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This is a guide on how to be an ambusher on the Locust-3M. You'll need as much speed as you can muster (XL190), and as much dps as you can to bear (5 Medium Lasers). But not just that, to be a true ambusher you also need map awareness, and guts.
At the beginning of the match, you'll be the first to lead your group. Without jumpjets you'll need to be familiar with map layouts on how to climb cliffs and terrain efficiently. Canyon maps provide good exercise on how to maneuver through MWO's climb slopes. At the beginning your main goal is to find the bulk of the enemy team, either through your sensors, or your eyes if you can see mechs but can't target them. Usually this indicates ECM activity. Try to stay your distance and flee if enemy lights do engage, unless you've gone on their blind spot and are far enough away from the enemy main force! From here try to dodge around the mob and make sure to keep an eye out for your own blind spots. You want to have an escape route to your friendlies if the need arises.
Once in enemy territory, continue to scout, avoiding any capture points if possible. Those give your position away, and puts you at a severe disadvantage. As an ambusher, capping is not your priority. Attempt to find isolated enemies moving in straightlines towards destinations, or out of the line of sight of the enemy. Compare your own cone of view and radar with the direction the enemy is facing. If the enemy looks at you and starts firing, you've done it wrong, reposition yourself and try again. If they do spot you, enemies may be alerted to your prescence and you'll find it a bit more difficult to find an opening. You may find disengaging and finding another set of enemies may be better suited.
Always try to aim for the enemy rear. About 2 salvos of 5 ML will strip the armor, and 3 salvos in non heated maps will bring most medium+ mechs to orange. If at this point the pilot is unaware, wait for a moment to disapate heat, and shoot another salvo, or if you're smarter than me, shoot 2-3 ML to finish the mech off. If after the first and second salvo the mech does turn for whatever reason, you can choose to circle the mech and attempt to finish it off, or hit full throttle and evade; you've brought the CT internals down. This usually causes a loss of morale to the enemy player, and a boost of morale to friendlies, who love to hit those colorful internals. You may at discretion attempt to kill a torso if you are pressed for safety and need to dismember a dangerous weapon like an AC20 or 2/3 SRM6s, etc.
If you can't aim for the enemy rear, aim, blindside the enemy and damage near outside the cone of vision. People have a tendency to focus on one thing, and the less chance its you, the better.
When dealing with lights, always attempt to avoid multiple lights, as they can quickly shred a locust if their fire is coordinated and focused. Your best bet at that point is to retreat to your friendlies and blend in. With single lights, attempt to attack from their blind spot. Given enough efficiencies you should be able to outrun and outcorner a light, in a way that makes it difficult for them to attack you.
Medium lasers offer the most flexibility in terms of range, heat, and damage. Being at 270 optimum range you can snipe from behind, although you may close in to get a sure shot. You can still focus fire beyond that range and makes good sense when the focus is off you, and you have a good hiding spot.
Mid game, always minimize the amount of time enemies see you, and prioritize hitting weakpoints to cripple or damage mechs already damaged. Always be at a range advantage: close to lrm boats, close moving to medium range for brawlers. Use your own discretion on how to avoid AC20,PPC, and Gauss shots.
Don't neglect team mates, as they are good meat fodder, minimize your risk, and can even help net you kills and assists.
End game: attempt to find the enemies blind spot, prioritize weakpoints, etc.
In terms of armor, reduce head armor to 1 and stick it in legs first, followed by torsos, then arms. Unlike a few others who can use the Locust without armor, you don't need to sacrifice that much to be a decent ambusher.
Further points of interest: Using airstrikes wile e coyote style from behind.
As always, feedback and experiences are always appreciated.
Edited by Dominoran, 09 November 2013 - 10:11 PM.
