46 replies to this topic

[WarWise]

Hi. Im sorry for using this post, but Id rather use this then create a new thread just for my questions.
I started playing the game yesterday. Mostly 4 hours of playing total. Since I really wanted to buy a mech, I got a hunchback, which was always my favorite from earlier mech games.
I did some mistakes:
- FIrst, I didnt use the premium time for the first 25 matches. After reading here in the forum Ive realized that its better to use it to improve the cadet earnings money.
- Second, I got a medium, which from reading in the forums, is not very good for beginers.
- Third, Ive been considering playing heavy (Cataphrach or Jaeger).

Ive upgraded my Hunchback and Im doing ok with it. I kind of like it now. I got a good setup from another forum, and it was one of the highest ranked ones.M

My question is:
Should I create a new account, use the premium time to gather more money, and then maybe go for cataphrac or jaeger? I would only have lost about 4 or 5 gaming hours and could save a ton of time of grinding if I used the premium time to increase initial earnings.

[scJazz]

Your better off making a new thread so that our answers are for you

Premium doesn't stack with Cadet Bonus. So no big deal.

Hunchbacks and Centurions are the most commonly suggested mechs for beginners since they are relatively cheap and allow you to learn the ropes before getting into something bigger, slower, and more expensive. Things like how to dodge LRMs, torso twisting, using cover, etc.

[DEMAX51]

WarWise, on 30 August 2013 - 09:36 AM, said:

My question is:
Should I create a new account, use the premium time to gather more money, and then maybe go for cataphrac or jaeger? I would only have lost about 4 or 5 gaming hours and could save a ton of time of grinding if I used the premium time to increase initial earnings.

Using premium time doesn't give a 50% bonus on top of the Cadet Bonus, it just gives you a 50% bonus to your base earnings, so you can use Premium Time at any point for essentially the same rewards. I wouldn't bother creating a new account for this reason. Honestly, you're probably actually better off waiting to use the premium time until you become a more proficient pilot.

If you're seriously unhappy with the Hunchy, then yeah, go ahead and start a new account, but I would say just keep going. Mediums aren't as bad as people say - if you get good with them they can be just as effective as other 'Mechs, and piloting them will probably help you learn to play better, to be honest.

Edited by DEMAX51, 30 August 2013 - 09:51 AM.

[scJazz]

Uridan, on 30 August 2013 - 09:34 AM, said:

Could that be a general argument for always picking the max tonnage 'Mech of its weight class?
e.g. Atlas best assault etc?

That's a point I never understood. Why pick a low tonnage 'Mech... That being said, I picked a Cataphract only by accident and not by tonnage

Until the Quickdraw was released there were 4 heavy variants that had JJs, 3 Catapults and the Cataphract 3D. The 3 Catapults are all missile oriented and the Cataphract 3D has ballistics/energy. Combine JJ with PPCs in a 70 ton mech which is the heaviest of its' weight class and you have pwnage!

This heaviest possible breaks down for every other weight class since Ravens have ECM, until a few weeks ago there were no 55 tonners, and Atlai get crushed by competent Stalkers.

[Roughneck45]

WarWise, on 30 August 2013 - 09:36 AM, said:

My question is:
Should I create a new account, use the premium time to gather more money, and then maybe go for cataphrac or jaeger? I would only have lost about 4 or 5 gaming hours and could save a ton of time of grinding if I used the premium time to increase initial earnings.

I'd say yes. As long as you are not attached to anything you bought yet.

Much easier to have a gameplan of what to buy and upgrade after you have messed around a bit and read up on the forums.

[Fuerchtegott]

The CB screen at the end of a round is misleading, there you'll see the message what you would have earned with a premium account showing the wrong numbers.
If you made eg 400.000 CB it will say premium would give you additional 200.000.

Advice 1. Go first for mechs with xl engines, saves money.

Advice 2. A Jaeger is pretty cool und it's allways a matter of playstyle and taste.

[Roughneck45]

Uridan, on 30 August 2013 - 09:34 AM, said:

Could that be a general argument for always picking the max tonnage 'Mech of its weight class?
e.g. Atlas best assault etc?

That's a point I never understood. Why pick a low tonnage 'Mech... That being said, I picked a Cataphract only by accident and not by tonnage

Yes, it can be an argument.

However, weapon hardpoints and their placement, along with whatever the current meta is, is a bigger determining factor for what is considered "best".

Sure the atlas is the heaviest, but most of the weapons are mounted at waist height. Since it cannot take JJ's it has to expose its whole upper body to get shots off.

Once tonnage limits are implemented it will be a much weaker argument.

Edited by Roughneck45, 30 August 2013 - 10:00 AM.

[Jaynestown]

I "upgraded" from the HBK series to the CTF and I think it provided a lot of fun opportunities. I see a lot of complaints about the CTF-4X, but I bought the same CTF-2X that you're using, the -4X, and the -3D. I would try the CTF-3D before picking up a whole other chassis (and consider playing it and the 2X with Elite and x2 Basic efficiencies). They're a lot of fun and they're a little more durable than the HBK if you stick with a standard engine.

My 3D is equipped with a STD-280, JJs, AC-20, 4x MLAS.

[WarWise]

Im liking the Hunchback, but Im having problems in open maps. Positioning is also extremely important, which takes a lot of skill AFAIK, and Ive not mastered it yet. I chose the Hunchback 4G due to the AC20 so I could have some firepower, but that means I mostly have to take on enemies that are not targeting me, which is best in close maps, not open maps, since I cant hit anything over 600 meters.
I cant really go light style because I can only go for 91 km/h and when I try to go with the heavy/assault pack I lack the armor to endure the conflicts. My main role right now is going around, giving info when needed (not enough speed to scout properly) and sometimes finishing lone mechs. I feel like its a niche and suport class, which I dunno if I want to master.

I guess Ill get more experience and maybe go for jaeger or catap later. Thanks for the infos.

[Uridan]

It's not easy for me to grasp what it is that I am looking for.

The words that come into my mind are "tactical weapon platform". And I think a brawler is quite the opposite.

Med to long range rather than close combat. Picking vital targets, being able to take a punch...

On the speed vs armor matter, I'm not sure where I stand.

Stalker so far is quite interesting for me (in theory) because it's not so huge, hast a lot of armor and can carry lots of weapons, giving you lots of tactical choices and decision.

I don't like to be caught in a corner by "I can only do this well. If I'm out of luck, I can only die".

I hate it being sniped without a weapon that allows me to fire back, or at least suppress the enemy a bit. In these situations I wish I had a little more long range support to close in.

Right now many fights evolve around focus fire with long range weaponry. I just don't see lots of chances for a nice brawl, and it heavily depends on the map too.

Edited by Uridan, 30 August 2013 - 10:28 AM.

[DEMAX51]

WarWise, on 30 August 2013 - 10:22 AM, said:

Im liking the Hunchback, but Im having problems in open maps. Positioning is also extremely important, which takes a lot of skill AFAIK, and Ive not mastered it yet. I chose the Hunchback 4G due to the AC20 so I could have some firepower, but that means I mostly have to take on enemies that are not targeting me, which is best in close maps, not open maps, since I cant hit anything over 600 meters.
I cant really go light style because I can only go for 91 km/h and when I try to go with the heavy/assault pack I lack the armor to endure the conflicts. My main role right now is going around, giving info when needed (not enough speed to scout properly) and sometimes finishing lone mechs. I feel like its a niche and suport class, which I dunno if I want to master.

I guess Ill get more experience and maybe go for jaeger or catap later. Thanks for the infos.

I feel like the 4G is the most niche Hunchy, too. The best way to play it is to stay behind the Heavies and Assaults on your team and provide supporting fire to whatever they're targeting. If you feel like you're not effective at range, you can always try it with an AC5 and large lasers instead of the AC20, or you can use it as a support sniper with a Gauss.

[Roughneck45]

WarWise, on 30 August 2013 - 10:22 AM, said:

Im liking the Hunchback, but Im having problems in open maps. Positioning is also extremely important, which takes a lot of skill AFAIK, and Ive not mastered it yet. I chose the Hunchback 4G due to the AC20 so I could have some firepower, but that means I mostly have to take on enemies that are not targeting me, which is best in close maps, not open maps, since I cant hit anything over 600 meters.
I cant really go light style because I can only go for 91 km/h and when I try to go with the heavy/assault pack I lack the armor to endure the conflicts. My main role right now is going around, giving info when needed (not enough speed to scout properly) and sometimes finishing lone mechs. I feel like its a niche and suport class, which I dunno if I want to master.

I guess Ill get more experience and maybe go for jaeger or catap later. Thanks for the infos.

If you want a more versatile loadout, try 2 LL's and a UAC5. Gives you a bit more flexibility but it isn't as nasty up close as the AC20.

[arghmace]

With LBX buffed and MG's even after the last nerf better than they were previously this is one possible HBK-4G build:
http://mwo.smurfy-ne...884f6cb56b13f44

I've enjoyed it. Just don't commit too early. Be careful and make sure you can retreat at the beginning of the battle. Just harrass at 300-400 meters with those lasers and LBX. When it gets serious, when the battle is truly on and there's overheating and armor stripped mechs all over, then strike and finish them off. Dmg against structure is very good and the mech runs cool. Getting 500+ dmg and multiple kills with that is quite common for me.

Edited by arghmace, 30 August 2013 - 10:37 AM.

[WarWise]

Uridan, on 30 August 2013 - 10:26 AM, said:

It's not easy for me to grasp what it is that I am looking for.

The words that come into my mind are "tactical weapon platform". And I think a brawler is quite the opposite.

Med to long range rather than close combat. Picking vital targets, being able to take a punch...

On the speed vs armor matter, I'm not sure where I stand.

Stalker so far is quite interesting for me (in theory) because it's not so huge, hast a lot of armor and can carry lots of weapons, giving you lots of tactical choices and decision.

I don't like to be caught in a corner by "I can only do this well. If I'm out of luck, I can only die".

I hate it being sniped without a weapon that allows me to fire back, or at least suppress the enemy a bit. In these situations I wish I had a little more long range support to close in.

Right now many fights evolve around focus fire with long range weaponry. I just don't see lots of chances for a nice brawl, and it heavily depends on the map too.

Ive only been playing for 1 day, but I also feel most maps favor long range battles. There are very few maps where close fights are viable unless you are a light, because you can move around a lot. So a brawler usually has to be very worried about positioning and its very hard to find situations where your role can be acomplished.

DEMAX51, on 30 August 2013 - 10:26 AM, said:

I feel like the 4G is the most niche Hunchy, too. The best way to play it is to stay behind the Heavies and Assaults on your team and provide supporting fire to whatever they're targeting. If you feel like you're not effective at range, you can always try it with an AC5 and large lasers instead of the AC20, or you can use it as a support sniper with a Gauss.

Roughneck45, on 30 August 2013 - 10:30 AM, said:

If you want a more versatile loadout, try 2 LL's and a UAC5. Gives you a bit more flexibility but it isn't as nasty up close as the AC20.

Thanks guys. Ill check a build for that.

[Uridan]

WarWise, on 30 August 2013 - 10:54 AM, said:

Ive only been playing for 1 day, but I also feel most maps favor long range battles. There are very few maps where close fights are viable unless you are a light, because you can move around a lot. So a brawler usually has to be very worried about positioning and its very hard to find situations where your role can be acomplished.

Yea, quite a contradicting concept. A brawler should be able to get into close range quickly and stay alive long enough to kick other bots in their nuts, but as it is right now, all they can do is to sneak up from a flank or behind, hiding in cover until it's save to move in. No wonder almost everyone is taking the sniper role.

[Royalewithcheese]

WarWise, on 30 August 2013 - 10:54 AM, said:

Ive only been playing for 1 day, but I also feel most maps favor long range battles. There are very few maps where close fights are viable unless you are a light, because you can move around a lot. So a brawler usually has to be very worried about positioning and its very hard to find situations where your role can be acomplished.

You're exactly right. A large part of brawling is about knowing how to use cover to approach the enemies while never getting exposed to focus-fire.

Edited by Royalewithcheese, 30 August 2013 - 01:02 PM.

[WarWise]

Hi guys.
Ive been toying with the idea of a HBK 4G with 1 UAC and 2 LLasers in a STD 240 engine. Check it out

HBK 4G STD 240 Reacher (1 UAC 5 - 75 ammo - 2 LLasers)
HBK-4G Reacher

The deal is that I have a STD 250 on my HBK, and would like to use it, but I needed the two extra tons (250 -> 240) to get ammo. I end up with 75 UAC 5 ammo. With the 250 engine I would only have 25 rounds.
I could use the 250 engine and downgrade the armor, or instead of 2 LLasers only have one and use another medium laser, using the other 4 tons for ammo (going up to 125 rounds). Or 1 Large laser, 2 medium lasers and 100 rounds,
This is what I would use with a 250 engine (I wouldnt have to buy it), Compared to what I have I would lose the AC20 in favor of a UAC 5, get 100 rounds, get one LLaser and keep 2 MLasers.

HBK-4G STD 250 Reacher (1 UAC 5 - 100 ammo - 1 LLaser 2 MLaser)
HBK-4G STD 250 Reacher

Edited by WarWise, 30 August 2013 - 01:24 PM.

[DEMAX51]

WarWise, on 30 August 2013 - 01:14 PM, said:

Hi guys.
The deal is that I have a STD 250 on my HBK, and would like to use it, but I needed the two extra tons (250 -> 240) to get ammo. I end up with 75 UAC 5 ammo. With the 250 engine I would only have 25 rounds.
HBK-4G STD 250 Reacher

75 rounds is enough for a UAC5, but I would recommend the normal AC5 instead. If you're unaware, the UAC can fire a second shot during its cooldown, but when you do this there is a 15% chance the gun will jam and be unusable for a few seconds. The standard AC5 does not have this mechanic. For this reason, I like to only use the UAC on builds that can mount several of them (so that if one jams I can still fire the other two), and the standard AC on builds with only one (so I'm never left without a working weapon). You also get slightly more ammo/ton for the standard (30 shots instead of 25) and the gun itself weighs less, so you can take a bigger engine (which is pretty key for a hunchy, since, as you yourself have already realized, positioning is very important).

[WarWise]

Great tips. Yes, that works. I can fit the 250 engine, plus 2 large lasers and 60 ammo for the AC 5.

Ill try it out. I may have problems against light mech. If so Ill change a large laser for maybe 3 medium + ammo for the AC 20. Thanks a lot.

[Koniving]

WarWise, on 30 August 2013 - 10:22 AM, said:

Im liking the Hunchback, but Im having problems in open maps. Positioning is also extremely important, which takes a lot of skill AFAIK, and Ive not mastered it yet. I chose the Hunchback 4G due to the AC20 so I could have some firepower, but that means I mostly have to take on enemies that are not targeting me, which is best in close maps, not open maps, since I cant hit anything over 600 meters.
I cant really go light style because I can only go for 91 km/h and when I try to go with the heavy/assault pack I lack the armor to endure the conflicts. My main role right now is going around, giving info when needed (not enough speed to scout properly) and sometimes finishing lone mechs. I feel like its a niche and suport class, which I dunno if I want to master.

I guess Ill get more experience and maybe go for jaeger or catap later. Thanks for the infos.

For your Hunchback, please consider allocating your right torso armor to 46 front, 2 rear.

The reasoning is the "front" right torso armor covers all 4 sides of your "Hunch." That's front, right, left, and back. Thus if they hit you in the back-right-shoulder they damaged your "front." If they hit you in the left or the right of the right shoulder, they damaged your front. It's only if they hit the small of your back (just barely above your right hip) that they do damage to your "rear armor." With such a tiny space (barely larger than the Hunchback's hand) counting as right rear torso armor, you can safely reallocate that to the front.

Beyond that, indeed positioning is everything. Especially given that if you're using an AC/20 and medium lasers you're firing once every 4 seconds. I would mix up your weapons if possible, include some faster firing weapons. My semi-stock AC/20 4G uses twin MGs and 3 small lasers for faster firepower, combined with a 240 engine. My triple AC/2 4G is much more terrifying to enemies but uses an XL engine.

Either use your larger allies, particularly Victors, Highlanders, Stalkers, and Atlases as cover or separate from the main group in a small pack and flank your enemy. Try to go as undetected as possible, sneak in behind... and you'll find your enemies this easy to deal with.