As stated in title I am deciding on my first heavy I am down to 3 options. Dragon for fast sniper/ odd brawler (plays kind of like centurion/ hunchbacks) catapult I kind like it on the more open maps will let me try out a more support mech or a sniper. cataphract as the know brawler the 3d looks like the one I would try and keep for the jump jets. any one have some recommended fits as I will go with one mech and master that mech type them I will be choosing an assault and doting this same thing as of right now I am still grinding through a hunchback but will soon have the CBs to give a heavy a try. so what is your advice on which of these 3 mechs already named.
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My First Heavy
Started by Mrs Brisby, Aug 28 2013 06:42 PM
12 replies to this topic
#2
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- 258 posts
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- Location"Vallhalla" 1st Rasalhague Dragonregementë
Posted 28 August 2013 - 07:18 PM
I am partial to the catapult. It is by far and has always been my favorite mech (well besides the timber wolf, but that is another post 
) Yes, it has a big, huge target in the nose that says "shoot me here!" But it lends extremely well to having an XL engine in it which allows for some awesome payloads. I have only died 10 times due to a side torso core in the entire time I've had all three of my Cats. The extra weight lets you carry around similar payloads to assaults while being able to keep up mediums. The key thing to remember is because of its huge nose, its not a great candidate for a front line brawler. It is however, a grand flanker and it really shines in the support role. An XL engine is almost a must, and the first thing I saved up for. I think an XL 285 or 300 is the sweet spot, but others will say the XL 315. I figure the 5 to 7 kph in speed isn't worth the extra tonnage that I can spend on ammo or armor. My three current builds are as follows:
K2:http://mwo.smurfy-ne...da5971477038355
I use the ERPPC/Gauss in this as a purely sniper role. It does tend to run hot, but you shouldn’t be trying to fire off alpha after alpha. Others will say that the cataphract is better for this, but I think that the high positioned arms lend well to keeping your nose below cover while you shoot. If you can’t manage the heat, drop them to standard PPCs, just remember inside 90m 2/3rds of your firepower is gone if you go this route.
C4:http://mwo.smurfy-ne...97a39a7901e23fa
This is a bread and butter LRM boat. I use TAG because the way my team fights, I don’t need as much point defense, but if I go in a PUG I’ll swap out for another med laser. Artemis is a must as is BAP. I don’t use AMS on this one due to I should be far enough in the rear that counter battery fire is easily avoidable by ducking behind cover before the missiles arrive. I like the twin LRM15s and 5s simply because its effective in blinding the target if not damaging them, so I chain fire them which also helps with the heat. You could swap out the 5s for SRMs for more point defense, but I rely on cover and knowing when to change my firing position.
C1:http://mwo.smurfy-ne...d8bee12ae50f153
This an “interesting” set up that I use as a harasser. While I can’t take the enemy on full frontal, I wait in the wings or behind the fracking atlas so that when all the attention is on them, I strike on the sides and rear. The 3 Large Lasers tend to melt rear armor like butter, and the SRMs make quick work of what is left. The Jump jets are a must to run in, fire, and then jump over the target as he is torso twisting to you and exposing his backside to the atlas that you made him forget about.
The A1 I’m not partial too simply because I don’t like running out of ammo and having nothing left to shoot with. But I’ve seen awesome builds with SSRMs and LRMs. All in all, the Catapult offers a wide variety of loadouts to fit most peoples’ play style. The only real downside is the big CT, but practicing torso twisting and beef up your rear armor more than you would normally (so you can turn your back more often) and you will find that it is incredibly resilient. I have made it through several matches with most of my armor gone, because I was able to spread the damage over my entire body through twisting and jumping.
) Yes, it has a big, huge target in the nose that says "shoot me here!" But it lends extremely well to having an XL engine in it which allows for some awesome payloads. I have only died 10 times due to a side torso core in the entire time I've had all three of my Cats. The extra weight lets you carry around similar payloads to assaults while being able to keep up mediums. The key thing to remember is because of its huge nose, its not a great candidate for a front line brawler. It is however, a grand flanker and it really shines in the support role. An XL engine is almost a must, and the first thing I saved up for. I think an XL 285 or 300 is the sweet spot, but others will say the XL 315. I figure the 5 to 7 kph in speed isn't worth the extra tonnage that I can spend on ammo or armor. My three current builds are as follows:K2:http://mwo.smurfy-ne...da5971477038355
I use the ERPPC/Gauss in this as a purely sniper role. It does tend to run hot, but you shouldn’t be trying to fire off alpha after alpha. Others will say that the cataphract is better for this, but I think that the high positioned arms lend well to keeping your nose below cover while you shoot. If you can’t manage the heat, drop them to standard PPCs, just remember inside 90m 2/3rds of your firepower is gone if you go this route.
C4:http://mwo.smurfy-ne...97a39a7901e23fa
This is a bread and butter LRM boat. I use TAG because the way my team fights, I don’t need as much point defense, but if I go in a PUG I’ll swap out for another med laser. Artemis is a must as is BAP. I don’t use AMS on this one due to I should be far enough in the rear that counter battery fire is easily avoidable by ducking behind cover before the missiles arrive. I like the twin LRM15s and 5s simply because its effective in blinding the target if not damaging them, so I chain fire them which also helps with the heat. You could swap out the 5s for SRMs for more point defense, but I rely on cover and knowing when to change my firing position.
C1:http://mwo.smurfy-ne...d8bee12ae50f153
This an “interesting” set up that I use as a harasser. While I can’t take the enemy on full frontal, I wait in the wings or behind the fracking atlas so that when all the attention is on them, I strike on the sides and rear. The 3 Large Lasers tend to melt rear armor like butter, and the SRMs make quick work of what is left. The Jump jets are a must to run in, fire, and then jump over the target as he is torso twisting to you and exposing his backside to the atlas that you made him forget about.
The A1 I’m not partial too simply because I don’t like running out of ammo and having nothing left to shoot with. But I’ve seen awesome builds with SSRMs and LRMs. All in all, the Catapult offers a wide variety of loadouts to fit most peoples’ play style. The only real downside is the big CT, but practicing torso twisting and beef up your rear armor more than you would normally (so you can turn your back more often) and you will find that it is incredibly resilient. I have made it through several matches with most of my armor gone, because I was able to spread the damage over my entire body through twisting and jumping.
#3
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- 2,342 posts
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Posted 28 August 2013 - 09:24 PM
Although I'm personally a Jagermech sort of guy, the best heavy is definitely the 3D right now.
#4
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- 22 posts
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Posted 01 September 2013 - 06:24 AM
so have been fiddling around with the different heavy's in smurfy. and reading a lot of form posts it looks like the dragon is used a a mobile sniper and sometimes brawler but its large CT hit box keeps it from being an effective brawler. catapults are a nice option having an all missile variant 2 missile and energy and one ballistic and energy. It looks like though the cataphract might be more interesting for me to play as it goes away from my standard hit and run which is my current play style. variants I will likely use 1x,4x and 3d. any one have a nice 4x fit I am finding some interesting ones but I am not to sure on them.
#5
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- Overlord
- 2,547 posts
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Posted 01 September 2013 - 07:16 AM
I have master 1/1 on all 5 phracts, they are great fun.
They are durable, not like assault durable, but damn close. Learn to not face the enemy head on, use strafe angles and torso twist, the dmg will spread and you can tank a lot of it.
The 4x, make sure that isnt the first one you get. I like it, but I would not advise learning the chassis on it like I did. It was my first mech, and it was a harsh time of it learning the game and that mech at the same time. Mostly, because it is slow, it handles about as good as a HGN. Turn rate is just alittle slow, lights can pick at you pretty easy(and dakka guns arent so awesome for lights) and you cant escape where you are at if a fight goes south. So, it plays like an assault, make sure you are where you want to be at all times or pay for it.
That said, dual AC10 is fun, but sometimes convergence gets weird on it. I tried 2x UAC5 and 2x AC2, that was fun, put one in each arm, set to chainfire and the ultras never jam. I currently have quad AC5, but it is a slower loadout, big time DPS, ubt you need a big assault pal to tag along with or you just get focused down. I would never advise dual gauss cheese BS, but some people will so that is an option too.
The 3D is versatile, and has JJ. I am sure lots of people will have builds for it all over the place.
The 1x is one of the less favored variants, but I liked mine. I tried an XL in it and made it crazy fast(for a phract) and loaded it with lasers and DHS. Made it play basically exactly the opposite of my 4x that way.
The 2x can mount missiles. SRM arent too bad anymore for a brawl, I put a LRM10 and a LRM5 on mine with PPC in the torsos and I think a LL in the other arm. XL engine for big speed. The LRM fire off basically non stop in smaller salvos. Great for area control and denial, for harrassing other LRM boats, and even on occasion to draw an enemy sniper out that thinks they are targeting a LRM boat. Then I give them SRPRIS PPC. Overall, a responsive support fire mech with decent armor.
In general, putting 2 PPC one in each side torso is pretty nice on phracts. They mount high and are easy to aim on that chassis. Fill in the other points with closer range support weapons for a balanced fun loadout. Alternatively, mount an AC20 and as much other brawl weapons as you can fit, and stick to your Atlas pal. A full on brawl Phract is fearsome to even assaults as they can pack a punch like a jager and are twice as hard to kill(with a std engine, ALWAYS put std engine ina brawl phract) XL engine vs STD depends on engagement range of loadout design.
Again, I would advise against the 4x until after learning the chassis on a different variant. make it the second or third even if you want, but not the first. it is THAT different.
They are durable, not like assault durable, but damn close. Learn to not face the enemy head on, use strafe angles and torso twist, the dmg will spread and you can tank a lot of it.
The 4x, make sure that isnt the first one you get. I like it, but I would not advise learning the chassis on it like I did. It was my first mech, and it was a harsh time of it learning the game and that mech at the same time. Mostly, because it is slow, it handles about as good as a HGN. Turn rate is just alittle slow, lights can pick at you pretty easy(and dakka guns arent so awesome for lights) and you cant escape where you are at if a fight goes south. So, it plays like an assault, make sure you are where you want to be at all times or pay for it.
That said, dual AC10 is fun, but sometimes convergence gets weird on it. I tried 2x UAC5 and 2x AC2, that was fun, put one in each arm, set to chainfire and the ultras never jam. I currently have quad AC5, but it is a slower loadout, big time DPS, ubt you need a big assault pal to tag along with or you just get focused down. I would never advise dual gauss cheese BS, but some people will so that is an option too.
The 3D is versatile, and has JJ. I am sure lots of people will have builds for it all over the place.
The 1x is one of the less favored variants, but I liked mine. I tried an XL in it and made it crazy fast(for a phract) and loaded it with lasers and DHS. Made it play basically exactly the opposite of my 4x that way.
The 2x can mount missiles. SRM arent too bad anymore for a brawl, I put a LRM10 and a LRM5 on mine with PPC in the torsos and I think a LL in the other arm. XL engine for big speed. The LRM fire off basically non stop in smaller salvos. Great for area control and denial, for harrassing other LRM boats, and even on occasion to draw an enemy sniper out that thinks they are targeting a LRM boat. Then I give them SRPRIS PPC. Overall, a responsive support fire mech with decent armor.
In general, putting 2 PPC one in each side torso is pretty nice on phracts. They mount high and are easy to aim on that chassis. Fill in the other points with closer range support weapons for a balanced fun loadout. Alternatively, mount an AC20 and as much other brawl weapons as you can fit, and stick to your Atlas pal. A full on brawl Phract is fearsome to even assaults as they can pack a punch like a jager and are twice as hard to kill(with a std engine, ALWAYS put std engine ina brawl phract) XL engine vs STD depends on engagement range of loadout design.
Again, I would advise against the 4x until after learning the chassis on a different variant. make it the second or third even if you want, but not the first. it is THAT different.
#6
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- Urban Commando
- 4,212 posts
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- LocationInternet
Posted 01 September 2013 - 01:18 PM
Dragon is a flanker/harrasser, not a sniper. Runs fast because with a CT like that, it's bound to get cored.
Catapult is a fun support mech. LRM support builds, SRM Splat support builds (Still not a bralwer), and the K2 which is a phenominal fire support mech that you could hill hump snipe with if you want. I love mine with XLs, but some folks don't.
The Cataphrat is a little more of a slower weapons platform, and makes a brawler. Not a good XL mech, but has tonnage to spare anyway.
Catapult is a fun support mech. LRM support builds, SRM Splat support builds (Still not a bralwer), and the K2 which is a phenominal fire support mech that you could hill hump snipe with if you want. I love mine with XLs, but some folks don't.
The Cataphrat is a little more of a slower weapons platform, and makes a brawler. Not a good XL mech, but has tonnage to spare anyway.
#7
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- Wrath
- 165 posts
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Posted 02 September 2013 - 05:28 AM
Hi i followed a guide and my first mech is the CTF-2X with 2 dual heavy pulse laser and 1 AC-20
I feel the weapon loadout is not what i want, goes overheat really fast and i want to hit more often with weapons than a few big hits. How should i load mine up instead or I can save for another heavy with more constant firiing.
Part of the reason i seem to loose straight up fights either they run rings around me(smaller) up outdamage me straight up(jaggermechs) I go into overheat to fast to brawl with ppl
I feel the weapon loadout is not what i want, goes overheat really fast and i want to hit more often with weapons than a few big hits. How should i load mine up instead or I can save for another heavy with more constant firiing.
Part of the reason i seem to loose straight up fights either they run rings around me(smaller) up outdamage me straight up(jaggermechs) I go into overheat to fast to brawl with ppl
Edited by deanon, 02 September 2013 - 06:12 AM.
#8
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- 10 posts
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Posted 02 September 2013 - 11:29 AM
Merata Zouh Ihinimtah, on 28 August 2013 - 07:54 PM, said:
My favorite and most practiced weight class is Heavy, and I enjoy all of the currently available mech chassis within that range. Several machines proved to be reliable during the grueling 62 hour Be A Hero tournament (an event in which I placed 2nd worldwide in the Heavy category), including the Cataphract 2X, Dragon 1C, and the Catapult C1. Since then, I have developed a keen liking to the JagerMech A and the Quickdraw 4H. ( Proof of tournament placement: http://mwomercs.com/...and-statistics/ )
Cataphract 2X loadout: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...e4f66c55b5818fd (Devastating alpha strike + admirable speed, range, and survivability) Recommended modules: Adv. Sensor Range, Target Info Gathering, Cool Shot 9
Dragon 1C loadout: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...1c1d02cdad6ecf8 (Superb speed and maneuverability + admirable weaponry, range, and flanking capabilities) Recommended modules: 360 Target Retention, Target Info Gathering, Adv. Sensor Range
Catapult C1 loadout: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...094f91fc94ced55 (Excellent range + admirable firepower, speed, and maneuverability. An incredibly versatile machine) Recommended modules: Adv. Sensor Range, Target Info Gathering, Adv. Target Decay
JagerMech A loadout: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...e97ff7fe9272203 (Highly destructive direct fire capabilities + excellent range and sustainability) Recommended modules: Adv. Sensor Range, Target Info Gathering, Adv. Target Decay
Quickdraw 4H loadout: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...5e053ce7b9e0749 (Incredible flanker, catastrophic close range alpha strike + impressive speed and maneuverability) Recommended modules: 360 Target Retention, Target Info Gathering, Cool Shot 9
Cataphract 2X loadout: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...e4f66c55b5818fd (Devastating alpha strike + admirable speed, range, and survivability) Recommended modules: Adv. Sensor Range, Target Info Gathering, Cool Shot 9
Dragon 1C loadout: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...1c1d02cdad6ecf8 (Superb speed and maneuverability + admirable weaponry, range, and flanking capabilities) Recommended modules: 360 Target Retention, Target Info Gathering, Adv. Sensor Range
Catapult C1 loadout: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...094f91fc94ced55 (Excellent range + admirable firepower, speed, and maneuverability. An incredibly versatile machine) Recommended modules: Adv. Sensor Range, Target Info Gathering, Adv. Target Decay
JagerMech A loadout: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...e97ff7fe9272203 (Highly destructive direct fire capabilities + excellent range and sustainability) Recommended modules: Adv. Sensor Range, Target Info Gathering, Adv. Target Decay
Quickdraw 4H loadout: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...5e053ce7b9e0749 (Incredible flanker, catastrophic close range alpha strike + impressive speed and maneuverability) Recommended modules: 360 Target Retention, Target Info Gathering, Cool Shot 9
after been bored with my Mouromets and Victor, I took a punt on the C1 in this list, all I can say is excellent, I kept 2 jump jets and dropped a ton of LRM ammo.
Can't recommend enough!!
#10
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- 229 posts
Member
- LocationLouisville, KY
Posted 02 September 2013 - 12:01 PM
Deanon, make sure you have Double Heat Sinks first (do you?) and play around with the load-out. You can probably safely upgrade to Endo-Steel structure and get another 3.5 tons in there at the cost of 14 slots. Also, experiment with Large Lasers which are each two tons lighter than the pulse version, and generate less heat per second. They're also longer range. You lose some of your alpha, and you have to hold the beam on target, but it might help with the specific problem that you are talking about.
Keep in mind that you can only fire two in the same alpha strike before generating extra or "ghost" heat. So if you end up with say 3 LLAS, you'll have to have two in one weapon group and the last laser in a different group. Works fine for the 2X since two are torso mounted and the last one is arm mounted anyway.
Keep in mind that you can only fire two in the same alpha strike before generating extra or "ghost" heat. So if you end up with say 3 LLAS, you'll have to have two in one weapon group and the last laser in a different group. Works fine for the 2X since two are torso mounted and the last one is arm mounted anyway.
#11
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- Wrath
- 165 posts
Member
Posted 03 September 2013 - 08:46 AM
Well iv had a few more games, my mech is fully upgraded as the guide, I notice i had the wrong playstyle for it, worked better when i sit back and hide at cover.
So let us on how to use the setup for us new players when sharing would be great..wanted a more close up setup.
So let us on how to use the setup for us new players when sharing would be great..wanted a more close up setup.
#12
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- 22 posts
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Posted 05 September 2013 - 06:59 AM
of course I have just started this topic and then they add a new bot to play with soon what are your thoughts on the Orion. what I see is a mech with a laser in each arm a ballistic slot and missile slots. one of the things that I find annoying is the wait for the hunchbacks I am grinding for combat to come into ranged at which I can engage. with this I can have a little bit of every thing for all ranges. these will come out in 5 days from posting so what are your thoughts on this new mech.
#13
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- 572 posts
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- LocationGermany
Posted 05 September 2013 - 10:46 AM
Stay away from the Dragon. Otherwise it comes down to personal taste, whether you choose a Cataphract, Jager, Cat or (now!) Orion. Personally I would choose the Orion, it seems to be the most flexible of all three. But there is one Cataphract, that owns everything, except lights: CTF-4x with 4x AC5 and XL255 engine. That thing kills Atlases and eats a heavy afterwards - not joking.
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