ your founders package? Errr.. That should give you a good idea of what to go for

[Dawnstealer]

Any of the 55 tonners are fun. The Shawk is more of a brawler, the other two work best as Light-hunters (or at least those were the builds I personally had the most success and fun with). Centurion's still a real survivable mech, too.

[MysteryNotes]

Arcadies, on 21 February 2014 - 05:36 AM, said:

I suggest you reconsider starting another chassis before mastering the ones you have.

As a legendary founder, you have a Jenner, a Hunchback, a Catapult, and an Atlas. I strongly recommend mastering those specific chassis as you have a strong lead with the Founders variants and their 25% cbill bonus.

M4NTiC0R3X, on 21 February 2014 - 05:50 AM, said:

Have you mastered the four mechs that came w/ your founders package? Errr.. That should give you a good idea of what to go for

Dawnstealer, on 21 February 2014 - 06:04 AM, said:

Any of the 55 tonners are fun. The Shawk is more of a brawler, the other two work best as Light-hunters (or at least those were the builds I personally had the most success and fun with). Centurion's still a real survivable mech, too.

Well, i managed to somehow screw up my founders catapult, the jenner feels weird and the only one i like is the hunchback.
The atlas im staying away from because its too slow for my liking.

I do have a firebrand and yen lo wang that i bought with my founders MC though.
Maxed the yen lo wang but havent enough cash for more jaegers, and i want the DD.

So i figured i'd get a medium mech to play and have fun in while earning cash.

[Xeno Phalcon]

Shawk offers the most flexibility overall, while the griffin is nice too (and has a better cockpit) but has less weapon options (No ballistics on any of them). Unfortunately both of these are victims of PGI's dirtier cbill sink: XL variants AND having only three regular variants meaning you HAVE to buy the super pricey models to master your machine.

(Notably the Centurion also has this problem)

[Jody Von Jedi]

If your new to the game, how did you end up with a Founders package? I'd love to have that Legendary Founder Badge next to my name. I only started playing last spring.

On your choice of what to pick next, since you like the Hunchbacks, I'd recommend another medium. I've mastered Hunchbacks, Blackjacks, Centurions, and Trebuchets in the medium chassis. I really like the Blackjacks. If you prefer energy hardpoints, go for the 1X. Or if you prefer a mix of energy ballistic, go for either the 1DC or 1.

If you prefer missile based weapons, I'd recommend Trebuchets. The 3C is blazing fast with a 390XL engine. The 7k is the only variant with all 3 harppoint types.

Most of all, have fun and enjoy the game!

Jody

[MysteryNotes]

Jody Von Jedi, on 21 February 2014 - 10:02 AM, said:

If your new to the game, how did you end up with a Founders package? I'd love to have that Legendary Founder Badge next to my name. I only started playing last spring.

On your choice of what to pick next, since you like the Hunchbacks, I'd recommend another medium. I've mastered Hunchbacks, Blackjacks, Centurions, and Trebuchets in the medium chassis. I really like the Blackjacks. If you prefer energy hardpoints, go for the 1X. Or if you prefer a mix of energy ballistic, go for either the 1DC or 1.

If you prefer missile based weapons, I'd recommend Trebuchets. The 3C is blazing fast with a 390XL engine. The 7k is the only variant with all 3 harppoint types.

Most of all, have fun and enjoy the game!

Jody

Simple, i bought the founder's package when it was still in closed beta and never touched the game since.
I just got the Shadowhawk earlier and i'm broke now
Will work on getting endo steel and double heat sinks for my mechs before i think about buying more mechs, also i'm running out of mech bay slots, heh.

Only mechs ill buy til i finish my shopping list is the ilya, dragon slayer and heavy metal if they go on sale

[Jody Von Jedi]

MysteryNotes, on 21 February 2014 - 10:45 AM, said:

Only mechs ill buy til i finish my shopping list is the ilya, dragon slayer and heavy metal if they go on sale

Thanks for the explanation. That's what I figured, but wasn't sure. If there was a way to still get a Founders package, I was all in.

I bought the ILYA last week, or was it 2 weeks ago, on sale for 50% off. It's the only Hero mech I own too.

Jody

[MysteryNotes]

So i just woke up and noticed the CN9-A© promotion, and i already have one.
I've only mastered the Basics, but would you recommend selling my current normal CN9-A and train up the champ version instead when i get it?
Considering it has DHS, Endo and Artemis already that would save me alot of Cbills upgrading it.
I know its not that expensive but i don't exactly earn money that fast
(I know most people don't advise selling mechs, but in this case im getting a better replacement for free, anyway)

*Edit*
Just won 5 games but no Centurion. Is there something i need to do to get it?

Edited by MysteryNotes, 21 February 2014 - 09:22 PM.

[oldradagast]

Sometimes the game takes a bit to refresh when you win a challenge. At times, logging out and logging back in might work, or exiting the client and re-entering it. I got my Centurion, too - nice mech, really, even if it is on the old and forgotten side.

I'd keep the Champion version. It gets a bonus of some sort (experience, I think) and comes with all the goodies - endo, ferro, DHS, etc. If you have not already spent money upgrading the non-champion version of the same mech, sell the non-champion version once you get the Champion and go on. You'll save money and get the champion bonus.

This is about the only time selling a mech is worth it since the champion is the exact same thing, only better - it gets a bonus and comes with lots of upgrades.