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Good Beginner Mech?


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#1 Slorch

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Posted 28 June 2013 - 08:50 PM

so are the ctf mechs good for a beginner?

#2 Hammerfinn

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Posted 28 June 2013 - 09:05 PM

CTF mechs are big, heavy-hitting, and if built right can be devastating.

They can be difficult to play because their side-torsos (especially the "gun" torso) is really easy to hit.

Several of the variants also make for merely an ok beginner mech--

The 3D is solid, but costs a LOT because of the XL engine.

The 1X is a good mech. If you really want to do phracts, I'd start with this guy. Load him up on MLas and an AC20, add double heatsinks, and prepare to melt faces in close. You can run decent mixed-range builds on a 1X as well, mixing in some LLas or PPCs, maybe even dropping the cannon altogether.

The 2X is tricky--it's the only phract with usable missile hardpoints, but they're on the arm. This guys weapons are hard to group effectively. I've seen some good builds, but I just couldn't find one that I could make work for me. Tricky, not nice for beginners.

The 4x is good at exactly one thing: dakka dakka dakka. Unfortunately, at this point, the Jagermech does it all and does it better, for the most part. Extremely low engine cap makes for an extremely slow mech. You can get some decent builds on this chassis, but it's not optimal for most of them.

The Ilya Muromets is probably the best hero mech in the game, but it can only be purchased with real money. If you want to spend actual cash dollars, go for this guy. I run mine with 2 gauss rifles and 2 MLas, and it's crazy effective midrange. But again, real money only.

In short, the 1X may be about the best beginner heavy out there, but the 3D's cost, the IM's hero status, the 2xs supbar layout, and the 4xs tiny engine all conspire to make it a bit of a beast for a beginner to master the necessary three variants.

#3 POOTYTANGASAUR

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Posted 28 June 2013 - 09:08 PM

Cataphracts are extremely good. May not reccomend them for beginners but maybe try cataphracts or centurions. Here are some good things you could run with both - http://mwo.smurfy-ne...250b1afb36628b2 , http://mwo.smurfy-ne...4a240380b1dcc19 , http://mwo.smurfy-ne...d1cfed57afb1589 , http://mwo.smurfy-ne...8b3cdaa7839490f , http://mwo.smurfy-ne...5011db43043308f , http://mwo.smurfy-ne...64947b32f3ef9c7 , http://mwo.smurfy-ne...16455f14990098e All very fun and very effective once you get used to controls.

And cheaper builds - http://mwo.smurfy-ne...f31640f19d3f8a6 , http://mwo.smurfy-ne...63f4b7c30876f8e , http://mwo.smurfy-ne...5f0589446d73167 , http://mwo.smurfy-ne...df7e2f6cc933411 , http://mwo.smurfy-ne...04cd0daf38945ce , http://mwo.smurfy-ne...ddb47cc758057e8
These builds are for you to start off and you can then build the more expensive builds when you get money. Also very sorry i was the only one to reply many times people more often reply. Any questions or need help in game friend me and reply here.

EDIT: Hammerfin the 2x is much easier to find a build for than you think. Check in my jumble of links in there there is a variant of the 5med laser 1 ac20 ctf1x modified for the 2x it is extremely fun and effective.

Edited by POOTYTANGASAUR, 28 June 2013 - 09:17 PM.


#4 Slorch

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Posted 28 June 2013 - 09:12 PM

ok so what is a good beginner mech then? been eyeing the catapulte.

#5 IraqiWalker

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Posted 28 June 2013 - 09:26 PM

Cataphracts are great mechs. the Ilya is possibly the best hero mech out there. It is definitely the best Cataphract out there. However what's most important isn't which chasis you use, what's important is knowing how to use it right. Most of the cataphract line can be used as both snipers and brawlers, with a couple as effective long range supports with LRMs and such.

My personal experience with them was escorting them into brawls, they are heavily armored, and can pack a punch, because of their low slung arms they tend to be ineffective snipers sometimes, however the 4X is equipped with jump jets and in this PPC rich meta can be devastating as a sniper. I personally prefer seeing their tonnage and durability put on the front line.

MAJOR WARNING: Do not be the first target your enemy sees.

You need to be a few steps behind the assault mechs that are leading the charge, if you utilize cover, and actually do what is called "satelliting" where you basically attach yourself to another mech, preferably an assault mech and focus fire their target with them, you will keep your assaults alive longer, take down enemy mechs faster and contribute to the over all victory of your team. I would recommend using the trial Cataphract to get a feel for the stock version. Once you figure out how to use it, then you can buy your own Cataphract and upgrade it. You will do much better in the upgraded mech of course.

#6 IraqiWalker

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Posted 28 June 2013 - 09:43 PM

View PostSlorch, on 28 June 2013 - 09:12 PM, said:

ok so what is a good beginner mech then? been eyeing the catapulte.


As far as catapults go the K2 is a good one to start with. It's very versatile and can be used in almost every role.

the A-1 is a venerable missile boat. However it tends to be dedicated to either 6LRM slots, which lights love to see and then chew you out in 10 seconds. Or the Splat Cat (uses 6 SRMs, and "splats" what's in front of it in seconds) or Streak Cat (same concept of splat but with Streaks)

In all honesty even an Atlas can be a good starter mech if it fits your style. If you haven't found a style yet, Centurion 9A, Catapult K2, Hunchback 4P and 4SP, and Cataphract4X are all good starters.

Here are my most recommended by weight class:

1-Lights have some potential. I personally am a dedicated Commando pilot. so the Commando 2D is a good one. Jenner 7D and 7F, Raven 3L, and Spider 5D.

2- Mediums are versatile all rounders and are devastating in wolf packs. I would recommend

Trebuchet 5N, and 7M. Hunchback 4P and 4SP. Centurion 9A, 9AL. (Yen-Lo-Wang Hero mech is fantastic)
BlackJack 1X if you can manage the heat issues. and BJ-1. Cicada 2A is a good one if you like piloting a heavier version of a light mech.

3- Heavy mechs that are new player friendly include:
Quickdraw 4G, and 5K. Catapult K2, A1 and C4. Jaegermech 6A. Cataphract 3D, 1X and 4X. (Ilya Muromets hero mech is one of the best hero mechs out there.). Dragon 5N (they should be played the same as a Commando light mech to be used properly, if you want to be a frontline brawler then Dragons are not a good choice for a starter).

4- Assaults are very tricky, I would not recommend them for new players because there are certain tactics needed to utilize them such as torso twisting however these ones could be considered somewhat New player friendly:

Awesome 8Q and 9M. Stalker 5M. Highlander 732. Atlas D-DC.

I will stress that new players should not play Assault class mechs, not unless they plan to be dedicated to piloting them for quite a while. They are expensive and require mastering certain tactics and nuances before played effectively.

#7 Koniving

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Posted 28 June 2013 - 09:44 PM

I agree with the above. Despite the meta (trend), Cataphracts were designed as ranged fire support mechs so speed would normally never be a big issue.

------------

The Cataphract 4x is ideal for hanging back and shooting at enemies from the front-end of the high ground or out at the end of an open field. Your targets should already be engaged with your allies and your shots should be carefully placed. Even so the 4x can tear down the average Atlas down in 6 to 10 seconds with twin UAC/5s and twin AC/2s (however the heat would most assuredly either shut you down at a crucial moment or back then flat out kill you at precisely 8 seconds).

Unlike the Jagermechs referenced earlier, the Cataphract's frame is sleek with a wide center torso and slimmer side torsos, ensuring you won't die so easily by the weak side torsos that plague both mechs. Even so the side torsos are a great weakness that must be protected. Thankfully the Cataphracts arms are broad enough to catch SRMs and even AC/20 rounds with ease, unlike the Jagermech whose arms could barely catch a laser. Also from the side the Cataphracts arms are broad and consume most of the line of sight, protecting the side torsos fairly well (it's easier to hit the center torso from the side than the side torsos are)! The jagermechs are virtually impossible to miss from the side.

It is important to note that the Cataphract 4x cannot mount PPCs.

The 4x is quite capable, and my custom build runs slower than the default. Vids.
Spoiler

---------------------
Cataphract 3D is by far the most superior of the Cataphracts. The combination of speed and firepower is difficult to match, add to that the ability to fly into the air and it's hard not to admire it. This is the only Cataphract I have never used so I can't tell you much about it except it's fun to watch it fall from the sky. Jumpjets are overrated.

---------------------

The Cataphract 1X I find is best as a speed demon. Strangely enough I usually build this up like a Hunchback 4H, Hunchback 4P, or a Dragon. High speed + medium lasers, or speed plus medium lasers plus AC/10. In the case of building it like a Dragon, I slap in the maximum sized XL engine and 5 large lasers; 3 back to back alpha strikes of 45 totals out to 135 damage when it shuts down (provided you can keep your beams focused on one spot) usually kills anything. When it starts back up (after being fully brought through the elite unlocks would be less than 2 seconds), it'll be at less than 80% heat and ready to fire again in an emergency or to run at 86.6 kph.

Whatever its intended design is for, that's what I use it for since my rear-mounted lasers fire forward (damn PGI for doing that) and its my best money maker out of 61 battlemechs. The only flaw is by the time I got the engine, the weapons, the double heatsinks, etc., it cost more than the typical Cataphract 3D build!

Build.
Spoiler

----------------------------------
The Cataphract 2X is ideal for people who can't decide what they like to do. A jack of all trades it can carry a cannon, lasers, and missiles. I'm sure at one point (and Zeprome can link it for me if you'd please) I made an awesome description of it. It's a good balance if you're indecisive.
----------------------------------
The Ilya Muromets is a "Knight" of sorts. The mech's very name comes from a Russian Knight who was renown for his insane strength among other things. (Actually if you read up on him, it's like a Russian medieval version of Chuck Norris with a beard that can put Dumbledore to shame).

It has 3 cannon slots in 3 locations, allowing for builds such as AC/20 + twin AC/10, triple LB-10x, twin Gauss + twin PPC, and more. Its trademark however is triple UAC/5.

These however are two of my three favorite builds. The third is triple AC/2 + twin PPCs.
Spoiler


All videos are mine. The screenshots are by Lordred of my mechs. For more incredible screenshots of myself and many other people (none are staged; actual combat in random matches) check out the Perfect Screenshot Thread by clicking here or roaming over in fan audio/video.

#8 Koniving

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Posted 28 June 2013 - 09:53 PM

I can't edit the post without losing the videos. :) By "above" I'm referring to Hammerfinn, and by that I'm referring to most of the info given. None of the other posts were here when I started.

I also agree with those posts that I threw likes on.

In Iraqi's case I'll agree the Muromets is one of the best, but disagree with it being the best of the hero mechs. Owning them all I can tell you in stock configuration the Pretty Baby outdoes them all in my hands, and rigged to be a brawler the Heavy Metal is a force to be trifled with that I use it to hunt and brawl face to face with ER PPC builds and win against the first one or two I get close to (usually dying by the third).

In stock, definitely the Pretty Baby.
In custom builds I must say it's a really tough decision between the Misery (which duked it out against 8 ER PPCs and a Gauss solo and damn near won, see second spoiler below) and the Heavy Metal.

But for me the Heavy Metal is the best of all the heroes to date in my opinion. We all know like mouths and rear holes, everyone has at least one of these and nothing says you have to like 'em.

I've found a build that kills so swiftly, moves the third fastest out of all the currently available assault mechs (by 0.1 KPH. It is likely this will be outdone by the Victor and Battlemaster in terms of speed), and performs so well even in the current meta I haven't changed it a bit since the release of the Misery.
Spoiler


My Misery, the build and the incredible battle that reminded me of why I love MWO and why I miss the trends of closed beta.
Spoiler


The Firebrand at the moment I consider to be a glorified BlackJack, which isn't a bad thing as AC/10s + 6 small pulse lasers can be very devastating.

Edited by Koniving, 28 June 2013 - 10:24 PM.


#9 Slorch

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Posted 28 June 2013 - 09:56 PM

View PostIraqiWalker, on 28 June 2013 - 09:43 PM, said:


As far as catapults go the K2 is a good one to start with. It's very versatile and can be used in almost every role.

the A-1 is a venerable missile boat. However it tends to be dedicated to either 6LRM slots, which lights love to see and then chew you out in 10 seconds. Or the Splat Cat (uses 6 SRMs, and "splats" what's in front of it in seconds) or Streak Cat (same concept of splat but with Streaks)

In all honesty even an Atlas can be a good starter mech if it fits your style. If you haven't found a style yet, Centurion 9A, Catapult K2, Hunchback 4P and 4SP, and Cataphract4X are all good starters.

Here are my most recommended by weight class:

1-Lights have some potential. I personally am a dedicated Commando pilot. so the Commando 2D is a good one. Jenner 7D and 7F, Raven 3L, and Spider 5D.

2- Mediums are versatile all rounders and are devastating in wolf packs. I would recommend

Trebuchet 5N, and 7M. Hunchback 4P and 4SP. Centurion 9A, 9AL. (Yen-Lo-Wang Hero mech is fantastic)
BlackJack 1X if you can manage the heat issues. and BJ-1. Cicada 2A is a good one if you like piloting a heavier version of a light mech.

3- Heavy mechs that are new player friendly include:
Quickdraw 4G, and 5K. Catapult K2, A1 and C4. Jaegermech 6A. Cataphract 3D, 1X and 4X. (Ilya Muromets hero mech is one of the best hero mechs out there.). Dragon 5N (they should be played the same as a Commando light mech to be used properly, if you want to be a frontline brawler then Dragons are not a good choice for a starter).

4- Assaults are very tricky, I would not recommend them for new players because there are certain tactics needed to utilize them such as torso twisting however these ones could be considered somewhat New player friendly:

Awesome 8Q and 9M. Stalker 5M. Highlander 732. Atlas D-DC.

I will stress that new players should not play Assault class mechs, not unless they plan to be dedicated to piloting them for quite a while. They are expensive and require mastering certain tactics and nuances before played effectively.


what about the c4?

#10 IraqiWalker

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Posted 28 June 2013 - 09:59 PM

View PostSlorch, on 28 June 2013 - 09:56 PM, said:


what about the c4?


The C4 is a good Mech, It requires a bit more finesse because it only has 2 Energy slots. However if you plan on being an LRM boat it is personally my favorite LRM boat of all the Catapult variants. Since it has a good chance of defending itself in comparison to an LRM only A-1. It also has a very good load of LRMs because it has 4 spots rather than 2 in comparison to the C1.

#11 POOTYTANGASAUR

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Posted 28 June 2013 - 10:14 PM

Cataphract 2x is your best bet it has all hardpoints and is easy to pilot and with a good build can take down any mech on the field. Also later you can get centurions they have balanced hardpoints on a smaller faster platform. Centurions are extremely good because they are cheap and can withstand massive amounts of damage i recommend you get a centurion 9al. and run this - http://mwo.smurfy-ne...5011db43043308f
Very noob friendly, fast without XL so you can run away from anything you cant kill. Also you can kill nearly any mech 1v1 but make sure when the game starts to hit "/" to open your missile bays so there is no delay firing srms.

Edited by POOTYTANGASAUR, 28 June 2013 - 10:15 PM.


#12 Hammerfinn

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Posted 28 June 2013 - 10:28 PM

I agree-- I would go with either a Cent or a Hunchie for new pilots.

My first mech (after commandos, wow that made my beginning difficult) was a C9A. Love that thing. Lets you play with all three weapon types. The C9AL is solid, and I used to run the build that pooty posted. Very effective. Problem with cents is that to master them you have to buy either the Yen Lo Wang for cashy money or drop a ton of c-bills for the D. Still my favorite mediums, tho.

The reason I might recommend hunchies is, first off, the 4SP is probably the best starter mech out there. Also, every variant (except the H and G) is utterly unique and can fill a different role--you;ve got your laserboat (4P) your ballistics load (H and G) and your missile boat (J), and your all-rounder the SP.

I'd start out with either a Centurion C9AL or a Hunchback 4SP

#13 Koniving

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Posted 28 June 2013 - 10:30 PM

View PostSlorch, on 28 June 2013 - 09:56 PM, said:

what about the c4?


Far as the C4... I'm tired since writing the first post (and writing articles for ends meat sucks). So I'll give you these tidbits of eye-candy instead.

Spoiler


Good luck, and good night.

And yes as Hammerfinn said, the Hunchback 4SP is the most recommended beginning mech for any new player. I've recommended it to over 30 new players and those who have started with others and gone to the Hunchback 4SP wish they began with it.

But earlier today I was using a medium while playing with someone who had stat padded himself so bad that I found myself against 8 PPC builds of some sort or another, and let's just say I Alt F4'd in frustration.

Thus I haven't recommended it today due to the current meta (as most mediums are walking coffins), however the 4SP could easily carry 4 PPCs without much sacrifice until some sort of gameplay balance is implemented. I just hate using cheese myself.

Edited by Koniving, 28 June 2013 - 10:37 PM.


#14 Ningyo

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Posted 28 June 2013 - 10:41 PM

I have not played cataphracts yet, so if you decide on one of those I cannot help.

On catapults, I really cannot recommend them as a starter mech though they do have some strong points.
The problem is A-1: you are limited to missiles only, LRM takes lots of skill in positioning, map knowledge, and knowing how most players will act which you will learn over time but not have to begin with. Streak SRM are good but require you to get into brawling range and are about to be nerfed in an unknown manner. SRMs presently are fairly weak. (Do not get me wrong I enjoy this mech just not a beginner one I feel)
C-4: this really is only useful as an LRM boat - read above
C-1: this can carry 2 PPC in torsos but thats not enough to compete with the true sniper builds, and could carry 2 lrm 15 in arms, and a few med lasers but again you can do better with many other mechs.
K-2: this can make a decent ppc sniper, or a passable 2xAC/20 mech, but it has a narrow range of usability, so you really are mostly stuck with those builds.

And all catapults have a huge head hitbox, which means against good players you will get one shot reasonably often, even bad players will get lucky ones not that uncommonly.

Do not get me wrong catapults are fine mechs, and you might love it, but I would not recommend it as your first mech.


Personally my recommendation for your first mech would be the Jaggermech JM6-A
This is an all around solid mech, that can handle many very dangerous builds. And has the hardpoints to let you try almost any combination of weapons you can think of.
Some strong builds it can manage are.
2x AC/20 + 2ML
2x Gauss
2x (ER)PPC + 4 Streak SRM
2x (ER)PPC + Gauss
and some others you may wish to try out
2xUAC/5 + 4x LRM 5
2xUAC/5 + 4x Streak SRM + 2 ML

Overall I have found this to be the most flexible mech, and think it would be an excellent one to start with.

There are many other good options out there though, hope you find one you enjoy.

#15 Deathlike

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Posted 28 June 2013 - 10:53 PM

Even though I have not personally played Hunchbacks (I'll get to it someday, maybe when the next med tourney rolls around), practically all good Hunchy builds are cheap, affordable, and really easy to get to. You are FORCED to learn how to torso twist to be successful AND ARE REQUIRED to walk near some slower teammates to be effective.

Plus, you'll learn to love medium lasers... which are universally the simplest and powerful weapons for what they are used for.

Try running the Trial HBK-4P (Champion) mech and see if that seems to work for you (that's technically the optimal build for one anyways).

#16 Slorch

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Posted 28 June 2013 - 11:19 PM

think i will go with the 4sp

#17 Slorch

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Posted 28 June 2013 - 11:48 PM

so I got the 4sp how should I play it?


edit and dose the AMS work on all missles or just lock on's?

Edited by Slorch, 28 June 2013 - 11:55 PM.


#18 Johnny Reb

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Posted 29 June 2013 - 12:00 AM

In this current meta with ppc all around. I would recommend a mech that can play conquest effectively. Hunchie 4sp is always a good starter, yet now prolly only in conquest. Jenners are the best light starters. Going heavy then I recommend the.... not a heavy fan, prolly some jager. Assault, I like either the Stalker 3F or Atlas DDC. However, if you like lrms I find the Highlander 733 the best.

#19 Johnny Reb

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Posted 29 June 2013 - 12:09 AM

Can never go wrong with the 4sp!

#20 Dalziel Hasek Davion

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Posted 29 June 2013 - 12:47 AM

View PostSlorch, on 28 June 2013 - 11:48 PM, said:

so I got the 4sp how should I play it?


I would suggest starting by considering yourself an escort for the heavier 'Mechs on your team. Follow assault 'Mechs, lagging behind them just a little way. Watch where they go, what they do, and keep an eye out for flanking enemies.

Wait. Patience will be your ally.

You will notice three phases of play; initial movement, firing line/sniping exchange and then battle - after which there's a cap race or mopping up. Your job (to my mind) is to not get any damage during the firing line/sniping exchange and to support your heavies and assaults during the main battle. This means firing on what they fire on - aim at weak portions of the enemy's armour. Try not to get separated and from that simple start, you can explore and build your 'Mech's capabilities - find a load out to suit you - and then go from there.

View PostSlorch, on 28 June 2013 - 11:48 PM, said:

edit and dose the AMS work on all missles or just lock on's?


AMS' main function is to help negate LRMs (long range missiles). It does fire at short range missiles, but they tend to be too close and moving too fast for it to have any impact.





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