43 replies to this topic

[GLIZZY GULPER]

Hello everyone, I'm a fairly new player here and recently purchased the Catapult K-2. The build/loadout/whatever I'm using is pretty much the default loadout (2 PPC, 2 ML, 2 MG), with a few minor tweaks (more std heatsinks and endo-steel). I'm not too big a fan of the standard loadout, to be fair, and at the moment, I'm trying to look for good builds that I can use, and if anyone can point me in the right direction, I'd appreciate it.

[Toffa]

Hey Tal,

Welcome to MWO!

Have a look here to help with builds: http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/mechlab.

I personally run an XL280, 2xAC10's and Med Lasers as back-up.

Just watch those big torso and head hit-boxes.

Have fun and see you on the field.

Toffs ( '-')7

[Dauphni]

If you're looking for build inspiration, http://www.mechspecs....php?board=62.0 is a very good place to go. I find that Mechspecs is often better than these forums when it comes to build discussions, they are usually quite well-reasoned reasoned and properly critiqued.

[SlackerZ]

Nowadays it's normally run with xl 280 engine, 2 x AC10s and 4x M.Lasers.. Minimum 4 tons of ammo. You can reduce the legs' armour to 30-ish to fit in 6 tons of ammo or equip AMS cause sometimes, 4 tons of ammo is not enough for me..

An alternative build I tried was with Standard Engine 280, 1 x AC 20 and 4 x M.Lasers. Harder to play.

K2 is normally played as support. As a brawler, it dies too easily. Lol

[zagibu]

CPLT-K2 was my second mech, and I've tried many builds so far. The main problem you can't overcome in the mech is the huge center torso hitbox.

If you are new, you'll probably want to stick a bit with the stock loadout, and improve it by installing Double Heat Sinks. Even if you don't install a single DHS, this switch will have the same cooling efficiency as the stock loadout, because the 10 heatsinks in the engine will be doubled, too. This means you have 10 free tons to add more heatsinks later, making the stock weapon loadout much more efficient. It might even allow you to switch to ER PPCs, once you've filled it out with Double Heat Sinks. They have no minimum range, giving you better close combat efficiency, and also have extended long range, but run hotter than regular PPCs.

Most viable builds require you to switch the engine, either down to a STD 250, or up to an XL 280-300. Engines are expensive, though, so it might take a while to get the build you like. Here are a few builds I was quite effective with:

Boomcat
Boomcat mini
Boomcat mini XL
Gausscat
Mixed build
Shotcat

Edited by zagibu, 04 December 2013 - 05:58 AM.

[GLIZZY GULPER]

Hmm, could someone perhaps point me towards a more brawler-friendly heavy mech?

[zagibu]

Jagermech, Thunderbolt, Cataphract can make good brawler builds. Orion and Quickdraw work reasonably well, too, although both also have quite a large CT. Not as problematic as with DRG or CPLT, but worse than the first three. QKD doesn't have a lot of variety in the chassis, and no ballistic hard points, but it has jump jets, which is quite rare for heavies (only CPLT and CTF-3D have jump jets besides the QKD). However, I feel it is maybe made a bit obsolete by the SHD nowadays.

You can't go wrong with Jagers or Phracts, they can fill various roles and are both superb mechs all around. Probably also the most played heavies, so if you want to go against the flow, try Orion, or wait for TDR general release in four weeks.

Edited by zagibu, 23 November 2013 - 04:31 PM.

[Hex Pallett]

As a long-time Catapult pilot, it's a matter of honor to keep the two PPCs in the shoulder. It's a matter of honor, it is meant to be, and ballistics on K2 are for the weaks.

Keep in mind that Catapults are very XL-friendly due to their small side torsos.

Now, since you've already purchased Endo-steel, take a look at this. But if you want to go for perfection, which you should, then THIS is what you need.

=======

Now, if you're looking for a brawler and considering you're new - which I assume means you're short on CB - I would not recommend a Heavy brawler, as they're pretty expensive. Go get a Hunchback.

Edited by Helmstif, 23 November 2013 - 06:05 PM.

[GLIZZY GULPER]

Hmm. I'll take that into consideration the next time I decide to go shopping. Thanks much.

Anyways, as far as builds go, I'm currently going with a K-2, endo-steel structure, double heat-sinks with quite a bit of the suckers, AMS with 1 ton of ammo, 2 machine guns with 1 ton of ammo, 2 medium pulse lasers, and 2 ER-PPCs. Would this be considered at least mediocre?


Edit: Oh, well, that build is pretty close to the one I'm using now, actually. Cool.

Edited by TalRavis, 23 November 2013 - 06:17 PM.

[zagibu]

It's good, but probably a bit hot. Just watch your heat in tight situations, and abstain from firing the ERPPCs in close combat, if your heat is already high, or you will overheat-shutdown for a long time.

[SlackerZ]

TalRavis, on 23 November 2013 - 06:13 PM, said:

Hmm. I'll take that into consideration the next time I decide to go shopping. Thanks much.

Anyways, as far as builds go, I'm currently going with a K-2, endo-steel structure, double heat-sinks with quite a bit of the suckers, AMS with 1 ton of ammo, 2 machine guns with 1 ton of ammo, 2 medium pulse lasers, and 2 ER-PPCs. Would this be considered at least mediocre?

You might find it frustrating with the amount of heat, especially when you find yourself in close proximity with opponents. Most of the time you probably will shut down from over-heating and die from enemy fire.

IMO, at least with 2 x AC 10s, you still can fire at 2.5 secs interval without much worry for over-heating. During that interval, you can twist and turn to spread damage all over. Survivability is way higher.

Else, you can go with 4 x MLs + 2 x UAC 5s.. But might be frustrating, esp when you get into a brawl and your UACs suddenly jam with every single shot you take..

If you are maintaining on erppc build, put an XL 315 engine to run around. It's easier if you can maintain some form of distance when u get into a brawl. As, I believe, your erppcs are mounted on the arms of your K2..

So, it will be like running, turn to shoot at opponent, turn torsos away from opponent, wait for cool down, turn and shoot again.. Something like that which I've done in the past till hit detection gotten too bad for me to do circling fights.

Edit: I didn't use machine guns. Saved that load and space for more heatsinks and machine guns ain't a hit and run kinda weapon.

Edited by SlackerZ, 23 November 2013 - 06:27 PM.

[zagibu]

I doubt he'll get an XL engine anytime soon, since they cost a lot (over 5 million CB for the 315).

Edited by zagibu, 23 November 2013 - 06:31 PM.

[ProfessorD]

Zagibu listed a lot of good options for K2 builds. The only thing that comes to mind to add is the UltraCat, which mixes awesome DPS, essentially unlimited range, and good speed.
Standard engine option.
Cheap option; the only upgrade you don't already have is double heat sinks, which are basically essential for any good build.

[GLIZZY GULPER]

ProfessorD, on 23 November 2013 - 06:46 PM, said:

Cheap option; the only upgrade you don't already have is double heat sinks, which are basically essential for any good build.

Actually, I've already purchased the double heat sinks, which is great, actually. I'll definitely have a go with the UAC 5s, however my experience with ballistics aside from the MGs is little to none.

Nonetheless, I think the builds in this thread have really eased my mind on the decision to buy this mech, which, incidentally is my first mech, and for that I thank you all.

[eFTy]

I bought the K2 as my second mech after mastering the Raven. At first I was a bit underwhelmed, as well as somewhat horrified at the ease with which I died (going 64kph after being used to 125/137 is... strenuous to say the least). Once I made enough money for a XL315, however, and switched from PPCs to ACs, things got waaaay better. This is what I use right now:CPLT-K2. I've yet to try the UAC5 build, simply 'cause I'm wary of jams. I think I'll gve the 2x AC5 & 4x ML setup a shot, though. Need something to do while I get the cash for the C1 & whichever other Cat I'll get for the mastering...

[Roughneck45]

Helmstif, on 23 November 2013 - 06:02 PM, said:

As a long-time Catapult pilot, it's a matter of honor to keep the two PPCs in the shoulder. It's a matter of honor, it is meant to be, and ballistics on K2 are for the weaks.

Keep in mind that Catapults are very XL-friendly due to their small side torsos.

THIS is what you need.

Now that is a K2! Exactly how it was meant to be and it is pretty effective.

There are two other types of K2 builds that work great as well.
Large Laser Boats
CPLT-K2
Swap some with ER LL's if you can handle the heat and fire them in pairs. Can swap in PPC's as well if you mess with armor/engine.

Ballistic builds with medium laser support, or just the big hitters like dual gauss and AC20.

The XL 300 is also a very versatile engine, works well for many builds.

Edited by Roughneck45, 26 November 2013 - 09:51 PM.

[totgeboren]

My first mech was the CPLT-K2, and after a lot of tweaking I started using this layout.

It's lots of fun to use, but the big center torso hitbox of the CPLT makes it hard to use. No matter how you run your mech, your most common cause of death will be a destroyed centre torso.

If you want more of a brawler CPLT, your will probably need to move some armor from the back to the front, but on the other hand you expose your back more often in brawls so I dunno. ( I haven't tried it myself, I just know the CPLT-K2 does not handle well in brawls because of the big centre torso hitbox).

Edited by totgeboren, 02 December 2013 - 11:00 AM.

[Redshift2k5]

I always loved my 4 large laser K2. You have to fire them in pairs but it has respectable damage and decent range. Runs best with a 300XL to give you more speed & free weight.

AC5s, UAC5s, and AC10s make great primary weapons as well and the K2 provides lots of MLs for backup. There's no reason to be closer than 400 meters to your enemy. The K2 is highly variable, works well with either ballistics, large lasers, a pair of PPCs, etc. Anything except missiles can be made to work on the K2.

[Ewigan]

What Redshift said: I myself prefer the good, old "X-Wing" K2 Build.

4 Large Lasers are just plain awesome

[DrSlamastika]

I used to run K2 with 2x ERPPC, 2x MPL, 2xMG, some STD enigine.
But after bought of Jester I switch to more ballistic build. 2x AC10 and 2xML.