36 replies to this topic

[Hans Von Lohman]

Mech lab is fun, I know. Theory crafting out all sorts of builds is one of the best parts of this game.

However, I have this weird obession of trying to see if I can make the default weaponry on a mech work. I haven't found too many that I like, but one of my favorite mechs is the Orion (based primarily on the hardpoints, and the excelent re-design by Alex Inglacias art).

For me I run a Orion-Protector using the normal loadout of a normal Orion, just upgraded with a TAG laser in the extra energy hardpoint. In fact that extra hardpoint made me sit up and drool over the mech as I knew it was perfect for that anti-ECM TAG laser.

Upgraded it with Endo, FF armor, and Double Heat sinks. The OCD in me is upset by the fact the mech is 74.9 tons, but I'll live.

Orion-Protector with standard loadout

I've changed back and forth with a STD 275 engine with no SRM and up-sized the lasers to be large lasers, but that is a hotter running build.

[Ghillie Dhu]

easy ... only one that works would be the RVN-X4 but you do need an engine upgrade.

[Soulscour]

Hunchback 4G. I have a theory. You put a ac20 on anything and it becomes viable.

Edited by Soulscour, 08 April 2014 - 11:26 PM.

[VXJaeger]

Atlas D-DC

[Scurry]

I think most of the Hunchies are okay.

Pult K2 weapons loadout isn't too bad either. Same with the C1.

[Wraith 1]

Being my favorite since MW2Mercs, I sometimes run a JR7-D with stock weapons. It works great, and is a lot more agile than the 4MLAS 2SRM-4 build.

Most YLW pilots I see run stock weapons. I probably would do the same if I had a YLW, since the AC-20 is sadly one of the only unique things about the chassis. Maybe i'd give PGI money for one if I still had a CN9-AH to go with it.

While it isn't stock for its own chassis, I also enjoy running a CTF-2X with the IS equivalent of a Summoner Prime's stock weaponry.

Edited by Wraith 1, 08 April 2014 - 11:29 PM.

[Durant Carlyle]

Stock weapons but customized everything else?

Locust-3M (I also run a 3M configured as a LCT-1Vb Royal Locust, with 1 ML, 2 MPL, and 2 SPL.)
Commando-TDK
Jenner-D (I run this with 4 ML and 1 SRM4 every day I play. It's my preferred build.)
Jenner-K (ditto)

...and that's most likely it. I'd have to really think about the heavier 'Mechs.

[CrashieJ]

a HellStar

http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Hellstar

[Hans Von Lohman]

I thought about hunchbacks as soon as I posted this. The 4G is just too well known for the AC-20.

I have one other mech that I like to run in a stock loadout....sort of.

My Shadow Hawk-2H has a loadout that I call my Super Hawk. It is a normal Shadow Hawk, just scaled up in weapons. Medium Pulse, AC-10, twin LRM-5's, and SRM-4.

[The Silent Protagonist]

HBK-4G. Only change I make is endo steel and DHS to free up weight for AC20 ammo, and a ML in the head instead of an SL. Still very viable when stock.
the Death Snail also needs very little adjustment. Just DHS and endosteel for a larger engine to be used.
Both of these were great from the get go.

[Turist0AT]

I hit that strip button way to fast when i get new mechs, i dont even look at its default loadout

[CyborgDragon]

I still run my AWS-8Q with 3 PPCs I swap the small laser for 3 mediums, use a STD 300, and stuff the rest with double heat sinks.

[Derpington Von Trollington]

All hunchbacks.
Just add dhs, endo steel and a bigger engine.

[Roachbugg]

the victor 9-b worked fine for me bone stock out the garage though I did drop a bigger engine in it and maxed the armor and such but the weapon load was the same just added a second srm 4

[Hans Von Lohman]

Well, everyone who knows what they're doing will put in Endo Steel and Double Heat sinks. They're almost mandatory. The next thing is to max your armor, and add more heat sinks or ammo.

I'm just surprised that I can make the Orion work as it is. I don't often get to use my SRM-4, but the build works.

I don't like to see people using just meta builds. I think that is boring, so I try other things. I also like my mechs to be balanced so I have both long and short range weapons instead of just using small autocannons and PPC's.

[Karl Streiger]

Currently I run default weapons with minor modifications:
TDR-5S

BLR-1G

AS7-D
AS7-K

STK-5M

WVR-6R
WVR-7K

CN9-YLW
ONK-PM
VTR-DS
HGN-HM

They are ton for ton more challenging and harder to pilot - as any min maxed FotM build.
Or in other words you don't know what fun is when you don't stay pure

Edited by Karl Streiger, 09 April 2014 - 02:52 AM.

[SgtMagor]

CTP-3D
BM-1G
Boars Head
Dragon Slayer
HB-4G
and some that were already mentioned, including the Sarah Jenner when I get a chance to use it.

[Cascal]

I have quite a thing for stock loadouts (with engine, heatsink and armor modifications), but the one I've found I get the best results with is the Cataphract 1X. PPC+AC10 works well for long range, with a solid 4 ml backup. No change in engine, I prefer standards in cataphracts and with a better engine weight becomes a problem.

How I run it: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...46f58cc331b3eee

[C E Dwyer]

Most of the weapons load outs are viable.

The upgrades, engine size, the default Armour, and where the ammo gets stored are what really make the difference.

The trial stalker if you managed the heat of the quad lrm15 was a killer

[DaZur]

• Atlas -D
  
• Phract -3D
  
• Jenner (any)

I'd throw the Ilya Muro in there as a Hero bonus...