17 replies to this topic

[Garrond]

Hi Folks!

After having already mastered a dozen mechs, I just bought my first 3D since people keep telling me it's such a great, flexible mech.

I always buy at least 3 variants of each mech I want to play so I can master them. But it's important to me that each variant has it's unique playstyle. And the mech should have an effective loadout.

What I got so far:
- Muromets: XL295, 2x UAC5, 2x LLas, AMS. This one is a beast.
- 1x: Std300, 4x LLas, AMS. Ok damage but high survivability due to standard engine.
- 4x: XL255, 4x AC2, AMS. More of a fun build. Runs hot fast, slow and easy to kill. But max dakka!

So I got a 3D now. Since the other 'phracts don't have jumpjets, I want this one to make good use of it. The 2x ERPPC + Gauss jumpsniper build seems to be FOTM right now. Must be something like this:
http://mwo.smurfy-ne...86e069f3fbea518

I don't like playing FOTM mechs, but is the loadout above correct and effective?
And what do you think about this alternative? AC10 + MLas combo with a faster STD engine.

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...651b77cc8ef8ab3

Which one would you pilot?

Edited by Garrond, 18 August 2013 - 04:59 AM.

[Garrond]

Or slower but with an AC20?
http://mwo.smurfy-ne...f567bfad86c022a

What do you think would work well?

[Hauser]

For the 3D try regular PPC's, they run a bit cooler. I also don't think you need the AMS since you'll be behind cover allot. With the weight you save try to get the biggest engine possible. Speed lets you dictate the range of engagement

These videos might help, they're a bit old but still relevant.

Edited by Hauser, 18 August 2013 - 05:29 AM.

[Unnatural Growth]

I don't own a single PPC, ERPPC or Gauss rifle, so I can't help you there.

For my -3D, I'm running the AC10, 1 AC5, 2 ML, and 2 MPL's with stock XL280 and AMS. I'm running the MPL's in the arms to help drive away lights, mostly just focus on the AC's for continuous damage, and toss in some ML's from the torso when I'm way too close to an unfriendly mech.

My -2X is running AC10, 1 ERLL, 2 ML's, and 2 SRM4's with XL300 and AMS. The ERLL and AC10 are steady damage out to a good range, the 2 ML's are mostly backup, and the 2 SRM4's in the arm are pure lolz against light mechs. They do nice damage since the last buff.

My -4x is running 2 UAC5's, 2 ML's, and 1 SRM4 with a STD 255 and AMS. Honestly, this is my least favorite of the 3. I've thought about dropping all these weapons and just going 4 AC5 build. Probably going to sell this one off when I finish elite in it.

I like dakka builds myself, so I like AC's. I do seem to fire the UAC5's too fast and jam them a lot. One reason I may switch them to standard AC5's. The "weird" thing about the -phract builds is the torso mounted weapons seem to clear terrain better than the arm mounted ones. But when you look at it's picture, in game (Koniving had a good pic in a new player thread), not the mechbay, the weapon hardpoints look to be at the same height.

Anyone else notice the same thing?

[627]

i've 2x AC10 and 4x ML as backup. You can run it with STD 250/260 or a bigger XL - STD is not fast, but that's a good thing, so you're not the first one who get shot and can survive longer (at least i can, i find myself in the front of my buddies way to often).

AC10 is not the "optimal, competitive" weapon, but i'm tired of all those ppc/gauss builds and the phract can dish out some pain with a pair of these (and you get that awesome AC10 sound).

As Alternative, you can take 2x LBX10 instead, but be sure to run with a teammate, you don't want to get cought alone with these. On the plus side, you have 2 more tons for ammo or an AMS or some more DHS. It's a bit more fun, but lacks the killing punch.

[CarnifexMaximus]

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...778f01bdec1e27e

I fully endorse a 325 engine on the Cataphract, especially the 3D. 82 kph + JJs makes you able to realy get around. Use the arm lock toggle button when you shoot at stuff, the Cataphract really benefits from this feature as all the weapons are in individual locations.

This build has been totally solid for me since May or so. Before then I struggled to come up with my own build for the cataphract.

There are many good builds that you can do on a cataphract.

[NRP]

A 4 LL build might still work, if you can work around the ghost heat penalty.

[DarkDevilDancer]

2 gauss rifles with six tons of ammo, 3 mlas and a pair of jump jets and your set.

It's a devastating long range build but you have to keep your distance as anyone with sense will hit your right torso taking out both rifles and your mech if you use an XL in there, I do for the speed it offers but it's a risk so be warned.

[blacklp]

2 PPCs of your desired flavor, 1 gauss rifle, tears for flavor.

Also 1 AC20, 4 Medium Lasers.

4 Large Lazors.

[Gralzeim]

Yeah, I'm running a STD 300, AC/20 and four medium lasers, DHS/ES and two jump jets in my 3D right now. Tried a Gauss rifle instead, but after a match that went well, every single match after it was as if I had a neon sign above my head that read "shoot my right torso, please!"...I didn't have a single match after the first one where my gauss rifle would survive more than a minute into a fight. Felt like I had a magnet there. So, back to the AC/20, doing well, comparatively.

I've tried 2x PPC 2x ML, was alright, but not as much fun as this close range setup. I have been tempted to try a build centered around an AC/10 or two, simply because they have such a great reload sound. >_>

It's just hard for me to feel comfortable having two autocannons in such odd locations (one in the right torso, other in the right arm, it seems awkward). Probably something you have to get used to.

[MrJolly]

CarnifexMaximus, on 18 August 2013 - 10:32 AM, said:

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...778f01bdec1e27e

I fully endorse a 325 engine on the Cataphract, especially the 3D. 82 kph + JJs makes you able to realy get around. Use the arm lock toggle button when you shoot at stuff, the Cataphract really benefits from this feature as all the weapons are in individual locations.

This one looks interesting. Have to try it sometime.

Gralzeim, on 19 August 2013 - 10:38 AM, said:

It's just hard for me to feel comfortable having two autocannons in such odd locations (one in the right torso, other in the right arm, it seems awkward). Probably something you have to get used to.

Yeah, that's the downside of the 3D - it sucks having matching guns shoot at different spots.

Garrond, on 18 August 2013 - 03:51 AM, said:

So I got a 3D now. Since the other 'phracts don't have jumpjets, I want this one to make good use of it. The 2x ERPPC + Gauss jumpsniper build seems to be FOTM right now. Must be something like this:
http://mwo.smurfy-ne...86e069f3fbea518

I don't like playing FOTM mechs, but is the loadout above correct and effective?
And what do you think about this alternative? AC10 + MLas combo with a faster STD engine.

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...651b77cc8ef8ab3

Which one would you pilot?

I run a middle of the road variant: AC10, 2xPPC, 300XL, AMS (and a MLas for last ditch backup)
CTF-3D AC10+2PPC

Not optimized enough for organized play, but works nice for pugs. Decent heat management. PPCs are placed high, so you can shoot over most stuff. AC10 and MLas can swing to shoot at short range targets. Problem is a bit weak legs which can be a downer if you use jumping to spread damage.

XL isn't a huge issue in a 3D unless you're up against pros (or use gauss builds). I die from side torso about 15-20% of the games. If you're good at shielding your CT it might be a bigger issue.

[Escef]

I run it with stock engine, jets, Gauss, and 2 LPLs. It's a beast in close, and the Gauss gives it some much valued ability to engage at range.

[Lord Perversor]

I wanted mine to be a bit faster and able deal decent dmg at mid range.

Running it with 325 XL 2x LL and Gauss with JJ , the speed and maneurability help to chose tour engagement range even with assaults.

Sometimes i go for close range and swap the Gauss for a LBX 10 and upgrade the LL to LPL albeit runs a bit hotter

[Nexus Omega]

I have the same 4 Cataphracts as you,
4x= 4xac5, 255xl
1= 2xPPC 3xMPL 300STD+Endo
Iyla = 3xUAC5+2ML 280XL
3D= 2xPPC Guass, 280XL

I think they are my favorite mech.

[Ebonsong]

My 3D is 4 Med Lasers, 2 AC10s, XL320, Double Heatsinks, 3 stacks of ammo and jump jets. I've played with the LBXs which are great against lights, but I find I get more kills with the dual AC10s. Hope this helps!

[80sGlamRockSensation David Bowie]

DarkDevilDancer, on 19 August 2013 - 02:05 AM, said:

2 gauss rifles

If you don't mind dying when your right arm is destroyed from CSGRS (Cascading 'Sploding Gauss Rifle Syndrome)

[ShadowbaneX]

Here's my CTF-3D.

I run it was a Standard 260 for survivability. Weapons payload is AC/20, PPC & 1 ML. PPC for range, AC/20 for close, ML for whatever's nearby. I specifically chose the standard PPC because I didn't want to have the temptation of firing both the PPC & the AC/20 at the same time. Just made me overheat too much. Same reason for only having 1 ML. You can drop a Heat Sink and a ton of ammo for a couple extra MLs or some SLs or whatever you like.

[Lexx]

I've been running this build on my 3D lately.

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...64fc82d3bc40d08

I really like what they did with the LB-10X. They are beastly now and even get decent hits at range. I only have two jump jets on it because that seems to be enough to hill climb and even poptart a little up close. I've noticed that adding more jump jets barely seems to improve a mechs jumping ability. I rarely bother with more than 1 or 2 and use that tonnage for other things.

Edited by Lexx, 27 August 2013 - 09:13 PM.