24 replies to this topic

[Kyynele]

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...b9abeabee6a7972

Engine DHS are more effective than external DHS, going below 250 engines (that have the maximum 10 internals) for heat efficiency is a waste. This build has basically the same heat efficiency compared to the above presented 235 engine build, but is 15 kph faster and has much faster torso twist with it.

You have to get close to deal the damage, so it's beneficial to both be able to get close fast, and to get away fast if the situation deteriorates.

YMMV, this is what I'd put my money on.

edit: Brawling is mostly somewhat unpopular at the moment because the hit registration for SRMs is the worst for any weapon in the game.

Edited by Kyynele, 06 January 2014 - 02:57 PM.

[MissingBolt]

@OP

As a newbie (F2P player) rocking a Hunchback (AC/20 build) for 150 games now, I can attest that it's not made for frontal assault at all - there's just not enough armor on that thing to take the damages and survive, and too much firepower to lose over a single coordinated volley by the enemy.

It's only after I accepted this fact, that I started to break the 400 dmg barrier and stopped having below-200 dmg rounds.

DrxAbstract really nailed it with that list:
1. Long range support - Help out those snipers.
2. Opportunistic skirmisher - Stick with the big guys, run around during the confusion exploiting openings and taking pot shots.
3. Decoy/Distraction - Flank, tap bases, respond to Flanks.

I tend to do mid/"long"-range support (1) with the AC/20 to force enemy snipers/ACs/LRMs back into cover, massively do the "Opportunistic skirmisher" (2), and sometime help out small flank/decoy (3) maneuvers (often led by Lights/Mediums or a bored Heavy) when the front line is too hot/compressed/long ranged.

I really think the main role of the Hunchback is the Opportunistic Skirmisher: the speed + insane torso twist allows you to quickly pounce out of cover to chase a weakened/retreating enemy, circle around him while firing your guns (torso ones included !) then run back into cover ASAP once the enemy is down/crippled, or if the enemy team suddenly charged to save your prey (run back behind your hill !).

You only have the armor to survive two (or three if you're very lucky) pounces on an isolated & weakened enemy, after that it's really down to surprising your preys/finding the right opportunity (when a teammate keeps your prey busy) and sneaking beside it.

And if your team is available and isn't sleeping, your circling action might even allow you (or your team) to get a good rear-shots opportunity on the prey - and after that they'll keep the enemy busy while you run back into cover - decent coordination is key.

That role requires good patience though, I mostly spend the first 2-3 minutes babysitting the heavier mechs (Heavy/Assault classes), taking a few shots of AC/20 over the hills, then waiting, chasing out the few Lights buzzing around us, waiting, pointing out (shiny lasers !) enemies flanking us, waiting...

Once the LRMs/snipers shot each others, the newbs charging alone died, the game can finally unfold with many different maneuvers. If you die before that moment, sure MWO isn't interesting at all, especially if you're a Medium class mech.

Edited by MissingBolt, 07 January 2014 - 08:52 AM.

[mogs01gt]

I bought an Orion and so far,,,Im actually enjoying playing the game now. The 4sp is a poor choice for new players.

[DrxAbstract]

mogs01gt, on 05 January 2014 - 07:51 PM, said:

......getting sniped before you can even get close enough to cause damage is the issue.....

Well the only way to get sniped is if you're providing the enemy the opportunity to do so, so i reiterate: You ran out and died.

Lights and Mediums only get to take a couple hits before they're crippled or killed, which seems counter-intuitive since they typically carry a smaller payload or less utilizable heat resource than bigger Mechs, requiring more exposure time or time in general to inflict comparable damage. That isnt 'the problem'. The problem is people want and expect to do similar damage to Heavies and Assaults, so they play with the mentality of a Heavy or Assault... Which isnt good for your survival.

You're not there to rack up damage. You're there to exploit weakness and repel all borders. Mediums arent fast enough to manage 'in-and-out' strikes on positions with multiple opponents and they dont have the armor for 'peek-a-boo' tactics when they are the target. You're a creature of opportunity and the first line of defense for your Heavies and Assaults.

You're a skirmisher and should wait for openings to exploit rather than peeking around corners hoping to get your shot off before the bad guy... you peek around corners when the bad guys -arent- looking in your direction. Keep moving around; dont stand in the same place for long. When it comes down to the gritty brawl, use the terrain - duck, dodge, weave around buildings. Fighting slow opponents that dont give chase: go behind a building, wait 2 seconds for target to drop then go back the way you came and take another shot - chances are they were expecting you around the opposite side. There's so many ways to do it right while chance and luck play a part. You definitely shouldnt be getting sniped before that.

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...dbdab05ae032f51

[Rhent]

With the games current mechanics you do NOT want to be running SRM's even w/ artemis, the spread and the hit registry for SRM's are a problem. If you want to run SRM's in a medium, it isn't advisable with the bad HSR. You are better off running a light killing medium boating SSRM's, try a Shadowhawk.

Here is a relatively effective brawler with some mid range capabilities: HBK-4SP
Just watch your heat and use chain fire when you hit the 85% range when you have an enemy with exposed panels, otherwise hold for big aimed punches to open up armor panels. You don't need the armor on your head, you can get an extra heat sink out of it. If you don't believe me, run 25 matches and see how many times you got head shotted. You'll only die from a head shot if you are stationary OR if you overheat.

If you want ideas for builds, go to mechspecs.com. On occasion you'll see a build that you never would have though of building.

Current weapon systems that are effective in order of decreasing effectiveness:
AC
PPC
Gauss
Laser/SSRM
LRM
SRM