Jump to content

The Underrated Locust


4831 replies to this topic

#1 IraqiWalker

    Member

  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • FP Veteran - Beta 1
  • FP Veteran - Beta 1
  • 9,682 posts
  • LocationCalifornia

Posted 12 January 2014 - 10:15 AM

Hi there, I'm a light mech specialist piloting commandos mostly (got my hands on Loci with the advent of the phoenix package), and I am tired of people bashing the Locust without ever setting foot into it's cockpit or understanding how the mech plays.

So I've decided to write a short section for each of the variants (I admit that I suck with the 3S and can not use it to it's full potential) explaining how it functions and it's strengths and weaknesses.

Boom and Zoom is an important tactic with all three mechs, I should say with all lights, but because of the low armor and high speed on the locust, it is paramount

If you are unfamiliar with BnZ
Spoiler


EDIT: Fixed the LCT-1V build link not showing up.

LCT-1V:
Spoiler


LCT-3M:
Spoiler


LCT-3S:
Spoiler

Edited by IraqiWalker, 13 February 2014 - 03:27 PM.


#2 Damian Frost

    Member

  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • Knight Errant
  • Knight Errant
  • 121 posts
  • Location....is key to business success

Posted 12 January 2014 - 01:41 PM

I like this one, some very good and informative information in this.
Here's a variant of your LCT-1V with a Llas in center torso that seems to be pretty good. LCT-1V

Edited by Damian Frost, 12 January 2014 - 02:04 PM.


#3 jper4

    Member

  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • Urban Commando
  • Urban Commando
  • 1,884 posts

Posted 14 January 2014 - 10:16 AM

i've had slightly more success with the 3S than the other 2. still working through elite on all of them though so maybe the others will catch up

1 stick with the token ER LL for the 1V and 2SPL, 2ML for the 3M- what i use for the jenner F less two guns of course- my w/l isn;t so bad - actually over 1.0 for the 3M but the worst kdr of the 3.

the 3S i started with the dual lrm 5s/ML combo but while it was amusing as soon as something got near me i was done for as even a spider outguns your 1ML at that point. so i dropped one of the LRM5s for a SRM 4 for extra protection up close and have been doing better. no huge numbers granted but i can break 150 dmg more often with this set up than either of the others. LRM til i'm out or nearly out- works better on the big maps- then swoop in at the end when stuff is beat up and go after them with the close range stuff. also offers some defense against other lights you can't outrun up close. the LRMs are useful for getting some cheap assists for a little extra xp while grinding them up so you don;t have to get close to all those one shot and you die weapons. not really a big LRM guy but for the 3S it seems the best choice for me.

plus nothing big pays the slightest attention to you if any other mech is around shooting at them. ripped apart a DDC's rear armor the other day because it was busy trying to kill the shadowhawk jumping all around it. didn't get a kill but took the arm off (thanks SRM/LRM scatter) and eventually it got killed by a Jager from behind.

plus i generally try to stick to conquest as at least you can do something speedwise and cap instead of "uh-oh i'm in skirmish with a pile of assaults". i tend not to lst long in those matches.

#4 Amsro

    Member

  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • Overlord
  • Overlord
  • 3,377 posts
  • LocationCharging my Gauss Rifle

Posted 14 January 2014 - 02:06 PM

View PostDamian Frost, on 12 January 2014 - 01:41 PM, said:

I like this one, some very good and informative information in this.
Here's a variant of your LCT-1V with a Llas in center torso that seems to be pretty good. LCT-1V


If only you could actually use that, the problem is you need 10... TEN... :) heatsinks to launch.

4 tons gone from that build. Yikes. :)

Looks more like this. 1V Locust

Even the 190 requires 3 more heat sinks. BOOOooo :)

#5 luigi256

    Member

  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • Overlord
  • Overlord
  • 1,082 posts
  • LocationUnited States

Posted 14 January 2014 - 02:26 PM

Personally I hate hate hate the 1V. I just can't handle machine guns my most hated weapon in the game. But the other two variants I love. It's always fun to flank behind the enemy line and rip off the rear armor of an enemy assault. The 3S does suffer from ammo problems but I can live with it. I do like the idea of 5 SPL on the 3M I never try it due to range though (I use the 5 medium laser version). I'll try it out since I like to stab the enemy in the back I'll see how it works out.

#6 Mad Pilot MkIV

    Member

  • Pip
  • 17 posts

Posted 15 January 2014 - 12:38 AM

View PostIraqiWalker, on 12 January 2014 - 10:15 AM, said:

So I've decided to write a short section for each of the variants (I admit that I suck with the 3S and can not use it to it's full potential) explaining how it functions and it's strengths and weaknesses.

Boom and Zoom is an important tactic with all three mechs, I should say with all lights, but because of the low armor and high speed on the locust, it is paramount

If you are unfamiliar with BnZ
Spoiler



Let's not mix up terms. BnZ is energy/momentum fighting, only applicable to fighter planes, where you use your height advantage to make passes on the enemy and climbing away thus minimising the chance to get shot. You are looking for the word skirmish or hit and run.

As Armsro said before the heatsink requirements kills this mech, but i really like to try it since it looks like a funky little machine. Now i only need an XL190.

If i recall corecctly it can completely submerge in the water on river city map.
Posted Image
Look at it! It's awesome!

Edited by Mad Pilot MkIV, 15 January 2014 - 12:42 AM.


#7 IraqiWalker

    Member

  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • FP Veteran - Beta 1
  • FP Veteran - Beta 1
  • 9,682 posts
  • LocationCalifornia

Posted 15 January 2014 - 10:21 AM

View PostMad Pilot MkIV, on 15 January 2014 - 12:38 AM, said:


Let's not mix up terms. BnZ is energy/momentum fighting, only applicable to fighter planes, where you use your height advantage to make passes on the enemy and climbing away thus minimising the chance to get shot. You are looking for the word skirmish or hit and run.

As Armsro said before the heatsink requirements kills this mech, but i really like to try it since it looks like a funky little machine. Now i only need an XL190.

If i recall corecctly it can completely submerge in the water on river city map.
Posted Image
Look at it! It's awesome!


Yes, you are correct on the term, but as far as mechs go, I think BNZ works better than skirmisher because Skirmisher implies hitting the enemy in brief engagements without getting into the fray. Which is not the case here, as you need to dive through the brawl to kill your target and get out quickly. It's definitely more of an assassin though.

Also, yes, I have submerged it fully multiple times, and it is awesome! I would recommend you give it a shot, it is the cheapest mech in the game I believe.

#8 Voivode

    Member

  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • The Hungry
  • The Hungry
  • 1,465 posts

Posted 15 January 2014 - 10:37 AM

I've been running my LOLcust lately and hitting 300-400 damage a match. It's pretty unbelievable that something that looks that bad on paper can do that well in game.

Used to run a 1xERLL build, 2xMG build with the 190XL that did pretty well. But the LOLcust does as much if not more damage and is just stupid fun to run with.

Edited by Voivode, 15 January 2014 - 10:38 AM.


#9 Xiphias

    Member

  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • Littlest Helper
  • Littlest Helper
  • 862 posts

Posted 15 January 2014 - 11:52 AM

The problem with the Locust is that it has tissue paper armor. Until some type of tonnage limited matches is implemented it will be bad.

I've played Locusts. I've killed Locusts. They just don't stand up in a fight. Hit and run will only get your team so far. You just can't be as helpful to your team in any role with the Locust as you can with another mech.

The minute you take a Locust against pilots with a good aim, fast streak mediums, or other competent lights you are going to get torn up badly.

#10 IraqiWalker

    Member

  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • FP Veteran - Beta 1
  • FP Veteran - Beta 1
  • 9,682 posts
  • LocationCalifornia

Posted 15 January 2014 - 12:33 PM

I agree that they have a hard time competing right now, until dropship mode is implemented they are going to have a hard time, however, they are not the utter pieces of **** that people claim them to be. That's the main thrust of this thread.

#11 AaronWolf

    Member

  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • Knight Errant
  • Knight Errant
  • 652 posts
  • LocationSunshine state.

Posted 15 January 2014 - 01:42 PM

Yay for some people understanding the Locust isn't useless and use it. I feel for yah guys. I love my 3M so much. :) And 3S.

#12 SnagaDance

    Member

  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • Little Helper
  • Little Helper
  • 1,860 posts
  • LocationThe Netherlands

Posted 16 January 2014 - 01:46 AM

Excellent guide. Has strengthened my resolve to go and master them after I'm finished with my Kintaro's.

That first link to Smurfy's for your 1V build does not work though.

#13 Buckminster

    Member

  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • Elite Founder
  • 1,577 posts
  • LocationBaltimore, MD

Posted 16 January 2014 - 04:00 AM

View PostXiphias, on 15 January 2014 - 11:52 AM, said:

The minute you take a Locust against pilots with a good aim, fast streak mediums, or other competent lights you are going to get torn up badly.

Emphasis mine.

I've also played through my Locusts, and for the most part they've been fun (I don't like the ballistics on the 1V). But nothing ruins my day like a Kintaro or Shadow Hawk brimming with streaks.

I've ended up running this for my Locust: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...2d4dde1a7014368 With the standard engine, it's a bit more durable, which surprises people.

#14 IraqiWalker

    Member

  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • FP Veteran - Beta 1
  • FP Veteran - Beta 1
  • 9,682 posts
  • LocationCalifornia

Posted 17 January 2014 - 07:41 AM

View PostSnagaDance, on 16 January 2014 - 01:46 AM, said:

Excellent guide. Has strengthened my resolve to go and master them after I'm finished with my Kintaro's.

That first link to Smurfy's for your 1V build does not work though.


It's been fixed, thank you for letting me know.

#15 Israel Finklestein

    Member

  • PipPip
  • 45 posts

Posted 18 January 2014 - 01:20 PM

Yeah, it's not awful if you're a good light pilot, but it's still the worst mech in the game right now. There's never a situation where you say "Man, I really wish I was in a Locust right now rather than this Jenner/Raven/Spider/Commando" because every variant of the Locust is basically a flat out downgrade from some other light mech's build. ****, the Commando's a bit on the weak side but it does have a few good builds (and can run ever so slightly faster).

It'd be one thing if there was some huge advantage to pure speed, but even then, Commandos are faster and there's not much of a point in going faster than 150km/h. Even Ravens and Jenners pull that off. Speed can only do so much for survivability, a 170km/h mech isn't significantly harder to hit than a 150km/h one, and a lack of jumpjets means that Locusts can't even claim 'most maneuverable' as their niche.

I'd say that tonnage requirements might help the little thing, but honestly, even then I really doubt it, unless they removed the hard cap on player limits, especially since none of the Locusts have ECM which further hinders them in performing the duties of a light mech. There's never a situation where you'd really love saving the 5 tons verses an ECM commando or even the 10 verses an ECM spider, because the lack of ECM combined with the other flaws (low firepower, low durability, not fast enough to make up for it) results in a FAR larger performance gap between the Locust and the Commando than there is between say, a Jagermech and a Cataphract, or a Highlander and an Atlas.

I'm all for playing unconventional and underrated mechs, but the Locust is just flat out irredeemably bad right now.

#16 AaronWolf

    Member

  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • Knight Errant
  • Knight Errant
  • 652 posts
  • LocationSunshine state.

Posted 18 January 2014 - 01:53 PM

View PostIsrael Finklestein, on 18 January 2014 - 01:20 PM, said:

but the Locust is just flat out irredeemably bad right now.


I think you hurt its feelings with those words...

#17 Alaskan Nobody

    Member

  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • The Determined
  • The Determined
  • 10,358 posts
  • LocationAlaska!

Posted 18 January 2014 - 01:55 PM

View PostIsrael Finklestein, on 18 January 2014 - 01:20 PM, said:

There's never a situation where you say "Man, I really wish I was in a Locust right now rather than this Jenner/Raven/Spider/Commando"

Actually there is, but that has much more to do with psychology than stats.
The "stronger" the mech the more aggressive I tend to be - frequently to the detriment of my playskill.
Also: the "weaker" the mech, the more likely it is to be ignored - and (esp as any mech can die so quickly) there is no threat bigger than the one ignored.

#18 jper4

    Member

  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • Urban Commando
  • Urban Commando
  • 1,884 posts

Posted 18 January 2014 - 02:25 PM

View PostShar Wolf, on 18 January 2014 - 01:55 PM, said:

Actually there is, but that has much more to do with psychology than stats.
The "stronger" the mech the more aggressive I tend to be - frequently to the detriment of my playskill.
Also: the "weaker" the mech, the more likely it is to be ignored - and (esp as any mech can die so quickly) there is no threat bigger than the one ignored.



that can actually go either way at times though. some people may see a weak mech and go after the tougher one, others may say "may as well kill it now so i can concentrate on the big threat undisturbed. shouldn;t take long."

#19 Alaskan Nobody

    Member

  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • The Determined
  • The Determined
  • 10,358 posts
  • LocationAlaska!

Posted 18 January 2014 - 02:26 PM

View PostTanar, on 18 January 2014 - 02:25 PM, said:

that can actually go either way at times though. some people may see a weak mech and go after the tougher one, others may say "may as well kill it now so i can concentrate on the big threat undisturbed. shouldn;t take long."

True dat.

Near as I can tell I get a lot more of the kind that chooses to ignore me though. :)

#20 Void Angel

    Member

  • PipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPipPip
  • The Marauder
  • The Marauder
  • 6,573 posts
  • LocationParanoiaville

Posted 18 January 2014 - 03:12 PM

Locusts. Locusts. Loci are an entirely different things - but at least, unlike "Atlai," it's at least a word.

Israel pretty much explained the problem with the Locust. The only thing it can do better than any other light is boat streaks - and if that Jenner or Raven shows some spine instead of running from you, he should still win the slug-a-war. Don't get me wrong- I love the Locust's speed and maneuverability - it's not just run speed, it's turning rate. I was chasing some poor Jenner with my Streaks the other day, and just ran over the top of a hill he had to climb with jump jets. That part of piloting the Locust is awesome.

What's not awesome is the credible risk of crippling and destruction every time you are shot at. Every jump-sniping poptart in the game can kill you with one hit. A dakka 'mech with a low-deflection shot (not moving side to side much in his field of view) can murder you in seconds. Many brawlers can kill you with one hit. Even a laser boat can kill you from behind if you slip up - or just get unlucky. And every time you get one-shot by a 35-point pinpoint alpha to the front armor, you have to think to yourself, "You know, my Jenner could have survived that."





2 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 2 guests, 0 anonymous users