15 replies to this topic

[Deshiva]

Hey all, looking for some advice.

I'm planning to save up for my first assault, as such i have researched my options a bit. Right now im leaning towards a highlander, but i heard rumours of a new assault coming soon.

If i choose highlander what engine would be reccomended?

Is the new assault confirmed or just hearsay?

[xMintaka]

Need to tell us more about what you like, playstyle-wise, for the good folks hanging around here to give you decent suggestions.

Otherwise I might as well suggest 2x UAC5's, 2x PPC VTR's or HGN's, or AC20, 2x PPC VTR's or HGN-733C. Those are the "best" Assaults at the moment, but imo they are dreadfully dull.

[meteorol]

The highlander is a solid mech. (Well that was an understatement)

The engine entirely depends on what loadout you want to use. STD or XL engine, and the size depends on what weapons you want to slap on it.
Generally speaking, the 300 STD is a nice engine for the highlander to use, but we really can't give you much input without knowing what you want to do with your mech.(XL engines are somewhat out of fashion for highlanders, but when they were released pretty much everyone ran a XL)


You can use this website to test your builds and find the engine you want to use:

http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/mechlab

If you tell us what kind of weapons you would like to use, we can give you advice on specific builds.


On the upcoming assault... there was something mentioned on concept arts for the Mauler on the NGNG stream (if i recall right). But there is no fix statement from the devs when the next assault mech will be released afaik.

Edited by meteorol, 22 February 2014 - 11:50 AM.

[Deshiva]

Lunatech, on 22 February 2014 - 11:46 AM, said:

Need to tell us more about what you like, playstyle-wise, for the good folks hanging around here to give you decent suggestions.

Otherwise I might as well suggest 2x UAC5's, 2x PPC VTR's or HGN's, or AC20, 2x PPC VTR's or HGN-733C. Those are the "best" Assaults at the moment, but imo they are dreadfully dull.

Ah of course, forgot to add.

I normally enjoy using long range weapons to soften enemies before closer engagements, lasers are personal favorites but rarely found i can use them without overheat issues. But think for assaults i'll attempt to focus on brawling. That said if i can spec the assault for fire support when im in the mood for it it's a plus. Sorry if it's vauge.

meteorol, on 22 February 2014 - 11:48 AM, said:

The highlander is a solid mech. (Well that was an understatement)

The engine entirely depends on what loadout you want to use. STD or XL engine, and the size depends on what weapons you want to slap on it.
Generally speaking, the 300 STD is a nice engine for the highlander to use, but we really can't give you much input without knowing what you want to do with your mech.(XL engines are somewhat out of fashion for highlanders, but when they were released pretty much everyone ran a XL)


You can use this website to test your builds and find the engine you want to use:

http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/mechlab

If you tell us what kind of weapons you would like to use, we can give you advice on specific builds.


On the upcoming assault... there was something mentioned on concept arts for the Mauler on the NGNG stream (if i recall right). But there is no fix statement from the devs when the next assault mech will be released afaik.

I see, thank you. I want to be able to take a beating so a std engine feels fitting.

More specific on weapons.


Lasers of all kinds

Ac's for instant damage with little heat build

Lrm's when the mood strikes

Edited by Deshiva, 22 February 2014 - 12:06 PM.

[Redshift2k5]

A new assault coming is confirmed (Via Russ's twitter) but it's idetity is unknown. I have 0.00% faith in the rumours and hearsay about the Mauler because I think they were talking about the isometric Mechcommand game being produced in assiociation with NGNG

Waiting for the next assault mech to be announced might be prudent, it might be one you really like! If it isn't, then the next new Assault after that might be a long time off.

If you want an Assault mech then the Highlander is pretty solid all around, more mobile than an Atlas and able to bring a lot of loadouts. Battlemasters allow for more missile boating and more laser boating, but it's hard to compete with the Highlander's jumpjets... Except that jumpjets & assault mechs are going to be getting a nerf soon according to Paul, so you may wish to tread carefully

[Deshiva]

Redshift2k5, on 22 February 2014 - 11:59 AM, said:

A new assault coming is confirmed (Via Russ's twitter) but it's idetity is unknown. I have 0.00% faith in the rumours and hearsay about the Mauler because I think they were talking about the isometric Mechcommand game being produced in assiociation with NGNG

Waiting for the next assault mech to be announced might be prudent, it might be one you really like! If it isn't, then the next new Assault after that might be a long time off.

If you want an Assault mech then the Highlander is pretty solid all around, more mobile than an Atlas and able to bring a lot of loadouts. Battlemasters allow for more missile boating and more laser boating, but it's hard to compete with the Highlander's jumpjets... Except that jumpjets & assault mechs are going to be getting a nerf soon according to Paul, so you may wish to tread carefully

Oh nice, i'll save up my cbills until the next assault shows up before i decide then. Big thanks to everyone that has responded.

[Hex Pallett]

Battlemasters.

The only drawback is they're super expensive.

[meteorol]

Deshiva, on 22 February 2014 - 11:57 AM, said:

Ah of course, forgot to add.

I normally enjoy using long range weapons to soften enemies before closer engagements, lasers are personal favorites but rarely found i can use them without overheat issues. But think for assaults i'll attempt to focus on brawling. That said if i can spec the assault for fire support when im in the mood for it it's a plus. Sorry if it's vauge.
I see, thank you. I want to be able to take a beating so a std engine feels fitting.

More specific on weapons.


Lasers of all kinds

Ac's for instant damage with little heat build

Lrm's when the mood strikes

Ok, so on highlanders:

The current "meta" (what everyone does) is putting 2ppcs and a different set of ACs on this mech.

Something along the lines of this
http://mwo.smurfy-ne...e9fca0286d7cdf6

or this

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...8523b71111d1335
(I forgot to change the torso armor on this one, see first mech for torso armor)

How to play with this mech? It is all about pinpoint damage, and it can deliver it while jumping. Shoot your PPCs and the AC at the same time (a bit more tricky with the AC20, because they reduced the bullet speed alot, very easy with 2uac5), aim carefully, wreck other mechs. The PPCs have a minimum range of 90 meter though, so watch out to stay outside of 90m and only use the AC if you have to shoot at targets below 90m. Use the half of your mech without weapon as "shield" to defend the half with your weapons.

Be warned this setup is not for everyone, and some people will badmouth it because it's the current "meta". But since it's a very popular loudout, and highly effective in the right hands, you should know it and decide for yourself.


The following build is a build i used with great effectiveness for a very long time on my highlander, and it probably fits your idea of combining acs with lasers alot better than the "meta build".

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...cf45be078a28eea
(Forgot torso armor again, see mechs above)

You can engange targets at great ranges with the double AC5. 15 double heatsinks to keep the large lasers cool. If it comes down to a brawl, those two srm 4 become handy. You can shoot just the ac5s if you are close to overheat.

If you like the idea of a "balanced" mech that can attack enemies at all ranges. you could try this one, it served me well for a long time.

Edit:
I just saw you want to wait until we know more about the next assault mech.
Well if you should decide to use the highlander in the end, you can keep those builds in mind.

Edited by meteorol, 22 February 2014 - 01:57 PM.

[PhoenixFire55]

Deshiva, on 22 February 2014 - 11:37 AM, said:

If i choose highlander what engine would be reccomended?

Highlanders are very versatile and a good overall choice. Some would say HGL is a best mech in game. I'd recommend either XL-300 or XL-325 engines. 325 is simply biggest engine you can put in HGL and 300 is probably the most used engine in game. There are a LOT of builds that use 300, lights, mediums, heavies and assaults. If you plan on building a brawler that will have weapons in both side you might want a standart engine for more survivability, if not, XL is your choice.

[Hex Pallett]

Also answering for engine size.

Either STD300 or XL325. Last time I checked using XL300 instead of STD would leave you with way too much extra tonnage.

[MisterPlanetarian]

Save your Cbills for march untill we know what Assault we are getting. Otherwise the Highlander is a good first Assault. It has jump jets and the 733C has the option to fit an AC20 or double UAC5.

[Deshiva]

Helmstif, on 22 February 2014 - 12:25 PM, said:

Battlemasters.

The only drawback is they're super expensive.

Battlemasters? Not heard much about thoose at all, suppose because it's sorta new compared to the others. It does seem to have some really nice hardpoints, how is the hit boxes on it though? I played alot of catapult before and the dreadful Torso hitbox offed me alot.

meteorol, on 22 February 2014 - 01:52 PM, said:

Ok, so on highlanders:

The current "meta" (what everyone does) is putting 2ppcs and a different set of ACs on this mech.

Something along the lines of this
http://mwo.smurfy-ne...e9fca0286d7cdf6

or this

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...8523b71111d1335
(I forgot to change the torso armor on this one, see first mech for torso armor)

How to play with this mech? It is all about pinpoint damage, and it can deliver it while jumping. Shoot your PPCs and the AC at the same time (a bit more tricky with the AC20, because they reduced the bullet speed alot, very easy with 2uac5), aim carefully, wreck other mechs. The PPCs have a minimum range of 90 meter though, so watch out to stay outside of 90m and only use the AC if you have to shoot at targets below 90m. Use the half of your mech without weapon as "shield" to defend the half with your weapons.

Be warned this setup is not for everyone, and some people will badmouth it because it's the current "meta". But since it's a very popular loudout, and highly effective in the right hands, you should know it and decide for yourself.


The following build is a build i used with great effectiveness for a very long time on my highlander, and it probably fits your idea of combining acs with lasers alot better than the "meta build".

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...cf45be078a28eea
(Forgot torso armor again, see mechs above)

You can engange targets at great ranges with the double AC5. 15 double heatsinks to keep the large lasers cool. If it comes down to a brawl, those two srm 4 become handy. You can shoot just the ac5s if you are close to overheat.

If you like the idea of a "balanced" mech that can attack enemies at all ranges. you could try this one, it served me well for a long time.

Edit:
I just saw you want to wait until we know more about the next assault mech.
Well if you should decide to use the highlander in the end, you can keep those builds in mind.

Thanks a ton, great info here. I will keep them in mind if i end up going for highlander.

PhoenixFire55, on 22 February 2014 - 02:00 PM, said:

Highlanders are very versatile and a good overall choice. Some would say HGL is a best mech in game. I'd recommend either XL-300 or XL-325 engines. 325 is simply biggest engine you can put in HGL and 300 is probably the most used engine in game. There are a LOT of builds that use 300, lights, mediums, heavies and assaults. If you plan on building a brawler that will have weapons in both side you might want a standart engine for more survivability, if not, XL is your choice.

Ye i'll probably aim for a Standard engine for survivability, heard good things about STD 300, fitting many chassis.

Helmstif, on 22 February 2014 - 07:00 PM, said:

Also answering for engine size.

Either STD300 or XL325. Last time I checked using XL300 instead of STD would leave you with way too much extra tonnage.

Ye definetly going for the STD 300.

MisterPlanetarian, on 23 February 2014 - 03:41 AM, said:

Save your Cbills for march untill we know what Assault we are getting. Otherwise the Highlander is a good first Assault. It has jump jets and the 733C has the option to fit an AC20 or double UAC5.

Aye, sound advice.

[Colby Boucher]

If you want to go primarily long-range, and can position yourself well, Stalkers all the way. Feels like piloting an AT-AT, and has so many weapons that the loadout alone probably weighs as much as a commando.

[ZeProme]

It's hard to recommend a mech since we all have our preferred play style. Victors are nice assaults that fill the requirement for those that want heavy punch and high mobility relative to weight/class. Likewise, Atlas are great for those that love to spear head and survive much longer.

My first assault is the Highlander HGN-733C. Because I really like to brawl and using ballistic weapon is a defining trait/strength for me, I really can't neglect the two ballistic hardpoint on the arms. Not only that, the two energy hardpoints on the right torso makes it great for brawling since, with a STD engine, I can sacrifice my left torso to live and fight effectively longer. Oh, it has JJs too.

Basically, I picked the Highlander because it seems to be the most flexible assault mech with the most tonnage available. It's true that the Victor is similar but it has 10 tons less than the Highlander. Plus the hard points benefit those (including me) that want to brawl.

[Zordicron]

Depends what you are after:

Agility,, Victor. The thing takes a big engine and is pretty nimble. Tales some hits, and can dish it out.
Firepower: Stalker. It will run hot, and it is clunky, but it can take a beating and only a fool stays in front of the pointy end of a stalker.
Durability and firepower: Probably highlander. Not the most agile, but has potent loadouts like a victor and its tougher.

Do not buy an Atlas as a first assault. it is freegin powerful, slow as crap, and tough as nails. But the way things go in game, you will be miserable as hell getting used to being the big boy on the field in a mech that commands so much attention. It is a mech that one false move means you get focused down and die horribly, and one right move means you roll faces. Buy it LATER.

Awesomes are not a solid choice either, unless you want to learn on them and then be completely roxxorz on the other chassis after. Lots of power output, but you need a lot of skill at defensive piloting to avoid getting blown to bits. Try it, LATER.

As for the new one, I cross my fingers for Thug, but I thought I recall rumors of Zeus a long while back too. or maybe something totally different! We will see. maybe they will surprise us with King Crab or Annihilator. I doubt it though.

[TELEFORCE]

I think it's worth noting that 'mechs like the Victor and Awesome are more or less heavy 'mechs. They're just 5 tons above the heavy weight class upper limit, and their loadouts can be duplicated more or less on a Cataphract or an Orion. They're also about as maneuverable as a heavy 'mech.

I think true assault 'mechs start at 85 tons and go up from there.