96 replies to this topic

[Odwalla]

I don't get headshot very often, but it happens occasionally. I've noticed them a lot more after I bought my first Catapults this week.

The one shots only happen when you get hit with a high alpha pinpoint like some combination of PPCs and/or ACs. Missiles and lasers just graze the cockpit so it doesn't take much direct damage from them.

It's just an easy way to kill AFK mechs and a frustrating RNG instant kill mechanic when you're the victim. I'm not sure if I ever killed anyone with a headshot, so can't speak much on that end. Sure, it doesn't happen often enough that it's a balance issue, but then what's the point of it?

I don't remember it ever being in any other MW games, but I could be wrong. What do you guys think? Do you think it makes the game more fun with the chance of getting headshots, or just an annoying RNG mechanic?

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EDIT: Just wanted to say that after having some constructive discussions in this thread, I have changed my position on headshots as expressed in my OP. I now agree that they are fine and add a bit more depth to the game. I also agree that using the terms "random" and "RNG" to describe headshots is not entirely accurate as it presupposes intent. Also, it was confirmed that headshots were in all the other MW titles.

With that said, I do think a few of the chassis cockpit hitboxes could still be tweaked for better balance.

Thanks everyone!

Edited by Odwalla, 16 November 2013 - 03:24 PM.

[Vanguard836]

A ) Headshots did occur in other MechWarrior titles.

B ) They are not a RNG mechanic, players have to aim for it which on some mechs the hitbox is bigger than others.

Edited by Vanguard836, 12 November 2013 - 07:17 PM.

[Odwalla]

Vanguard836, on 12 November 2013 - 06:11 PM, said:

A ) headshots did occur in other MechWarrior titles

B ) They are not a RNG mechanic, players have to aim for it.

A ) Oh, which ones?

B ) People don't aim for the cockpit, they aim for the center torso. If you end up hitting the cockpit, it was luck. Hence the RNG. The only exceptions I can think of is if the mech is shutdown or not moving and is really close.

Edited by Odwalla, 12 November 2013 - 06:15 PM.

[Roadbeer]

Odwalla, on 12 November 2013 - 06:15 PM, said:

B ) People don't aim for the cockpit, they aim for the center torso. If you end up hitting the cockpit, it was luck. Hence the RNG. The only exceptions I can think of is if the mech is shutdown or not moving and is really close.

Actually, if you go into the mechlab, you can see exactly where the head hitbox is for any mech. I've had more than a few (and been killed by more than a few) headshots. It's not easy, but it can be done. RNG has nothing to do with it.

[Vanguard836]

A ) All MechWarrior 2, 3, 4 titles and their expansions / standalone expansions

B ) Whether someone aims at a cockpit is up to them, go in testing grounds and try it out, once you get the spot it's very easy to do on most non moving mechs.

Edited by Vanguard836, 12 November 2013 - 06:21 PM.

[Mcgral18]

And to add, the Cat has one of the largest and easily hit heads. Just keep that in mind.

[Mxxpower]

I generally always aim for the head unless there is a damaged component to pick off, or an AC 20. The head damage seems to hit the CT anyway if you miss the cockpit.

[Roland]

Odwalla, on 12 November 2013 - 06:15 PM, said:

A ) Oh, which ones?

B ) People don't aim for the cockpit, they aim for the center torso. If you end up hitting the cockpit, it was luck. Hence the RNG. The only exceptions I can think of is if the mech is shutdown or not moving and is really close.

Some of us actually do aim for your cockpit, and can hit it. Certainly not every time, but often enough that I will go for the shot if my loadout supports it.

Also, if my alpha is over 33, and you shut down in front of me, I totally will headshot you.

I've killed totally fresh atlases through their heads, intentionally, and this is a very good game feature because it gives a skilled pilot an ability to turn the tide of a fight.

Edited by Roland, 12 November 2013 - 06:44 PM.

[Ecto Cooler]

Mxxpower, on 12 November 2013 - 06:42 PM, said:

I generally always aim for the head unless there is a damaged component to pick off, or an AC 20. The head damage seems to hit the CT anyway if you miss the cockpit.

^^ This.

It's extremely helpful to learn where the cockpits are located on the various mechs, it just adds another level of skill to the game. While it's rare, scoring a headshot is oh so satisfying.

[JimboFBX]

you can't skillfully pull off a headshot, there isn't enough mouse resolution. you have to be at 15m away

[Roland]

JimboFBX, on 12 November 2013 - 06:52 PM, said:

you can't skillfully pull off a headshot, there isn't enough mouse resolution. you have to be at 15m away

Other pilots are better than you are.

[Roadbeer]

JimboFBX, on 12 November 2013 - 06:52 PM, said:

you can't skillfully pull off a headshot, there isn't enough mouse resolution. you have to be at 15m away

[Wildstreak]

If you think headshots cannot be done, I recommend the following.

Before trying this, look at if not bookmark this page showing in yellow where various, if not all, head hitboxes are located on Mechs.

Now go into Testing Grounds, find targets and engage them at different ranges with Energy/Ballistic weapons. The further away, the more you should use zoom before firing.
Aim where you think/remember the head is.
After a shot, check where damage registered.
Practice makes you better.
It is harder but possible to hit the head from greater distances.

Note - targets on testing grounds are the same 8 Mechs for all maps except Crimson Straight TMK.

I am not as good as some but doing this practice, I once seriously headshot a Highlander in a live match with a Hunchback using just a few Medium and Large lasers over 3-4 salvos at Medium Range. (I think between 270-400m roughly.)

Edited by Merchant, 12 November 2013 - 07:14 PM.

[Odwalla]

I love how when I said "people don't aim for cockpits" and made the exceptions for when the opponent mech is either shutdown or not moving and very close and then people proceed with "I totally get intentional headshots when mechs are shutdown"...

Vanguard836, on 12 November 2013 - 06:19 PM, said:

A ) All MechWarrior 2, 3, 4 titles and their expansions / standalone expansions

B ) Whether someone aims at a cockpit is up to them, go in testing grounds and try it out, once you get the spot it's very easy to do on most non moving mechs.

I've played all of those MW games and honestly don't remember ever seeing a headshot mechanic. Again, I could be wrong, can anyone confirm that is the case?

We all agree that it's rare (except for the exceptions I made) and that's what makes it random. Whether people are aiming for the cockpits or not, the chances of you hitting it are small. It's not literally RNG, but it IS random and rare.

[Mcgral18]

Odwalla, on 12 November 2013 - 07:18 PM, said:

I love how when I said "people don't aim for cockpits" and made the exceptions for when the opponent mech is either shutdown or not moving and very close and then people proceed with "I totally get intentional headshots when mechs are shutdown"...



I've played all of those MW games and honestly don't remember ever seeing a headshot mechanic. Again, I could be wrong, can anyone confirm that is the case?

We all agree that it's rare (except for the exceptions I made) and that's what makes it random. Whether people are aiming for the cockpits or not, the chances of you hitting it are small. It's not literally RNG, but it IS random and rare.

No, it is not random. The hitbox is static, and will not change. If the target is moving, it's harder to hit but still there.

Calling it random is false, lucky would be a more appropriate term. It's only as rare as you make it.

[Clit Beastwood]

Odwalla, on 12 November 2013 - 06:01 PM, said:

I don't get headshot very often, but it happens occasionally. I've noticed them a lot more after I bought my first Catapults this week.

The one shots only happen when you get hit with a high alpha pinpoint like some combination of PPCs and/or ACs. Missiles and lasers just graze the cockpit so it doesn't take much direct damage from them.

It's just an easy way to kill AFK mechs and a frustrating RNG instant kill mechanic when you're the victim. I'm not sure if I ever killed anyone with a headshot, so can't speak much on that end. Sure, it doesn't happen often enough that it's a balance issue, but then what's the point of it?

I don't remember it ever being in any other MW games, but I could be wrong. What do you guys think? Do you think it makes the game more fun with the chance of getting headshots, or just an annoying RNG mechanic?

1. Catapults are easy to headshot.
2. As your ELO goes up, you'll likely find better shots.
3. People in general are getting more target practice and more knowledgeable about the hitboxes - result = more headshots.

Edited by Fierostetz, 12 November 2013 - 07:35 PM.

[Odwalla]

Fierostetz, on 12 November 2013 - 07:33 PM, said:

1. Catapults are easy to headshot.
2. As your ELO goes up, you'll likely find better shots.
3. People in general are getting more target practice and more knowledgeable about the hitboxes - result = more headshots.

Yeah, that makes sense. Might be worth me practicing then.

[Thejuggla]

Out of all the mechs I play I find the catapult the most headshot prone, that may be why.

[Odwalla]

Mcgral18, on 12 November 2013 - 07:22 PM, said:

No, it is not random. The hitbox is static, and will not change. If the target is moving, it's harder to hit but still there.

Calling it random is false, lucky would be a more appropriate term. It's only as rare as you make it.

Semantically it's intent that makes something random. If you're aiming for the cockpit, then I agree with you that getting a headshot is not random.

The difference is that I'm presuposing that people in general are not specifically aiming for the cockpit unless the mech is very close, shutdown or not moving. I'd even argue that at a certain distances it's just not possible to aim for the cockpit because of resolution. So working under that presupposition, headshots are random.

[Koniving]

Roadbeer, on 12 November 2013 - 06:17 PM, said:

Actually, if you go into the mechlab, you can see exactly where the head hitbox is for any mech. I've had more than a few (and been killed by more than a few) headshots. It's not easy, but it can be done. RNG has nothing to do with it.

For the mechlab it's important to note that what highlights and what really is the hitbox aren't the same thing. However, when you start customizing the mech and start clicking around the head, a point that selects the head is the cockpit. A point that selects the CT is the CT.

Example: Select an Atlas. Click the left eyeball. Bam, cockpit. Select the right eyeball. Bam, CT.

Here's the Battlemaster. Blue is the cockpit hitbox.


Fun fact. Pink is where that place is from the inside of the mech.


I drew this of the Jenner at one point.