184 replies to this topic

[IraqiWalker]

DavidHurricane, on 15 January 2014 - 10:22 AM, said:

How many s is the Cadet bonus?

totals up to 9-10 Mil

[990Dreams]

Ha.

You Cadets don't need to complain. I could make you a super-build with that many s.

• Step one: Try the Trials
  
• Step two: Find the speeds and weapons you like to use
  
• Step 3: Smurfy
  
• Step 4: Buy and build.

Edited by DavidHurricane, 15 January 2014 - 10:51 AM.

[Buckminster]

I dunno. 10 million seems like a lot, but is also easily spent. My Cent-A only rings in a 7.5 million, but all of my Shadow Hawk builds run 10+. So while that Cadet bonus does get you a solid mech, it doesn't help with the fact that you then need to get two other variants, and all that stuff. And god forbid you decide that you want to pilot an Assault mech - you are going to be grinding awhile.

Not that I really have much to go on here - most of my mechs were bought as packages, specifically because I didn't want the grind. And fact is, that's always an option. But I think that the C-bill cost of XL engines and DHS means that new free-to-play players will be at a disadvantage.

Although really, I think part of the problem is lack of explanation. Other games (like WoT) have their tech trees readily accessible, so if you are looking at your tank it's very clear that there are upgrades to make. But because of the style of MW:O, where you don't have such obvious and linear upgrade paths, it's very confusing to new players.

Edited by Buckminster, 15 January 2014 - 11:00 AM.

[IraqiWalker]

DavidHurricane, on 15 January 2014 - 10:50 AM, said:

Ha.

You Cadets don't need to complain. I could make you a super-build with that many s.

• Step one: Try the Trials
  
• Step two: Find the speeds and weapons you like to use
  
• Step 3: Smurfy
  
• Step 4: Buy and build.

Maybe you and I can, but the cadets still need more practice to figure out how to optimize builds for each chassis.

Buckminster, on 15 January 2014 - 10:57 AM, said:

I dunno. 10 million seems like a lot, but is also easily spent. My Cent-A only rings in a 7.5 million, but all of my Shadow Hawk builds run 10+. So while that Cadet bonus does get you a solid mech, it doesn't help with the fact that you then need to get two other variants, and all that stuff. And god forbid you decide that you want to pilot an Assault mech - you are going to be grinding awhile.

Not that I really have much to go on here - most of my mechs were bought as packages, specifically because I didn't want the grind. And fact is, that's always an option.

Exactly, the cadet bonus allows you to get any mech in the game, (almost) even an Atlas, but it's not enough to get you on a roll.

Edited by IraqiWalker, 15 January 2014 - 10:59 AM.

[Jon Gotham]

The Harvester, on 09 January 2014 - 06:31 PM, said:

@Buckminster... Now that's actually a good idea. It would be helpful for me (and abviously for others) to have as you say a "trial mechs only" area so us new folks can cut our MWO teeth and start to build some actual skill instead of getting our guts stomped out every single match. I love the BT universe, the board game, and the older MW games (which I can't play any more unfortunately), but going up against the heavily experienced opponents really takes the wind out of my sails... I'll keep an eye on things though... Maybe they'll take your suggestion to heart and make a new pilot arena or something.

Well op......your bashing of Shar is out of order. Utterly. We have had a deluge of new players basically spouting "If I can't log on and shoot it's {Scrap}" style topics, and maybe this is how the tone of your op came across. An understandable mistake.
As for it being impossible to keep an aim? Tat's your lack of experience on show-no fault of the game. If you are in anything other than a fast light, it is very simple to do so. that comes with practice-something you have not had at all. So don't say something like it's a fact when it's merely an opinion.
When I started I went in the training grounds for a bit, moved the mech about got used to torso twist and leg orientation and the different types of weapons. Maybe spent an hour.
That hour was invaluable.
In a match, you will get creamed-this is normal when you begin any new hobby that is competitive. You learn by doing. When you die, spectate others. Watch what they do and how they react to things. You will often learn things this way-that is what I did.
That action was invaluable.
I also set myself little goals during play, today I'll practice long range shooting or, today I'm gonan learn to lead my srms etc.
That practice was invaluable.


People say this game has a steep learning curve-I don't think so. It has one for sure, but if you are reasonably attentive and are willing to put a little effort in-it soon comes. I got mashed when I started-that only made me more determined, when I got beat I thought to myself "next time pal, I'll be the one standing."

There are also many open ts servers about-why not use one and drop with a few people? There are many, many peeps out there who are willing to help new players.
The ball, is completely in your court.

[990Dreams]

IraqiWalker, on 15 January 2014 - 10:57 AM, said:

Maybe you and I can, but the cadets still need more practice to figure out how to optimize builds for each chassis.

That is why I said try the trials to see what you like speed, set-up, and weapon wise

[AlphaToaster]

@OP

Welcome to the game. Hopefully you stay long enough to finish your trial matches. With your winnings purchase a Viktor-9B (or 9S as someone else recommended) or a Shadowhawk-5M to get started on a mech you can customize.

If you are dying early, it probably means you are leading the charge. Stay back more and play a bit more conservative.

If you are getting shot up a lot, remember you in a large mech that does NOT stop/start on a dime. When you peek out from behind cover start moving back into cover while you look for targets. Don't wait until after you see someone to start moving back into cover (you are using cover right?). This way you aren't standing there for too long getting hit. Twisting your upper torso as you walk backwards into cover also helps spread the damage around if you are getting hammered on.

If you are having trouble getting kills, get in the habit of pressing R constantly to check the upper right damage paperdoll. Try to aim at the CT by default until you see where they are damaged, then attempt to aim at those parts. At first it's very difficult to get your pin-point accuracy, but don't give up and keep at it. When it doubt, aim at the largest center mass. As your accuracy builds you can start aiming at legs and arms, and as you start to learn the different mechs, you start to learn when to shoot what mech where it really hurts.

Having trouble hitting targets? I know this sounds strange but it's probably because you are shooting at targets moving while you are moving also. In the beginning, try playing back near cover and peek out, shoot as you are moving back into cover. There's a good second or two as you go from forward out of cover to reversing back into cover where you are stationary. This is your window to place your shot and hold your beams on target as you walk back into cover.

Hope this helps. Don't give up. Ignore the trolls.

Edited by Alphatoaster, 15 January 2014 - 11:10 AM.

[IraqiWalker]

kamiko kross, on 15 January 2014 - 10:58 AM, said:

Well op......your bashing of Shar is out of order. Utterly. We have had a deluge of new players basically spouting "If I can't log on and shoot it's {Scrap}" style topics, and maybe this is how the tone of your op came across. An understandable mistake.
As for it being impossible to keep an aim? Tat's your lack of experience on show-no fault of the game. If you are in anything other than a fast light, it is very simple to do so. that comes with practice-something you have not had at all. So don't say something like it's a fact when it's merely an opinion.
When I started I went in the training grounds for a bit, moved the mech about got used to torso twist and leg orientation and the different types of weapons. Maybe spent an hour.
That hour was invaluable.
In a match, you will get creamed-this is normal when you begin any new hobby that is competitive. You learn by doing. When you die, spectate others. Watch what they do and how they react to things. You will often learn things this way-that is what I did.
That action was invaluable.
I also set myself little goals during play, today I'll practice long range shooting or, today I'm gonan learn to lead my srms etc.
That practice was invaluable.


People say this game has a steep learning curve-I don't think so. It has one for sure, but if you are reasonably attentive and are willing to put a little effort in-it soon comes. I got mashed when I started-that only made me more determined, when I got beat I thought to myself "next time pal, I'll be the one standing."

There are also many open ts servers about-why not use one and drop with a few people? There are many, many peeps out there who are willing to help new players.
The ball, is completely in your court.

OP is already past that and is accepting the challenge of the game. He's even piloting a Quickdraw I believe.

DavidHurricane, on 15 January 2014 - 10:59 AM, said:

That is why I said try the trials to see what you like speed, set-up, and weapon wise

That's how they find which weapons they would like, and on only 4 mechs for an entire month. While I see your point, I still have some reservations, as I believe one needs to experiment with more mechs, before having a solid grasp on builds, and that would work overall. However there also Chassis specific set ups that cadets can have a problem with. Such as figuring out how the missile hardpoint on the dragon CT work (or not). Or understanding how Ghost Heat works since the only way to find that out is to dig through the forums.

[990Dreams]

IraqiWalker, on 15 January 2014 - 11:10 AM, said:

That's how they find which weapons they would like, and on only 4 mechs for an entire month. While I see your point, I still have some reservations, as I believe one needs to experiment with more mechs, before having a solid grasp on builds, and that would work overall. However there also Chassis specific set ups that cadets can have a problem with. Such as figuring out how the missile hardpoint on the dragon CT work (or not). Or understanding how Ghost Heat works since the only way to find that out is to dig through the forums.

I should post a mechanics guide for noobs.

And yes, the trial system needs an overhaul.

[IraqiWalker]

DavidHurricane, on 15 January 2014 - 11:11 AM, said:

I should post a mechanics guide for noobs.

And yes, the trial system needs an overhaul.

That's a great idea, I'm personally working on a guide for all mechs myself, and another for all weapons. Just finished the lights section and will start doing the Mediums now. The weapons guide will follow afterwards. I would love to get the link to your guide when you work on it, so that I would link it in both guides..

[MERGAZ]

The thing I find most ******** this game is the lack of really good zoom. X3 is usefull in 300m weapons, but he is far from being useful when using weapons 500+ range. Novice players have to stay away from the front line, but how to do this if you have not a zoom? It is simply a two-edged sword. 2million spent with ranged weapons, but realized it was useless, because lasers generate great heat and long-range ballistic are worse than a shot range.

Edited by MERGAZ, 15 January 2014 - 11:47 AM.

[Buckminster]

MERGAZ, on 15 January 2014 - 11:33 AM, said:

The thing I find most ******** this game is the lack of really good zoom. X3 is usefull in 300m weapons, but he is far from being useful when using weapons 500+ range. Novice players have to stay away from the front line, but how to do this if you have not a zoom? It is simply a two-edged sword.

The Advanced Zoom module is a 4X picture-in-picture zoom, and is all you really need. It's just a matter of getting the GXP and C-bills to unlock it.

Edited by Buckminster, 15 January 2014 - 11:36 AM.

[IraqiWalker]

MERGAZ, on 15 January 2014 - 11:33 AM, said:

The thing I find most ******** this game is the lack of really good zoom. X3 is usefull in 300m weapons, but he is far from being useful when using weapons 500+ range. Novice players have to stay away from the front line, but how to do this if you have not a zoom? It is simply a two-edged sword. 2million spent with ranged weapons, but realized it was useless, because lasers generate great heat and long-range ballistic are worse than a shot range.

Practice my friend. I use regular zoom and can still be pinpoint (well relatively) with my Lasers, PPCs, and Gauss. as long as I am hitting them at around 600-700 meters. Beyond that it's doable without the advanced zoom module, but I would recommend you get it. It's cheap and was the first module for many of us. I use it now (for 7 days now actually) on my Shadowhawk 5M (1 Gauss 1 ERPPC)

[Alaskan Nobody]

kamiko kross, on 15 January 2014 - 10:58 AM, said:

People say this game has a steep learning curve-I don't think so. It has one for sure, but if you are reasonably attentive and are willing to put a little effort in-it soon comes. I got mashed when I started-that only made me more determined, when I got beat I thought to myself "next time pal, I'll be the one standing."

Learning curves are also somewhat relative - I do not remember having any problems picking up the mechanics in any of the Mechwarrior games (I started with MW2:31st back when I was about 8 I think) but I also have spent my life learning that I learn differently than most people do.
(It honestly shocks me when people talk about how difficult they find the moving and shooting bits....till I remember the above)

It is very possible (if unlikely I would think) that everyone who complains about the learning curve honestly means it.
Which (for me) is a somewhat depressing thought.


In other news: Quickdraw!
Not a mech that every caught my eye, so not much advice I can give beyond the very basics:
Learn to keep moving, and let other's lead the charge.

If you can find a Stalker, Highlander or other Assault that seems to know what they are doing (exception: Awesome, they tend to be doing about what you want to be - so watch them, but don't hope for them to lead) - follow them and work to keep the smaller mech's off his/her back - no one mobbing him/her then you shoot at what he/she is shooting at. (if you are in range of course)
That should give you some practice moving while shooting without (hopefully ) being the prime target.

[Average Pilot]

Hey folks... Again, appreciate all the pointers, suggestions, and even the criticism. For those who asked, yes, I decided to pick up a Quickdraw, 60T machine I believe. It came with jump jets, but I removed those in favor of mixing up more armor and weapons. I'm finding that I'm enjoying the gauss rifle actually. The 1,000 meter MER for the LRM's gets frustrating after a while (largely because the impact is so violent from the piloting couch and disrupts forward vision for critical seconds), so the gauss lets me reach out and touch those machines from a good distance. I've also been experimenting with some tactics: moving with the lance, trying to use max effect for the ranged weapons, that sort of thing. Also, just getting as much seat time as I can to continue to build "muscle memory" on the piloting feel, cockpit and HUD info, and such. It's all coming along nicely though at this point, I'd say I'm just moving north of "greenhorn" at this point, and really, my prowress from the campaign-based MW games of the past is largely useless - tis life.

I haven't decided to drop with a group yet only because I feel like I'm still trying to build rudimentary skills and vehicle familiarization. I'm also still learning how the mechs move across varied terrain, the effect that has on piloting and shooting effectively while on the move. So, before too much longer, I think I'll take up someone on the thread here on their drop invite and step into some coordinated team play. Should be interesting.

Obviously, I also need to get familiar with the rules as they pertain to c-bills and XP and GXP and how to make better use of those resources. So, with that, off for today's matches. See you downrange gentlemen...

[Average Pilot]

Solid kill today, my Cicada vs. Raven... Forgot how good that feels to put one in the "W" column...

[IraqiWalker]

Congrats Harverster. Glad to hear that. Like I said, hit me up if you ever want to do a drop. Would love to help out. Speaking of which, I just recently got my self a Quickdraw-4H. We could tag team with JJs.

[Arahantius]

The Harvester, on 09 January 2014 - 06:26 PM, said:

@Shar Wolf... First off, I can talk whenever I damn well feel like it. Excuse me if I don't hang out on message boards all the time and know all the "proper" places to put every damned thing. I was just posting about my reaction to the game, and not everybody loves everything. As to trolling new players, I don't know what on earth you're talking about; again, this was just my feedback after playing the game for about three hours.

Also, thanks for the insult. I always say it's easy for people to sit in front of a screen a talk with a big mouth that in real life would get smacked off their face. Glad to know these forums attract a high caliber of interested, helpful persons.

You really got the wrong idea on Shar here. Shar is a very nice and helpful person, very much nicer than some of the people who will comment on your threads.
Shar is right though, this is a game that rewards persistant players and rewards them well.

[Alaskan Nobody]

Arahantius, on 15 January 2014 - 07:32 PM, said:

You really got the wrong idea on Shar here.

I think we are getting over that: see? he (...she/it/they... little help here Harvester?) even liked my last post!

[Arahantius]

Xorv, on 09 January 2014 - 10:06 PM, said:

if he was charging the enemy then of course he is going to fail, read my last line. But 1v1 against any non-light mech is easy as long as we're evenly damaged (unless its another VTR), and if a spider is chasing you and you're in a VTR either alpha his face or go back to your team. Trust me OP get a VTR for your 1st mech.

I got a victor for my first mech and failed dismally because I didn't know how to use it in MWO. It's a great mech but remember, this guy is new and has no tactical advantage just because he is in an amazing mech (yes, the victor rocks but so do many others)

EDIT - I really gotta start reading the entire thread before I respond lol.

Edited by Arahantius, 15 January 2014 - 08:07 PM.