9 replies to this topic

[Phobic Wraith]

I've been perusing the guides quite a bit recently and Cataphracts are the newest arrow in my quiver. To my dismay most of the guides are fairly old and my question is fairly specific (at least to me it seems so).

Is there any point in getting the 4X if I already have the Muromets?

I try to get variants that are fairly different from one another when filling out 'mech bays, so I purchased the Illya during a half off sale and I like the 3D (besides the price) so those two are fairly different, I'm not a huge fan of energy boats, but maybe that's all that's left to me. Any input on specific chassis would be fantastic and builds are great too.

At the moment I'm leaning to the 4X, but that AC/2 nerf has made me hesitate. Thoughts?

[oldradagast]

Eh... The 4X can do a 4 AC5 boat, which the Ilya cannot, and it can pair AC5's and AC2's, which the Ilya can't do, either. On the other hand, the Ilya has a higher engine limit and the standard high shoulder-mounted energy slots of nearly all Cataphracts, which the 4X lacks.

Long story short, I think they'd play similarly, though not the exact same way, although most Cataphracts are rather similar in operations. The 3D is a bit of an exception because of the Jump Jets.

That being said, of the remaining Cataphact versions (1X, 2X, and 4X), the 4X is a decent choice. The 1X is rather energy heavy, which can cause some issues, although it's not bad, and the 2X is sort of a mess with the small missile launcher on the left arm.

Edited by oldradagast, 21 April 2014 - 11:39 AM.

[Escef]

The 1X 'phract is ok, I run it with 2xPPC and an AC20; not inspired, but it gets results. I've seen people run it with a maxed out standard engine, AC20, and MLs to taste (basically a giant Hunchback).

The 2X is really the red-headed step-child of Cataphracts, due to the twin 4-tube missile hardpoints on the left arm.

The 4X is honestly rather obsoleted by the Jagermech. The only real trick it has the Jager does as well or better.

[Maverick27]

If you're just looking to elite the phracts I like the 4x over the 2x mainly because quad ac5s are fun but like was said before, the jager does a better job with ballistic-only builds because of the high mount points.

[Modo44]

2xUAC5+2xAC5, XL255
4xAC5+2xML, XL255
2xGauss+2xML, XL255
2xAC10+LL, STD250

The first one is hardcore -- no ammo or backup weapons. The last one is not so high on DPS, but much harder to kill. The AC2 was nerfed into the ground recently, so do not bother. I do not know when the LB 10-X was last good in MWO -- do not bother, either.

[Phobic Wraith]

Thanks guys!

So what I'm getting is that the 4X is a good option, but bad compared to Jagers, right?
and the 1X plays pretty differently and can be largely energy dependent. That Cataphract hunchback build sounds appealing though...

I like the input. Anything else?

[Modo44]

Generally, all non-jumping Cataphracts are markedly harder to play than the 3D. The 4X is, in addition, very limited in speed, which means it really needs good support/spotting to shine. Similar to assaults, it can usually not retreat once committed.

Edited by Modo44, 21 April 2014 - 12:18 PM.

[Why Run]

4X is too slow, even with XL. My Muro is a beast, running 3.0 K/D Ratio and averaging some 550 damage per game. The 4X runs a good long range sniper game, 2x Gauss/ 1x ERLL. Can never overheat, so you fire as fast as possible. The GaussPhact is fun to mess around with but the Muro is better

[Ingvay]

I'll throw in my thoughts as a Phract veteran:

I've owned them all and the only Phract I sold was the 4x. The Ilya is a better choice than the 4x IMO...

As for the others, they all have their specific uses. The 1x an energy boat, the 2x...although sometimes maligned, is actually a good second line, combined arms heavy support mech with the right build-out. Mine is called "Salt N Peppa" for a reason.

The 3D is the JJ equipped jack of all trades of the Phracts. That leaves the 4x as the odd man out with it's poor engine cap and the fact that, as others have said, the Jaegar does what the 4x does only better.

Edited by Ingvay, 21 April 2014 - 12:35 PM.

[FireSlade]

With my CTF-4X I like to run dual AC5s and UAC5s. My JM6-S runs the 2 AC2s and 5s and I did not want to copy it and I have yet to see a Jagermech effectively run my design so the 4X definitely has it's purpose. My only issue is that I find it too easy to take any assault mech down, so I do not have as much fun as with my twin AC10 and ML 340xl Ilya. The other issue that people have with UAC5s is that they just hold the trigger down and the gun ends up jamming; the trick that I find to reduce the jam rate is to tap the trigger every second or so trying to get 30 damage every 1.66 seconds.

Here is the build in case you want to try it: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...1b0c8b5c07eb9aa

Good luck and good hunting.