49 replies to this topic

[DarkDevilDancer]

Cats are hamstrung by their head outbox at the moment it's stupidly easy to hit that mechs cockpit, also know that we all sucked hard when we started the games got a steep learning curve and your facing people who have played months and know the maps and mechs better.

Practice will help you so keep at it, and don't be afraid to experiment with mech loadouts as we all have slightly different playstyles so what works for one might not work for you, try to find your own build your happy with.

[Bad Alchemy]

Dont be too put off by the cockpit talk, ive played since closed beta with the Cat as my fav mech and only been cockpitted twice. The Cataphract on the other hand....

Edited by Bad Alchemy, 19 July 2013 - 02:53 AM.

[Shadey99]

Durahl, on 19 July 2013 - 01:15 AM, said:

May I suggest this Build which I'm successfully using on my own: CPLT-K2

At long Range you're sitting at 20DMG with 56% Cooling Efficiency using 2 ERPPC.
At medium Range you're pumping up to 30DMG with 41% Cooling Efficiency including the 2 MLAS.
At short Range the 2 MG's should start to come in Handy once Internals are exposed.

I like this build quite a lot. It runs max Armor, has the fastest Engine giving you top speeds of up to 86.4kph and still deals reasonable damage.
Unless I die early I usually leave the game as on of the 2 top damage dealers ( on 2nd thought... That's not really related to the Mech xD )

That reminds me alot of my K2 build, though I run dual MPLs rather than the MLs. For close infighting the 2xMPL+2xMG feels better to me, especially if I'm dueling a light.

[3rdworld]

My suggestion would be a dual gauss cat.

smurphy

it will be a bit more pricey to start with. But it never has heat issues, and can still lay down some serious damage at any range.

With the K2 you never want to be in the front, let someone else take that over. Set back and work on landing good clean shots. Pay attention to where others are going, and the firing lanes which they use to engage. Being in the right location can greatly increase your damage output, and the ability to seek cover from others.

Once you get shooting down we can go to a more advanced - higher heat less forgiving build.

Also, when you are being attacked, work on turning to the side while your weapons are on CD. Don't give them your face or your CT. Your arms have nothing in them so let them blow them off first.

Edited by 3rdworld, 19 July 2013 - 05:38 AM.

[SJ SCP Wolf]

WOW! Isn't this refreshing. A player who isn't blaming the game or the devs. He's actually taking responsibility for his or her own terrible play. Good on you OP. A lot of people here could learn from your example.

[Flyby215]

Welcome to Mechwarrior Online! Battletech, as it is sometimes known, has quite the extensive and rich history in novels and video games.... but that's irrelevant, big stompy robots shooting at each other is just plain fun.

The K2 is an excellent choice for a first mech, and the mech I usually recommend for new players since it's easy to learn, not terribly expensive, and can absolutely deliver heavy damage as you improve your skills.

Since you are piloting a K2, I would recommend turning the ARM LOCK function OFF under options. Weapons located on your arms move separately from weapons on the torso, but where the K2 has arms that move only up and down it is easy to get used to and good practice for down the road.

The Catapult tends to be a supportive mech. That doesn't mean you should be scared of combat, quite the opposite, you want to keep your guns ablazing! but usually from behind friendly teammates so that you are not the one taking all the hits.

Also, take some points of armour from the back and put it on your front. The Catapult has a very good torso twist so back armour is usually not too much of an issue. Make absolutely certain that your centre torso and side torsos have as much armour as possible. Take a few notches off the arms and legs if you have to.

At this time, Endo Steel is plainly superior to Ferro Fibers. The description of FF tends to be misleading, ES is the way to go.

XL engines are terribly expensive, I know. If you are going to buy one, go for the XL300. An engine recieves a free heat sink for every 25 rating up to the STD/XL 250 (10 free heat sinks). After that, the engine receives a slot for additional heat sinks, still, every 25 rating. This means that the XL295 has 10 free heat sinks and 1 additional slot, but the XL300 for just an extra .5 of a ton recieves 10 free heat sinks and 2 additional slots. Since these engine slots can fit double-heat sinks, it is a very effective way to add heat sinks without taking up valuable slots otherwise needed for weapons. Similarly, the XL305 carries the exact same number of heat sink slots as the XL300, but weighs 1.5 tons more and only offers a 1-2 km/h difference. The XL300 is very popular for this reason.

Rather than buying an engine for every mech, the XL300 you buy for your Catapult can also be swapped out and fit in a Cicada, Dragon, Stalker (if u feel suicidal), other Catapult variants, and a variety of other mechs so there's very little chance of buyer's remorse.

"In a fight, keep your speed up! You go slow, you die" (-Sgt. Unther, trainer from an earlier MW game). This will help save you from being cockpitted. It's pretty simple: a moving target is harder to hit than a stationary target.

As for builds, you can give this a try: x2 PPCs, x2 Large Lasers, Endo Steel, XL300, 19 Double Heat Sinks (10 in engine, 2 in the engine slots, 7 across the mech). You might have to modify it a little bit since I know you don't have an XL yet. Make sure you put the PPCs in the arms. You'll notice that they have these giant barrels on them, which yes makes them easier to destroy, but they will occasionally block shots helping protect your side torsos. Frankly, I'd rather lose a PPC arm than my side torso. This build was used to win the Catapult division in the last tournament.

Good luck, and happy hunting!

[Mawai]

If you are being head shotted then keep moving and keep turning your torso. The head hit box on a catapult is relatively large.

Never stay still.

The K2 is a nice mech with a good range of loadouts which can be really effective (dual large ballistic, quad large laser, quad ppc, dual ultra ac/5 with 4ML ...)

The catapult also has relatively small left and right torso hit boxes so it is a good mech for an XL engine. I usually use a 300 or even 315 depending on loadouts. Unfortunately, dual gauss or dual AC20 fits require a much smaller engine and are not as quick.

[Erghiez06]

Again all of this help is mucho appreciated! I've gotta say, my mind is blown. I have never seen a community as helpful and supportive of this one. Mind blown. =D

[Bishop Steiner]

Narcissistic Martyr, on 18 July 2013 - 10:49 PM, said:

I like catapults, they're really easy to core or head shot with their large CT and head hit boxes. Heck, even my AC20 raven chews them up if I can get in range.

which is a shame, since I want to love my K2.

[Anjian]

Erghiez06, on 19 July 2013 - 06:17 AM, said:

Again all of this help is mucho appreciated! I've gotta say, my mind is blown. I have never seen a community as helpful and supportive of this one. Mind blown. =D

I got a feeling you are fighting too close. When that happens:

Your nose makes a big target. Even if you max your center torso, you only get 56 armor points. That's even less than a Quickdraw. You got to move, then stay away to make yourself a moving small target. Twist your torso once in a while if you are under fire.

The second is that you are firing too close. PPCs have a minimum range of 90meters. But even other that, based on the positions of your weapons, the PPC shots won't converge into a single point until you put a bit more distance. Being able to converge and focus your shots on a single point is the difference of making a kill or not.

So overall, you have to fight from a distance, don't get too close. That kills two birds in one stone.

[Kushko]

Durahl, on 19 July 2013 - 01:15 AM, said:

May I suggest this Build which I'm successfully using on my own: CPLT-K2

At long Range you're sitting at 20DMG with 56% Cooling Efficiency using 2 ERPPC.
At medium Range you're pumping up to 30DMG with 41% Cooling Efficiency including the 2 MLAS.
At short Range the 2 MG's should start to come in Handy once Internals are exposed.

I like this build quite a lot. It runs max Armor, has the fastest Engine giving you top speeds of up to 86.4kph and still deals reasonable damage.
Unless I die early I usually leave the game as on of the 2 top damage dealers ( on 2nd thought... That's not really related to the Mech xD )

Thats pretty much the build i was going to suggest.

On a side note; If you're short on money you can use that same build but downgrade the XL to a 275 standard, lower leg armor to 49 each and add another DHS outside of the engine. And you can keep using the PPCs instead of ERPPCs because as a new player it will be far easier to manage your heat with the normal ppcs and just try to avoid fireing them at point blank range. Should cost around 5mil less to fit in total.

The build: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...10fca2533f09a31

The general idea on how to play this would be staying at medium range and taking potshots with ur ppcs and if something comes too close (within 100m or so) you swap to the mediums+machineguns. Having 4 ppcs isnt really a new player friendly build and i think the suggested build will be far easier to manage. Also dont be too afraid to take some small amounts of armor off your mech legs (unless ur a light mech) to squeeze that extra 0.5-1ton in because people mostly just ignore legs on medium/heavy/assault mechs and that is especially the case on catapults where if youre close enough to want to leg one, youre close enough to go for its giant cockpit weakspot instead.

Also on a side note, try to stick with the pack...a lone mech is a dead mech. Good luck!

Edited by Kushko, 19 July 2013 - 07:17 AM.

[Erghiez06]

So far I've settled on using 2xPPC and 2x L. Laser. I havent earned the C-bill to upgrade the engine so Im still using the stock one. That being said, while I've reduced how often I die, I still find myself from time to time having difficulty, or feeling envious as I watch other players mow down other Mechs in their way.

I've adopted the habit of staying behind the larger bulk of my team mates. What I mean by this is, if our group separates, I'll stay with the larger number of people while maintaining nearby cover. I've also been putting into practice maneuvering my torso after taking shots. This is alot easier said than done, as I tend to lose targets, but it has helped more than I would have imagined it to.

I played around with the AC 20x2 K2 build.... It was fun to say the least. Its nice to see an Atlas run away from time to time XD

[Dagger6T6]

This thread is single handedly restoring my faith in new players and the MWO forum community!

The Catapult has been my favorite mech since tabletop, so I pretty much play some form of Catapult exclusively. You really gotta watch out for your head hit box... I know some people say they never get hit in the cockpit while in a Catapult... but I've been playing Catapults since closed beta also and I've gotten headshotted LOTS of times. Maybe it's differences in playstyle or just plain bad luck (which I have plenty of), but one of the keys is to keep moving, rotate your torso to spread and absorb incoming damage. I normally run a mid range brawler Catapult, I don't do a lot of sniper builds.

Also don't skimp on the armor for the torso, if I have to drop armor I take it off the legs, but I mostly run at full armor in all locations, give or take a few points. And of course people often know this especially on most missile build Catapults, usually people put ammo in the legs, so if they aren't aiming for your cockpit, chances are they might be going for the legs.

Also using an XL engine will make you go down faster because once a side torso is destroyed you engine will be destroyed. So sometimes a standard engine will increase your survivability, but in my experience being slower with a standard engine ends up being a washout... so it's like 6 of one, half a dozen of the other. I run all XL all the time in my Catapults, speed and mobility is the key for me... anything slow a clunky and I feel like a monkey trying to hump a football. Good luck to you, cya on the battlefield.

PS. tactics and teamplay will go a long way to increase your survivability, no matter what mech you are using.

Edited by Dagger6T6, 19 July 2013 - 07:21 AM.

[Kushko]

Erghiez06, on 19 July 2013 - 07:14 AM, said:

So far I've settled on using 2xPPC and 2x L. Laser. I havent earned the C-bill to upgrade the engine so Im still using the stock one. That being said, while I've reduced how often I die, I still find myself from time to time having difficulty, or feeling envious as I watch other players mow down other Mechs in their way.

I've adopted the habit of staying behind the larger bulk of my team mates. What I mean by this is, if our group separates, I'll stay with the larger number of people while maintaining nearby cover. I've also been putting into practice maneuvering my torso after taking shots. This is alot easier said than done, as I tend to lose targets, but it has helped more than I would have imagined it to.

I played around with the AC 20x2 K2 build.... It was fun to say the least. Its nice to see an Atlas run away from time to time XD

While 2x PPC, 2x LL is a solid enough build, you should keep in mind that high damage high heat builds are mostly used to pop in and out of cover while doing high alpha strike damage. If that is what you do and enjoy than great, but note that its the heat thats capping your overall dps not the number of high damage weapons you fit so all in all 2 ppcs will do about the same overall dps as 2 ppc&2 LL or 4 ppc builds. Just depends on the preferred playstyle.

For a new player i would suggest the more heat friendly build because its far less punishing when you miss a shot.

Edited by Kushko, 19 July 2013 - 07:28 AM.

[Ngamok]

The Catapult depends on the pilot. I rarely get headshot because I don't let the enemy have a good clear sight on my head. If I die, it's because I got cored.

Also, as far as getting another mech, restart with a new e-mail and account to get the cadet bonus again. If you like Heavy Mechs, try the Cataphract or Quickdraw. Both are easy to set up and don't require XL engines to stay ahead. The Dragon does if you use ballistics as they are heavier than energy weapons which the Quickdraw carries primarily. The JagerMech is a fine machine too but if you use ballistics, you will be stuck with AC/5 or UAC/5 as the most you can mount with back up weapons and speed unless you jump up to a XL engine. They are costly, like 6 million for an XL300.

[Anjian]

Erghiez06, on 19 July 2013 - 07:14 AM, said:

So far I've settled on using 2xPPC and 2x L. Laser. I havent earned the C-bill to upgrade the engine so Im still using the stock one. That being said, while I've reduced how often I die, I still find myself from time to time having difficulty, or feeling envious as I watch other players mow down other Mechs in their way.

I've adopted the habit of staying behind the larger bulk of my team mates. What I mean by this is, if our group separates, I'll stay with the larger number of people while maintaining nearby cover. I've also been putting into practice maneuvering my torso after taking shots. This is alot easier said than done, as I tend to lose targets, but it has helped more than I would have imagined it to.

I played around with the AC 20x2 K2 build.... It was fun to say the least. Its nice to see an Atlas run away from time to time XD

Its a pretty hot and risky build with 2 LLAS and 2 PPCs. I might actually recommend a 2 ERPPCs, plus 2 med lasers, then fill the remaining space with as many double heat sinks as possible. You might like to put endo steel to save as much weight. Put the PPCs on the top arms, that way you get superior base height clearance, so you can look over hills and fire your weapons, with the hills as cover for your torso.

AC20s are now given enormous heat penalties if two are fired simultaneously. You can try two Gauss as an alternative.

With an XL260, you probably could fit a Gauss and 2 PPCs or ERPPCs. That can really hurt, although it raises your own vulnerability. If you decide to change your mech, to something less vulnerable, your next choice should be a Jagermech like a JM6-S. If you have removed the XL260, Gauss and 2 PPCs or ERPPCs from the K2 before selling it (or just keep it as a momento), these parts can be used on the Jagermech. That way you protect your investment, especially the XL engine which is quite expensive.

Edited by Anjian, 19 July 2013 - 08:06 AM.

[c0mbatphil]

My favorite K2 build. A bit unconventional, but it tanks damage and works well for me:

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...6f1cb49897323b1

[NRP]

Perhaps the OP should try a 4 MPL + 2 MG build with a big engine for speed? I spectated a dude running this and he was ripping parts off mechs right and left.

[Revein]

Hello new player!
Just wanna give u some hint using the k2. I have played alot of mwo, didnt play alot of games during the ppc fest, and then the games i did made my w/l and k/d ratio go down. Have played alot of k2 though, and will give u some hints.

K2's (cats) are using a 300xl (dont use anything else), your head, ct and side torsos will be gone fast if u trade damage, only trade dmg vs mechs that is hurt or mediums and below (stay away from cents though) Awesomes are easy kills and u can kill guntorso of atlas then run.

I have used alot of builds with k2; here are som none cheezy builds
- 4LL was fun and easy, nerfed now though
- 2 ppc, 2 ml and one ac10 (good at poke and snipe). dont good vs lights.
- 2 ppc. 2 ml and 2 ac5 (good at poke supression and trading) abit better vs lights.
- I use this now: 2 erPPC, 2ml and one uac5. (very good poke and supression. Sniping. and decent vs lights.)

All this builds are with 300 xl, endosteel and none AMS; easy to switch around and test all.
- Watch heat, use PPC and AC. ML is for alpha and vs lights. ERPPC works wonders vs lights (but u need to be good at aiming)

As a newcommer u need to stick to the main group and be a support damage dealer, u are fast ( at least when u master the mech), have a good range and pinpoint accuracy. Stay behind buildings terrain, poke out fire fast, u only have 1-2 secs to aim then back. Only stay in sight if u know u are left alone and fire at easy targets from afar (problem here is that u cant take much shots on you so u need to move back and forth much). This is not a brawler, the stupid 2xac20 are gone, this is support fire damage dealer.
- STAY with rest, peek up from cover when battle start and fire one volley of ppc and 1-2 ac rounds; if enemy are reaction to you; you should allready have pressed back button and have momentum to go back, if enemy not focusing u brake and shoot again, repeat.

PLay save and in the end when u get good and u can do more risky moves (game winning moves)

My stats with K2: 104 matches W/L 65/39 ratio 1,67 // K/D 126:47 ratio 2,68 (played alot more from closed beta etc but stats not count from then)

My total K/d ratio with all mechs are 2,75 with several 1000 matches AND all is PUG!!!

Hope u will like this mech and game and stick with it. BTW get a stalker they are beasts

[Escef]

One Medic Army, on 18 July 2013 - 11:28 PM, said:

I use a pair of AC/5s, a 300XL, and a pair of ER Large Lasers. 5 armor on each arm, maxed elsewhere, fill torsos with heatsinks, and add endosteel.

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...5b0428fbb3c0eef

I've been using a budget version for a long while. It isn't flashy by any stretch of the imagination, but it's been a solid workhorse for me for months.