8 replies to this topic

[RocketmanZero]

Just finished the assault challenge in my 3L and I've been using the UAV consumable a lot. I find it to be a very effective way to expose entrenched enemy positions to my LRM boats or just make my pug teammates aware of where the enemy is without cycling through my locks.

As a scout this is a great since I don't have to sit still and spot or hang behind enemy groups for too long. I can run up behind the enemies, pop my UAV, run away, and help fend off any lights or base capers that might be around.

Do you guys have any UAV success stories or strategies that have helped you?

Edited by RocketmanZero, 14 June 2013 - 10:27 AM.

[Lt David Barns]

Was pugging in a stalker with mixed LRM/Laser loadout and had the misfortune of playing against a team that not only had 3 or 4 ECM mechs, but also stayed close together the whole time. Holding a TAG-lock long enough was quite dangerous and I had practically resigned myself to run on half of my weaponry for that match, when suddenly one commando from our side does a zigzagging charge right into the enemy group.
Not only did he manage to cause quite a bit of confusion, but he fired of an UAV right in the center of the group. Next thing I know a hail of LRMs rains down on the enemy team - apparently I wasn't the only one who hadn't been able to use their missiles efectively before. I don't know anymore how exactly that match played out, but the UAV certainly prevented it from being a one-sided stomp.

Edited by Lt David Barns, 14 June 2013 - 11:06 AM.

[hammerreborn]

The problem with the UAV is that it's a consumable being used by the class that earns the least amount of rewards, and in order to use it have to pretty much sacrifice itself.

That being said, I love the damn thing. The amount of "WHY LRMS HIT ME I HAVE ECM" QQ in match as you watch atlases explode is nearly as delicious as cap tears.

[InRev]

UAV and Seismic can be fun.

Step 1) Stand on one side of a ridge
Step 2) See a poopload of seismic sigs on the other side
Step 3) Pop UAV
Step 4) Laugh as LRM boats rain hell upon their heads.

It's situational but rewarding when it works.

[RocketmanZero]

hammerreborn, on 14 June 2013 - 11:08 AM, said:

The problem with the UAV is that it's a consumable being used by the class that earns the least amount of rewards, and in order to use it have to pretty much sacrifice itself.

That being said, I love the damn thing. The amount of "WHY LRMS HIT ME I HAVE ECM" QQ in match as you watch atlases explode is nearly as delicious as cap tears.

I think they're in the works for giving spotter bonuses to whoever deployed the UAV when its used for a lock. Also I totally agree that although they make scouting way more effective and its a great tool in the box, at 40k cbills assuming you use it every match it can dent your income if not using a hero or premium time. I think giving 25-50% bonuses to scouts would kinda even the playing field with regards to income IMHO but I'm not sure it addresses the main problem of scouts not having enough mechanics in the game to also be rewarded for their role in information/electronic warfare.

If I tell my lance of assaults not to go to C4 but flank wide right into C6 where there's cover from LRMs, or that there are 3 lights on seismic heading for them, its the Altas making the kills that gets all the cbills and xp, not me for providing that inlet. I get how that works but I think PGI has a unique opportunity to reward scouts for their specialized roles in combat instead of just big stompy robots rubbing their alpha-bits against each other until the other one falls over. That's why the UAV consumable gets me excited because of how versatile is makes scouts and how they can be rewarded for that usage.

Edited by RocketmanZero, 14 June 2013 - 11:20 AM.

[Captain Stern]

Yes, but by making it a consumable, I NEVER want to use it ! Tough enough to need EP to gain access to seismic, but JUST SPEND MONEY is not a way to build in a role for scouts...an already undervalued role

[Victor Morson]

I love the UAV, and think it's massively undervalued for team play. In particular in 8-mans where people stay closer together. If you get people on seismic and pop it, it's great for picking up targets in the area.

I also like to carry one in with the main body because if the enemy is ready to push on them or they get into a fight in the city, a UAV can be a game changer.

Captain Stern, on 14 June 2013 - 03:56 PM, said:

Yes, but by making it a consumable, I NEVER want to use it ! Tough enough to need EP to gain access to seismic, but JUST SPEND MONEY is not a way to build in a role for scouts...an already undervalued role

It's 40,000 cbills. That's hardly bad.

[Johnny Reb]

Interesting tactic will have to try, just not ready to spend gxp for upgrade and never mc.

edit: will try this with my scout Cent-D in 8 man, its so heat efficient just will replace the 360 targeting for it.

Edited by Johnny Reb, 14 June 2013 - 11:17 PM.

[Fred013]

expensive but fun. RVN-3L mastered with 4 UAVs.