14 replies to this topic

[Phashe]

I admit I am a Medium (and faster large) pilot. Bought my first Orion, the VA. Not really liking anything I have tried with it thus far, so I need some suggestions. What do you find that works best now that it has been out there for a while? And now that the AC/20 is basically a swift melee weapon.

XL or Standard engines? LRM or brawler? What?

thanks!

[Dimitry Matveyev]

One of my best Orion VA
It can be a good brawler with 4 SRM6, when SRM's will be repaired.
I've also tried a lurm-boat with 2 LRM10 and 2 LRM15, but I've made a better one with Orion V.

[Modo44]

You can do a lot, from a simple AC20+2xLL rig, through the poor man's Timberwolf (2xERLL+4xSRM6), a mega LRM boat (2xALRM10+2xALRM15+2xML), to my favourite LRM boat that could (AC10+2xLL+4xLRM5). XL engines are more dangerous the higher the skill ladder you go. If you do take an XL setup, make sure to keep your distance as long as possible and roll damage carefully.

I would not consider the Orion a brawler. Its legs are pretty sluggish even with a big engine and double basics. Medium/long range support is where this mech shines. This does not mean "stand back while your friends blow up", but it does mean "follow the assaults, and start tanking after they are too hurt to do that".

Edited by Modo44, 27 March 2014 - 09:06 AM.

[Redshift2k5]

I bought a VA intending to run a "missile fists" build, but multiple SRM6s are underperforming currently.

My VA is still fun, though, and very similar to the above build from Dimitry, but I run an Ultra/5, two large lasers, and the 4 SSRMs+BAP.

Edited by Redshift2k5, 27 March 2014 - 09:22 AM.

[PhoenixFire55]

Modo44, on 27 March 2014 - 09:03 AM, said:

to my favourite LRM boat that could (AC10+2xLL+4xLRM5).

This one I like. Although ... I would totally use the remaining 0.5 tons on extra arm and leg armor. Just keep in mind that you can't use your arms as shields too much, most of your firepower does come from weapons in arms.

[Modo44]

Sorry about that. I wish Smurfy made it easier to modify saved loadouts. Of course the 0.5 tons are armor in the actual build. BTW, the last hitbox change did make it possible to shield with the Orion's arms. They still will not cover the CT well, but you can protect the sides to some extent.

[Phashe]

You guys seem pretty comfortable with running XL's... Surprised. Seemed like the side torsos were pretty big, but I will give a 330xl or 360xl (what I have) in it. Thanks.

[Red Line Pilot]

I think any of the Orions with an AC20 + some largelaser/mediumlaser and an STD275+ works great.

[Modo44]

Phashe, on 27 March 2014 - 11:28 AM, said:

You guys seem pretty comfortable with running XL's... Surprised. Seemed like the side torsos were pretty big, but I will give a 330xl or 360xl (what I have) in it. Thanks.

They are relatively big since the hitbox change. If you hug stuff a lot, you will blow up a lot.

[LiGhtningFF13]

I have to say that I immediately sold this variant after I upgraded it to Master. Just redicilous Mech, completely useless (to me)!

[Tiamat of the Sea]

I use this- MWO:Mechlab - ON1-VA Quarterback

LRMs at range (using 5-racks for the combination of cockpit shake, high fire rate, ability to hit lights without wasting too many missiles into surrounding terrain, consuming AMS ammo faster, and coring out large 'mechs), and if anything tries to rush the 'missile boat', it's got a good anti-light punch and enough agility to not just survive but turn the tables on anything Cicada or smaller. Plus if something heavier that you've been raining on makes it to you, LB-X it in the exposed internals.

-QKD-CR0

[Koniks]

I leveled the VA through basics with 2xALRM15, 2xSSRM2, 1xAC2, 1xTAG, BAP, and an XL330. It's a LRMisher with some additional bite--both at range and in the cleanup brawl at the end.

I'm not usually a fan of loadouts that are this mixed but the Orion isn't quite fast enough to be a pure LRMisher or a light hunter. SRMs aren't effective enough right now. And the unique feature of the variant is its 4 missile hardpoints--another variant would be better for anything that doesn't use all of them.

Oddly enough, I've had the most success in this one compared to the K and V variants.

Edited by Mizeur, 07 April 2014 - 12:57 PM.

[Dagon Zur]

...my "VA" build is very similar to Modo44's LRM build:

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...f1ab81239adc1f9

.. I also tried ac2 instead of UAC5 (not bad, but too hot to use with both LRM5s and ERLLs).

... 4xLRM5 was surprisingly effective even before the missile buff,so i put this build on my "VA", it was as a direct upgrade to my Kintaro 19 (2xERLL, 4xLRM5) build. At first I tought it will be my worst Orion, but i was very wrong....it is a beastly build if played as a proper LR support mech.

Tip1: add another UAC5 , swap engine for STD325 and change chassis to atlas DDC to move this build to assault class..

Tip2: 2xERLL, 4xLRM5, XL280 -XL300 engine, 5-6 tons ammo,TAG if possible, JJs if you can... good LR support build for 55 ton mechs like Kintaro , Griffin or Shadowhawk..

[Mazzyplz]

i run with gauss for long range and srm16s for short range. then 2 medlas to seal the deal.

[Reported for Inappropriate Name]

2 srm4 2 srm 6 2ml 1 ac20, something like 4 tons ac20 2 tons srm, or if you can get by with less ac/20 ammo then heatsinks

enjoy 70 damage alpha with 2/3rds of it on your arms. Heat might be an issue in certain situations so don't go crazy in those situations.

Edited by Battlecruiser, 14 April 2014 - 01:00 PM.