304 replies to this topic

[TercieI]

MavRCK, on 01 February 2014 - 01:05 PM, said:

I feel this is a reliable resource for new players to understand the game and help them purchase a mech chassis they'll enjoy for now and the future.

New guys: Mav (and others) are absolutely right about this. I've been playing since July and almost entirely, the top tier mechs on this and similar lists end up being more successful and satisfying than the lower tier mechs. I own 57 mechs now and the better ones are...BETTER. It would be great if all mechs were power-equal and it was about style, but that's simply not how it is. Do yourself a huge favor and don't think you're smarter than the guys who have thousands and thousands of drops and hours of analysis and discussion. You're not. Unless you like to make things needlessly hard on yourself, you'll be much happier if you listen.

I say this from painful experience. I started in Commandos because I thought I'd "do it my way."

[Ertur]

I would recommend a new player start with a top tier mech, get a whole set and master that chassis. But for the second set, get a bottom tier mech. Yes, it's junk. But by the time you have mastered that set, when you go back to the top tier mech then, generally, you will do so much more with it. The bad mechs of each weight force you to learn how to use that weight much more efficiently then the best.

[Itsalrightwithme]

Ertur, on 01 February 2014 - 02:46 PM, said:

I would recommend a new player start with a top tier mech, get a whole set and master that chassis. But for the second set, get a bottom tier mech. Yes, it's junk. But by the time you have mastered that set, when you go back to the top tier mech then, generally, you will do so much more with it. The bad mechs of each weight force you to learn how to use that weight much more efficiently then the best.

You can turn a tier 1 chassis into a junk mech by selecting crappy loadouts. I understand your rationale but there are cheaper ways go about it!

On a similar note it's good to try different roles and builds. Started with lights? Switch it up to a heavy brawler. Or medium sniper. Even *gasp* LRM boats or skiffs. You become much better at countering mechs if you know their pros and cons.

Edited by Itsalrightwithme, 01 February 2014 - 04:16 PM.

[Bront]

Ertur, on 01 February 2014 - 02:46 PM, said:

I would recommend a new player start with a top tier mech, get a whole set and master that chassis. But for the second set, get a bottom tier mech. Yes, it's junk. But by the time you have mastered that set, when you go back to the top tier mech then, generally, you will do so much more with it. The bad mechs of each weight force you to learn how to use that weight much more efficiently then the best.

Better option is to, on the way to mastering top tier chasis, play one of the sub-par ones. I generally suggest buying the worst chasis first and saving the nicer ones for last (It also helps if you're short on mechbays)

[Skye Storm]

One day the Awesomes will once again reign supreme on the battlefield.

[Bront]

Skye Storm, on 02 February 2014 - 11:00 AM, said:

One day the Awesomes will once again reign supreme on the battlefield.

Perhaps once they stop reigning supreme at the buffet...

[Bagheera]

Skye Storm, on 02 February 2014 - 11:00 AM, said:

One day the Awesomes will once again reign supreme on the battlefield.

So they're removing engine restrictions, putting broken splash damage back on SRMs, and re-implementing knockdown?

lmk, because if they do I'll have to re-purchase the -8R.

Edited by Bagheera, 02 February 2014 - 06:49 PM.

[MavRCK]

Bagheera, on 02 February 2014 - 06:49 PM, said:

So they're removing engine restrictions, putting broken splash damage back on SRMs, and re-implementing knockdown?

lmk, because if they do I'll have to re-purchase the -8R.

I guess it depends if Paul Inouye decides to listen to a different group of players and testers --- it's only been 2 years of complaints...

Things such as weapons are, from my understanding, cvar variables so a quick afternoon's work could adjust each and every weapon...

O.o

But it's only a game.. not like something important.. like health care... the economy... world hunger..

Edited by MavRCK, 03 February 2014 - 02:05 PM.

[Ertur]

whirled peas.

[MavRCK]

Ertur, on 03 February 2014 - 05:35 PM, said:

whirled peas.

Heheh, I have no idea what that means... is it like creamed peas --- not my cup of tea.

Quote

NARC - Will disable ECM on a 'Mech with ECM equipped for it's duration. Will not be knocked off by damage. Will be deactivated at the end of its time cycle (currently 30 seconds/may be tuned longer).[/color]

Flamers - Rate at which heat is applied to the targeted 'Mech will be increased so the 90% threshold is hit faster. Possible slight damage boost.[/color]

LRMs - Initial investigation into increasing flight speed.[/color]


Large Pulse Laser - Initial investigation into possible heat adjustment.[/color]

I'm excited --- come on PGI -- get on top of ALL the weapons!

Edited by MavRCK, 03 February 2014 - 07:53 PM.

[luxebo]

Hey MavRCK, just wanted to ask for a standpoint on the Firestarter. This is an interesting mech, and I would like to look more into it competitively. Could it potentially be better than even the Jenner?

[MavRCK]

luxebo, on 04 February 2014 - 04:58 PM, said:

Hey MavRCK, just wanted to ask for a standpoint on the Firestarter. This is an interesting mech, and I would like to look more into it competitively. Could it potentially be better than even the Jenner?

I think it could be.. Here's the build I've been looking at since yesterday evening: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...41be06e1cc51c11

4 ML, 4 MG (2 tons of ammo) - I'm debating if it should have 1 or 2 tons of MG Ammo. I feel like it might be fine with 1 ton of ammo.. and take bap instead or 2 more jumpjets.

The mech has 9 dps... it takes 30 seconds of constant firing to overheat.... but in that time it can do 270 damage.. in range under 120ms.. outside of MG range, it still has 4 ML which is still a worrisome amount of damage / dps.

It's mind-boggling. I don't know if any light can handle it.. and while it sacrifices the range.. it of course runs around at 150kph. I don't understand why it wasn't allowed to have a 300XL engine tho.... (that extra HS in the engine would have been nice)...

So, I'm hemming and hawing about buying it.. last time I tried the game crashed.. and crashed sequentially 4 times loading in.. so I'm going to wait for some stability fixes before playing seriously.

I did have a chance to look at the other models that were data-mined by Smurfy:

The K has 6 energy hardpoints in the arms like the jenner.

The S has dual AMS.

Perhaps by the time they are released, one of the chassis will have ECM.. that would be a game-changer of a new light mech, too...

9 dps...

holy crap... I don't think any light mech can out-duel this mech..

One tip I would offer people is to use -- i don't personally like macros -- but with this mech, having a key bound to hold down the MGs firing continuously could be of use.. I think I'll try it.. but probably stick to not to using macros..

Edited by MavRCK, 04 February 2014 - 08:11 PM.

[Zeriniel]

In the few games I've played with it so far (Played with nothing but it tonight) I've found that if you're just doing in and out striking, 1 ton of MG ammo is fine. But If you're able to put constant rounds on target, you need that second ton of ammo. It comes in really handy when you can't break away, and need time to cool down while still doing damage/screwing with your opponents screen. I'm really liking this mech, to be honest. And I normally hate light mechs.

As an addendum, I've been running mine with a 280XL instead of 295, just because it's what I already had, and didn't feel buying a 295. In the end it won't be that much slower after speed tweak, don't play lights enough to know if there is a difference between 142 and 150. But that saved tonnage allows me 13 total DHS, which I may downgrade after double basics, and upgrade the engine, but we'll see when the c-bill variants come out.

Edited by Zeriniel, 04 February 2014 - 08:34 PM.

[MavRCK]

Zeriniel, on 04 February 2014 - 08:29 PM, said:

In the few games I've played with it so far (Played with nothing but it tonight) I've found that if you're just doing in and out striking, 1 ton of MG ammo is fine. But If you're able to put constant rounds on target, you need that second ton of ammo. It comes in really handy when you can't break away, and need time to cool down while still doing damage/screwing with your opponents screen. I'm really liking this mech, to be honest. And I normally hate light mechs.

As an addendum, I've been running mine with a 280XL instead of 295, just because it's what I already had, and didn't feel buying a 295. In the end it won't be that much slower after speed tweak, don't play lights enough to know if there is a difference between 142 and 150. But that saved tonnage allows me 13 total DHS, which I may downgrade after double basics, and upgrade the engine, but we'll see when the c-bill variants come out.

Thank you for the feedback and info!!

[Akerlof]

MavRCK, on 13 December 2013 - 07:53 PM, said:

*Medium Mechs (40-55 tons)*

- Tier 1: SHD-2H-5M-2D2, CDA-3M, CN9-A, <+BJ-3-1>
- Tier 2: <-HBK-4P>, <-KTO-18>, TBT-5J-7M, HBK-4SP, CN9-AL-Yen-Lo-Wang, KTO-20-19-Golden Boy, <+BJ-1X>, GRF-1N-3M-1S, WVR-6K-6R-7K
- Tier 3: HBK-4J, CDA-X-5, CN9-D, HBK-4G-4H-<Grid Iron>, CDA2A-2B-3C, TBT-3C-5N-7K, BJ-1DC


====================================================


And finally... what you all really want to know in PUG land:

Overall Solo Queue Mech Tier List

In order of ability to influence a match - Best to Worst

- Light: JR7-F, JR7-D, SDR-5D, RVN-3L, JR7-Oxide, COM-2D, JR7-K

- Medium: SHD-2H-5M-2D2, CDA-3M, CN9-A, TBT-5J-7M, BJ-1-3, KTO-18, HBK-4P, HBK-4SP

- Heavy: CTF-3D, JM6-S-DD, CTF-Ilya Muromets, Orions, CTF-4X, CPLT-K2

- Assault: HGN-733C-732, AS7-DDC, STK-Misery-Any, VTR-9B-9S-DS-9K, HGN-733P, BLR-1D-1G-1S, AS7-Others, Awesomes Are Not Awesome!


<+> Denotes a increase in ranking versus the previous week
<-> Denotes a decrease in ranking versus the previous week
<> Indicates a new placement

=========================================

For the Blackjacks, where can I find a BJ-3 build for competetive/solo play? I've found builds for the BJ-1 with an AC20 and 3 MLs, and figure that's what you were talking about. It's fun as all get out to play, I'm kind of addicted at the moment. >.> But I haven't found anything for the BJ-3.

I've been having a lot of success with a BJ-3 carrying 2 PPCs and 4 MLs like this, but it's got to be way too hot for competitive matches. The dual high mounted PPCs make it a good jump sniper, so I wonder if you were thinking a build like that with fewer (or no) Medium Lasers, or if I'm totally off base.

Edited by Akerlof, 05 February 2014 - 08:25 AM.

[IraqiWalker]

I've been using it (Ember) all of tonight, and seriously, this Ember is a beast. I was running the 4ML,4MG,2tons ammo build, but now I switched to 4SPLs, 4MGs, 3tons ammo, since I brawled with it more than striking in and out. Which allowed me to pump a lot of rounds down range.

The Firestarter has the makings of a top tier light mech. 35tons, Jumpjets, and can duel any other light with a good chance of winning. Earlier tonight I got into a duel with a jenner 7F. Both of us were fresh and we hit no one else nor were we interrupted for the most part. It came down to the wire but I won due to the Jenner over heating allowing my MGs to wail on it for 3 seconds straight and get the kill. Mind you this was a mech that wasn't fully basicéd out yet, while the Jenner was pretty much Mastered from the way it handled.

I have seen it with 2AC2s and 2MLs, or with 2AC5s. I've even seen it with an AC 20. The mech is versatile, VERY versatile. Couple that with it's mobility and slim frame (it's taller than other lights but still thin and limber), and you have a mech that is a threat to everything on the battlefield. These are the two builds I've personally enjoyed the most:

1-EMBER 4MLs 2xtons MG ammo
2-EMBER 4SPL, 3tons MG ammo

Edited by IraqiWalker, 05 February 2014 - 08:56 AM.

[giganova]

Mav is a tool, that is all.

[MavRCK]

giganova, on 05 February 2014 - 11:29 AM, said:

Mav is a tool, that is all.

Giggy! I missed you bro -- you need to win a few games and get that ELO up so you can drop with us big boys.

Akerlof, on 05 February 2014 - 08:22 AM, said:

For the Blackjacks, where can I find a BJ-3 build for competetive/solo play? I've found builds for the BJ-1 with an AC20 and 3 MLs, and figure that's what you were talking about. It's fun as all get out to play, I'm kind of addicted at the moment. >.> But I haven't found anything for the BJ-3.

I've been having a lot of success with a BJ-3 carrying 2 PPCs and 4 MLs like this, but it's got to be way too hot for competitive matches. The dual high mounted PPCs make it a good jump sniper, so I wonder if you were thinking a build like that with fewer (or no) Medium Lasers, or if I'm totally off base.

I'll ask Sean Lang for a build and get back to you - actually, ya that mech allowed for 2 ppc sniping.. pretty solid.. you can also use 2 PPC with 0,2,4 ML or some people liked 2 ERLL with ML.. It's really mobile and has its arms up.. I don't know which episode I talked about the BJs, but there was a video when they were released.. Some people played them as fast 6 ML boats too..

Edited by MavRCK, 05 February 2014 - 01:14 PM.

[warner2]

I would say the most common competitive build for the BJ-3 is 6 ML with 1 JJ and max. standard engine. You can take AMS or an extra DHS. I think the 8ML BJ-1X is probably more popular for that kind of thing, however.

Both are kind of niche builds for low tonnage, brawl type matches.

The other build I've seen occasionally is 3ERLL. That's an XL build, and a good amount of fire-power for the tonnage.

Edited by warner2, 05 February 2014 - 01:55 PM.

[MavRCK]

IraqiWalker, on 05 February 2014 - 08:56 AM, said:

I've been using it (Ember) all of tonight, and seriously, this Ember is a beast. I was running the 4ML,4MG,2tons ammo build, but now I switched to 4SPLs, 4MGs, 3tons ammo, since I brawled with it more than striking in and out. Which allowed me to pump a lot of rounds down range.

The Firestarter has the makings of a top tier light mech. 35tons, Jumpjets, and can duel any other light with a good chance of winning. Earlier tonight I got into a duel with a jenner 7F. Both of us were fresh and we hit no one else nor were we interrupted for the most part. It came down to the wire but I won due to the Jenner over heating allowing my MGs to wail on it for 3 seconds straight and get the kill. Mind you this was a mech that wasn't fully basicéd out yet, while the Jenner was pretty much Mastered from the way it handled.

I have seen it with 2AC2s and 2MLs, or with 2AC5s. I've even seen it with an AC 20. The mech is versatile, VERY versatile. Couple that with it's mobility and slim frame (it's taller than other lights but still thin and limber), and you have a mech that is a threat to everything on the battlefield. These are the two builds I've personally enjoyed the most:

1-EMBER 4MLs 2xtons MG ammo
2-EMBER 4SPL, 3tons MG ammo

I'm loving this Ember and am using Build #1.



So much fun... I grin from ear to ear when I think of this mech.