38 replies to this topic

[Glxy Cmdr Jason Tseng]

dragnier1, on 07 March 2014 - 08:13 AM, said:

5M is the better choice. Comes with xl 275 that saves you 4.9 mil cbills.

Also I disagree that the 5M is the better choice; the 5M has one less missile hard point and puts both energy hard points in one arm. This now becomes a focus point for enemies fire. And while it's true you can torso twist and use that empty arm as a shield, that might be a bit too advanced for a new player. The 2D2 allows for the weapons to be spread out and not have as much fire focused on one section.

And yes the 5M comes with the XL, but you pay for it up front.

2D2 - 4.4m C-Bills

5M - 8.1m C-Bills

2D2 is more economical for a new player to afford and see if it fits his/her play style.

[Spleenslitta]

I'm trying to get onto the medium train myself so i don't have much experience with them.
But i can give you one major pointer. The Cicada has one huge weakness.
-With the exception X-5 and 2B versions it doesn't have arm mounted weapons.

So it has a severe disadvantage in uneven terrain when figthing up close.
The greater the difference in height between you and the target...the more hopeless it gets.

[Koniving]

TankBadger42, on 07 March 2014 - 07:39 AM, said:

Voivode that is what I have been looking for for over 3 hours...

Thank you all This is an awesome community!

To expand on this......
Please stand by.

(Gimme some time to write this up; you've got 25 matches to do before you're ready to make your first purchase anyway, Tank. That way you have enough funding to get what you need/want. )

Okay!

Here we go.

• Each of the following have screenshots by Lordred -- typically of myself inside these mechs. I personally own 94 mechs and try to collect and use all the mechs. In every case possible I'll try to give the shots of the hero versions.
  
• At the end of each are videos. Sometimes chase cams, but typically cockpit views to let you see. This way you can see what the cockpits look like, as contrary to popular belief the cockpit really does affect gameplay.

Cicada. Ideal starting variant -- unknown. My favorite one when I was new to them was the 3M, and that was before it had ECM.

Spoiler

Cicada - This is by all intents and purposes a glorified Jenner. It also handles like one. That is to say fast acceleration, reasonably quick to stop, handles turns at low speed very well compared to many mediums but when you hit high speed you get the worst trait of the Jenner.. slow turning compared to any other lights.

The Cicada sacrifices a lot for high speed and as such runs very hot. Or you can trade speed for significantly cooler running and ease of use -- but twin volleys of 3 PPCs (or simply 30 damage times 2) will kill you before you realize what happened.

The Cicada hero -- Prototype Model X-5 -- is perhaps the best Cicada available. A combination of twin LRM-5s with an ER PPC not only runs cold but allows you to still be fast, nearly fully armored, and will harvest a number of profanities aimed at you and your loved ones from very upset players as you laugh your way to the bank.

X-5 - Stealth Camo activated.


The X-5 is noteworthy as the only mech that cannot equip an AMS. Another fun thing: As someone who owns almost every hero mech I'll say this. The X-5 is the most powered hero compared to its chassis. It's stock speed is 133.7 kph. Literally, it's "leet."

The 3C is ballistic heavy and thus will likely be the slowest of all Cicadas with any good build. The 3M carries an ECM and one ballistic.

Just don't get legged. Or you will learn the true meaning of helplessness.

This video, slightly edited with computer narration, includes an entire match with with the trial Cicada. It can also show you some tricks to overcome the Cicada's heat issues. The fight between the two Cicadas and Jenner is quite epic.

Blackjack. Best starting variant - probably the BJ-3 due to already having the DHS.

Spoiler

Blackjack - Intended for pure fire support, this medium is actually capable of quite a bit more. The BJ-1 and BJ-1DC both carry ballsitics. The BJ-1 jumps but the BJ-1DC does not; in exchange it carries extra energy hardpoints. The BJ-3 is energy reliant and jumps. The BJ-1X; the original BJ prototype, cannot jump but can be the fastest BJ you've ever seen. You might get a bit too excited if it looks up at you with that shiny brown transplast. (the cockpit metallic glass).

Aside from the 1X, the differences between the Blackjacks is slight twist and vertical ranges in favor of the non-jumping ones.

Noteworthy is this. Blackjacks are notoriously slow moving.

The BJ-1 at work. <--Using twin UAC/5s.

The 1X is the only exception, which can reach 116.8 kph.
The BJ-1X at work.

(Stock BJ-1X).

Burn everything.

There is no Blackjack Hero at this time.

Just to note: My one complaint about Blackjacks is the UAC/5 barrels are the size of most mech's MG barrels and the AC/20 is the same size as its AC/2 -- both of which are smaller than the AC/2 on ANY other mech (aside from the Firestarter; it's the same size there). Other than the visual aspect though, Blackjacks make great mechs.

Centurion -- Cheapest variant to get off the ground, CN9-AL.

Spoiler

Centurion - An interesting piece of work. These used to be faster than Hunchbacks which made up for their larger bodies. While the Hunchbacks were made a bit too small to house their cockpit (as in literally it can't fit), the Centurion being the second medium in MWO, was made to a size where it can. It was given an extra wide body due to a flaw with Centurions in MW4 where they were almost impossible to hit. Some aren't happy with that.

Centurions are designed to work in tandem with Trebuchets. Built to escort, these are meant to protect LRM boats.

The Centurion AL is the easiest one to get started. It's pre-maxed out on armor, switch to DHS and go.

The CN9-A is the common favorite for its 3 launchers.

The CN9-D is the expensive one. Vid on Centurion D stock build, where it hands lots of players their backsides in a group of 3. Advice given on video by frequent medium mech versus the world high-ranker 7NationArmy. I'm the one leading the pack, and also the dancing Cicada at the end. The mechs in that video are pure-bred stock. Standard heatsinks, lousy ammo, lousy armor, XL 300 engine, etc. Back then the LB-10x was a lot worse, too. Didn't matter.

All Centurions EXCEPT the Yen Lo Wang benefit from a 10% damage resistance on the left torso when the missile doors are shut. Open and shut them by pressing the / key next to the right shift.

The AH, despite being slower than all others, was removed.

Their Hero mech, Yen Lo Wang, is piloted by Justin Allard, is a tournament fighter in the Solaris Arena.

(Yen Lo Wang in Zhizhu colors.)


Centurions generally handle the same. The D at higher than normal speed has trouble taking turns but this is just due to the speed not due to any special traits. The Wang is the only exception, it gets a greater twist range to make up for its inability to pivot the arm left and right.

In closed beta had a maneuver specific to only itself that while it still works isn't nearly as effective today. It still looks awesome when performed. If you hear the term Centurion Charge or the Centurion Shield Rush, it's talking about this maneuver. Essentially you twist 55 degrees right -- this brings your shield in front of you. Now you unlock the arm, press CTRL, and aim over your left side. This brings your cannon arm over or under the shield. Open the LRM bay door, lock on with the "o" crosshair, fire the cannon and fire the LRMs, charge at 64.8 kph. The Centurion seemed practically invincible during this maneuver in closed beta. This is because of standard heatsinks and the essential requirement to chain fire weapons which allowed the shield to take quite a beating. To see one performing the charge was a bit terrifying, as all weapons took half a second to fire after pressing the button and there was no pinpoint, so the delayed convergence touching the shield would throw off any aim toward the body.

Because convergence is now instant this trick no longer works. It still looks cool for about 4 seconds before the arm gets blown off when performed.

Picard's Centurion.

Hunchback! Cheapest variant to get off the ground: 4P. Most common variant to start with: 4SP
Little warning: Do not pack more than 6 medium lasers. It's a waste and suicide.

Spoiler

Hunchback - A previously very slow mech that excelled in urban combat, it still does exactly this. It has better turning than Centurions even while moving. It has superior twist on all models, the 4H and 4G most notably have the best. The 4G can fire it's main gun almost 180 degrees behind itself. All Hunchbacks can fire at pursuers 180 degrees behind themselves using their arm weapons. Combine this with tall building warfare and alleyways, and you have superiority.

In the open, however, the Hunchback is a walking coffin. LRMs are your worst nightmare.

The Hunchback's tiny arms serve no defensive value. Stay out of the open.

The 4SP is the most symmetrical Hunchback. It has the most arm weapons.

The 4J is the designated missile variant, however recent changes have limited both variants to 10 tubes per launcher. It still makes up for this with 1 more energy than the 4SP. The 4J is the only hip-mounted PPC-capable Hunchback. (This is good because PPCs on other Hunchbacks soak up LRMs like a sponge, killing you quick. The 4J does not do this.)

The 4P is the energy variant. Because of this it is almost always the fastest variant due to the light weight of energy weapons not because of engine limitations. It's the cheapest one to get off the ground, too. The 4P is also dubbed the Swayback. For the 4P I recommend trying 6 small pulse lasers in the shoulder and 3 medium lasers (head and arms). Alternatively, 6 medium lasers in the right shoulder and 3 MPL (head and arms).

The 4H uses one ballistic and many energy weapons. The cannon is heavy and the energy surplus is very hot. This is probably the most skill-intensive variant.

The 4G has an even 3 ballistic, 3 energy loadout and is the most iconic.

The hero mech, Grid Iron, is a combination of the 4G and the 4SP. So far I have no good advice for it as I'm recovering from banging my head against the table in trying to use it. I've yet to find a good niche for it. As such the pic below is NOT of the hero but of the 4G.


Smile.

A 4G in action, chase cam.
Stock Hunchback 4H does the impossible with single heatsinks. 691 damage, many kills.

Trebuchet. No real 'easy start' options here. Do not recommend as a starting mech; but it does have good potential.

Spoiler

Spider....because Spiders are everywhere.


Treb's down here actually.

Spoiler

Trebuchet - Like the Centurion and Cicada, the Trebuchet is in need of an art overpass to update its models. It'll likely be very different after that.

The Trebuchet or Trenchbucket is NOT a close combat mech. An actual LRM boat and fire support by design, even with armor equality across the 50 ton mechs, it is simply too tall for its thin nature to protect it.


Trollbuchet 7K fighting toe to toe with an Atlas. The Trollbuchet did, in fact, win this fight. (Machine guns, SRM-4s, Flamers).

Each Trebuchet handles a bit differently. Some jump, some don't. I'm currently working on all of them and I'll tell you this.. Do not get them as a first mech. Do not use them by your lonesome. It'd be best to wait until the Trebuchet line gets its art overpass. The hitboxes on them will be able to shrink depending on the weapons you bring, and it'll have a better chance at survival.

There is not a Trebuchet hero at this time.

The real reason no one is friendly to this mech.

....I'm carrying 2 PPCs and Streak SRMs. Not that anyone would know. Not that it helps me either, those are some BIG hitboxes!

Trollbuchet 7k
Trebuchet 7k with Centurion and Hunchback.

Into the 55 ton mechs.
Shadowhawk

Spoiler

Shadowhawk - A current favorite recommendation for its high armor potential (which is funny since two out of the three available Shadowhawks are known for having very poor armor in lore and the third in lore is more expensive than an Atlas). It is intended to be a forward recon mech for heavy lances and a 55 ton spotter and fire support. Note that fire support is code for "Can't fight up close."

There are three variants. All of them have a common trait: They can't turn. I'm not being biased, it's a simple cold fact. The Shadowhawk line has by far the worst turning ability in all medium mechs, all light mechs, and it is worse than half of the heavy mechs in the game.

You can make up for this with a jumping turn, but that just screams "Shoot me."

Even more interesting is that their torso twist is very limited when compared to a Hunchback. This limits their cannons, too. Even so, because of the additional weight available to it and the low to non-existent reliance on energy weapons it does outclass the Hunchback in firepower potential.

The highly mounted cannon and tall height are meant to take advantage of shorter buildings, high rises, and other vantage points. Jumpjets help it get to those points.

Shadowhawks are known for having terrible peripheral vision (meaning none), and have trouble seeing through the smoke and flash of its own cannons. Be warned.

However, a combination of autocannons in MWO's form, and the never missing spray-happy-fire streak missiles that defy the laws of physics make the Shadowhawk an "Easy Button" of highly effective killing machines -- until you have to turn. If it's in front of you it's dead. Once you get into the situation where you have two enemies swarming you...you're screwed unless you're lucky enough to hit kill them quickly or have support. A Shadowhawk might take damage well, but getting close is the worst thing you can do.

Most Shadowhawks rely on their streaks to handle brawling situations, this and the cannons. The combination is devastating. But take the streaks away with ECM, and that cannon is pretty helpless.

Shadowhawks have very little energy weaponry. 2D2 has the most cannons. The 2H has the best arm assortment. The 5M has the best pinpoint assortment (both weapons on the arm compliment each other) but only one cannon.

Shadowhawks benefit from some of the smallest, most lore-breaking PPCs ever created, making their arm hitboxes with PPCs pretty tiny.

Shadowhawks suffer from the easiest to destroy cockpit in all of medium mechs. Protect your head.

Careful about those pesky lights.

It's hard to hit them and they draw your attention away from the real threat.

Poor jumping ability due to only 3 jumpjets usable.

No hero Shadowhawks available yet.

Vids.
Shadowhawk in action as a heat neutral butcher.
Shadowhawk with no cannon.

Kintaro! Easy starter: KTO-20.

Spoiler

Kintaro -Literally translated to English as "Golden Boy," the Kintaro is an SRM and NARC delivery platform. If SRMs were guided as in lore, the combination would be phenomenal and perhaps even considered slightly overpowered as NARC-compatible SRMs are described by lore as becoming like ravenous piranhas fighting with each other to get to the NARC Beacon; a sort of 'candy' for them. Attach one, and watch enemies just freaking die... but that didn't come to pass.

So instead, Kintaros use Streaks or LRMs as their mainstay. The best ones use both.

The Kintaros handle rather similarly and have some of the best turning ability of all 55 tonners, though not as good as a Hunchback's. Kintaros can shoot enemies directly behind themselves and have an incredible arm-range of motion. Though bars are in the way, they have great peripheral view as well.

Kintaros have the slimmest bodies of all the 55 ton mechs, but those arms ruin it for them. It is best not to put LRMs on the arms.

Avoid using PPCs, since they are very close to the intended size for PPCs in general, they are large and like LRMs, expand the forearms to make them up to 3 times thicker.

The minimum "max" number of missiles to be fired at once is 60 missiles. The Maximum Max number of missiles in a single alpha strike from a Kintaro 18 is 85 missiles in a single volley.
This makes it the premier missile boat mech in the Mediums, its only real rivals are the Catapult A1 (60 missiles max single volley alpha) and the Awesome 8R (80 missiles max single volley alpha).

The Kintaro 20 is the easiest one to get off the ground from a new account. The pre-installed DHS will save you money.

Its Hero, the Golden Boy, is the slowest Kintaro due to engine limits. It combines 5 launchers with 3 energy hardpoints. The Gold color cannot be changed. It is very PPC unfriendly (look at its right arm with the laser weapon stack).


2 of the Kintaros and the Hero Golden Boy have a benefit that others do not. The Center Torso Missile Bay door gives a 10% damage resistance to the CT (front). On the Golden Boy it is believed that it's a 20% resistance but not yet proven (2 doors).

Missile Doors

Say Ah!

Videos. Note, I keep my Kintaros slow and loaded with ammo. Most people run much, MUCH faster Kintaros.

Golden Boy LRM boat chase cam.
Kintaro 20. The match has an epic ending even though the Kintaro dies near it.

Griffin - Best starting variant to save money is the 3M. Preupgraded, comes with expensive engine at huge discount.

Spoiler

The Griffin is a 55 ton battlemech is known and popular for its roles as a direct/indirect fire support and sniper mech. It features fantastic visibility, great jumping ability, and is a design that predates the Atlas and yet still is produced today.

The Griffins are very right-side heavy in weaponry. Keep your right side protected.

Griffins have about average turning, climbing ability. By lore they carry as much armor as the Shadow 5M or superior amounts armor depending on the variant. In here and tabletop with customizations this advantage isn't the case.

While the Griffin doesn't have the direct to shot pinpoint capability of the Shadowhawk, its fantastic torso twist, superior jumping ability, and typically better speed (lighter weapons = more tonnage for engines = greater speed) leaves the Shadowhawk in the dust in other fields.

My favorite weapon combination is an LRM-20 with Artemis + Streaks (to deal with lights) and some lasers.

Due to the size of the first missile launcher, some people do not carry missiles at all and instead channel everything into speed, jump, armor, cooling, and big direct fire guns for the sharpshooting role.

There is no hero Griffin at this time.

In the LRM field as a missile boat...
Griffin. Max single volley LRM alpha 50.

The missile launcher obscures vision to the side. But even if you don't have that, the shoulder shields will obscure vision to the sides.

Griffin 3M vid.

Wolverine - Best starting variant to save money is the 7k. Preupgraded, comes with expensive engine at huge discount.

Spoiler

The Wolverine in lore is both a Command Unit and a designated Charger, Brawler, and of MWO's 55 ton mechs if armor were based on stock values would be not only the most armored of all medium mechs currently available but would surpass 2 out of 3 of MWO's 65 ton mechs, the 80 ton Victor, and many others in terms of armor. It's jumpjets are considered unreliable by lore, but are fine here.

The Wolverine's vertical arm range is extraordinary. This makes it a fantastic jumping brawler for the ones that can jump. Wolverines have the second slimmest front targeting profile of all 55 ton mechs, though when counting the arms too it becomes the slimmest 55 ton mech in the game.

From the side, it's a bit larger so do not count on torso twisting to do much saving you from enemy fire.

A head mounted laser can obstruct your vision.

Whoever designed the cockpit on this mech did their research. It's cramped, yet high visibility.

Unlike the Griffin and Kintaro and more like the Shadowhawk, the Wolverine's torso twist ability is not good. Neither is its horizontal arm range.

The head while simple and hard to hit with a head-mounted laser equipped... has a very straight forward "Shoot me here" square highlighting where to hit to cockpit the mech. Try to avoid standing still.

Launchers of different sizes create different hit boxes. Smaller is better. They also obstruct your view.

On the LRM side of things. Max single volley LRM alpha 30.

Wolverine 7k vid.

Done.

Edited by Koniving, 09 March 2014 - 02:17 PM.

[Wintersdark]

One important much building tip,Tank. You need the Double Heat Sinks upgrade for all mechs. You _need_ it. This is effectively a 1.5m cbill tax on new much purchases, but I can't emphasis enough how much of a difference they'll make. Single Heat Sinks are terrible and should never be used, baring a very small set of extremely specific circumstances that won't apply to you.

DHS will allow you to fire far, far longer without overheating.

[Mott]

So, when folks are talking about the missile launch tubes being limited - for instance the HBK-4SP only has 10 per launcher - does that mean even if i place LRM15s on the mech, it will only fire 10.... or will it fire 10, reload and fire 5 immediately after?

[Roughneck45]

Mott, on 07 March 2014 - 11:34 AM, said:

So, when folks are talking about the missile launch tubes being limited - for instance the HBK-4SP only has 10 per launcher - does that mean even if i place LRM15s on the mech, it will only fire 10.... or will it fire 10, reload and fire 5 immediately after?

A group of 10 then a group of 5 immediately after.

The two groups make it easier for AMS to shoot down the missiles.

Edited by Roughneck45, 07 March 2014 - 11:44 AM.

[dragnier1]

Glxy Cmdt Jason Tseng, on 07 March 2014 - 08:51 AM, said:

Also I disagree that the 5M is the better choice; the 5M has one less missile hard point and puts both energy hard points in one arm. This now becomes a focus point for enemies fire. And while it's true you can torso twist and use that empty arm as a shield, that might be a bit too advanced for a new player. The 2D2 allows for the weapons to be spread out and not have as much fire focused on one section.

And yes the 5M comes with the XL, but you pay for it up front.

2D2 - 4.4m C-Bills

5M - 8.1m C-Bills

2D2 is more economical for a new player to afford and see if it fits his/her play style.

True, though it is possible to end matches with weapons not destroyed + without using torso-twists nor shield arm. With the 5m you actually save 1-1.5mil cbills not just from engine purchases, but other upgrades as well. Plus the engine could be swapped.

[Stunner]

Voivode, on 07 March 2014 - 07:33 AM, said:

Well here's a breakdown of your mediums.

Cicada - Smallest and fastest. Can fight close range but shines best when used at range from the flanks. Dual PPC builds or dual ERLL builds are a simple and effective use for the chassis.

Blackjack - Pure fire support. Will wither quickly under fire but brings a huge amount of hurt for 45 tons. The 1X is capable light hunter/close flanker.

Centurion - Natural born brawler. Ranged builds seldom work out well with this chassis. It is the toughest of the 50 tonners. The 9D is capable of speeds in excess of 130kph.

Hunchback - The medium that carries the most firepower. However, all models (except the 4SP) carry the bulk of that firepower in one, large shoulder. This combination of firepower and vulnerability to disarmament makes the Hunchback an ideal ambush predator.

Trebuchet - Possibly the least popular medium, it is nonetheless the best LRM platform for the weight class. The K variant is a more natural brawler.

Shadowhawk - This mech is best in either a ranges support role utilizing AC fire or in a light hunter role utilizing SSRM fire and a high top speed.

Kintaro - Excels as a light hunter or SRM flanking platform. Some have notable success with using it as an LRM platform.

Griffin & Wolverine - As I have not piloted either of these I will leave it to others to tell you their strengths and weaknesses.

I logged in just to like your post. I have some friends where are piloting mediums and have asked about differences. I couldn't answer them that well since I'm a heavy pilot myself.

[John Buford]

dragnier1, on 07 March 2014 - 08:13 AM, said:

5M is the better choice. Comes with xl 275 that saves you 4.9 mil cbills.

Do this it saves you a lot of money, which you can use to get a better engine latter on like an XL300.

[Koniving]

Mott, on 07 March 2014 - 11:34 AM, said:

So, when folks are talking about the missile launch tubes being limited - for instance the HBK-4SP only has 10 per launcher - does that mean even if i place LRM15s on the mech, it will only fire 10.... or will it fire 10, reload and fire 5 immediately after?

The best way to explain it is this..

This is what happens when you have only 1 tube....and an LRM-20.


Made epic with epic Calvary charge bugle.

Edited by Koniving, 07 March 2014 - 04:07 PM.

[Koniving]

Glxy Cmdt Jason Tseng, on 07 March 2014 - 08:51 AM, said:

2D2 - 4.4m C-Bills
5M - 8.1m C-Bills

You have the DHS (1.5 million) and the XL 275 engine 4,491,687 .
4.4 + 1.5 + 4,491,687 = 10,391,687
Or the Shadowhawk 5M for 8,166,799?

To run a good Shadowhawk you need at least the DHS. To run one that can actually use the missile ports and the cannons and carry the ammo to do it all... you need the XL engine.
This is the reason the 5M is often suggested instead. Also, being the otherwise 'worst' one in hardpoints, makes each sequential Shadowhawk that much better (not to mention easier to acquire as you already have the engine and a money maker).

If the Shadowhawk didn't "need" the XL engine to really use the cannons and missiles then I'd definitely agree with you for the 2D2 being the better alternative, for the 2D2 is essentially the best hardpoints.

But we haven't included the price of changing the weapons, or the price of bringing it up from the armor of a Raven 2X. By the time we're done with that the Shadowhawk 2D2 (for getting DHS, XL 275 engine, a weapon assortment that uses all the hardpoints, beefing the armor up to compare to the 5M,) it'll be between 12 and 14 million . It adds up quick. The 5M will be between 9 and 11 million in the end. Though after spending just the 8 mil for the 5M, it'll be ready to play a few times before a final design is settled on. Gotta spend at least the 10 mil to really use the other one.

Edited by Koniving, 08 March 2014 - 09:20 AM.

[luxebo]

Koniving, on 07 March 2014 - 09:07 AM, said:

Little warning: Do not pack more than 6 medium lasers. It's a waste and suicide.

Totally doable as I do, but it's going to run hot. Another option would be to take a good look at TheB33f's Partyback (uploaded today), which is a solid version to use as well.

Good little medium mech guide though.

Edited by luxebo, 07 March 2014 - 08:37 PM.

[Koniving]

luxebo, on 07 March 2014 - 08:36 PM, said:

Totally doable as I do, but it's going to run hot. Another option would be to take a good look at TheB33f's Partyback (uploaded today), which is a solid version to use as well.

Good little medium mech guide though.

Btw... 9 SPL is actually a fantastic build.
I ran it back in closed beta, it's how I got signed up on Zhizhu. On Caustic Valley with standard heatsinks, I took out 5 mechs by myself with minimal overheating. Most of them kept overheating over and over again (so they spent most of their time standing still). The secret was I chainfired every single SPL. It was constant fire, and very cold damage over time. Back then there was delayed convergence and most ballistic weapons required a full second of staying lined up to fire accurately.

The Pole and Pwnzer said something along the lines of hey, wanna join up? And so I did.

Some older vids.

Spoiler

^-April 7th 2013

^-April 7th 2013

^-April 1st 2013

^--uploaded October 2012, recorded in June 2012.
I was always a small pulse laser nut.

Edited by Koniving, 07 March 2014 - 09:19 PM.

[TankBadger42]

Thank you all! I well… Thank you. Thats a lot of feed back.
I went with the D2D and its a good mech, but you have to play it well…

I think I might be going for a H2 with three AC/2s…

[Xeno Phalcon]

Im also partial to the Griffin, which IMO is the best medium after the shadowhawk in terms of potential: any mech can be fun, deadly and all around a good use of your time so finding what feels right for you could be tricky, it just happens for me what feels right are Griffins.

That being said Griffins can only mount energy and missiles where as the shadowhawk can mount ballistics as well, griffin however has a greater torso twist and the most spacious cockpit of any mech in game currently hands down, I can mouselook straight up at the night sky on frozen city night and look at all the perdy stars XD

[Koniving]

Okay.

Added Griffin and Wolverine to the big list.

[Roughneck45]

TankBadger42, on 08 March 2014 - 09:26 AM, said:

I think I might be going for a H2 with three AC/2s…

VERY fun mech!

[Johnny Reb]

Voivode, on 07 March 2014 - 07:33 AM, said:

Well here's a breakdown of your mediums.

Cicada - Smallest and fastest. Can fight close range but shines best when used at range from the flanks. Dual PPC builds or dual ERLL builds are a simple and effective use for the chassis.

Blackjack - Pure fire support. Will wither quickly under fire but brings a huge amount of hurt for 45 tons. The 1X is capable light hunter/close flanker.

Centurion - Natural born brawler. Ranged builds seldom work out well with this chassis. It is the toughest of the 50 tonners. The 9D is capable of speeds in excess of 130kph.

Hunchback - The medium that carries the most firepower. However, all models (except the 4SP) carry the bulk of that firepower in one, large shoulder. This combination of firepower and vulnerability to disarmament makes the Hunchback an ideal ambush predator.

Trebuchet - Possibly the least popular medium, it is nonetheless the best LRM platform for the weight class. The K variant is a more natural brawler.

Shadowhawk - This mech is best in either a ranges support role utilizing AC fire or in a light hunter role utilizing SSRM fire and a high top speed.

Kintaro - Excels as a light hunter or SRM flanking platform. Some have notable success with using it as an LRM platform.

Griffin & Wolverine - As I have not piloted either of these I will leave it to others to tell you their strengths and weaknesses.

Great post! Best med's for me are:
http://mwo.smurfy-ne...638d578ebe1d16f
fast cent not recommended unless you have some experience also not a 12 man mech
http://mwo.smurfy-ne...70fd6ea50fcfc29
nice damage dealer just link the arm srms separately to avoid ghost heat.
http://mwo.smurfy-ne...96a217bb1e8cf44
Fastest Streak boat Kintro, could lose one med laser for a tag, very deadly
Want SRM's with JJ's then this is your guy:
http://mwo.smurfy-ne...ce3f76e5cb400e8
Only Wolverine I recommend but the best is the Shadow hawk so many good build but these are mine:
http://mwo.smurfy-ne...bc4f1733aef49c5
That is it got better builds but not saved.

edit: fun Kintro build:
http://mwo.smurfy-ne...862c26618de3ed7
Kintaro 18 is the best of the bunch!

Edited by Johnny Reb, 09 March 2014 - 09:40 PM.

[Johnny Reb]

Nice post! Don't agree completely but good nonetheless!