6 replies to this topic

[Ignatz22]

Sirs;

I've been playing a few months now and just wanted to share something I learned the HARD WAY with those just joining the game and thinking about getting their first mech. I strongly playing with the trial mechs long enough for the variety to change a couple of times so you get a better idea of the type you're comfortable with. Once you decide whether you appreciate speed, long-lasting armor or intimidating firepower and what mix suits you, heed a couple of notions;

1. Watch the obvious teams and 4 man units you play against. See at the end of the game what mechs they're fielding. There are some mechs and variants that don't seem to work at all in more competitive team play, and since this is primarily a team game, you want to make your first purchases ones you will find accepted in the team you join.

Specifically Commandos aren't in favor now. Jenners may have a role if the speed cap comes off and BAP changes are implemented, but not yet. Hold off for now. If you're a light aficionado, the Raven 3l is still the preferred chassis. Spiders can do well but it's better to have that 3L handy.

Mediums are usually Centurion A and D models. They're fast, durable and can substitute as scouts if needed. Trebuchets are acceptable but not as durable, though the Jump Jets are an advantage if you work well in them.

Heavies are Cataphract 3D with Jump Jets preferred territory. Dragons may find a home if the collision comes back, but until then Cataphracts are heavier, better armed and can do well in long range sniping as well as hold their own in a brawl if they stay on the outside.

Assaults used to be the AS7D-DC's realm, but the Highlanders with Jets and reasonable armor are seeing more gameplay. The Awesome is too easy to take down because of its torso, and the Stalkers though impressive are better suited for a support role with their limited torso twist.

2. Understand that in many groups they will tolerate divergence but only within limits. It's better to talk or watch for the mechs that teams are using than join with a barrage full of mechs they won't want I know. I have quite a few mechs and variants I would sell but I can't trust the changes PGI envisions before the Big Game won't make them viable in the future.

3. Check the forums for build advice, but DON'T SELLANYTHING until you join your group!
You never know what you'll need!

Best of Luck!

-Ignatz22

Edited by Ignatz22, 15 May 2013 - 04:47 PM.

[Leartes]

I'm a pretty new player and I didn't follow that route - and I wouldn't follow it if I were to start again. So far trial mech have not changed over but I have earned enough money to buy and fully customize 2 mech so far. Why shouldn't I get at least 1 right now? If I play until I have seen 8 or 12 trial mech I will have tons of money - probably more than I can fit in my mech bay. Also I will play for weeks with bad mech and without the pilot upgrades. This makes me lose a lot and quite the game.

I'd say, think a lot on what seems fun to you and is recommended as solid mech here in the forum. I started out with a hunchback-sp. It is fun to pilot, I learn a lot using it and I have much better results than in a trial mech. e.g. as long as I played trial mech I never topped 120 damage. Then I got my own mech, customized it and I got consistently above 200 damage right away in my first games piloting the thing. That is just more fun.
Maybe I won't stick with him in the long run, I have maxed out basic by now and I don't see myself getting 2 more hunchback right away. Regardless, I don't think it is wasted money to buy a mech that is not top tier in competitive play. You don't have high level skills anyway ... work on your skills first and then decide if you need one specific mech to be competitive.

Now, what I think new players need is a sticky with suggestions on what mech to get for which role. e.g. "you want to learn the arts of light mech? get this or that mech - and maybe run this build" ... all packed into one post so that you can easily point people there. At least I'd be super happy with that

[Dalziel Hasek Davion]

I think it's more important for new players to understand the following:

1. For the first block of matches, they are receiving a Cadet Bonus that gives them bonus CBills (up to a total of around 8m cbills after 25 matches), and that after that point, generating money is much slower per match. You can click on the tab in the match results screen to swap from team score, to individual player score, and this shows you the exact scale of the cadet bonus you have received for that match.

2. If you swap weapons, add upgrades, buy new engines, add endo-steel and (without thinking) ferro fibrous armour, without planning, this can cost a huge amount of cash. There are many online tools, like Smurfy's MechLab, where you can tinker without spending CBills and you can then tweak your 'Mech with confidence.

3. In order to maximise a 'Mech's effectiveness, you will want to purchase three of the same chassis (different variants) and build up XP with each chassis to buy your piloting skills up.

4. Buying Premium Time with MC (real money) increases your CBill generation for a period of time. This is most valuable if you combine it with the cadet bonus if you can decide quickly enough that this game is going to be for you - or even with a Hero 'Mech (although opinions vary about which Hero 'Mechs are effective at CBill generation - learning players may have more impact with heavier chassis - Misery, Heavy Metal or Ilya Muromets - rather than Lights).

The combination of the lack of sign-posting about the cadet bonus leads new players to misplaced confidence about how quickly they can recoup money spent on customisation and will lead some to make rash initial investments in 'Mechs and equipment that ultimately fall short of enjoyment.

I hope this will be fixed prior to launch by a proper tutorial/new player guide. I would suggest that new players use trial 'Mechs and save up their CBills until the cadet bonus is finished, visit forums and to get an idea of the kind of chassis they might like, use 'Mechlab to plan their tweaking and then buy with a plan.

[Frantic 0]

If a friend is about to play their first matches, consider this tactic to help them out. Take a Jager with ac20s (or similar). Run around and aim only at legs, and shoot only at still armoured parts. Relay information on where the easy kills are. Block other teammates with your body. Hilarious! :-D

[JMech]

Dalziel Hasek Davion, on 16 May 2013 - 07:33 AM, said:

The combination of the lack of sign-posting about the cadet bonus leads new players to misplaced confidence about how quickly they can recoup money spent on customisation and will lead some to make rash initial investments in 'Mechs and equipment that ultimately fall short of enjoyment.

Yep that was my mistake. All I had after the cadet bonus was a Jenner which I ended up not liking and a fancy paint job. Since then I have been struggling to earn C-Bills. Damn you deceptive cadet bonus!
I get why they have it, its nice to have for new players. The problem is if you don't visit the right parts of the forum you are left unaware. Well that's what I get for joining when the game is still in the Beta stage.

[Cimarb]

Dalziel Hasek Davion, on 16 May 2013 - 07:33 AM, said:

The combination of the lack of sign-posting about the cadet bonus leads new players to misplaced confidence about how quickly they can recoup money spent on customisation and will lead some to make rash initial investments in 'Mechs and equipment that ultimately fall short of enjoyment.

I hope this will be fixed prior to launch by a proper tutorial/new player guide. I would suggest that new players use trial 'Mechs and save up their CBills until the cadet bonus is finished, visit forums and to get an idea of the kind of chassis they might like, use 'Mechlab to plan their tweaking and then buy with a plan.

^ this x 1000000000000000000

[scJazz]

JMech, on 17 May 2013 - 01:39 AM, said:

Yep that was my mistake. All I had after the cadet bonus was a Jenner which I ended up not liking and a fancy paint job. Since then I have been struggling to earn C-Bills. Damn you deceptive cadet bonus!
I get why they have it, its nice to have for new players. The problem is if you don't visit the right parts of the forum you are left unaware. Well that's what I get for joining when the game is still in the Beta stage.

Important part bolded! I almost went complete emorage when I discovered this having done exactly the stupid newb thing goofing with CBills. But then I was all like ohhhhh yeah BETA!