14 replies to this topic

[Oogalook]

We all recognize this chassis, and most of us love it. The catapult is perhaps the most iconic 'mech in the Battletech universe. I mastered it just because it's so darn pretty in MWO, even despite its weaknesses in several departments.

There aren't any surprises coming up in this report; I'm just putting all mine own findings and knowledge in one place, such that if a struggling Cat player searches "Catapult", this will hopefully come up and give him some input.
The thread is also intended a s a place for more experienced players to compare notes. I do plan to create similar reports for the other chassis I have mastered, utilizing the same format. I'd appreciate your feedback, but realize now that I don't get [offended] about negative comments. "Like"s are appreciated.



Here follows an analysis of the catapult's perks and downfalls in MWO. The 'mech has fallen behind in popularity since the first months of open beta, what with the Jagers and 'Phracts stealing all the glory in the Heavy category. Whatcha gonna do.

What I've been up to for a few weeks is putting together a list of stats and ratings that help to compare the chassis with other 'mechs in the Heavy class.

General Overview:
(Did you salute the General? That's a court marshal for you.)
The catapult is a quick and maneuverable support 'mech, not suited to brawling or harassing under most circumstances. Due to its overall design, the 'mech crumples fairly quickly if any 'mech of medium class or bigger decides to start [lubricating] on its parade in a close-range, 1-on-1 situation. The 'Cat isn't big on DPS builds. With its speed, jump jets, and high mounted arms, it has good capabilities in the missile and direct sniping departments. Sticking to the periphery of the main group serves the catapult well, as the pilot can rely on his team for close-in defense while moving to find the best nearby firing position.

The Cats K2 and Jester are somewhat special. Their design still makes them fairly squishy if focussed on, but they have the speed and hardpoint layout needed to bring serious direct firepower to bear on any map. The K2 lends itself well to an ambush play-style, while the Jester is well-suited to dash along with friendly medium 'mechs in a harasser-type role. Both should still keep close to friendly 'mechs for defense.

There are five variants, not including the Founders' chassis, with the following hardpoints:



A1: 6m, 4JJ
C4: 4m, 2e, 4JJ
C1: 2m, 4e, 4JJ
K2: 4e, 2b
Jester: 6e, 2JJ, 2AMS

-where "e" denotes energy hardpoints, "m" missiles, "b" ballistic, "JJ" jump jets, and "AMS" puppies. Or cotton balls. You figure it out. Unless otherwise specified, all chassis have 1 AMS hardpoint in the side torso. The chassis are arranged here from most- to least-direct fire profile. Note that the Jester is a hero 'mech (and a really good one at that).

NOW FOLLOW THE RATINGS.
I've assessed the Cat on five axes, each on a scale from 0 (sucks, crippling overall performance) to 5 (buy the 'mech for this alone). All these ratings are meant to reflect [edit for clarification] the degree to which that aspect of the 'mech helps or hurts its performance. If some aspect either is sub-par in relation to other 'mechs, or is not suited to the 'mech's ideal role, it will receive low marks. Note also that 5's and 0's are not unattainable; this isn't a movie review. No composite score is given, due to the simple fact that it is futile to weigh any 'mech chassis against any other on an immutable rating scale. Apples and oranges, etc.

Speed:
This scale measures the 'mech in terms of its stock speed and its average speed on level ground.
|▓|▓|▓|▓|░| 4.0/5

The Catapult relies on its speed, though this means that it often requires a large and heavy engine to function adequately.
With the stock engine- 260 STD- the mech does a good clip at 64.8/71.3 standard/tweaked speed. Going on up to a 315-rated engine, the catapult can outdistance most 'mechs of its weight class, and can redeploy to take a better firing position very quickly by this advantage.

Maneuverability:
This scale considers the 'mech's ability to move across and target in terrain.
|▓|▓|▓|▒|░| 3.5/5

The 'mech is able to easily cross and dodge through terrain (especially with jump jets), but its turn and twist rates make close-in target tracking difficult.
With jump jets and a fair turning rate, the catapult can change course and avoid obstacles very well, though it can't corner quickly enough to throw off an opponent's aim. Jump jets make the 'mech very able do traverse slopes. The catapult's acceleration is good due to its large engine-to-mass proportion. Its torso can twist 120 degrees, meaning that its yaw-locked arms aren't too severe a penalty in most circumstances. Basic efficiencies are needed for the torso to traverse quickly enough to reasonably track close-in lights and mediums. Vertical torso twist is limited, though arm-mounted weapons help to soften this disadvantage.

Firepower:
This scale weighs the 'mech in terms of its damage potential during an average drop.
|▓|▓|▓|░|░| 3.0/5

The 'mech has adequate firepower, all of which is suited to its role.

Free Weight (found by stripping all weapons, ammo, and extra heat sinks off the stock design): ~28(+3) tons, where the (+3) tons can be accessed by purchasing endo-steel structure.

The catapult is not capable of the sort of firepower which other heavies sometimes bring to the table, largely due to the types and numbers of its hardpoints. It excels, however, at application- that is, its speed and design combine to make it better able to position itself to deliver its full payload. The low variety of hardpoints in most variants limits the 'mech's flexibility on the battlefield. Note that, ton for ton, missile weapons are considerably less reliable than energy and ballistic weapons, and are rated somewhat lower on this scale.

Design:
This scale centers on the 'mech's shape and hardpoint layout.
|▓|▓|▓|░|░| 3.0/5

The catapult's high-mounted arms are both a strength and a weakness. The low-set cockpit and close side torso weapons make ambush easier.
While the catapult's weapons are mounted high in comparison to the cockpit, making aiming over hills much easier, the chassis has some serious flaws. Mainly, the arms of the catapult are exceedingly vulnerable, especially considering that they normally carry most of the firepower of the 'mech. The arms actually protrude above the torso, giving unparalleled hill-sniping position but also guaranteeing that any enemy mech can always see and shoot them. An eared catapult is a useless catapult, with only a few exceptions based on loadout. With only 40 points of armor maximum, those ears are a soft, tasty snack for your enemies.

Survivability:
This scale measures the 'mech's relative ability to hold together under fire.
|▓|▓|░|░|░| 2.0/5

The shape of the catapult and the sizes of its hitboxes tends to make it easier to injure and kill.
The catapult's center torso is wide and modestly-armored at best. In comparison to the stalker, whose side torsos cover the center almost totally from the side, the catapult has a hard time spreading damage around. It can carry a good 422 points of armor, but each section of the 'mech is easily targeted and therefor easy to tear off.

Further, the cat's head hitbox is extremely large. Expect a few very short games.

This image comes from [GUIDE] HIT BOX LOCALISATION by Rainbow Unikorn.
---> http://mwomercs.com/...x-localisation/



Other notes on the chassis:

XL Engine Viability: This is a good chassis for the XL jump. With small side torso hitboxes (as explored under the Survivability rating) the added vulnerability is minimal. In this chassis, it's best to use the maximum rating that will fit to increase speed, rather than the minimum to free up tonnage. All variants of the catapult benefit from a large engine and several engine-mounted double heat sinks.

Role/ Battle Location: Periphery sniper. Stick to the edge of your team's largest group, and find the best available position from which to fire. You can move faster than most members of the group, so you have the time to line up shots with your PPCs or LRMs. A ballistics-armed K2 makes a good ambush 'mech, and the Jester is well equipped for harassing so long as it stays out of trouble.

Skill level: Moderate. Low in comparison to, perhaps, the dragon, but higher than the cataphract in most cases if you plan on using direct-fire weaponry.The catapult performs poorly (if consistently) under pressure. You can expect to loose your ears if you are anybody's primary target for any amount of time. The finesse with this 'mech is all involved in protecting yourself from that focus, normally by being further from your opponent than any juicier target, or closer than a high-priority target. If you follow the Atlas and keep yourself in good position, you can do well even in a loosing match.

Information on individual variants of the chassis are not included here, but may be added in a future edit, and may be more common in later analyses. For now, scroll down to Tichorius Davion's post (post #6 by the tiny numbers in the upper-right corner of each post). He's taken it upon himself to post an appendix, with which quite covers the subject (albeit with imprecise grammar :P).

A few builds will be suggested below:

CPLT-K2
My favorite K2, and possibly the best all-round configuration:
Killa-Kan
Become the Predator and hunt down some Austrian muscle-beaters.

A good permutation of the above:
Krumpa-Kan
This one fits his extra heat sinks in the cheeks, keeping them from getting blown off with the ears. A short-range terror.

Another, more flexible build:
http://mwomercs.com/...th-catapult-k2/
This one is just what it says on the can. The AC only has only a little ammo, so try to save it for blowing bits off and not just dealing damage. Focus on the energy weapons. Should not dissapoint! Thanks to MeiSooHaityu for the build.

The immortal (OK, pretty mortal, but still good) Boom Cat:
BOOM_Cat
This is inexpensive for new players who don't have an XL 300 lying around. Remember: Only fire both cannons together if it means LIFE OR DEATH. It normally does. For somebody else. But don't fight ghost heat unnecessarily. Lasers are in the arms with the heat sinks, because you need to produce less heat if you lose those spare sinks.

Main tip: Follow the Atlas. Keep him safe. The Atlas loves you and wants to protect you, but he needs your help.
---> _http://mwomercs.com/...fracking-atlas/


And the Cat is so darn cute. Like a robot kiwi.


EDITS: Began adding example builds|Made grading scale more explicit in meaning, and added concise explanations for each score|Added hitbox graphic and references|Whipped up the graphic of hardpoint locations.|For grammar.

Edited by Oogalook, 28 January 2014 - 04:46 PM.

[Redshift2k5]

Fantastic write-up, would be nicer with some images. A few graphics to display stuff like hardpoint location would be very helpful, and allow you to display a big chunk of info in some simple infographics, in addition to breaking up the text with a bit of eye candy.

[Capt Sternn]

I have Played an Ultra-CAt since early beta. (K2, 300XL, 2 UAC5s, 4 Med Lasers) and I have yet to be bored of it.

[Oogalook]

Redshift2k5, on 26 January 2014 - 04:14 PM, said:

Fantastic write-up, would be nicer with some images. A few graphics to display stuff like hardpoint location would be very helpful, and allow you to display a big chunk of info in some simple infographics, in addition to breaking up the text with a bit of eye candy.

Roger, sir. I'm on it.

[Sephlock]

Oogalook, on 26 January 2014 - 04:11 PM, said:

We all recognize this chassis, and most of us love it. The catapult is perhaps the most iconic 'mech in the Battletech universe.

Quote

And the Cat is so darn cute. Like a robot kiwi.

[DEN_Ninja]

Cat pilot since CB here.

Nice write-up, my two cents.

General write up for individual variants;

Preface:
The below analysis are purely based on my style of play. I have no definitely style of place and alternate with choosing high damage alphas, DoT builds. Every player has their own unique 'style' or rather preference in which they play their mechs.

That being said, enjoy my take on my most cherished mech.

LRMS;

Spoiler

This requires its own segment because its core to most variants. Lets use the A1 as the variant example

Despite what many people think there is much variety to an LRM boat. With 6 total hardpoints you can choose to go with large quantities of smaller launchers. Why would you do this? Accuracy and Cycle times. L5 are shortest with a Five shot per 3.25 seconds where L20 are a Twenty shot per 4.25. If you want to try and fill the skies with as much crowd control LRMS and really lock down a team this is actually quite optimal. Tens or Fives with a lower cycle rate are very capable if need to pour out fire even if it is is not the highest damage

The flip side is where accuracy comes into play. If you want L20 or L15 you want lots of damage output but this requires you being more careful with shots because of the consumption. You lose accuracy with larger launchers. This is more apparent if you use LoS Artemis.

Why is this? It is because of the flight pattern. The standard flight pattern is an arch that attempts to make all the missiles fly toward your locked target. They have a specific and random assignment but they mostly fly toward center mass of a target and NOT a component. The more missiles there are the larger the cluster that tries to go for center mass but they try not to bump into each other. This creates a FIELD of missiles. Some lag behind others to compensate and others come as a wall.

This is why Chain firing, or rather staggering, fire is sometimes ideal. A stream of compact clusters of missiles works better than a wall of spread missiles. This is the only way to 'aim' unless you use direct manual firing. I must stress that all sizes of launchers have their purpose. L20's are easily the best for damage, L15's are the most balanced for tonnage, Ten's are the most balanced for DoT, and lastly the L5's is master of accuracy.

I mentioned direct manual firing. This is a last resort in case of ECM jamming. I have seen it work and sometimes not work. There is an advantage in being able to take an enemy by surprised because they simply don't get the Missiles Incoming message. However you need to take in the account of total flight time and the movement of the target(s). Missiles fly at 120 m/s Take in account for distant which is marked near the reticule. It takes 5 seconds for 600m, at max it takes 8.3 seconds for 1000m max range. My rule of thumb is Assaults - 54.5 KPH = 15m/s heavies 64.8 KPH = 18m/s Mediums 81 KPH = 22m/s Lights 129.6 KPH = 36m/s

at 600m, 5 seconds flight time an atlas will have moved a mere 75 meters from origin. Calculate in your head, simple math really. Use this stuff only in dire need which basically means more ECM coverage than you or your team mates can break.

CPLT-A1;

Spoiler

Triple Missile hardpoints in each arm this mech is purely meant to missile boat. However it makes it Extremely fragile in combat. It is suggested that regardless of an LRM or SRM catapult you take a large engine for speed. This mech needs to continuously move. You must constantly adjust position and take shots when is in the Pilot's favor. JJ's and BAP are suggested but not required.

As a LRM boat;

Choose a style of play and play it right. If you go for Six L5's then fire fast and at a constant pace. Get into positions to lock down mechs that your teammates are fighting. If you prefer firing off Ten's then assist teammates. Stay behind them and be wary of their movements. Fire on closed triangles and never the opened ones. If you carry L15's then stay the hell back and pick your targets. Heavy load and large slotted launchers? Pick your targets don't waste ammo. 20's is much like ten's, stay behind a wall of teammates and fire as direct as possible as to get max damage potential.

As a SRM boat;

Flank, this is your motto. It is your creed and your way of life with a mech like this. Unless you are boating SSRM's you need to find ways to catch your opponent off guard. Fire volleys and get out of dodge. Never dance unless necessary. If you have SSRM's you have to tango and this is all based off your skill and luck.

CPLT-C4;

Spoiler

Gradual shift from Missiles to Energy. Perfect missile boat. Equip a Tag and a Medium laser LRM for a proper LRM boat. Stay Mobile, pick shots. If you choose to drop for speed and mobility then it is suggested to take more ammo and be more generous. LRM's are dangerous not just for sheer damage over time but the ability to lock down movement. If you are attempted a close in SRM boat it is not overall suggested but possible. LL with SRM back up is particularly effective but feel free to use what you want.

CPLT-C1;

Spoiler

This variant is much more suited to be multi roled. It can be an effective LRM boat which promptly fires its payload and enters the melee with its energy hardpoints. It also makes for one of the better 'Snipers' in my opinion. It can carry PPC's and LRMs for being a very effective mech at 600-1000m. It is also possible with a larger engine and more mobility to make a relatively effective brawler with MLas and SRMS. Mobility is still a desired factor. Speed not as much. Torso twist, with a STD and 2 MLaser or 1 LL in the CT you can still fight.

CPLT-K2;

Spoiler

This is one of the most popularized variants due to the ballistic hardpoints. It features the ability to multirole with being sniper or a mid ranged fighter. Rarely there are builds for brawlers but in my experience it can be an amazing skirmisher. Aside from the obvious builds the K2 can pack high damage strikes but fade from battle. Give it Speed and Mobility along with a stronger armament to attack and flee, continue this pattern.

CPLT-J;

Spoiler

My personal favorite. The standard build is 4Mlas and 2LL. Experiment. Focus on mobility or power but never both. Build this to be heat effective and not just heat efficient. Shutdown is not an option. High speed and mobility means high damage/impact weapons. Low Speed and Mobility means to pack high damage/impact or High Damage over time. I've seen effective builds just 2 ER PPC's and a pair of Mlas. Or Triple PPC's. My personal favorite is 3LL and 2 Mlas. Slightly higher Alpha than the standard build but style of play suggested is continuous movement. Higher degree of heat management necessary but is fully capable of 3-4 LL volleys in relatively quick succession.

Author's note; Catapults are relatively fragile for a heavy. While it can take damage it needs the pilot to maneuver and avoid damage.

Edit; Class starting. Will add more later.

Edited by Tichorius Davion, 27 January 2014 - 07:47 AM.

[MeiSooHaityu]

Very Nice, a really well done thread.

As a long time Catapult pilot, I have experienced the same sort of experiences as the OP and I agree with his conclusions and advice.

The Catapult (for better or for worse) is one of the few mechs that would get the kind of attention from the community. It is a well loved mech and even if it is less than stellar in MWO, It will still be one of my favorites and I will still use the mech on a fairly regular basis.

[MeiSooHaityu]

FYI...If you want a "semi-brawler" type Catapult K2, I recommend this setup...
http://mwomercs.com/...th-catapult-k2/

I have had a lot of luck with it. Still, I tend to snipe as long as possible and you still need to exercise caution when deciding when to jump in to a fray (due to the squishy CT). Overall though, it does the job well for me.

Again, I state "semi-brawler" due to the weapon combo. Really it is more of a support mech if another mech on your team is drawing fire and you run in for up close fire support.

Edited by MeiSooHaityu, 27 January 2014 - 06:45 AM.

[Flyby215]

Excellent write-up of my all-time favourite Inner-Sphere mech.

Although, I've never been one to play exactly as I'm supposed to. I play tip-of-the-spear, if I'm not being shot at, I'm doing something wrong. My Catapults are always at the front-of-the-line!

[DEN_Ninja]

LOLRM's
Because it is fun!
No, srs guiz. Every run around like a troll firing off a stream of L10's? So much blissful and sinful fun.

Edited by Tichorius Davion, 27 January 2014 - 07:58 AM.

[Praehotec8]

Excellent guide to cats. Now if they would only fix the awful graphics changes to the missile pods...

[Oogalook]

MeiSooHaityu, on 27 January 2014 - 06:43 AM, said:

FYI...If you want a "semi-brawler" type Catapult K2, I recommend this setup...
http://mwomercs.com/...th-catapult-k2/

I run my K2 with two AC/10 and four medium lasers, with an XL 300. Great punch. I feel like the Predator, hunting for Austrians.

[MeiSooHaityu]

Oogalook, on 27 January 2014 - 05:10 PM, said:

I run my K2 with two AC/10 and four medium lasers, with an XL 300. Great punch. I feel like the Predator, hunting for Austrians.

I used to run that for the LONGEST time, but I just changed things up for something different.

I will say this though, I think the dual A/C10, 4MLaser build might be the best overall Catapult K2 build. Good mix of speed, firepower, and heat disipation. It also has great damage potential and good range.

Since this is a thread for beginners, I could say that the Catapult K2 with dual A/C10s and 4MLasers should be the recommended Cat K2 loadout for a new player.

[Ezzeckell]

I saw a k2 with 2 lbx10 and 4med lasers today, very effective, nice to see them out and about, since jaggers appeared i have scene mostly lrm boat cats, i thought the k2 had taken early retirement

[Dimitry Matveyev]

Great topic. Cats was my firs mechs in MWO and first i've mastered.

It was said before and I'll say it again - if you want to survive on a Cat (any model) than don't rush with the front line, assist and support your teammates. And master the Cats, master them!

The best builds I've used so far:

CPLT-A1 x2 LRM15+A; x4 SSRM2
CPLT-C1 x2 LRM15+A; x4 ML
CPLT-K2 x2 PPC; x2 MPL; x2 MG
CPLT-K2 x2 UAC5; x2 LL