37 replies to this topic

[Mootrix]

This is a great guide, I would add just a couple of observations from my own experience.


Love my Spider, haven’t played for a while since I mastered the 5D ( having great fun with a 2 x LL Jenner!) but nothing beats it for manoeuvrability and as it is relatively skinny it has a smaller target profile than ravens or Jenners. I like to run a 3 x MPLAS build, 1 JJ, max armour except left arm and all the double heatsinks you can fit in. ECM is a MUST.

As mailin said map the torso laser to one mouse button and the other two lasers to the other – instant heat management strategy!

Aside from that:

• Always fully armour the legs, the screwed hit boxes on the spider mean that a lot of people will target the legs first – also people think it’s funny to cripple a light (probably like to pull the wings off flies as well…)
  
• Don’t be afraid to toggle your ECM to counter when it makes tactical sense, for example when sneaking up on someone without ECM they don’t get that “weak signal” warning.

Finally run all tactical decisions through the “controlled crazy” filter, e.g. just escaped death by running over the hill?, wait 2 secs then run back over the hill again. You may die but you surprise a lot of people expecting to see your back.

Edited by Mootrix, 04 August 2013 - 10:06 PM.

[D0m1n4t0r]

I am a spider pilot and I approve of this message

[Straylight]

D0m1n4t0r, on 05 August 2013 - 01:14 PM, said:

I am a spider pilot and I approve of this message

As do I.

The 5D was the first machine in MWO that really clicked with me. After months of trying to hammer the various Mediums into the shape I wanted them to be in, never quite successfully, I picked up a Spider on a whim. I started off with the 3 ML and 3 MPL builds but those never really worked for me; they feel one-dimensional and lack versatility in type and range of engagement. Then I discovered that with a little finagling, you could free up enough space to mount an ERPPC in the right arm, with just enough tonnage left over for a TAG or pair of Small Lasers (I still waffle on which I like better). Suddenly I was the recon unit from hell--I could put eyes (and TAG) on targets almost impossibly quick, dashing down flanks or up to high ground and give my lances accurate, immediate information; I could wreak havoc on a lightning-fast pass through enemy lines, screwing with sensors and knocking out enemy ECM; I could set up on one capture point and drop accurate fire on another one across the map, and I could deliver a nasty bite... from over a kilometer and a half away, and by the time they come looking for me I'm on the other end of the map, lining up my next shot.

It's glorious.

[WANTED]

I have a Spider 5D and I hate those little buggers! Mainly cause they do have a borked hit box. I know cause I use to run a Commando and while I'm only 20 tons they die like they should to big hits. Spiders take hits from my AC20 even when they stand still and shrug them off. You will see them taking hits from mulitple enemies and still keep going with hardly any damage.

Besides my problem with their hit detection, great write up. I am inspired to pilot mine again since they are one of the best mechs to get the enemy off their game.

[Dawnstealer]

Great write-up and you're so right: people have an insane hatred of Spiders. I started with Stalkers, moved on to Highlanders, then polished off Cicadas; NONE were targeted as much as my Spiders. WHOLE TEAMS will change direction to take out a lone Spider.

It's craziness. I know when I'm piloting an assault, I'll take a pot-shot or two at a Spider, but largely ignore it and let skirmishers and lights handle it. Never understood teams that go all-out insane to take down a 30-ton mech, but I use it to my advantage.

[k0sh]

No offence but I've got pimped Jenner and I see any other lights as easy target. Spider is the easiest to kill for me.

[BookWyrm]

k0sh, on 06 August 2013 - 07:38 AM, said:

No offence but I've got pimped Jenner and I see any other lights as easy target. Spider is the easiest to kill for me.

I hope I run into you while in my Spider some time:)

[D0m1n4t0r]

Straylight, on 06 August 2013 - 05:56 AM, said:

As do I.

The 5D was the first machine in MWO that really clicked with me. After months of trying to hammer the various Mediums into the shape I wanted them to be in, never quite successfully, I picked up a Spider on a whim. I started off with the 3 ML and 3 MPL builds but those never really worked for me; they feel one-dimensional and lack versatility in type and range of engagement. Then I discovered that with a little finagling, you could free up enough space to mount an ERPPC in the right arm, with just enough tonnage left over for a TAG or pair of Small Lasers (I still waffle on which I like better). Suddenly I was the recon unit from hell--I could put eyes (and TAG) on targets almost impossibly quick, dashing down flanks or up to high ground and give my lances accurate, immediate information; I could wreak havoc on a lightning-fast pass through enemy lines, screwing with sensors and knocking out enemy ECM; I could set up on one capture point and drop accurate fire on another one across the map, and I could deliver a nasty bite... from over a kilometer and a half away, and by the time they come looking for me I'm on the other end of the map, lining up my next shot.

It's glorious.

Have you tried just a Medium Laser in your Center Torso (or in your arm) instead of two Smalls?

[Trean]

Nice post.
I wouldn't have believed it when I started, but I've got a Spider and a Jenner both that I am really enjoying.
And heaven help the mech that get's caught being circled by a pack of lights! Now THAT's fun.

[Straylight]

k0sh, on 06 August 2013 - 07:38 AM, said:

No offence but I've got pimped Jenner and I see any other lights as easy target. Spider is the easiest to kill for me.

You must not be playing against very good opponents. Any Spider pilot who's even half paying attention can at least lead you on a merry chase for the entire match. The good ones will do that and sneak in a couple of other kills at the same time.

That said, a well-built Jenner is one of the better anti-Spider tools available at the moment, thanks largely to superior traversion and similar speed, but even so it's not a quick or easy task to take down a Spider who's intent on making you work for it.

D0m1n4t0r, on 06 August 2013 - 11:38 AM, said:

Have you tried just a Medium Laser in your Center Torso (or in your arm) instead of two Smalls?

Not yet. A single ML never seems to hit hard enough, and I'm not hurting for stand-off capability considering the ERPPC. What I find myself needing to cover is knife fights against other fast Lights where getting the PPC on target is much harder. For that, the quicker cycle time of the Smalls is worth the disadvantages they suffer over a Medium.

I'd jump to a MPL in the CT if I could find the tonnage, but that would require sacrificing too much elsewhere to be worth it, either.

EDIT: But mind you, my Spider isn't geared toward Light hunting (I have a Jenner for that). It's a spotter, harasser and recon unit. If I get jumped by another fast-mover, my primary tactic is usually to kite it into the crosshairs of a bigger friend, or if I'm way out in the boonies to break LOS long enough to vanish into the scenery. Save for the occasional exceptionally good Jenner pilot, the only things I can't slip away from reliably are other Spiders, and that's only because they know all my tricks since they use them too.

Edited by Straylight, 06 August 2013 - 07:42 PM.

[k0sh]

Straylight, on 06 August 2013 - 07:33 PM, said:

You must not be playing against very good opponents. Any Spider pilot who's even half paying attention can at least lead you on a merry chase for the entire match. The good ones will do that and sneak in a couple of other kills at the same time.

That said, a well-built Jenner is one of the better anti-Spider tools available at the moment, thanks largely to superior traversion and similar speed, but even so it's not a quick or easy task to take down a Spider who's intent on making you work for it.

Not yet. A single ML never seems to hit hard enough, and I'm not hurting for stand-off capability considering the ERPPC. What I find myself needing to cover is knife fights against other fast Lights where getting the PPC on target is much harder. For that, the quicker cycle time of the Smalls is worth the disadvantages they suffer over a Medium.

I'd jump to a MPL in the CT if I could find the tonnage, but that would require sacrificing too much elsewhere to be worth it, either.

EDIT: But mind you, my Spider isn't geared toward Light hunting (I have a Jenner for that). It's a spotter, harasser and recon unit. If I get jumped by another fast-mover, my primary tactic is usually to kite it into the crosshairs of a bigger friend, or if I'm way out in the boonies to break LOS long enough to vanish into the scenery. Save for the occasional exceptionally good Jenner pilot, the only things I can't slip away from reliably are other Spiders, and that's only because they know all my tricks since they use them too.

The thing is that they can run but they cannot hide, with 152mph I can chase anything. Even if they try evasive maneuvers I still need only 2 alphas to the front chest, to get them down otherwise I just melt them slowly with chain fire to the back.

[Nokks]

I was reading this while downloading the game, so I don't know how good the information was. This was a fun and entertaining write up though. If spiders are half as annoying as this makes them out to be, then I can see why people hate them:) You sir, have me interested in piloting a Spider. It sounds right up my alley.

[BigJohn451]

As a spider pilot also I totally approve this post. My only difference is I prefer 2 med lasers in the arm and a large in the chest with 6 JJ. As for targeting legs... there is no more moving thrill then legging a brawler Atlas in the middle of Alpine Peaks and running off to let him scream and rage on the common channel.

[Nothing Whatsoever]

Nokks, on 07 August 2013 - 01:24 PM, said:

I was reading this while downloading the game, so I don't know how good the information was. This was a fun and entertaining write up though. If spiders are half as annoying as this makes them out to be, then I can see why people hate them:) You sir, have me interested in piloting a Spider. It sounds right up my alley.

Once you get into a Spider you'll see for yourself.

The current Trial Light is a Raven 2X, so it plays differently, since it is much slower, but has more weapons than Spiders. Watch your heat in it.

Dunno how the Cadet Bonus works per match, but after some matches you will be able to buy your own mech to customize.

And check out this site for more info on builds, weapons and equipment: http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/

[Drollzy]

I love the smell of Spider rubble in the morning it compliments the smoke smoldering off my PPC's.
So many noobs jumping in them just because of the HSR and hit boxe problems making them next to invincible.
Cant wait for the nerf.

Good right up tho most of these tactics can be adopted with any light with JJ's.

Will keep an eye out for you and your spider Bahamutsin got some plasma with your name on it

[FEK315]

I usually finish my night with a Spider if I had a bad night.
I'll run with 2 or three heavies and let them choose a mech then I just chew core.

Last night in one game I was running with Biscutboy, Powder pew pew , Durso and Flarker. I was letting them cause distractions on a single mech then I would drive my Spider up in back of the poor soul and light up his torso with MG fir. Really I would just stop and get 2meters away from them and just chew at their core unitl POP!
Yup, 4 mgs and a Medium pulse laser, Its such a rewarding configuration.

[FluffyBunbunKittens]

Spider's been a good fit for me over the last three weeks, since I like mobility, and trying to make enemy heavies turn around and look for me, instead of continuing shooting at my team.

5D: 3 x MPL, XL 255, 2 JJs, ECM, 2 extra double heatsinks... The usual.

Fun thing was that getting the Basics done with K and V apparently taught me something, because though it was hell playing them, when I got back to the D, my first match back saw me do 728 damage. Which was nice.

Edited by FluffyBunbunKittens, 19 August 2013 - 01:40 AM.

[Drollzy]

hahah enjoy it while you can cos when it get's fixed/nerfed it will again gather dust in your mechbay as a **** mech
Having said that I have been enjoying trolling around in my 5k lately.... its rather enjoyable.... just 1 or 2 matches before i log off.