7 replies to this topic

[Nikkoru]

I've heard there is a way to setup arm lock so that you can toggle it during a match. How is that done?

[TimePeriod]

Holding down left Shift key either releases the arm lock or locks the arms to the CT aim. Depending if you clicked or not clicked the buttes in options.

[Bront]

Left Shift is the default button for in game toggling it briefly. Otherwise it's an option on the options menu (check or uncheck).

Hold down left shift, and your arms will unlock (if you have lock on by default), or your arms will lock (if you chose unlock by default).

Why would you want it on/off?

With some mechs like the K2, Cicada 2B, or other mechs with no horizontal arm movement and both Torso and Arm mounted weapons, having arm lock on helps you pinpoint your damage more, and you can unlock them as needed to shoot high/low.

With mechs with horozontal arm movement, it's nice to have arms by default separate from the torso to take quick snap shots, while occasionally linking them for some additional pinpoint damage on occasion.

Ultimately though, it's personal preference.

[Nikkoru]

Ah, there we go, you have to hold it down. I thought I was going crazy, couldn't make it work

[Bhelogan]

Personally, arm lock drives me crazy, and I always leave it off in the options. I wish it was that way by default, i can't tell you how many new players I have spectated who were unable to hit mechs slightly above them with arm mounted weapons because they didn't' know how to unlock it.

[oldradagast]

Arm lock can have its uses, but know your mech before considering it.

Personally, I never use it.

I have a good number of mechs with meaningful arm weapons and horizontal arm movement, so I want to be able to hit targets with wide arm sweeps, and even my "vertical movement only" mechs - my Jagers - have such great vertical arm range that it would seem a crime to limit them to the torso movement range.

So, while arm lock can help at times, I strongly recommend playing without it if you do any brawling.

And, as others have said, left shift key is the default toggle.

Have fun!

[Victor Morson]

Bhelogan, on 12 January 2014 - 03:41 PM, said:

Personally, arm lock drives me crazy, and I always leave it off in the options. I wish it was that way by default, i can't tell you how many new players I have spectated who were unable to hit mechs slightly above them with arm mounted weapons because they didn't' know how to unlock it.

You guys are missing what Arm Lock is good for: Snapping all your weapons onto a single location without having to wait for alignment. It's one of the big reasons precision fire became a big thing in MW:O and I championed removing Arm Lock for months before I realized they just.. do not.. care.

So that said, you've got two options with Arm Lock:

• Enabled - When you want to use your arms or float the target to aquire something, press and hold shift.
  
• Disabled - When you prefer to only lock when you're about to fire, and otherwise want a free floating reticule.

I think most top pilots run Enabled, honestly. I'm quirky in that I like it Disabled, because I use my arms a lot.


But being able to toggle it just before a shot makes huge impact and is highly recommended.

Example: You are attempting to target an enemy mech running at full speed at a 90 degree angle to you, 800m out. Without using arm lock everytime you aim to lead, your torso will "lag behind" and make it difficult to score a hit with all weapons, if you have split-guns.

However, if you lock your arms right before firing, now you can hit with all the guns in the exact same spot.

Edited by Victor Morson, 13 January 2014 - 12:32 PM.

[Void Angel]

Nikkoru, on 12 January 2014 - 11:41 AM, said:

I've heard there is a way to setup arm lock so that you can toggle it during a match. How is that done?

In any new game, I recommend opening up the options and checking out the keybind lists. Being able to change key bindings is standard in modern games, and the list itself will tell you what all your keyboard commands will do - as well as optional commands that don't come with a default keybinding. =)