21 replies to this topic

[Erghiez06]

First let me start by mentioning how incredibly impressed I am with the MWO community. On my first day of playing I was experiencing some difficulty playing the game and through the community forums I was bombarded with a warm welcome and very constructive suggestions. I had decided to make use of alot of those suggestions and have made some headway.

While I am by no means good at any stretch of the imagination I feel I have improved slightly, but I find myself once again asking for help in the form of critique. If convenient I'd like for suggestions on what I am doing right, or wrong and what improvements I can make.

Again, as always, I am most appreciative of the time and effort employed by the community.






http://mwo.smurfy-ne...381a7be040a1f40

[Lynx7725]

Hmm you asked for it..

I see you drew Canis Mors. I played against him before, his piloting is excellent in his Cataphract. He's in a Cicada here though.

Anyway. Some critique on your fighting style. You need to look at your minimap more, as you lost situational awareness a few times. Minimap would show an enemy, but you turned away from engagement looking for a target.

Also, you'll need to know your weapon ranges, particularly for energy weapons, particularly on Caustic due to higher background heat. You started firing med lasers at beyond 270m. While they can do damage, the heat gained is rarely good on Caustic and won't help you if you get sucked into a brawl. For a build that's easy to heat up, you should use the lasers when they do the most damage. This is particularly true when you went through the caldera, which has increased heat above the background; firing your lasers there nearly shut you down.

Also, you'll need to glance at the enemy target info to see where to shoot to quickly bring down the enemy. Practically, you have a low burst damage machine beyond 270m due to the Med laser range dropoff; you can muster 30 points within 270 meters, but 20 are lasers which spread across a few locations. That means if you're in a brawl and needs to quickly kill the opponent, you need to hit him where he is weak and take him out. I think I've seen a few open torsos that you could have taken advantage of.

In terms of teamwork, taking account that this is a PUG, you need to work on working with people you have no idea what they are doing. Primarily, friendly mechs are blocking your line of fire more than they need to. Since you tend to hang further back (which is good, and it's good you hang together), they can't easily tell where you are, whereas you can move to bring your weapons to bear on target.

The good things are that you are hanging together as a group, and generally you give each other enough room to work. That's nice -- wait till you see a bunched up clusterf**k...

Won't get into a discussion on your build -- it's not my style but it obviously works for you -- but one thing is you have way too little rear armour. You'll be in trouble if someone slipped behind you and stayed there, which is fairly easy to do as you have a lower speed. Your AMS ammo can go into your legs, while one ton of AC5 ammo can go into the head -- given how MWO draws ammo, the AMS ammo will stay around a long time but AC5 ammo will draw from the head first, making it a low risk. And if something punches you in the head with enough force to explode the ammo, likelihood is that it'd have taken off your head in the current meta.

Edited by Lynx7725, 21 July 2013 - 05:07 AM.

[Erghiez06]

Mucho appreciated!

Truthfully I am never fully confident when using any sort of Laser weapon. Half of the time I want to fit MPLs but then I realize their range is pitiful. I've been trying to work on heat management but sometimes I get carried away haha.

I should note that I typically wait for my group to move before I do. It gives me a greater sense of where I should be. As I don't like running with a smaller group as the K2 is by no means a meatshield. That and I usually wait until an enemy is distracted before I open fire lol.

I know I passed up on a few good engagements, and you're most likely right. My thinking was that I could assist focus firing the stragglers (when I noticed a strong group of team mates) and return with the newly unoccupied group to fuego down the larger groups or enemy players. I.E - Around the 3:25 mark I made it a point to observe who/what was attacking our base to determine if they were a priority and if so was someone else handling it. Since it was being handled I stuck with the nearest group of team-mates when the player piloting the Stalker popped up. Now knowing that the Stalker shares the same weaknesses as the K2 but with a much larger capacity to dish out damage, I knew it would require more than just myself to handle him.

Just prior to the destruction of the Stalker there was an A1 (I think thats the one.) Again, knowing that this guy was not only in an A1 but shared the same weaknesses as the K2 I figured I'd harass him and hope he ran off so I could assist in finishing off the Stalker. With luck it worked.

I am not by any stretch of the imagination trying to say you are wrong haha. By all means, I am just explaining my thinking, and I welcome the adjustment of technique. I'd rather not get stuck in a bad habit. Again, thank you!

[Escef]

The one thing you do which would drive me nuts is your firing groups. I'd put the arm and torso lasers in separate groups, or at least have all the lasers in one group and just the arm lasers in another. That weird twin V of lasers when your arm and torso lasers aren't pointing in the same spot screws my head up.

[Lynx7725]

Erghiez06, on 21 July 2013 - 06:39 AM, said:

Mucho appreciated! Truthfully I am never fully confident when using any sort of Laser weapon. Half of the time I want to fit MPLs but then I realize their range is pitiful. I've been trying to work on heat management but sometimes I get carried away haha

Hmm. My suggestion is to stay with the lasers first. Pulse lasers have a specific (and very narrow) advantage that isn't readily obvious. When you get comfortable with normal lasers, you might see the benefits.. but honestly, I think pulse weaponry are subpar at the moment.

Erghiez06, on 21 July 2013 - 06:39 AM, said:

I should note that I typically wait for my group to move before I do. It gives me a greater sense of where I should be. As I don't like running with a smaller group as the K2 is by no means a meatshield. That and I usually wait until an enemy is distracted before I open fire lol.

That's not a bad approach, though it doesn't always go that way. In particular, you can get ambushed by an enemy group and get singled out for no apparent reason.

The trick about working in an unknown team is, IMO, this: hang back a bit but in range to support with whatever you are using. If you are in a brawling setup, if your teammates go left of the target, go right. Don't turn with the teammate, because that just blocks your line of fire. You want to set up a situation where the target has to choose who to let into his rear armour. If the target fixates on you, do your best to help your teammates set up a back shot. Even if you end up dead, the odds are good that the target now has both front and rear armour stripped, and he should be an easier kill for someone else -- or seriously thinking about avoiding fights.

(Subject to situation and terrain, of course.)

For example, that engagement between your group and the Stalker/ Catapult is a good example of the entire team turning together -- Stalker gets to take all the hits to the front (which it is good at), while your fireteam ends up blocking each other's shots. I'm not arguing with the end result (since both of the Stalker and Catapult are dead), the main thing is trying to set up an approach that will force the enemy to spread their firepower out so that the damage doesn't take out one teammate.

The engagement between you and the last Cataphract is a good example of "coordinated" attack. The 'Phract fixated on someone else which gives you good clean shots to the back.. and 'Phract is notorious for having only semi-decent rear CT armour. IIRC, you hardly took any damage from the Cataphract before it died.

[Doc Sunshine]

Not bad! When you've got a little extra cash, try swapping for UAC5s (maybe with an XL engine) -- I bet you'll enjoy it.

Re: grouping, when I run for lasers on the K2, I keep one group with all four on chain fire, and one group with just the arms for when I know the torso won't hit.

[Erghiez06]

Doc Sunshine, on 21 July 2013 - 12:18 PM, said:

Not bad! When you've got a little extra cash, try swapping for UAC5s (maybe with an XL engine) -- I bet you'll enjoy it.

Re: grouping, when I run for lasers on the K2, I keep one group with all four on chain fire, and one group with just the arms for when I know the torso won't hit.

I actually have a pair of UAC5s. I have used them a bit and I really do enjoy them (minus the jamming) but I opt out of using them as their rapid fire nature interrupts my habit building. I am trying to get in the habit of twisting my torso to spread incoming damage. I have been thinking about buying and using AC10s at the moment. Due to their slower rate of fire it would allow me to shoot, turn, shoot. I feel as if the more rapid fire weapons require that I remain forward facing to maximize damage.

Again there is always the option to buy a new Mech, but the reality is I havent decided on anything. I have noticed that most of the people topping the score boards have been using Stalkers. While I enjoy my K2, I feel it is slightly underwhelming at times. On one side I am tempted to buy an A1 and a C4 to finish the Elite and Mastery skill trees and on the other Ive been dancing around the idea of buying a slightly more effective mech.

At anyrate, once again, the help is mucho appreciated =D

[Trev Firestorm]

Don't really have much to add, but in general I feel players should atleast consider some config tweaks (such as from http://mwomercs.com/...d-usercfg-file/)

In particular field of view, it comes down to personal preference but you can back out to 80 or 90 on the default zoom level to get a little more peripheral vision at a small cost to apparent zoom level (*base level of zoom only) most shooters allow you to adjust this through in game options.
To compare, this is what FoV 90 looks like (my preference, many prefer slightly lower)


(sorry about the link, I think I fixed it)
Notice the side windows, where that commando is you would not be able to see with the tiny FoV they have as a default.

Edited by Trev Firestorm, 22 July 2013 - 03:57 AM.

[MeiSooHaityu]

Erghiez06, on 21 July 2013 - 06:39 AM, said:

I know I passed up on a few good engagements, and you're most likely right. My thinking was that I could assist focus firing the stragglers (when I noticed a strong group of team mates) and return with the newly unoccupied group to fuego down the larger groups or enemy players.

I think we are talking to a Mack's Corner fan FUEGO!

I like the Cat K2 with the dual A/C5s. Right now I am actually running it with dual A/C10s and 4MLasers. The mech with spead tweaks is still capable of mid 70's kmh, and stays fairly cool...fairly.

The dual A/C5s are good if you want to keep that speed up. I just decided to sacrifice the speed for firepower and on the flip side try and stay with an Assault mech on my team to add fire support (plus the assualt's presence means I might not be an automatic target ).

Overall, nice build.

[Erghiez06]

MeiSooHaityu, on 22 July 2013 - 05:45 AM, said:

I think we are talking to a Mack's Corner fan FUEGO!

I like the Cat K2 with the dual A/C5s. Right now I am actually running it with dual A/C10s and 4MLasers. The mech with spead tweaks is still capable of mid 70's kmh, and stays fairly cool...fairly.

The dual A/C5s are good if you want to keep that speed up. I just decided to sacrifice the speed for firepower and on the flip side try and stay with an Assault mech on my team to add fire support (plus the assualt's presence means I might not be an automatic target ).

Overall, nice build.

Quoted for truth haha. Almost as soon as I started playing MWO I began to look up more info on the best way to push the K2 to its limits and I came across Mack's youtube channel. Absolutely hilarious.

As of right now I am only using this set up until I can comfortably fit AC10s. I need to buy a new engine first haha. If you don't mind, is there anyway I can get your build from you?

[MeiSooHaityu]

Erghiez06, on 22 July 2013 - 07:09 AM, said:

Quoted for truth haha. Almost as soon as I started playing MWO I began to look up more info on the best way to push the K2 to its limits and I came across Mack's youtube channel. Absolutely hilarious.

As of right now I am only using this set up until I can comfortably fit AC10s. I need to buy a new engine first haha. If you don't mind, is there anyway I can get your build from you?

I'll try and remember to post it when I get home. I like posting on the forums at work during breaks and lunch, so I don't have the info with me . Again, I will try and post it later at home.

[Matroid]

i'd vote getting rid of the AC5's. they really aren't the best AC weapon, i'd put them lower on the list (AC10's have a long delay between firing. i haven't been that successful with them)


- AC2 has better DPS, also saves tonnage and space. generates a little more heat though
- UAC5 has much better DPS and only cost 1 ton more (pray they don't jam; hide behind something if they do)
- Gauss / AC20 punch through armor better to get the kill


I tried many K-2 builds recently, and cheese worked the best for me It's a little slow, but can kill anything if
you aim well
http://mwo.smurfy-ne...f3c21bbc25fe7e4


cheers

Edited by Hadros, 22 July 2013 - 09:02 AM.

[MeiSooHaityu]

I normally don't like running the A/C2 in the Cat K2 because I can only carry 2 of them. If I could carry 3 or 4, I would be far more likely to equip it. That is why I like my 3 A/C2 Hunch better as an A/C2 platform. Three A/C2s in one location acting as an Ultra A/C6.

A/C5s are ok in the K2 and I have had some descent luck with it. I still like the A/C10s though because the fire rate (although slower) isn't that bad and the range is still pretty descent.

I have run the dual Gauss in the K2, but can't bring myself to do it anymore. It isn't the weapon destruction, it is just the cheese factor. Yea the game lets you do it, so technically it is fine, just my personal preference.

[Erghiez06]

I've spent most of my day today playing and messing around with various builds. While I don't have AC10s, I do have AC2s, 5s, and UAC5s. I doubt I'll ever use the UAC5s again. I wanted to like them so bad that I played a good 5 or 6 matches with them before I decided to sell them so I'd never be tempted to use them again. Im pretty patient, especially with this game, but those things inspired me to actually go outside and do something.

As of right now I am using a 1xGauss, 2xLLas. It seems to work ok. Or at least until I can fit something a bit more effective.

Again, I am by no means a good, or even decent player. I suck, hands down and I know it, but truth be told, I am not certain if it is me, but I seem to be outclassed by almost every other mech I encounter. It is probably just me as a player, but some part of me really really really wants to blame the K2. I die in seconds, regardless of torso twisting, amount of armor, or number of mechs attacking me. The only other mechs I dont feel I need to fear are other Catapults, and even then I approach with care.

Im coming up on having enough C-Bill to afford an XL-300 and a part of me is thinking about foregoing the purchase and buying another mech that may be more effective. A point of interest is that I have nothing else to compare the effectiveness of the K2 to except other trial mechs and those well....They suck.

Maybe I'll just run a cheese build so I can feel better inside for a little while haha.

[MeiSooHaityu]

Erghiez06, on 22 July 2013 - 10:49 AM, said:

Maybe I'll just run a cheese build so I can feel better inside for a little while haha.

That is what my A/C40 Jager was for (at least before the heat patch). Have a bad night of PUGing, jump into the Jager and start throwing down.

P.S. I still owe you an A/C10 build for the K2, I haven't forgotten.

[Erghiez06]

MeiSooHaityu, on 23 July 2013 - 05:38 AM, said:

That is what my A/C40 Jager was for (at least before the heat patch). Have a bad night of PUGing, jump into the Jager and start throwing down.

P.S. I still owe you an A/C10 build for the K2, I haven't forgotten.

Bahaha its no biggy. I am starting to get the general idea of build ideas for the K2. While there are alot of possibilities I am starting to sense a theme. Throw on something big, compliment it by 2-4MLas or 2LLas haha. As of right now I am running 2xER PPC/1xGauss. While I knew going into it that it would be impossible against lights, a build like this would require nearby team mates. Playing this way has forced me to re-evaluate the smallest decisions I make and where on the field I want to be. Heat management is an issue, but nowhere near some other K2 builds.

The idea is to stick with your Assault mechs, and shoot at whatever they are shooting at. If another target pops in, take a few shots and hope they back off allowing your team member to finish off his initial target. I tried playing a more sniper-like K2 but I think its a bit difficult at times. On alot of maps, trying to discern the difference between a tree and an enemy can be daunting at times.

This was the last match I had played with this build. Damage isn't incredible, but I find it hard to consistently top more than 300 damage.

http://i.imgur.com/1lMISfW.jpg

[xDeityx]

Erghiez06, on 22 July 2013 - 02:39 AM, said:

I actually have a pair of UAC5s. I have used them a bit and I really do enjoy them (minus the jamming) but I opt out of using them as their rapid fire nature interrupts my habit building. I am trying to get in the habit of twisting my torso to spread incoming damage. I have been thinking about buying and using AC10s at the moment. Due to their slower rate of fire it would allow me to shoot, turn, shoot. I feel as if the more rapid fire weapons require that I remain forward facing to maximize damage.

Again there is always the option to buy a new Mech, but the reality is I havent decided on anything. I have noticed that most of the people topping the score boards have been using Stalkers. While I enjoy my K2, I feel it is slightly underwhelming at times. On one side I am tempted to buy an A1 and a C4 to finish the Elite and Mastery skill trees and on the other Ive been dancing around the idea of buying a slightly more effective mech.

At anyrate, once again, the help is mucho appreciated =D

Use your UAC5s with an XL300 and ditch the AMS. Don't worry about jamming them, just hold down the trigger until you do and that's when you can turn and spread the incoming damage. I've been running this build recently and have been having a blast while still being effective. The only thing I miss with this thing is jumpjets.

I've tried the AC10 and LBX10 builds with 4MLs and I think they're inferior to the UAC5.

[CDLord HHGD]

You've got a good command of your mech and I liked the way you stayed on that stalker with the others. Concentrate your fire as you have a relatively low alpha. You know your weapon grouping controls. There's really nothing I can critique you on that won't be solved with more practice. Continue to test your builds, play around in Smurfy's, get it the way you like it. Also, consider looking for a group. If solo starts to detract from your enjoyment, being in a group can enhance your experience. It did mine. There are many groups openly recruiting (including mine) and have posts up on these forums.

Shameless self plug moment: HeadHunters are recruiting, www.heandhunters-rct.com.

[MeiSooHaityu]

Erghiez06, on 23 July 2013 - 07:02 AM, said:

Throw on something big, compliment it by 2-4MLas or 2LLas haha. As of right now I am running 2xER PPC/1xGauss.

Can't really go wrong with that. Always a MWO pilot favorite build combo.

[Erghiez06]

cdlord, on 23 July 2013 - 07:27 AM, said:

You've got a good command of your mech and I liked the way you stayed on that stalker with the others. Concentrate your fire as you have a relatively low alpha. You know your weapon grouping controls. There's really nothing I can critique you on that won't be solved with more practice. Continue to test your builds, play around in Smurfy's, get it the way you like it. Also, consider looking for a group. If solo starts to detract from your enjoyment, being in a group can enhance your experience. It did mine. There are many groups openly recruiting (including mine) and have posts up on these forums.

Shameless self plug moment: HeadHunters are recruiting, www.heandhunters-rct.com.

MeiSooHaityu, on 23 July 2013 - 07:36 AM, said:

Haha not gonna lie. Definitely starting to wear on me. Maybe I'll look into it. Granted I still have alot to learn aaand Im pretty terrible lol
Can't really go wrong with that. Always a MWO pilot favorite build combo.

Its quickly becoming my favorite, though I have to admit I always find myself going back to 2xPPC, 2xMLas, 2xMachine Gun.