5 replies to this topic

[Gilien the Noble]

I am operating under the assumption that drop weight limits will eventually be introduced, and will most likely play a role in the future metagame.

That being the case I was hoping for some advice in future mech selection.

At the current time the mechs I have are as follows:

Dragon 1N - Long-range harasser and brawler
Catapult C4 - Artillery Support
Jester - Laser Mech/Sniper
Protector - Artillery Support

The latter two are the ones I'm using at the present time to build up Cbills.

My goal is to have two or three mechs in every weight class (light, medium, heavy, assault), so that I can fit into multiple roles as needed.

At present I do best in a support/sniper role but am working on polishing up my rusty dog fighter/brawler skills.

Additionally I am trying to stay on the lighter side of things so that others more skilled than I in front line assaults can bring the heavier mechs.

The mechs I am considering, in order from lighter to heavier, are:

Locust 3M with 4 medium lasers - Harasser
Raven 2x and/or 3L - LRMs and Medium lasers (although not sure if an ECM mech, even a light, would be expected to lead the charge)
A Cicada, possibly the X5 for cb bonus
Hunchback 4SP - medium weight LRM support mech with medium lasers as backup

Assault mechs I have not narrowed down yet, though I would like a Stalker laserboat which would essentially be an upgraded version of my Jester. I am guessing that drop weights at least in some cases will be deliberately low for greater challenge...therefore it would make sense to bring a heavy instead of an assault and free up more weight for others.

I am also aware that I need to have 3 of the same chassis for maximum bonuses.

Any thoughts or feedback? Agree or disagree with my selections? Any key facts to consider which have been overlooked? Any suggestions or discussion would definitely be appreciated.

Thanks in advance and see you on the battlefield : )

Edited by Gunner821, 02 December 2013 - 02:44 PM.

[Redshift2k5]

]Sadly any attempt to plan ahead for drop weight caps is prone to inaccurate guesses. We don't know exactly how this feature will work (but Paul did release a tentative table which I will go locate) so any advice needs to be taken with a grain of salt.

Raven 3Ls are fantastic for support and some harassment, although they have fewer advantages vs other lights than they used to have. similarly an ECM Cicada is certainly worth it's weight on the dropship.

Can't get the table to paste in correctly, Looks much better in the original post. But even knowing the (demonstrative) values doesn't tell us how players will actually build their teams to fill the weight limit, which means we don't know what kind of weights to aim for.

Quote

Group Size Minimum Tonnage Maximum Tonnage
2 40 125
3 160 180
4 210 245
5 265 305
6 315 365
7 370 425
8 420 485
9 475 545
10 525 605
11 580 665
12 630 730

Edited by Redshift2k5, 02 December 2013 - 02:49 PM.

[Victor Morson]

Gunner821, on 02 December 2013 - 02:33 PM, said:

I am operating under the assumption that drop weight limits will eventually be introduced, and will most likely play a role in the future metagame.

That being the case I was hoping for some advice in future mech selection.

At the current time the mechs I have are as follows:

Dragon 1N - Long-range harasser and brawler
Catapult C4 - Artillery Support
Jester - Laser Mech/Sniper
Protector - Artillery Support

Two quick things: First you generally want to pick a chassis and stay with it, since you need 3 variants to master it; then move on after that. Unmastered chassis are drastically less effective; once you have elite in three, you also get double Basics on the pilot tree. So definitely consider that. Most of these 'mechs are bad to average at best.

Gunner821, on 02 December 2013 - 02:33 PM, said:

Locust 3M with 4 medium lasers - Harasser
Raven 2x and/or 3L - LRMs and Medium lasers (although not sure if an ECM mech, even a light, would be expected to lead the charge)
A Cicada, possibly the X5 for cb bonus
Hunchback 4SP - medium weight LRM support mech with medium lasers as backup

The Raven 3L is alright in a niche, the Cicada is alright in certain league niches as well, but neither are "must haves." The 4SP is the best of a bad chassis and the Locust is horrendous.

Here's what I'd recommend you pick up, though. Notably while I'm recommending specific variants again, you generally want to have three variants at least until you rank them up.

Assaults:
Highlander - 733, 733C: The Highlander is the best Assault 'mech in the game right now, in the role of a traditional assault. Absolutely pick this up and master the chassis, because it's been consistently one of the most powerful 'mechs on the field.

Highlander - Heavy Metal: If you really enjoy Highlanders, the Heavy Metal is a great variant that splits the ballistic and energy to different torsos, making it an even more durable Standard Engine 'mech.

Victor - 9S: The Victor is the link between heavy and assault, operating directly between both. It's extremely good at this role, acting as a super Cataphract. It is by far the second best assault right now.

Victor - Dragon Slayer: A solid competitive-worthy version of the regular Victor.

Heavies:
Catapult K2: I'm only recommending this as a priority because you own two Catapults already. The K2 with twin AC/20 or twin Gauss is still used out there today, in particular the AC/20 model. I'd recommend picking one up so you can elite Catapults, at least.

Cataphract 3D: This is the best heavy 'mech in the game, period. Great weapons load out, good movement and jump capable.

Cataphract Ilya: Since you seem open to buying new hero 'mechs, get this one. It is the best hero in the game and consistently the best cash grinder. Most often seen with 3 AC/5 3 ML, or 3 UAC/5.

Cataphract 4X: If you want a ballistic 'mech, the 4 AC/5 4X has made a huge comeback.

Mediums:
Shadow Hawk: All of them. The 2D2 and 5M are likely the two most popular models, but all three Shadow Hawks are absolutely awesome. Ton for ton, it's the best 'mech in the game, so if you are looking for a nice medium for weight configs, the Shadow Hawk is what you want. Hands down.

Lights:
Jenners: All of them. Again, this is the best light in the game without question. Powerful, heavily armed and capable of filling any non-ECM role, these are highly recommended if you want a light 'mech. Popular configs include 6 SPL, 6 ML, 4 ML 2 Streak 2.

--

Are there other recommended 'mechs? Yes, but if you are looking to fill very specific niches and strategies. 'mechs like the Jaggermech get recommended a lot but if you are running it as a front line 'mech, it doesn't end well.

Finally the Jester is kind of a bum hero, but works well enough to max out the Catapult.

What 'mechs should you avoid entirely?
Awesome
Dragon
Kintaro (Shadow Hawk 2D2 > Streaktaro)
Hunchback
Commando
Locust
Spider (Not what it once was IMO)

-

Hope this helps.

[EDIT: If you try the twin AC/20 Boomcat K2, make sure to be careful with the Ghost Heat.]

Edited by Victor Morson, 02 December 2013 - 02:58 PM.

[Redshift2k5]

Well if he already owns 60-75 tons, going heavier is probably not the best move when he is considering the future of limited weight drops.

Can't argue with the Jenner though.

[Victor Morson]

Oh yeah, I was just addressing each class. I actually made a new guide thread that sums it up better now, heh.

I'd recommend Shadow Hawks to the OP very very strongly, if I had to pick one. If fits everything he's looking for.

[Gilien the Noble]

Victor, you read my mind on a couple points :-p

Definitely considering the Highlander for an assault and the Heavy Metal in particular. It's split between that and the Dragon Slayer.

Yes definitely getting the Catapult K-2 for elite bonuses, and really should have mentioned the Jenner as an alternate pick for a light. Not sure why that slipped my mind.

Anyway thanks for the feedback.