Hello All, been playing the game about a week now and just found the Forum! Looks like a wealth of help, which is handy as struggling a bit.
Got about 9mill to buy my first Mech, and don't want to waste it, as much as I have been enjoying the game it will be a bit disheartening to get something inappropriate, as I see from a few threads that some Mechs are defiantly not for beginners.
My play style at the moment is, that I die a lot, am a poor pilot and cant hit the side of barn from 6 feet away. So I thought something heavy with a lot of firepower would be nice, so hopefully I can survive long enough to get a few shots off, and if I hit it achieves something. Out of the trial ones we start with, the most fun is the Cataphract, but the one I last longest in is the Stalker. So what I was really looking for, is a bigger, more armoured Catty. Perhaps a Highlander? and will probably get one unless advised not to.
Any help appreciated.
Cheers
1
24 replies to this topic
#2
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- Urban Commando
- 1,166 posts
Member
- LocationNorth Cackalacky
Posted 26 March 2014 - 09:10 AM
Well, I'm about two months in.
Frankly, I learned a ton from lots of different chassis. That said, the Stalker is a beast - I swear it takes a beating better than any other mech. However, you may not do as well with it.
I'd probably start with a medium and level a few up, learning the basics and getting better. They are cheaper than the assaults (like the STK) and so you may see some progress that way. If I had to pick, I think the Hunchback offers some fun versatility with ballistics, energy and missile platforms - but the Shadowhawk is also a solid starting point.
Still, Stalkers are awesome. I have a 3F I turned into a laser-and-streak boat, one of the 5's I use for LRMs and a Misery which puts up stupid direct fire damage.
I didn't want to like them, as their aesthetics don't please me ... but they make up for that.
Frankly, I learned a ton from lots of different chassis. That said, the Stalker is a beast - I swear it takes a beating better than any other mech. However, you may not do as well with it.
I'd probably start with a medium and level a few up, learning the basics and getting better. They are cheaper than the assaults (like the STK) and so you may see some progress that way. If I had to pick, I think the Hunchback offers some fun versatility with ballistics, energy and missile platforms - but the Shadowhawk is also a solid starting point.
Still, Stalkers are awesome. I have a 3F I turned into a laser-and-streak boat, one of the 5's I use for LRMs and a Misery which puts up stupid direct fire damage.
I didn't want to like them, as their aesthetics don't please me ... but they make up for that.
#3
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- 334 posts
Member
Posted 26 March 2014 - 09:18 AM
Welcome to MWO and the forums! This is a great place to get good bits of info and pick people's brains.
The easiest answer is "drive what you enjoy.". Right now, that sounds like the Cataphract, and based on the loadout of the trial one, you like brawling. The LRMs on the Stalker are easier to pick up, which make them more effective for new guys, but as you move up in skill, they can be difficult to master.
With that said, I will say you can't go wrong with the Cataphract. The variants all have some type of ballistics, and the 3D in particular is very versatile with a good mix of armor and firepower. I would also like to recommend the Shadowhawk and Griffin as good starter mechs. While not as tough as the Cataphracts, they can take a punch or two, and both can have enough speed and weapons to be a threat. Each Shadowhawk caries all three weapon hardpoints, so those also let you experiment with the different weapons, and make for versatile mechs.
The easiest answer is "drive what you enjoy.". Right now, that sounds like the Cataphract, and based on the loadout of the trial one, you like brawling. The LRMs on the Stalker are easier to pick up, which make them more effective for new guys, but as you move up in skill, they can be difficult to master.
With that said, I will say you can't go wrong with the Cataphract. The variants all have some type of ballistics, and the 3D in particular is very versatile with a good mix of armor and firepower. I would also like to recommend the Shadowhawk and Griffin as good starter mechs. While not as tough as the Cataphracts, they can take a punch or two, and both can have enough speed and weapons to be a threat. Each Shadowhawk caries all three weapon hardpoints, so those also let you experiment with the different weapons, and make for versatile mechs.
for other Mechs.
#6
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- The 1 Percent
- 129 posts
Member
- LocationSoutheast of Disorder
Posted 26 March 2014 - 09:24 AM
Agreed with what others have said with one caveat on the Hunchbacks. They can be good or bad depending... Depending on how fast you pick up turning to offer your left side to the enemy when timing their firing. That right hunch on the shoulder is a big prime target to many especially us light mech pilots as that is where your main weaponry/big gun(s) are located. Other than that when I do drop in a medium to change up my game I drive my hunchies. 
Past trying to convince you to come over to the ADHD Dark side of lunacy driving light mechs I echo what others have said.
Past trying to convince you to come over to the ADHD Dark side of lunacy driving light mechs I echo what others have said.
#7
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- Ace Of Spades
- 252 posts
Member
- LocationUtah
Posted 26 March 2014 - 09:36 AM
For the meta right now, heavies and assaults have a definite advantage. Cataphract is a solid choice, and so is the Jager. I will say though that medium mechs are much better teachers than heavies. I started with Hunchbacks and I don't regret it. Medium mechs are good at forcing you to pick your targets, avoid fights that you can't win, and protect your vulnerable points. Ultimately, I think the most important thing to do is to pick a mech that fits your personality. Because mechs have that. personality. Every thime I ride my HGN-733C I think to myself "I'm a bad person." and I usually turn into a maniac when I pop into a match with my firestarter. Watch a few youtube videos and pay attention to what you WANT to do. Do you want to tank it in there and lay the hate down on the enemy team? Or are you just not moving fast enough and it's driving you insane?
#8
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- Bad Company
- 3,559 posts
Member
Posted 26 March 2014 - 09:38 AM
Welcome to MWO. For starters, play around with the trial mechs. Once you know which weight class you prefer, buy a tier one from this list, and kit it out according to mech guides. It will save you a lot of initial frustration from e.g. buying a Quickdraw or Lolcust. From what you said, a Cataphract 3D should be on your shortlist.
#9
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- Little Devil
- 5,877 posts
Member
Posted 26 March 2014 - 09:55 AM
Cataphracts are an excellent choice of starter chassis, with enough armor to get you through most fights once you learn how to use it and one of the highest weight-to-firepower ratios in the game.
What’s more, the CTF-3D variant is one of the best ‘Mechs in the game, and the CTF-IM Ilya Muromets Hero ‘Mech is to this day one of the best ways to grind up C-bills in MechWarrior Online. You could do much, much worse than starting out with Cataphracts. They’re a ‘Mech you can learn with, and then still pilot and enjoy well after you’re done learning, which is something you should be looking for in your first ‘Mech more than most anything else.
If you enjoy the CTF Champion, I’d strongly recommend sticking with it and making either the Ilya Murdermets or the CTF-3D your first purchase. If I wasn’t being a naughty boy and posting from work, I’d include a few example Smurfy builds to get you started, but I imagine you can count on Redshift or Koniving for that fairly shortly here. If they drop in, pay close attention to what they say - they're really, really good at what they do. If not, I’ll drop back in when I can and leave you some fun toys to think over before you make a decision.
What’s more, the CTF-3D variant is one of the best ‘Mechs in the game, and the CTF-IM Ilya Muromets Hero ‘Mech is to this day one of the best ways to grind up C-bills in MechWarrior Online. You could do much, much worse than starting out with Cataphracts. They’re a ‘Mech you can learn with, and then still pilot and enjoy well after you’re done learning, which is something you should be looking for in your first ‘Mech more than most anything else.
If you enjoy the CTF Champion, I’d strongly recommend sticking with it and making either the Ilya Murdermets or the CTF-3D your first purchase. If I wasn’t being a naughty boy and posting from work, I’d include a few example Smurfy builds to get you started, but I imagine you can count on Redshift or Koniving for that fairly shortly here. If they drop in, pay close attention to what they say - they're really, really good at what they do. If not, I’ll drop back in when I can and leave you some fun toys to think over before you make a decision.
#10
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- Moderate Giver
- 12 posts
Member
Posted 26 March 2014 - 10:42 AM
Cheers everyone, consensus seems to that an assault straight off the bat might be a daft move. Would have more money to spend on upgrades with a smaller mech too I suppose. I only really went assault to try and last a bit longer and take a bit more punishment. Do try to be tactical! Stay with the lance, attack from ambush and that sort of thing......but get carried away and charge in far too often :-)
Cataphract would be solid, just wish there were Rifleman or Hatchetmen! Are there any plans for these do you know?
Cataphract would be solid, just wish there were Rifleman or Hatchetmen! Are there any plans for these do you know?
#11
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- Little Devil
- 5,877 posts
Member
Posted 26 March 2014 - 10:52 AM
The Rifleman is a Harmony Gold Unseen ‘Mech, and thus has about the same chance of showing up in MWO as does Adolph {Godwin's Law} riding Twilight Sparkle at the forefront of an army of sexy amazoness Elementals in busty, bare-midriff versions of Elemental armor, all wearing Team Fortress 2 rare hats.
More plainly: Harmony Gold controls the likeness of the Rifleman due to awkward copyright issues in the seventies, and is known for being unbelievably, violently opposed to anything/everything associated with the BattleTech franchise/anything that comes within a hundred miles of even thinking about infringing on its copyrights for Robotech. They employ more lawyers than any other type of employee. They will probably be sending me a cease-and-desist based on this post alone. They're that evil.
The Hatchetman would have to wait on a working melee system which can account for its namesake weapon. As Piranha can’t even get DFA/basic collisions right (a thing they did just fine in Mechwarrior Flippin’ 2), and has had problems with basic hit detection registering properly for over a year…I wouldn’t really hold your breath, unfortunately.
That said, you can simulate a Rifleman fairly well with the Firebrand Hero JagerMech, which can mount the Rifleman’s armament down to the last critical slot, and even kinda looks like a Rifleman. Provided the Rifleman’s been hitting the hooch for a while and has developed a significant beer gut, anyways.
More plainly: Harmony Gold controls the likeness of the Rifleman due to awkward copyright issues in the seventies, and is known for being unbelievably, violently opposed to anything/everything associated with the BattleTech franchise/anything that comes within a hundred miles of even thinking about infringing on its copyrights for Robotech. They employ more lawyers than any other type of employee. They will probably be sending me a cease-and-desist based on this post alone. They're that evil.
The Hatchetman would have to wait on a working melee system which can account for its namesake weapon. As Piranha can’t even get DFA/basic collisions right (a thing they did just fine in Mechwarrior Flippin’ 2), and has had problems with basic hit detection registering properly for over a year…I wouldn’t really hold your breath, unfortunately.
That said, you can simulate a Rifleman fairly well with the Firebrand Hero JagerMech, which can mount the Rifleman’s armament down to the last critical slot, and even kinda looks like a Rifleman. Provided the Rifleman’s been hitting the hooch for a while and has developed a significant beer gut, anyways.
Edited by 1453 R, 26 March 2014 - 10:53 AM.
#12
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- Liquid Metal
- 5,230 posts
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Posted 26 March 2014 - 11:00 AM
For a first mech, I would get a medium. You will learn how to play the game far more from them than any other weight class. They put out enough fire power to take down mechs reasonably well, and are fast enough to learn the maps, perform many tasks on a team, and teach you the basics of Torso twisting for survival.
Heavies, and assaults imo first, let you rely on firepower to much, and lights really take much skill to be really viable on a team. Any one of the 55 ton mechs, or if you want a challenge, the HBK is an excellent choice with the 4SP being one of the best mechs in the game.
Heavies, and assaults imo first, let you rely on firepower to much, and lights really take much skill to be really viable on a team. Any one of the 55 ton mechs, or if you want a challenge, the HBK is an excellent choice with the 4SP being one of the best mechs in the game.
#13
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- Little Devil
- 5,877 posts
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Posted 26 March 2014 - 11:04 AM
The 4SP used to be one of the best 'Mechs in the game, for its weight. These days it, and the other Hunchbacks, have sadly fallen behind. The 4SP relied on SRMs, which still aren't working as well as they should. The Shadow Hawk outdoes the Hunchback in most every respect that counts, and doesn't have the crippling hunch hitbox everything but the 4SP suffers from.
#14
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- The Guide
- 23,384 posts
Welcoming Committee
Posted 26 March 2014 - 11:05 AM
Seconding the Stalker, I also recommend the Orion.
Just so that you are aware: Contrary to the trial stalker which easily dies after losing its side torso due to an XL engine, most stalker builds survive a lot more abuse.
Flamer Stalker -- the epitome of taking abuse. Though enjoyable to watch throughout, the first fight gets serious at about 4:15. The second match the big fight begins at 6:10 as I sneak up behind the larger enemy mechs.
Note that a flamer stalker is a joke rig and not meant as a serious suggestion. Just a demonstration of how well the Stalker can take abuse.
On the Stalker with the lack of lower arms, there are no advanced aiming aesthetics to be had. Since its weapon assortments are limited to missiles, lasers and PPCs you will not need to worry about missing much. Given that most Stalkers actually function better with standard engines, this makes it cheap to run in the long run.
Now, Orions make very solid, very easy to upgrade mechs. They tank better than Cataphracts, and offer the best balance of speed, available weight and armor you can possibly get on a mech that doesn't require an XL engine. This means that it's cheap in the long run.
Unlike the Stalker, the Orion does feature lower arms and thus more advanced aim mechanics (you can aim with your arms and even shoot two things at once) when you are ready for them. It also features the addition of ballistic weapons and is generally missile friendly.
These videos feature the Orion K -- what I consider to be the absolute worst (measured by heat management) of the Orion variants. (I like having all variants and own about 94 mechs now with 101 mechbays.) So while this one handles quite easily, the others are much easier to handle.
Just so that you are aware: Contrary to the trial stalker which easily dies after losing its side torso due to an XL engine, most stalker builds survive a lot more abuse.
Flamer Stalker -- the epitome of taking abuse. Though enjoyable to watch throughout, the first fight gets serious at about 4:15. The second match the big fight begins at 6:10 as I sneak up behind the larger enemy mechs.
Note that a flamer stalker is a joke rig and not meant as a serious suggestion. Just a demonstration of how well the Stalker can take abuse.
On the Stalker with the lack of lower arms, there are no advanced aiming aesthetics to be had. Since its weapon assortments are limited to missiles, lasers and PPCs you will not need to worry about missing much. Given that most Stalkers actually function better with standard engines, this makes it cheap to run in the long run.
Now, Orions make very solid, very easy to upgrade mechs. They tank better than Cataphracts, and offer the best balance of speed, available weight and armor you can possibly get on a mech that doesn't require an XL engine. This means that it's cheap in the long run.
Unlike the Stalker, the Orion does feature lower arms and thus more advanced aim mechanics (you can aim with your arms and even shoot two things at once) when you are ready for them. It also features the addition of ballistic weapons and is generally missile friendly.
These videos feature the Orion K -- what I consider to be the absolute worst (measured by heat management) of the Orion variants. (I like having all variants and own about 94 mechs now with 101 mechbays.) So while this one handles quite easily, the others are much easier to handle.
#15
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- Legendary Founder
- 1,290 posts
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- LocationPhiladelphia
Posted 26 March 2014 - 11:15 AM
Koniving makes good points and provides PICs to prove it. That said there should be no rush about picking your first mech. Take your time. Check around. You could even wait for the next batch of trial mechs to drive around first.
Thing is you want that cadet bonus to count, so be sure you really want what you wish for, k?
Thing is you want that cadet bonus to count, so be sure you really want what you wish for, k?
Edited by OriginalTibs, 26 March 2014 - 11:15 AM.
#16
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- Bad Company
- 3,905 posts
Member
Posted 26 March 2014 - 11:19 AM
Fellow badger-in-arms! From the playstyle you've mentioned, a Cataphract, Orion, or Stalker would do well for you.
While I totally hear you on the 'gimme mah Rifleman!' -- and the Jagers make excellent pseudo-Riflemen -- they can be a bit fragile. They suffer from relatively easily hit side torsos...so, due to your playstyle preferences, I will steer clear of my usual recommendation for new first players' mechs...which is the Jagermech 6A, for it's VAST array of possible loadouts and playstyles.
One of the reasons people seem to be steering you away from Assault mechs right off the bat is that they're so expensive...to buy...upgrade and outfit. And if you want to get our skills up to elite, you'll need 3 variants of them. That's a LONG grind for a new player. Trust me. I started out on Atlases without premium time.
Cataphracts fill a good number of roles. They can brawl WONDERFULLY and make excellent fire-support mechs...or even jumpsnipers (poptarts)...the 3D, 4X and 1X being particular favorites (I'm leaving out the Ilya Muromets because I don't know if you feel comfortable spending real cash, but it's fantastic).
Like Koniving pointed out, Orions are nice for a variety of reasons, and have good flexibility of loadout. I've been lazy and haven't moved beyond the 1 Protector I own...but even with JUST basics, it handles quite well (I should likely get on that).
Stalkers tank damage like a CHAMP due to their hitbox profile from the front. A charging stalker is a scary thing. A charging stalker from the side? Payday. Light that thing up like a Christmas tree...you see a LOT of stalkers that end up with no side torsos...zombie-ing their way weaponless across the battlefield. They have the capability to branch out quite effectively into the LRM part of the game, or can be great brawlers. I've also known people to use them as PPC sniping platforms...but that's dropped off as other mechs do it more effectively (and have JJ). One of my personal favorites is this.
Hope it helps!
While I totally hear you on the 'gimme mah Rifleman!' -- and the Jagers make excellent pseudo-Riflemen -- they can be a bit fragile. They suffer from relatively easily hit side torsos...so, due to your playstyle preferences, I will steer clear of my usual recommendation for new first players' mechs...which is the Jagermech 6A, for it's VAST array of possible loadouts and playstyles.
One of the reasons people seem to be steering you away from Assault mechs right off the bat is that they're so expensive...to buy...upgrade and outfit. And if you want to get our skills up to elite, you'll need 3 variants of them. That's a LONG grind for a new player. Trust me. I started out on Atlases without premium time.
Cataphracts fill a good number of roles. They can brawl WONDERFULLY and make excellent fire-support mechs...or even jumpsnipers (poptarts)...the 3D, 4X and 1X being particular favorites (I'm leaving out the Ilya Muromets because I don't know if you feel comfortable spending real cash, but it's fantastic).
Like Koniving pointed out, Orions are nice for a variety of reasons, and have good flexibility of loadout. I've been lazy and haven't moved beyond the 1 Protector I own...but even with JUST basics, it handles quite well (I should likely get on that).
Stalkers tank damage like a CHAMP due to their hitbox profile from the front. A charging stalker is a scary thing. A charging stalker from the side? Payday. Light that thing up like a Christmas tree...you see a LOT of stalkers that end up with no side torsos...zombie-ing their way weaponless across the battlefield. They have the capability to branch out quite effectively into the LRM part of the game, or can be great brawlers. I've also known people to use them as PPC sniping platforms...but that's dropped off as other mechs do it more effectively (and have JJ). One of my personal favorites is this.
Hope it helps!
Edited by Ghost Badger, 26 March 2014 - 11:20 AM.
#17
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- Moderate Giver
- 12 posts
Member
Posted 27 March 2014 - 05:34 AM
1453 R, on 26 March 2014 - 10:52 AM, said:
The Rifleman is a Harmony Gold Unseen ‘Mech, and thus has about the same chance of showing up in MWO as does Adolph {Godwin's Law} riding Twilight Sparkle at the forefront of an army of sexy amazoness Elementals in busty, bare-midriff versions of Elemental armor, all wearing Team Fortress 2 rare hats.
Twilight Sparkle? Some chance then! Would be less likely if he was riding Rarity.
]Made myself a little sad with that joke, if it can be called a joke.
Cheers for all the help guys!
As much as would like to get something big and shiny, I think that I will pump for the Cataphract 4x, as it seems like it covers a lot of bases and will leave me pocket change to make some adjustments and learn about upgrading. As much as I would like a stompy monster and jumpjets, I think they will have to wait for another day.
Might post my loadout here and rate it compared to the trail mechs, if that might help other new players? Will be spending up to the amount you get for your first 25 games, which I imagine is the amount most people get their mech with.
Edited by Inflatable Love Badger, 27 March 2014 - 05:35 AM.
#18
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- Bad Company
- 3,905 posts
Member
Posted 27 March 2014 - 05:41 AM
Inflatable Love Badger, on 27 March 2014 - 05:34 AM, said:
Twilight Sparkle? Some chance then! Would be less likely if he was riding Rarity.
]Made myself a little sad with that joke, if it can be called a joke.
Cheers for all the help guys!
As much as would like to get something big and shiny, I think that I will pump for the Cataphract 4x, as it seems like it covers a lot of bases and will leave me pocket change to make some adjustments and learn about upgrading. As much as I would like a stompy monster and jumpjets, I think they will have to wait for another day.
Might post my loadout here and rate it compared to the trail mechs, if that might help other new players? Will be spending up to the amount you get for your first 25 games, which I imagine is the amount most people get their mech with.
Just be sure that when you're factoring in the cost of a mech that you have a build in mind for, that you remember to count the cost of any XL engine you put in it, too!
#19
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- Ace Of Spades
- 1,734 posts
Member
Posted 27 March 2014 - 05:49 AM
Inflatable Love Badger, on 26 March 2014 - 08:45 AM, said:
Hello All, been playing the game about a week now and just found the Forum! Looks like a wealth of help, which is handy as struggling a bit.
Got about 9mill to buy my first Mech, and don't want to waste it, as much as I have been enjoying the game it will be a bit disheartening to get something inappropriate, as I see from a few threads that some Mechs are defiantly not for beginners.
My play style at the moment is, that I die a lot, am a poor pilot and cant hit the side of barn from 6 feet away. So I thought something heavy with a lot of firepower would be nice, so hopefully I can survive long enough to get a few shots off, and if I hit it achieves something. Out of the trial ones we start with, the most fun is the Cataphract, but the one I last longest in is the Stalker. So what I was really looking for, is a bigger, more armoured Catty. Perhaps a Highlander? and will probably get one unless advised not to.
Any help appreciated.
Cheers
Got about 9mill to buy my first Mech, and don't want to waste it, as much as I have been enjoying the game it will be a bit disheartening to get something inappropriate, as I see from a few threads that some Mechs are defiantly not for beginners.
My play style at the moment is, that I die a lot, am a poor pilot and cant hit the side of barn from 6 feet away. So I thought something heavy with a lot of firepower would be nice, so hopefully I can survive long enough to get a few shots off, and if I hit it achieves something. Out of the trial ones we start with, the most fun is the Cataphract, but the one I last longest in is the Stalker. So what I was really looking for, is a bigger, more armoured Catty. Perhaps a Highlander? and will probably get one unless advised not to.
Any help appreciated.
Cheers
If you liked the Cataphract the most, get the Cataphract.
#20
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- Urban Commando
- 1,166 posts
Member
- LocationNorth Cackalacky
Posted 27 March 2014 - 06:20 AM
XL and double heat sinks.
I'm not saying avoid Assaults - just that they are expensive (generally speaking) though all of them are pricier than you think.
I'm not saying avoid Assaults - just that they are expensive (generally speaking) though all of them are pricier than you think.
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