84 replies to this topic

[luxebo]

I did get into a handful of matches with turrets in them. They are pretty deadly in some areas, however, in other areas they are really weak. The small reward for them (50 C-bills 50 XP) is nice as an XP boost for capping in those two maps, but they aren't common.

I guess I'm gonna have to hope for the best for those two small changes (see MXP on mechs you don't own but not actually be able to spend that, and group weapons on trials). Not sure how weapon modules are, are they game changers? Or small, lightly effective modules?

[Koniving]

Welp the first part isn't up just yet but it's reuploading for the 3rd or 4th time.

In the meantime, part 2 is already here. I present the Ember. O.o; And my first custom build twin AC/5s. As well as part of the AC/5, AC/2, quad SL rig.


The kill was a stalker, where I took on the Stalker (couldn't target it so don't know what it was) and an Atlas that took out my teammate.

Disclaimer: Minor language, bad sense of humor, good deal of third person view is bound to be seen here.

[SaltBeef]

Good mech!! I still suck at light piloting but I love the mech. I Do not think a missile variant shows up until the inner sphere omnimech version 3060ish ,( I may be wrong ).

[luxebo]

Coming back to this thread, what should we expect next patch? Better, more refined UI 2.0? That turret bug fix? The Firestarters and Griffins or is it Wolverines for C-bills? What else besides that? I've heard of possible new map, maybe?

[Alaskan Nobody]

luxebo, on 17 February 2014 - 03:55 PM, said:

Coming back to this thread, what should we expect next patch?
Better, more refined UI 2.0?
That turret bug fix?
The Firestarters and Griffins or is it Wolverines for C-bills?
What else besides that?
I've heard of possible new map, maybe?

1) Who knows?
2) Maybe
3) Possibly
4) Firestarters I would bet - others next month it looks like
5) Who knows?
6) First I've heard of it

[luxebo]

Shar Wolf, on 17 February 2014 - 03:59 PM, said:

1) Who knows?
2) Maybe
3) Possibly
4) Firestarters I would bet - others next month it looks like
5) Who knows?
6) First I've heard of it

One of the Saber mechs for sure, besides that I dunno, looking through some of Russ's tweets right now from some forum threads. Looks like the turret bug fix and some UI 2.0 bug fixes and refined stuff (strip button, quick packages to earn a bunch of stuff quick or start better, etc) is coming, but that's it as of now.

[luxebo]

Alright, I see the patch. Griffin and Firestarter out for C-bills, some bugs fixed with turrets, pulse laser balance, more UI 2.0 updating, and that's all really. I also want to post my status as of right now, and also asking what to do with the Shadow Hawks (I'll explain later how I got them).

So far, I decided may as well spend a bit on this game, been playing for more than half a year and learned many things. Therefore, I got a few mechbays and had so many C-bills to spend, so I got myself overtime Hunchbacks that I mastered before, kept the Ravens and used XL 275 to upgrade my RVN-2X build, got DHS and more features once again slowly, and got all 4 Atlas (not Boar's Head, considering it), and Shadow Hawks. I mastered Hunchbacks, Ravens, and Atlases in that order, and working on Shadow Hawks right now. It would take a while to post all my builds from Smurfy, so I guess I'll write a generalization of my builds below. I'm also still playing trials, they're somewhat fun unless people start shooting you in the back because you are a trial.

Hunchbacks (5, no Grid Iron):
HBK-4G: 3xmed lasers, 1xac20, STD 230.
HBK-4H: 1xLBX10, 1xER PPC, STD 200.
HBK-4J: 2xLRM10s w/ Atermis, BAP, TAG, STD 230.
HBK-4P: 8xmed lasers, STD 200.
HBK-4SP: 5xmed lasers, 2xssrms, STD 260.
If I ever get Grid Iron, I'm going to arm it with AC20, 3xmed lasers, and SRM 6, but just slower.

Ravens:
RVN-2X: 2xer large lasers, XL 275.
RVN-3L: 2xmed lasers, 2xssrms, TAG, XL 295.
RVN-4X: 1xAC20, 2xmed lasers, XL 210.

Atlases (No Boar's Head, but I've a plan on what to do with that):
AS7-D: 3xlarge lasers, 2xLBX10, STD 300.
AS7-DDC: 2xmed lasers, 3x SRM6 w/ Atermis, 1xac20, ECM, STD 300.
AS7-RS: 4xer large lasers, 1xgauss, STD 300. I had basics unlocked early so I chose this build, it wasn't all too hot.
AS7-K: 2xPPC, 1xac20, STD 300. This build, I can see why many like this meta wise, but I really couldn't find a build that would be overlooked by the other Atlases. If I wanted pure brawler, it would've been a weaker DDC. Same as if I used 3xlarge lasers of any kind, would be a weaker D. It really isn't nearly as powerful as the Highlander Victor Cataphract type of this build due to the slowness and lack of JJs, therefore I would say it feels completely different and I feel myself brawling a ton with this mech even with the same build as a poptart.
AS7-BH: I've a powerful build of 6xmed lasers, 1xac20, and 1xSRM 6 planned, though I'm not sure whether I'll get it or not. I'll see whether I need a hero yet.

Now, the Shadow Hawks I'm currently running a couple builds.
SHD-2D2: I'm running 2xmed lasers, 3x SRM 6, 1xSRM 4. I also grouped it so 2xSRM 6 would fire, and the center SRM 6 along with the SRM 4 in the head fires. Atermis doesn't feel all too needed, and I really can't do all too much with 3xSRM 6 alone.
SHD-2H: I use 3xMGs, 3xssrms, and 1xlarge pulse laser. It does an amazing amount of damage for the weapons it carries, and I wonder how the pulse laser changes affect it. I'm not feeling that it's very effective against much else besides lights however. Lights squeal (literally once in a match a light pilot squealed in the chat) when they see this Shad coming along, so I guess it's not bad.
SHD-5M: This is my sniper. I run 2xer large lasers, and 1xUltra AC5, though I feel that this doesn't do as much damage as I thought it would. Maybe some advice on my Ultra, as it seems to jam commonly. Not sure if any of the above are solid builds, I would like a commentor to give me some commentary.

So this is my mechs as of now. Maybe later I'll post builds from smurfy, but this is what my status right now is. Just questioning the Shadow Hawk, it's great but my builds are questionable.

[IraqiWalker]

luxebo, on 18 February 2014 - 05:53 PM, said:

Lots of setups and info

Your 2H set up is great as alight hunter. Also if you survive long enough in the match, your MGs become the bane of existence for any mech on the field with exposed parts.

If you want to use a non-light hunter set up, I would recommend the 3xAC2 set up. I also enjoy running my 2H with 1LB10x (4 tons ammo) and 1 ERLL, with max JJs, and max armor (missing 2 in the head only). it does surprisingly well for the light loadout it has. I enjoy it, and it fits my style with the 2H.

as far as the 5M goes. I would not recommend pairing energy weapons (other than PPC) with Ballistic weapons.
The 2 weapon systems work on different mechanics (Hit scan for energy vs. Leading and drop for Ballistic) that require you to aim at two locations simultaneously. If you want a sniper build I play my 5M with 1 Gauss (4 tons ammo in the torsos for crit padding since it doesn't explode when destroyed), and 1 ERPPC. Throw in advanced zoom and Target Info Gathering(TIG), and you have a deadly sniper with great mobility. (I think mine runs with xl255).

If you like to be a long range skirmisher that drops a hail of bullets, then 2 AC5 on chain fire might be better for you.

SHD-5M 2xAC5 That mech can be quite fun to play. Keep the LL/ERLL as your off hand weapon. It's also running with max armor on everything but the empty arm.

My Gauss set up is this one:
SHD-5M Gauss

[luxebo]

IraqiWalker, on 18 February 2014 - 06:10 PM, said:

Your 2H set up is great as alight hunter. Also if you survive long enough in the match, your MGs become the bane of existence for any mech on the field with exposed parts.

If you want to use a non-light hunter set up, I would recommend the 3xAC2 set up. I also enjoy running my 2H with 1LB10x (4 tons ammo) and 1 ERLL, with max JJs, and max armor (missing 2 in the head only). it does surprisingly well for the light loadout it has. I enjoy it, and it fits my style with the 2H.

as far as the 5M goes. I would not recommend pairing energy weapons (other than PPC) with Ballistic weapons.
The 2 weapon systems work on different mechanics (Hit scan for energy vs. Leading and drop for Ballistic) that require you to aim at two locations simultaneously. If you want a sniper build I play my 5M with 1 Gauss (4 tons ammo in the torsos for crit padding since it doesn't explode when destroyed), and 1 ERPPC. Throw in advanced zoom and Target Info Gathering(TIG), and you have a deadly sniper with great mobility. (I think mine runs with xl255).

If you like to be a long range skirmisher that drops a hail of bullets, then 2 AC5 on chain fire might be better for you.

SHD-5M 2xAC5 That mech can be quite fun to play. Keep the LL/ERLL as your off hand weapon. It's also running with max armor on everything but the empty arm.

My Gauss set up is this one:
SHD-5M Gauss

Yeah, I felt my 2H wasn't bad. My 2D2 alright?

For my 5M, I was thinking of making a more poptartish build, but I'm not sure if I should go all the way. Oh, and all 3 of my builds run XL 300, so maybe, I'll consider such a build.

[IraqiWalker]

luxebo, on 18 February 2014 - 06:31 PM, said:

Yeah, I felt my 2H wasn't bad. My 2D2 alright?

For my 5M, I was thinking of making a more poptartish build, but I'm not sure if I should go all the way. Oh, and all 3 of my builds run XL 300, so maybe, I'll consider such a build.

Your 2D2 is alright.

However, if you want suggestions for your 2D2, I would recommend one thing above all else, chain fire your SRMs. With the hit detection problem still evident, you will lose a lot less firepower if you chain fire them instead of burst fire them. Artemis isn't needed on it though.

Consider getting an XL255 (or better yet, a mech with XL 255 as that is actually cheaper in the long run) as it is beautiful on the SHD platform. the XL300 is great too with all the speed it gives you.

However, for poptarty and sniper builds you do not need high speed, medium speed is good enough as you are only relocating and are engaging at range. by switching to XL255 from 300 you lose almost 15Kph in speed, 1 internal HS slot, but gain 3 tons of extra weight to fill with ammo, armor, DHS, etc.


I've ran the 2D2 with LRMs before and it was fun, but since you want SRMs I would recommend this set up

Keep your SRMs in 2 seperate groups of 2 and you should never have heat problems. You can switch the MPLs for MLs and mess around with the extra weight as slots are available. Also, the SRM set up does not require Endo-steel.

Edited by IraqiWalker, 19 February 2014 - 12:17 AM.

[luxebo]

IraqiWalker, on 19 February 2014 - 12:16 AM, said:

Your 2D2 is alright.

However, if you want suggestions for your 2D2, I would recommend one thing above all else, chain fire your SRMs. With the hit detection problem still evident, you will lose a lot less firepower if you chain fire them instead of burst fire them. Artemis isn't needed on it though.

Consider getting an XL255 (or better yet, a mech with XL 255 as that is actually cheaper in the long run) as it is beautiful on the SHD platform. the XL300 is great too with all the speed it gives you.

However, for poptarty and sniper builds you do not need high speed, medium speed is good enough as you are only relocating and are engaging at range. by switching to XL255 from 300 you lose almost 15Kph in speed, 1 internal HS slot, but gain 3 tons of extra weight to fill with ammo, armor, DHS, etc.

I've ran the 2D2 with LRMs before and it was fun, but since you want SRMs I would recommend this set up

Keep your SRMs in 2 seperate groups of 2 and you should never have heat problems. You can switch the MPLs for MLs and mess around with the extra weight as slots are available. Also, the SRM set up does not require Endo-steel.

My 2D2 is pretty similar to that one except with a bigger engine, regular med lasers, and no AMS. I tried the 15-10-5 build Victor posted many times as an LRM skirmisher but it just feels awkward. I prefer SRMs on the Shad, easier to use. 5M I tried a couple of your builds (with XL 275 and slightly loosened armor and stuff). Gauss with ER PPC feels pretty powerful, just relies on JJs a lot. Dual AC5s I have some trouble trying to use it (tried both large laser and PPC configs). It's just the limited torso twist I suppose, maybe after double basics I can really do well afterward. Thanks for the help and comments IraqiWalker.

[IraqiWalker]

luxebo, on 19 February 2014 - 03:52 PM, said:

My 2D2 is pretty similar to that one except with a bigger engine, regular med lasers, and no AMS. I tried the 15-10-5 build Victor posted many times as an LRM skirmisher but it just feels awkward. I prefer SRMs on the Shad, easier to use. 5M I tried a couple of your builds (with XL 275 and slightly loosened armor and stuff). Gauss with ER PPC feels pretty powerful, just relies on JJs a lot. Dual AC5s I have some trouble trying to use it (tried both large laser and PPC configs). It's just the limited torso twist I suppose, maybe after double basics I can really do well afterward. Thanks for the help and comments IraqiWalker.

Anytime my friend, Designing mech builds is what I live for. Also, if you tell me more about your preferences I can tweak the builds even more to fit your style.

I should have also mentioned that the 2AC5 SHD should not be used for poptarting as much. You want to be as stable as possible for those ACs to do damage. Unless you go 2xAC5 PPC alpha. Then jump away my friend, the sky (and your fuel reserve) is the limit.

[luxebo]

I guess I will post my builds list I own in my mechbays.

Hunchbacks:
HBK-4G: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...4be8b39528ff103
HBK-4H: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...d8010785e2cb6df
HBK-4J: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...62633fa61e92ccd
HBK-4P: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...fc10e3af8566d11
HBK-4SP: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...440c8ebed13278f
HBK-GI: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...22e3124c496c2c4

Ravens:
RVN-2X: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...1e87a6e6f7b36e1
RVN-3L: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...868530f74919deb
RVN-4X: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...f38b029cdfe6262

Atlases:
AS7-D: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...e6909d823481075
AS7-DDC: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...c37a1f97884a932
AS7-K: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...aeb906c5d756fa1
AS7-RS: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...979b863b190dd9d
AS7-BH: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...bc2a6e0ffc2b21b

Shadow Hawks:
SHD-2D2: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...2e0631c4086fb99
SHD-2H: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...2de6df5a82d0bc3
SHD-5M: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...425ead6463c06e4
SHD-5M (second version): http://mwo.smurfy-ne...bcfd842f31b2a1b

Edit: Changed title.

Edited by luxebo, 22 February 2014 - 11:11 AM.

[Wildstreak]

Terciel1976, on 04 February 2014 - 07:27 PM, said:

I respectfully disagree with Kon. I think the 3F© is a suicide box, especially for new players. Massive ghost heat trap and an XL in a completely locked Stalker? Especially since the loadout will be known to opposing players, they're going to die in droves to single ST loss.vv

Terciel1976, on 04 February 2014 - 07:38 PM, said:

Yes. Emphasis here. I think it's a bad build, but I think it's a terrible build for a new player.

I think a bunch of Trial Mechs can be hard to run thus I started this topic and hope others will over time support it then recommend it in game.

[IraqiWalker]

luxebo, on 20 February 2014 - 09:13 PM, said:

I guess I will post my builds list I own in my mechbays.

Hunchbacks:
HBK-4G: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...4be8b39528ff103
HBK-4H: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...d8010785e2cb6df
HBK-4J: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...62633fa61e92ccd
HBK-4P: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...fc10e3af8566d11
HBK-4SP: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...440c8ebed13278f
HBK-GI: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...22e3124c496c2c4

Ravens:
RVN-2X: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...1e87a6e6f7b36e1
RVN-3L: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...868530f74919deb
RVN-4X: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...f38b029cdfe6262

Atlases:
AS7-D: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...e6909d823481075
AS7-DDC: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...c37a1f97884a932
AS7-K: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...aeb906c5d756fa1
AS7-RS: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...979b863b190dd9d
AS7-BH: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...bc2a6e0ffc2b21b

Shadow Hawks:
SHD-2D2: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...2e0631c4086fb99
SHD-2H: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...2de6df5a82d0bc3
SHD-5M: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...425ead6463c06e4

Edit: Changed title.

The builds definitely help.

However, I would like more personal input on how you're handling the shadowhawk. Your builds tell me how you handle the other mechs. With the current set ups on your SHDs, what do you want them to do more of, and less of?

I'm going to work on tweaking the SHD builds for you.

Also, how is your torso twisting skill?

Edited by IraqiWalker, 21 February 2014 - 12:46 AM.

[Hammerhai]

Sort of from the ox to the leather jacket: What happened to Stargeezer Koniving/luxebo? He still active? Other than that am very impressed with the Ember as a fun mech. Seems a lot more survivable than many jenners.

[luxebo]

Hammerhai, on 21 February 2014 - 08:36 AM, said:

Sort of from the ox to the leather jacket: What happened to Stargeezer Koniving/luxebo? He still active? Other than that am very impressed with the Ember as a fun mech. Seems a lot more survivable than many jenners.

I have no idea of Stargeezer and how the map background info guide is going. I haven't seen him in a while.

IraqiWalker, on 21 February 2014 - 12:35 AM, said:

The builds definitely help.

However, I would like more personal input on how you're handling the shadowhawk. Your builds tell me how you handle the other mechs. With the current set ups on your SHDs, what do you want them to do more of, and less of?

I'm going to work on tweaking the SHD builds for you.

Also, how is your torso twisting skill?

I usually torso twist well on mechs, but the Shad is something that I usually don't have to torso twist as much (they always spread a lot of damage and lose some side limbs around.) They also have a weak torso twist anyway, and comparing to say the Centurion or Hunchback, I always lose almost all of my limbs in Centurions and Hunchbacks due to their strong torso twist and hitboxes. Generally, I want my Shadow Hawks to basically be different from each other. I think my 2D2 and 2H are set as of now, but I'm not sure about my 5M, not sure exactly what to do with that thing. My build is too dependent on staying on the target, so it needs some work. The Gauss ER PPC combo is not bad, but I don't like the staying to charge sorta deal. AC5 build is also not bad once I figured out a good way to use it. So, I'm somewhat think of maybe an AC10/AC20 build with some lasers or streaks as back up. Not sure how that will go, maybe I'll try to look for another combo that's possible.

[Alaskan Nobody]

luxebo, on 21 February 2014 - 05:09 PM, said:

I usually torso twist well on mechs, but the Shad is something that I usually don't have to torso twist as much

And Victor wonders why I say they teach nothing about torso twisting

[luxebo]

Shar Wolf, on 21 February 2014 - 05:36 PM, said:

And Victor wonders why I say they teach nothing about torso twisting

Indeed. Shadow Hawk is really difficult to actually twist in, as it's torso is extremely limited in range. Speaking of which, that CN9-A(C) is a welcome edition soon. That's also something a new player starting the game this weekend should look for.

[IraqiWalker]

Absolutely. Also, try this build if you want bigger guns.

SHD-5M AC10

That's a more brawl-y set up.

Suggested Modules: Target Info Gathering, Seismic Sensor, UAV, AC5 Range modules tier 4(when it comes out, anything less than that is gonna be inefficient in my opinion if the pattern for the AC5 ER modules holds), SRM Range Module (all of them are handy for the SRMs as they flat out improve your range which is a big deal with missile based weapons), AMS Range Module tier 2+ (shoot down 2 more missiles at least, what's not to like?).

NOTE: Remember to Chain Fire SRMs as the hit-detection issue is mitigated by firing them in multiple salvos instead of one burst. Also, the statement about Modules below applies here to the modules suggested.


You can also try this one for long range harass (only 15LRMS per salvo.)
SHD-5M Skirmisher

This set up is useful in hit and fade tactics. Your best modules are target retention. Adv. Sensor Range (it accelerates lock on I think, if it doesn't then it drops down in importance to the bottom), Target Info Gathering, Adv. Zoom, and everything else is style-based beyond those.

NOTE: The suggested modules are my personal opinion for what would be most helpful, they are by no means irrefutable as play-styles will change emphasis on them.