8 replies to this topic

[Baronvark]

Trying to slowly work on figuring out a playstyle for this Shadowhawk. This is the 2nd mech I've picked up, my first being a Cataphract 3D, which I took more towards a Brawler sort of build, 4ML, AC/20, you get the idea I'm sure.

Buying the stock model was the first time I had used the LRMs, and I had to admit I liked the utility of them. With the 'hawk, I started to lean more towards a more flexible role, being able to join in some of the initial combat, then fall back before taking too much damage and start slinging missiles to help support the front lines.

Currently using this build, or rather an approximation (at work, don't remember 100% what my armor placement is) but the weapon and ammo count is correct. Am I spreading myself too thin? Had been using 2ER-LLasers on the right arm instead before switching to the ER-PPC, though I was only using an LRM-5 and the SSRM-2. What are your opinions thus far?


SHD-5M

[Victor Morson]

That's a pretty ... jumbled 'mech for one For two, it violates a rule that gets violated all the time in the Guide/Newbie forums (but shouldn't be):

NEVER LOWER YOUR LEG ARMOR BY MORE THAN A FEW POINTS
DOUBLY TRUE WHEN THEY ARE LOADED WITH AMMO!

Some newer players will always shoot center mass but anyone experienced will go for legs without even a moment's hesitation, and if that ammo goes up, it'll transfer into your side torso and kill you instantly. It's very ugly and a very, very common mistake made around here quite often.

If you enjoy LRMs, I recommend you consider setting up an LRM15/10/5+Artemis+TAG+BAP Shadow Hawk 2D2 with an XL280. (Sorry I can't interact properly with Smurfy's on this device I'm on at the sec.)

If you want a killer 5M, however, I highly recommend you check out 2x AC5 1x PPC, it's a killer config and among the very most popular at competitive levels right now.

.... all that said, you did do a great job picking chassis that will last you, and both the Shadow Hawk and Cataphract are excellent, excellent 'mechs you'll have no regrets with.

PS: Here's my guide to LRMs on a Shadow Hawk:
http://mwomercs.com/...m-commandments/

Excellent 'mech for them with the right setup.

Edited by Victor Morson, 16 January 2014 - 12:50 PM.

[Bhelogan]

For my play style, the 5M is probably the worst SDH. If you really want to be a mobile LRM platform, having more missile hard points would be better, and packing on a few more LRM10s. You might do better with this one to replace the laser hard point with a TAG and LL or ML, and upgrade that LRM10 launcher to a 15 or 20. Here is my favorite SDH build though, so you can figure out if my play style is at all compatible with yours: SHD-2H

Victor Morson, on 16 January 2014 - 12:49 PM, said:

If you want a killer 5M, however, I highly recommend you check out 2x AC5 1x PPC, it's a killer config and among the very most popular at competitive levels right now.

This is probably good advice. This SDH doesn't have the hard points to really be an effective LRM platform.

Edited by Bhelogan, 16 January 2014 - 12:54 PM.

[Bhelogan]

For mediums LRM oriented mechs, load outs like this are fun to play: GRF-1N
You can do similar variations of this in several different chassis, but this is the one I like.

[Baronvark]

Yeah, kinda figured it would be a tad bit too thinly spread. Thank you for the input on that.

Like I said, was not the 'exact' armor layout, but I definitely understand your point regarding it being a priority to not shave too much armor from my legs if that's where I'm storing ammo. My intention with this had been to look for a way to play a bit with LRMs and to (in theory) be flexible on the battlefield, but it seems from your response (and from your handy guide, thank you, btw) that I'm watering my capabilities down too much and losing out on potential effectiveness that I could have with model in particular. Will likely take a look at the 2H next and see how that suits me.

As I'll stick with this model for now, though, is this a better layout, following that weapon compliment you suggested?

SHD-5M

[Katus]

The Griffin is not yet available for Cbills yet I think, so if you are in the market for a Medium Lurm platform allow me to recommended the Kintaro chassis. It is mobile but lacks Jump Jets but they have a good mix of hard points and can be quite fast.

[Voivode]

This loadout is something that I've had a great deal of success with: SHD 5M

It might be a bit expensive to rebuild into that due to an engine swap and the cost of an AC/20, but you will have pretty remarkable penetrating power and still retain solid mobility.

[Buckminster]

Here's the -5M I've been running: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...d9a11165339ec8f

I've actually been really enjoying the "jack of all trades" mixed-weapons layout. UAC and LRM10 at range, SSRM2 and twin MPL up close, and god forbid someone end up in the 180-270m range, and you can dump it all. Granted that gets real hot real fast, but it's nasty.

My biggest beef with the stock -5M was that LRM20 - it ate through ammo and fired in two salvos. Dropping it to the 10 fixes both of those problems. The single streak is only so effective, but it's nice for chasing off lights.

Edited by Buckminster, 20 January 2014 - 07:20 PM.

[Guitar Czar]

SHD-5M

I've actually had more fun with this mech than any so far. Sort of a mid-range direct fire support type mech. The twin ac/5's are your main guns (you might want to move things around to account for more ammo, I just tend to be more careful with my shots so as to not waste ammo,) but you've got a pair of medium lasers, and a pair of streaks for dealing with lights and for those mid-game moments when all the heavies and assaults are busy fighting each other and ignoring you. You have enough speed and maneuverability to advance, flank, retreat, or what have you. I set the ac/5's on chain fire so as to create more screen shake for the enemy, but that's your own choice.