9 replies to this topic

[ClanLoyalist]

It's been since MW4: Vengence was released since i last played a MW game (couldnt do online, crappy connection back then T_T ) and was wondering what weapons any of you could suggest for a catapult user for close-range power and reliability as i know i will be throughly screwed if im caught in a close-up battle

thanks in advance!

[Koniving]

ClanLoyalist, on 24 June 2013 - 05:03 PM, said:

thanks in advance!

SRMs or streaks (if C1 then just SRMs). Can go with mediums, smalls, but if you're wanting close range fun I'd suggest Large Pulse.

In general pulse lasers deal damage faster than others.



More in the spoilers.

Spoiler

Small lasers can be effective but you have to be far too close to use them.


Sometimes it's a good idea to remain in high places.


In general lights will be the bane of your existence.


Know what I mean?


Chase camera! Camera Commando records my C1 Catapult.

Shots by Lordred. In every image is a Koniving (Commando, many of the Catapults, small laser C4 catapult in the multi-pult image).

Edited by Koniving, 24 June 2013 - 07:03 PM.

[Kanajashi]

Welcome to the game/forums!

For close range fire power you can do SRMs, Streaks for missile slots. Various laser sizes for energy slot and (Only on the CPLT-K2) whatever autocannons in the ballistic slots. Any of those should cover you for close range power/defense.

A great site to check out is http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/mechlab where you can design you mech designs before having to buy anything in-game.

Here are a few builds I threw together.

CPLT-C1 - 2x LRM15s for a long range hit, then 4 medium lasers to protect yourself at close range
http://mwo.smurfy-ne...9e69108deff91ca

CPLT-A1 - 6x SSRM2s, the infamous streak cat. It is a real one trick pony with only being able to hit within 270 meters, however it is amazing at cleaning up lights and mediums.
http://mwo.smurfy-ne...ad0dbe5152caf95

CPLT-A1 - 6x SRM6s, the Splatcat. shooting out 36 SRMs at once its has a alpha that hits like a truck (although it has been nerfed from what it used to be). Again its locked to a max range of 270m but on city maps it can do some serious damage when you manage to flank the enemy.
http://mwo.smurfy-ne...53167d5ba42aaea

CPLT-A1 - 2x LRM15s, 4xSSRM2s. A more balanced A1 build that doesn't just boat one weapon type. Use the LRMs as the main attack and scare away lights with the SSRMs and BAP combo.
http://mwo.smurfy-ne...a9cf2283b50921b

CPLT-K2 - 4x Large Lasers. With the cooling efficiency of 50% you can shoot those lasers practically all day long I used this build to elite my Catapult K2
http://mwo.smurfy-ne...da139aefc0e8f4c

CPLT-K2 - 2x UAC5s, 4x Medium Lasers. Fun brawler build that I have been playing lately. Have to watch your trigger finger to make sure you do not jam those UACs to often.
http://mwo.smurfy-ne...a4ac1eb7f8438e4

CPLT-K2 - 2x LBX10s, 4x Medium Lasers. A pair of mech sized shotguns should handle close range fire power for ya.
http://mwo.smurfy-ne...acea72744b40a7b

No builds for the CPLT-C4 because I have never owned one and I don't like its hard points

Edited by Kanajashi, 24 June 2013 - 07:54 PM.

[Shalune]

Catapults aren't the most ideal close range mechs, but they do have a fun niche as SRM boats. Most popularly are variations of the A1 using streak SRMs or SRM6s. You can also vary things a lot on the C1 by mixing in a variety of energy weapons. The K2 is also an option if you like ballistics, but if you're used to MW4 you probably remember and like the Catapult for its missile boxes.

I'll warn you right now that the current metagame, especially in PUGs, is centered around pinpoint burst damage from PPCs, AC20s, and Gauss. Since Catapults have very prominent center torsos this makes it very dangerous. So make sure you take advantage of the Catapult's ability to twist left and right farther. You can put an undamaged part of yourself towards the enemy to force them to shoot into it instead of clear center torso volleys. It also means you can track targets circling you better. If you're not using the K2 I would also strongly recommend 1-2 jump jets as they add a lot of utility and can even be used to help dodge sniping fire at medium to long range.

[scJazz]

I drive this Catapult A1 a lot. A whole frickin lot.

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...7f6e861804aa281

Similar to Kanajashi's but better

Includes Artemis which is not just nice but Critical. Includes AMS, moves all ammo into spots that aren't so bloody dangerous, slightly slower, stacks all equipment in RT for max possible crit saving. It doesn't run hot until I'm slamming out multiple full Alphas but with range issues that is never really a problem. Not putting an AMS on a Catapult missile boat is an invitation to disaster btw. The huge CT invites LRM death.

24 salvos LRM
25 salvos SSRM

You can cheat out 2 more tons of ammo by cheating on armor (legs 18 pts and then a few here and there everywhere) and dropping 1 JJ with no real change in combat effectiveness. If you do put all the ammo in RT along with everything else to minimize ammo crit chance.

Edited by scJazz, 25 June 2013 - 05:10 AM.

[Giant Bob]

I recommend Streaks with your LRMs. I have an A1 with nothing but missle hard points. When those suckers see my LRM trail they aren't thinking Streaks, and walk right into it. You can see the panic as they look for cover, but they're too close, and it's too late. It's almost like the LRM's are a glow-worm being used as bait, to lure the unwary nearer, and nearer...GOTCHA!

edit: Helmstif is exactly right about not being brawlers, but an A1 has to have something to defend with when they come after you. I recommend 3 Streak missle launchers minimum, 4 better but u sacrifice armor, sinks, engine, or ammo load if u go more. i'd rather dribble them to death with 10&5 per salvo from a safe distance, relying on AMS, but if a light comes after me, I have a good chance of making him cry for his momma.

Edited by Giant Bob, 26 June 2013 - 12:13 AM.

[POOTYTANGASAUR]

Koniving, on 24 June 2013 - 07:02 PM, said:

SRMs or streaks (if C1 then just SRMs). Can go with mediums, smalls, but if you're wanting close range fun I'd suggest Large Pulse.

In general pulse lasers deal damage faster than others.



More in the spoilers.

Spoiler

Small lasers can be effective but you have to be far too close to use them.


Sometimes it's a good idea to remain in high places.


In general lights will be the bane of your existence.


Know what I mean?


Chase camera! Camera Commando records my C1 Catapult.

Shots by Lordred. In every image is a Koniving (Commando, many of the Catapults, small laser C4 catapult in the multi-pult image).

Why always the image spam? I mean they are nice pics but each of the things you post on you are like "yeah lrms are a bit strong.... here are these awesome pics by lordred" Its like why? Sometimes they can help the point but others its just spam dude.

[Koniving]

POOTYTANGASAUR, on 25 June 2013 - 10:10 PM, said:

Why always the image spam? I mean they are nice pics but each of the things you post on you are like "yeah lrms are a bit strong.... here are these awesome pics by lordred" Its like why? Sometimes they can help the point but others its just spam dude.

Because: reasons. o.o;

[Hex Pallett]

It depends on which Catapult you're piloting. You could easily make a A1 6xSRM6/SRM4 uberbrawler, but the rest variants are not best for brawling.

[Edustaja]

Catapults are better when you have some longer range weapons like Large Lasers.
C1 used to be good with 2 MLas, 2 LLas and 2 SRM6 with artemis.
K2 Is pretty bad donkey with 2 AC10 + 4 MLas.

I wouldn't drive a streakcat or srmcat these days.

Edited by Edustaja, 26 June 2013 - 02:10 AM.