41 replies to this topic

[Sarthax]

Shadey99, on 05 November 2013 - 05:27 AM, said:

Really I dislike all my Shadowhawks, I do better in my Cicadas than these things. I always seem to attract the entire enemy teams fire even if I'm standing next to an Atlas or a Highlander.

I played around with several builds before coming up with that on my 2D2 and then decided I'd go and use it on my 5M as well since the hardpoints in question are so similar. It worked better than a streak build for me as I always seemed to end up against a Jager or Atlas and a streak build just does not have the kick to stand toe to toe with either of those (and running away usually means dying because I was just not fast enough). I don't sell mechs, but once I have mastered the Shadowhawks I think mine will start to gather dust.

I too seem to get more attention in mine that other mechs. I think it's due to the size and leathality combo. You go down fast and need to be put down or you'll put more hurt on the other team than a larger chassis.

I have had a few matches where I've been completely singled out and hunted down like a dog while people ignore heavies and assaults before I even fired a shot. I have started using this to my advantage and actually try and draw them into the line of fire of my teammates once they get bloodlust and tunnel vision. I have a friend I play with and he rolls his Atlas and I'll just duck behind him or jump jet over him and use him as a mobile shield. If someone goes after me, I'll make sure to keep them in his weapon sights so he can blast them in the back for me.

There's ways to turn your disadvantage into a team advantage.

I really have found more fun in SHD over TDR or BLR in the phoenix package so maybe they just don't suit your playstyle, but they're really not bad mechs. They're really fun to run and do great dmg and can actually survive really well in urban environments due to speed and JJ. You can run and jump circles around slower larger mechs and pick them apart.

[Shadey99]

Sarthax, on 05 November 2013 - 12:48 PM, said:

I too seem to get more attention in mine that other mechs. I think it's due to the size and leathality combo. You go down fast and need to be put down or you'll put more hurt on the other team than a larger chassis.

I have had a few matches where I've been completely singled out and hunted down like a dog while people ignore heavies and assaults before I even fired a shot. I have started using this to my advantage and actually try and draw them into the line of fire of my teammates once they get bloodlust and tunnel vision. I have a friend I play with and he rolls his Atlas and I'll just duck behind him or jump jet over him and use him as a mobile shield. If someone goes after me, I'll make sure to keep them in his weapon sights so he can blast them in the back for me.

There's ways to turn your disadvantage into a team advantage.

My problem with this is that it requires coordination I cannot get in PUGs, which is all I play since I have no mic and even if I join a voice comm server I can't even ask for a team. In PUGs my team ignores my sudden fury death and even if I really make the entire enemy team work to take me down they never exploit it, so my sudden death is meaningless.

I'm so tall it's hard to miss me in an Shawk and even if I stay in a group enemies pick me out... I know I'm probably horrifyingly scary to have as an opponent, but come on... Out of a group of Atlases, Cataphracts, Jagers, Highlanders, and others there really should be a higher priority than me...

[Silentium]

focuspark, on 04 November 2013 - 11:18 AM, said:

SHD-2D2 "Twinkerbell"

She's a monster

I just specced out something similar this morning, less engine/more ammo, but the same weapon loadout. I am looking forward to trying it in the field.

[Hans Von Lohman]

My only complaint about the 2D2 is that it made my favorite Centurion redundant, with an XL265, AC10, triple Streak-2's with beagle, and an AMS.

The Shadow Hawk 2D2 can do all of that, but with jump jets. Although in this case I removed the AMS for a 4th streak launcher.

So, I had to do it tonight and convert my first mech, my Centurion-A to a standard engine so it will still have a role on the battlefield as a zombie.

However, once the Wolverine comes out I might be running that. I love the fact we get all 3 of the classic 55 ton mechs.

[Captain Stiffy]

Fate 6, on 04 November 2013 - 10:59 AM, said:

It's one of the most versatile mechs we have, what's everyone running on this bad boy?

I've been using 2ML,3SRM6,SRM2,STD260 because I love my CN9-A like the son I don't have yet.

I run 4xSSRM, 2ML max xl engine for a light hunter in 2D2 but you can't do that as well with the other variants.

[MeiSooHaityu]

The 2D2 is running...

2 LLasers, 4 SSRM2s, 1 A/C2, 2 JJs, BAP, DHS, Endo, and an XL265 (I think).

Bit slow, but a descent sniper and long range engager. I had 2 ERLLasers on it, but decided to sacrifice range for some savings on heat.

It is a bit warm though, so try and engage at range when possible.

It is basically what I think Phil "Sean Lang" ran in one of his setups on the NGNG YouTube channel.

[focuspark]

Silentium, on 05 November 2013 - 05:53 PM, said:

I just specced out something similar this morning, less engine/more ammo, but the same weapon loadout. I am looking forward to trying it in the field.

Let me know how you did. Yesterday I took out on Canyon Network and dropped into a "pit" vs a Spider, Dragon, and Jagger. We were all damaged going in, only I came out (with all limbs even). She's a monster.

Hans Von Lohman, on 06 November 2013 - 01:59 AM, said:

My only complaint about the 2D2 is that it made my favorite Centurion redundant, with an XL265, AC10, triple Streak-2's with beagle, and an AMS.

The Shadow Hawk 2D2 can do all of that, but with jump jets. Although in this case I removed the AMS for a 4th streak launcher.

So, I had to do it tonight and convert my first mech, my Centurion-A to a standard engine so it will still have a role on the battlefield as a zombie.

However, once the Wolverine comes out I might be running that. I love the fact we get all 3 of the classic 55 ton mechs.

Cent's "shield arm" still does a better job of intercepting incoming attacks.

[Bishop Steiner]

focuspark, on 06 November 2013 - 10:08 AM, said:

Let me know how you did. Yesterday I took out on Canyon Network and dropped into a "pit" vs a Spider, Dragon, and Jagger. We were all damaged going in, only I came out (with all limbs even). She's a monster.


Cent's "shield arm" still does a better job of intercepting incoming attacks.

not far off from mine. 280Xl, and a 4th SSRM, and I sap to a UAC with more ammo, but UACs really seem to click for my style in SHADs. And yeah, the basic design, either way is beastly.

[Voivode]

This guy has been pretty good to me. Versatile and swift, you can use a lot of different tactics and fight a pretty wide variety of enemies.

[Gigastrike]

Since everyone seems to be familiar with the quad SSRM2 builds, let me throw a wrench into the conversation.

I've been running my 2D2 with 2 LRM5s and 2 large lasers pretty successfully. Makes for a good mid-range supporter that can keep targets rocking with chain fire, while doing pinpoint damage at the same range with lasers.

[HeftyJo]

I've been using the 'Zombie Monstrosity' build that I found over at Smurfy's forum. It's one of the most highest rated builds for the 2D2. I just wanted to change it up a bit since I run the ac/10, streak x 3, med laser build on my 2H(P) which I've had some monster games in as well. But with the 54 point alpha you can get in close and pop arms off and crack torso's all day long. It works really well against assaults because you have the jump jets to help stay out of their firing arcs and their larger size means a higher probability of all your SRM missles getting a hit. But there is also a big enough spread from the 22 missle tubes that it makes for a good shotgun to take down lights. I aim low at a spider's legs and will often knock a leg out. Or at least strip it of all it's armor and send it into the red far enough that it makes the pilot run off and hide.

[MeiSooHaityu]

HeftyJo, on 08 November 2013 - 08:16 AM, said:

I've been using the 'Zombie Monstrosity' build that I found over at Smurfy's forum...

Seems pretty descent, but I have one problem with it...No Daka . It just feels wrong to not put a ballistic on a Shadowhawk.

[N a p e s]

MeiSooHaityu, on 08 November 2013 - 09:19 AM, said:

Seems pretty descent, but I have one problem with it...No Daka . It just feels wrong to not put a ballistic on a Shadowhawk.

The hunch does look weird without a barrel sticking out. On the other hand you got all these tasty missile hardpoints.

I'm trying 3xSRM2, 1xSRM4, 1xLB10 and 2xMLas tonight just because the lock-on time for streaks can be annoying. Should be a fun double barreled shotgun build.

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...5e996ad51ca545d

[Bishop Steiner]

Gigastrike, on 06 November 2013 - 02:18 PM, said:

Since everyone seems to be familiar with the quad SSRM2 builds, let me throw a wrench into the conversation.

I've been running my 2D2 with 2 LRM5s and 2 large lasers pretty successfully. Makes for a good mid-range supporter that can keep targets rocking with chain fire, while doing pinpoint damage at the same range with lasers.

not enough JJ.

[HeftyJo]

MeiSooHaityu, on 08 November 2013 - 09:19 AM, said:

Seems pretty descent, but I have one problem with it...No Daka . It just feels wrong to not put a ballistic on a Shadowhawk.

Yea, it's a change of pace build just to kinda mix things up between chassis. Plus, it's a deceptive build since a savy pilot may try to aim for the left side to take out the ballistics not realizing there nothing there to lose.

[General Godmode]

I move around the 260 xlengine between my hawks. You definitely need one too light a mech to not have an xl. Not sure if it 240 or 260 xl bit I'm running at stock speed.

[MeiSooHaityu]

Napes339, on 08 November 2013 - 11:23 AM, said:

The hunch does look weird without a barrel sticking out. On the other hand you got all these tasty missile hardpoints.

I'm trying 3xSRM2, 1xSRM4, 1xLB10 and 2xMLas tonight just because the lock-on time for streaks can be annoying. Should be a fun double barreled shotgun build.

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...5e996ad51ca545d

I currently have the 4 SSRM2s (with BAP) as mostly a "Light Mech deterrent". The build you have does seem pretty brutal for larger mechs though. Nice.

[MeiSooHaityu]

HeftyJo, on 08 November 2013 - 02:02 PM, said:

Yea, it's a change of pace build just to kinda mix things up between chassis. Plus, it's a deceptive build since a savy pilot may try to aim for the left side to take out the ballistics not realizing there nothing there to lose.

Yea, Nothing wrong with it. It will probably work out really well. It is just one of those mechs that FEEL like it needs a certain loadout.

Shadowhawks and Hunch (except 4P and 4SP) need a Ballistic, Catapult C1 needs missiles, T-Bolt needs that large round Missile Launcher on the RH shoulder (forgot the variant desig). Heck, I fight with not placing PPCs on the Cat K2 all the time (although I heard they altered the barrel models now).

The beauty of the Mechlab is you can do what you want, but some stuff just feels like it needs a certain loadout. just IMO.

[Shadey99]

I've been running a weird (as far as I'm concerned) 5M lately....
* 2xPPC
* 2xSRM4
* 2xMG
* 300 XL

Basically the idea is to strip them down as you close until the MGs finish them. It has done ok, though it feels wrong to run with a pair of MGs...

[N a p e s]

MeiSooHaityu, on 11 November 2013 - 08:56 AM, said:

I currently have the 4 SSRM2s (with BAP) as mostly a "Light Mech deterrent". The build you have does seem pretty brutal for larger mechs though. Nice.

Thanks man! In the end that configuration was a little too hot for my liking on account of the extra heat from using multiple SRM2s. Traded those for a single SRM6 launcher which does just fine.

It has been pretty successful so far.