66 replies to this topic

[DarthPeanut]

Been playing for a week or so. Really like the game, but this is not the first mech warrior I have played. Been checking out these forums and this seemed like a good place to start since I am new and cannot post in the general discussion mech/ loadout subforum.

After some reading, settled on a Shadowhawk 2D2 variant for my first mech. Thought about a Hunchback 4SP as well but leaning Shadowhawk.

Did some configuring and came up with the below for a loadout. To preface that, I am looking to keep modest mobility (only limited jump jets, decent speed) and keep with my team. Medium range harassment with enough armor to hang in there for a repositioning if I get caught out of place.

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...7a6b2e21e771ecd

Am I way off base with my loadout, any insight from you more veteran players or anyone else who would like to comment?

Edited by DarthPeanut, 18 December 2013 - 11:37 AM.

[Redshift2k5]

Shadowhawk is a solid place to start. Good hitboxes, jumpjets, many available loadouts.

Make sure if you have Cadet bonus remaining(haven't played all of your first 25 matches) you use premium time to multiply this bonus. Currently you can collect 8 free days of premium time via the website.

I don't really recommend CASE. Keep in mind ammo only explodes 10% of the time if it gets a crit- and it may barely ever get rolled a crit or doesn't get rolled a crit of 10+ damage. The tonnage otherwise is useful every time.

You have four weapon systems and not really enough ammo for the three that use ammo. I'd ditch the LRM10 for another SSRM2 and more ammo for the AC5, and seriously consider losing the AMS and CASE and up on AC5 ammo and a few more DSH and JJ. Unfortunately I don't have specifics as I don't own a Shadowhawk

Edited by Redshift2k5, 18 December 2013 - 11:46 AM.

[Bront]

Start with the 5M first, you get an XL275 with it (which is close enough to an XL280, and should save you some for a while), it starts with DHS and Endo as well, and is practically complete with what you want to build already. Further mods are pretty cheap, and then you can save up for the 2D2.

Once you get the 2D2, swap the engines, and build the 5M into a Shadow-Hunch (AC20 Shadowhawk with 2 MLs and 3-5 tons of ammo), and run the 2D2 how you have it setup here if you want.

Now, I'd recommend not using LRMs but they aren't a bad new player weapon. Just be aware of AMS since you only have the 1 launcher.

Also, CASE doesn't help an XL engine. It stops all damage from going further in the mech, but if the Torso is gone, you're hosed anyway.

Edited by Bront, 18 December 2013 - 11:47 AM.

[TheCaptainJZ]

Seems reasonable enough. The LRM 10 might not help you much as it can easily get destroyed by a couple enemy AMSs. Personally, I'd allocate more armor to the front torsos. I don't get shot in the back that much as I'm usually facing the enemy or turning away at least.
Edit: drop a ton of streak ammo for ac5 for sure

Edited by TheCaptainJZ, 18 December 2013 - 11:48 AM.

[Redshift2k5]

Here's a slightly different build I threw together http://mwo.smurfy-ne...255f5004202def3

But you can always check mechspecs for more ideas!

[Kai Harper]

Instead of posting my thoughts on mechs for new pilots again, I'll post this link for you.

http://mwomercs.com/...ost__p__3003283

^ That there basically sums up what I think for new players. =)

For your build, drop the LRM10, and BAP, I think. You can utilize that weight better than with those - and C.A.S.E. for only one ton of ammo is wasted weight, in my opinion. I modified your variant, to give you a more defined short-range role without an oddball weapon, and plenty of ammo to play with. I was considering throwing a bigger XL into it for you, but just starting, you don't have many C-Bills. The 280's just fine anyway. Just remember to stay mobile, use cover, and watch your heat. Good luck out there!


SHD-2D2

*EDIT* Forgot to add Artemis, and derped hard on the C.A.S.E. in the build I put up. New link fixes that.

Edited by Kai Harper, 18 December 2013 - 12:50 PM.

[Buckminster]

I'll echo some of what has been said here:

• Just buy the 5M first. It comes with the 275XL, which you can shift over to the 2D2 if you so choose. You'll need all three chassis variants anyway to get your efficiencis (this is important). It'll also cost a lot less.
  
• 4 distinct weapon systems can be very tricky to play. You've played other MW games so maybe it won't be an issue, but simplifying can't hurt.
  
• BAP is important for Streaks
  
• 4 Streaks is a fairly potent combo, especially against light mechs. I'd take advantage of the fact that the 2D2 can do it.
  
• CASE is useless with an XL engine.
  
• Some people don't like AMS, I find it to be worthwhile.

[Darwins Dog]

I pretty much agree with everyone else (especially about starting with the 5M, it will make leveling the other two a little easier), but I figured I would also make my comments on your proposed build.

Here is what I would recommend if you want to retain the same basic feel as what you proposed. I dropped the LRM10 for 2 LRM5s. You get a slightly faster fire rate and free up one ton. I dropped the AMS because you should be quick enough to get to cover if they get a lock (and this is a build well suited to fighting from cover). Last I dropped one ton of SSRM ammo. From your loadout it looks like they will be more of a backup weapon, so one ton should be plenty (25 volleys of 4).

That freed up 4 tons that I used for two more tons of AC/5 ammo (with the rate of fire, one ton is only enough for 45 seconds of continuous fire), and two heatsinks. A note on placement: I recommend keeping your HS outside of your engine to use as "crit padding". If an internal component gets taken out it's better to lose a heatsink than a weapon or ammo. You can also drop a HS for more ammo if you need it (18 volleys of LRMs is not a lot, but it might be enough for you).

It looks like a fun build, so you should give it a go!

[Alaskan Nobody]

While I am an avid fan of the LRM weapon on most mechs (indirect fire in a pug is either one of the most or least useful aspects) the JJ on the Shadowhawk mean that you will need it less than other mechs - and the AC/5 gives you the range you need for hitting distant targets.
(bonus points to Darwin's Dog - few people seem to even notice the 2 LRM5 advantage)

So this would be one point where you would not be hurting yourself to much by dropping the LRM.
(feels weird to actually say that given how much I defend that weapon system....)

Other than that... the only thing I would add that hasn't already come up is a recommendation to possibly swap the AC5 for an UAC if you do not mind the jam potential.

[DarthPeanut]

Great input coming, appreciate it!!!

Reworking my plan a bit as I type this. Dropping the CASE, adjusting armor values slightly, upping my ammo, and makings some slight adjustments in the weapons payload.

Probably the new player part of me as to why I kinda like the LRM's. Makes me feel like I am contributing to the fight still while I slowly jockey around the map until I get more fluid with my controls. AMS defeats a good portion of them obviously so they are not the most effecitve thing.. might run without to see use the tonage for other things.

Edited by DarthPeanut, 18 December 2013 - 01:49 PM.

[Kai Harper]

I can appreciate you wanting to have that ranged fire support while you get into position, but it's just a very odd weapon choice to go with the rest of your armament is all. Check your in-game social button, too.

[Alaskan Nobody]

DarthPeanut, on 18 December 2013 - 01:36 PM, said:

Probably the new player part of me as to why I kinda like the LRM's. Makes me feel like I am contributing to the fight still while I slowly jockey around the map until I get more fluid with my controls. AMS defeats a good portion of them obviously so they are not the most effecitve thing.. might run without to see use the tonage for other things.

Reason I suggested not taking them, is the AC/5 actually has more range
Ballistics reach out to 3x their 'effective range - with a linear drop off (IE 50% between effective and max, you do 50% less damage)
So unless you need indirect firepower, the AC/5 lets you hit them at range - and JJ let you rise over hills and the like.
(620 x 3= 1860 maximum range >1000 max LRM range)

My explanation of the damage drop off is probably poorly done, but there's a reason I don't write guides for this stuff.

[dragnier1]

DarthPeanut, on 18 December 2013 - 11:31 AM, said:

After some reading, settled on a Shadowhawk 2D2 variant for my first mech. Thought about a Hunchback 4SP as well but leaning Shadowhawk.

Can i assume you already bought the 2D2? If so, don't panic. Just use all the weight you gain from endo-steel to top up armour, replace the lrm with ssrm and work your way to the 5M. Don't need to buy a new engine for now. You'll need all the shadow hawks to unlock elite skills anyway.

[Xenosphobatic]

Personal opinion incoming:
You can either have LRMs or Ballistics, but not both. Due to weight and ammo consumption, both types of systems chew through ammunition. Additionally, I don't like anything smaller than heavies carrying LRM's due to the weight of the launchers and how much ammunition you have to carry. But, to each their own.

That said, I configured my 2D2: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...bfb6755811ee913

You're fast enough to scare lights (and the SSRMs help), you've got the AC/2 for range, and two ML's for additional help. If necessary, swap some ammo from AC to Streaks, or vice versa at your preference.

[Victor Morson]

2d2 makes a great mboat - lrm15, 10, 5 and TAG with an xl280 and BAP is my vote for the best lrm mech.

4 streak 2s and 2mpl with a maxed engine is great too.

On a cell phone on a trip or I would link you my mech guide and some smurfy build links.

Ed: Try an AC20 + ER PPC - great and works on all Shadow Hawks.

Edited by Victor Morson, 18 December 2013 - 02:23 PM.

[80sGlamRockSensation David Bowie]

DarthPeanut, on 18 December 2013 - 11:31 AM, said:

Am I way off base with my loadout, any insight from you more veteran players or anyone else who would like to comment?

Here, try this build isntead

New Shawk

Keeping that XL280 you have, I swapped the lrm for two more streaks and dropped the LRM10. I also gave you a BAP which will help you with target tracking.

Don't use CASE with an XL, since it won't save or protect you from any potential ammo explosions.

2x mLas
1xAC5
4xSSRM2
1xAMS
3xJJ's
12DHS (11 engine)
BAP

+You can add Artemis for 750,000 which enables a bug that makes your streaks lock-on more accurately and faster. Have fun!

[Victor Morson]

PS two ac5 and a ppc is also a favorite competitive build, and works on all Hawks but the 2d2.

[DarthPeanut]

Yea I already had bought the 2D2 based off some of the previous recent discussion of first mechs. I played with the loadout a little but nothing serious cause I wanted to be sure of my plan and do some basic research first.

Lots of great suggestions, really appreciate it all... looks like I need to spend some time configuring in between rounds (have to get those cbills and gcp built up after all, plus the obvious experience on the controls).

[Kai Harper]

DarthPeanut, on 18 December 2013 - 03:19 PM, said:

Yea I already had bought the 2D2 based off some of the previous recent discussion of first mechs. I played with the loadout a little but nothing serious cause I wanted to be sure of my plan and do some basic research first.

Lots of great suggestions, really appreciate it all... looks like I need to spend some time configuring in between rounds (have to get those cbills and gcp built up after all, plus the obvious experience on the controls).

If you want a hand, feel free to message me in-game for a few drops.

[Theaus]

I love my 2D2, and I run 4 streaks, two large lasers, XL 325, two tons ammo, almost full armor. With endo and ferro. One jump jet.
It goes 105 with speed tweak and heat at 1.35. Had a six kill match with it the other day (other side was a man down). Just remember to keep moving and never head on anyone. Don't forget BAP and target decay, and sensor range should be practically standard equipment. Watch out for AC20 and resist the urge to take on whole team.