28 replies to this topic

[Guitar Czar]

I remember when I played Battletech and other Mech Warrior games PPC's were awesome. I loved them, and in fact one of my favorite mechs was the Awesome-8Q. On MWO, however, it seems like the PPC is the unwanted child and just not a viable weapon all around. I guess what I'm asking is if there's a reason to even use a PPC when I could just use a Large Laser that deals 1 less damage. There's the range difference to factor in, and the ECM removal bonus, but I'm afraid I'm holding on to the PPC for sentimental reasons more than for it's actual usefulness as a weapon.

[xMintaka]

PPC's are among one of the best weapons in the game due to their pinpoint, instant damage.

Sure, you could use a LLas that is both lighter and cooler to fire, but your target can twist to distribute that damage to various components. The PPC does all its damage to the component it hits, enabling you to tear through mechs much faster.

Combine PPC's and AC5 or higher and you have the typical meta "cheese" builds that most of the competitive teams/players use.

Edited by Lunatech, 23 December 2013 - 12:02 PM.

[TercieI]

What lunatech said. PPCs are one of the best weapons in the game.

ERPPCs...less so.

[Lukoi Banacek]

PPC's are one of the most commonly used weapons at higher tier play and those trying to develop their game. Yes, they have a min range and run hot, but once you get the hang of them, you'll looove the pinpoint damage that occurs all upfront (no spread like lasers).

They rule the "best build" categories atm.

[Guitar Czar]

Wow, prompt responses. Well thank you gentlemen, I think I will perhaps try to build my CTF-1X around PPC's for a trial run now that you've restored my faith in them.

[TercieI]

Guitar Czar, on 23 December 2013 - 12:09 PM, said:

Wow, prompt responses. Well thank you gentlemen, I think I will perhaps try to build my CTF-1X around PPC's for a trial run now that you've restored my faith in them.

Try a -3D with 2 and 2 AC/5s. Awesome.

[NRP]

Just remember they do no damage when an enemy is closer than 90 meters, so try to keep your distance.

[Kai Harper]

Terciel1976, on 23 December 2013 - 02:00 PM, said:

Try a -3D with 2 and 2 AC/5s. Awesome.

Something like this?

[Myomes]

Guitar Czar, on 23 December 2013 - 11:56 AM, said:

I remember when I played Battletech and other Mech Warrior games PPC's were awesome. I loved them, and in fact one of my favorite mechs was the Awesome-8Q. On MWO, however, it seems like the PPC is the unwanted child and just not a viable weapon all around. I guess what I'm asking is if there's a reason to even use a PPC when I could just use a Large Laser that deals 1 less damage. There's the range difference to factor in, and the ECM removal bonus, but I'm afraid I'm holding on to the PPC for sentimental reasons more than for it's actual usefulness as a weapon.

while it has been given the royal treatment, it's still marginally effective. It's just not the powerhouse it was in previous MW or TT.

[xMintaka]

Kai Harper, on 23 December 2013 - 04:48 PM, said:

Something like this?

I personally use this. The extra heat sink comes in handy (and I have an XL295 that only ever gets used in this, my 3L and the Oxide, saves searching all my mechs for that elusive XL300), and mounting both PPC's in the torso allows for better convergence.

It's mostly down to personal preference though. My build is horribly, horribly screwed when a light shows up, yours would probably be less so since you can track with the arms.

[TercieI]

Kai Harper, on 23 December 2013 - 04:48 PM, said:

Something like this?

I run this:

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...3954b47c1aabe94

The 280 gives enough speed to keep distance vs. bigs and even a 300 won't let you escape lights. I like the cooling and extra ammo.

[Itsalrightwithme]

If you're new to the game, PPC is unforgiving. So are other pinpoint weapons, but PPC is the hottest since it's energy-based.

PPC was the clear king of weapons not too long ago, but after much grief it was nerfed quite significantly.

If I were you I'd first get used to game mechanics (movement, counter-LRM, counter-sniper, aiming, situational awareness) and then invest time in getting used to pinpoint weapons.

[Mirenheart]

I like to run the cataphract with an ac/10, like this CTF-3D.

They have similar damage, ranges, and projectile speed, though not exact. And it's several tons lighter than 2 ac/5s, so you can fit more heatsinks and jumpjets on it.

[Spheroid]

PPC were the dominate weapons for months on end to the exclusion of most other builds. They were ultra nerfed to promote diversity and less insta death. You missed a true golden age if you love PPCs.

[Burke IV]

Do ERPPC splash more?

[Corvus Antaka]

Burke IV, on 23 December 2013 - 05:40 PM, said:

Do ERPPC splash more?

no. erppc is just hotter. if you can handle the heat the erppc is the better gun, it does a lot more damage at 800m and has much longer range. combining 1 erppc with a regular one can work too.

normal PPC is simply easier to use due to less heat as a counterpoint to the min range and short long range.

[Mcchuggernaut]

Nah, you REALLY want to blow holes in people with a PPC/ballistic cheese-fest, try THIS:

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...197059515334141

This build lays down the same firepower as an AC40 Jager but without the ammo, armor, having to use an XL engine, or speed trouble those builds often have. Plus, you have a back-up punch of SRMs that really helps when someone gets inside PPC range. It runs pretty cool too because it has the tonnage to mount enough heat sinks. Have fun shredding everything that moves with this bad boy, and reliving the nostalgia of PPCs. (fire the AC20 and PPCs together in a mighty blast.)

Edited by Mcchuggernaut, 23 December 2013 - 07:01 PM.

[FearNotDeath]

Lunatech, on 23 December 2013 - 12:01 PM, said:

PPC's are among one of the best weapons in the game due to their pinpoint, instant damage.

Sure, you could use a LLas that is both lighter and cooler to fire, but your target can twist to distribute that damage to various components. The PPC does all its damage to the component it hits, enabling you to tear through mechs much faster.

Combine PPC's and AC5 or higher and you have the typical meta "cheese" builds that most of the competitive teams/players use.

Luna is really good and you should listen to them.

[Kai Harper]

Terciel1976, on 23 December 2013 - 05:28 PM, said:

I run this:

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...3954b47c1aabe94

The 280 gives enough speed to keep distance vs. bigs and even a 300 won't let you escape lights. I like the cooling and extra ammo.

Lunatech, on 23 December 2013 - 05:15 PM, said:

I personally use this. The extra heat sink comes in handy (and I have an XL295 that only ever gets used in this, my 3L and the Oxide, saves searching all my mechs for that elusive XL300), and mounting both PPC's in the torso allows for better convergence.

It's mostly down to personal preference though. My build is horribly, horribly screwed when a light shows up, yours would probably be less so since you can track with the arms.

Both of yours do have a shield arm over mine though - that's something to keep in mind.

[Urdnot Mau]

You needed people on the forum to tell you that it's a good weapon? you really can't notice that by seeing everyone using them on your matches? The PPC's characteristics makes it one of the best (i'd dare say: the best) weapon at MWO. The simple fact that it's only 7 tons, 3 crit slots, 550m optimum range and only (8.something) heat makes it the best energy weapon, one of the best ballistic weapons and surelly better than missiles. That's why you always see them in pairs on heavy or assault mechs and sometimes alone in medium mechs