35 replies to this topic

[Graystone1]

What mechs (and possibly builds if you feel like sharing those) make the best Light Hunters?
This question has been asked before, but all the information I see on the internet is from the summer of last year. In other words, its largely outdated information (just like this will be after clans).

As a mostly heavy player I view them as troublesome vermin. So I want to dedicate one of my mech-bays to a hunter.

As I understand it, any weapon is fine on lights as long as you can hit them with it. SSRMs + BAP excel in this area (Can't wait for clans to give us bigger SSRMs). I've also heard that LBX-10 works well on them.

It seems lights are hunted mostly by other lights, mediums, and possibly dragons (lbx/MPL/SSRMs?).

Your thoughts?

[Jabilo]

There are different ways you can do it, but a fast 55 tonner (max XL) packed with streaks and BAP (to defeat ECM) is one way to go.

Here are some examples from my mech bay:

Shadowhawk

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...fb1b3dc8575157a

The Kintaro is not as good a platform as the Shadowhawk, but 5 x SSRMs is fairly hilarious (be careful 5 x SSRMSs will trigger ghost heat).

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...4aa28800d32d47f

A lot of lights can also be configured for anti light duty with the Jenner JR7-F, the Raven 3L and all Firestarters very strong.

The Cicada X5 makes a superlative light hunter - but as a Hero mech is MC only.

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...9039b0832066374

[Graystone1]

That shadowhawlk looks like it would be amazing for light-hunting. Though this may sound irrational and silly, it almost seems a shame to use it for that considering all the incredible things I've seen people do with the 2D2.
I might just have to buy two 2D2s or something.

Edited by Graystone1, 24 April 2014 - 01:55 PM.

[Bhelogan]

I still run this as a light hunger: SHD-2H
I know a lot of builds will switch in the larger engine, but this way works well for me. I ran 1v1 on the test server with this against a build similar to above (but with 2LL instead) and easily out DPSed him.

Edited by Bhelogan, 24 April 2014 - 02:01 PM.

[Wayreth]

Shadow Hawk all the way. I like this build specifically for pest control.

[Graystone1]

Old information seemed to favor the TREB for light hunting. Looks like the newer mechs suit the role better. ShadowHawk seems to be a consistent pick, although the SHD is generally considered to be the king of the Medium category.

[DONTOR]

I prefer a Treb 3C with a 380-390 XL(135-140KPH)
Its the fastest light hunter that isnt a light, packs 2 SSRMs, and 4 MLs. Making it a Better Jenner D.
It is a failry expensive but insanely fun route. 140 KPH in a medium is a great time.

[Koniving]

Jabilo, on 24 April 2014 - 01:39 PM, said:

The Kintaro is not as good a platform as the Shadowhawk

Disagree here. Though it depends on the definition of platform.

The reason I disagree though relate to chasing lights:

The only thing the Shadowhawk has on the Kintaro when it comes to streaks is the ability to jump. In terms of turning, torso twist range, arm range, etc., the Shadowhawk is quite inferior.

I don't have my Kintaros fully elited yet, but with equal engines they take corners better than my mastered Shadowhawks at the same speeds. o.o

But honestly certain Griffins do this job better than both of them. 3M especially.
Very basic build. I actually prefer a 280 engine as speed is not important to me. Gives me an AMS and more ammo. This design allows you to play 2 roles; fire support and light hunter. That way you're never out of the game because you're too dedicated.

The LRM-20 Artemis + 3 Streaks at ranges of 180 to 269 is devastating enough to cripple lights in one to two volleys. Then it's simply cleanup. The single MPL is incredibly effective for precision shots and ALL of these weapons are unaffected by jump jetting.

Vids.
3M against various.
3M survival against amazing odds (had I not been simulating/testing "Clan" Streak designs based on a command chair post, I would've had more kills here against the 3 twin AMS with extended range Firestarters).
Light Hunter Griffin 1N
Plus I mean...how can you argue against the view?

Edited by Koniving, 24 April 2014 - 03:06 PM.

[Ustarish]

i would suggest Griffin 3m.
better torso twis and perfect cockpit for hunting lights.
SDH had its best times when it was possible to dissable cockpit drawing trough user cfg.
now no one use it as light hunter cause you cant see sh*t unles it right in front of you and you must use tpp.

Edited by Ustarish, 24 April 2014 - 02:57 PM.

[John Buford]

Don't see why everyone wants to put the biggest engine you can to hunt lights. Just stick with some no bigger than an XL 300 which will take you to 90+ which is more than enough to maneuver where you need to run off or kill Lights. For weapons until you are a crack shot with an AC20 toss in a few Streaks and with the tonnage you save from the smaller engine you can put more weaponry that can actually hurt Heavy's and Assaults this allows you to contribute to the team once the Lights are dead or run off.

[RedEagle86]

Wayreth, on 24 April 2014 - 02:18 PM, said:

Shadow Hawk all the way. I like this build specifically for pest control.

That's almost exactly what I run on my light-killer 2D2. The 4 streaks give great tracking-missile damage, while avoiding ghost heat penalties of the Kintaro. Also, by firing them all at once, you reduce the amount of missiles shot down by AMS.

The ML's are useful for hunting mech's up to mediums, and are great at pinpoint damage to heavies and assaults.

The LBX-10 is also a good light-killer with great uses for later in the match: The spread means you don't need to be too accurate (but it greatly helps if you are), while the increased crit-chance means that any stripped component is more likely to be destroyed. Additionally, later on in the match, you can use it to great effect on the Heavies and Assaults that are now cored by your teammates.

I only use 1 JJ as I use it more for increased manoeuvrability than getting actual height. Additionally, I don't have the larger engine because 90 is fast enough to chase lights a little ways and put out pretty good damage, while not sacrificing too much tonnage for speed. But that may be my Atlas preference talking.

Most of my matches (if I don't run into the enemy team) end with about 300-600 damage.

[Graystone1]

I wonder if this would work
http://mwo.smurfy-ne...b9a7b27b301f700
I'm probably not good enough to pilot one yet

[Koniving]

Channel more front armor and it might be worth a try, Dragons were fantastic light hunters. Quickdraw might be a better starting point for that however.

Now most people (including myself) will suggest to come back to Dragons later if at all. But if you feel you have a handle on the arm usage then like the Kintaro this thing will shine pretty well in the right hands. Just remember that nothing can protect your belly.

[focuspark]

As a "light pilot" I avoid anything with Streaks on it. If you want to hunt lights, carry streaks - and lots of them. Kintaros suck (as in they kill me most often).

[GunnyKintaro 01]

I still use my Kintaro 18 for them... it works..

[Not Bob]

•The best light hunters are: Kintaros, ShadowHawks, and Griffens, The Oxide (Jenner Hero)
•Followed closely by: The X5 (Cicada Hero), Ember (FireStarter Hero), FireStarters, Jenners, Ravens equipped with streaks



•Deterrents (Not necessarily hunters) : Anything sporting 3+ SSRMs


There are plenty of builds out there for each mech

[luxebo]

You already have the Griffin, that is honestly the way to go. Pick up a second variant (preferably 1N) and arm SSRMs and then go from there. Switch around engines from other XL 280 holders.

[IraqiWalker]

I'm surprised people are forgetting about the Trebs.

Honestly, pretty much any missile heavy medium that can go fast is a good light hunter, just slap 4+SSRM2s into it and you have a monster that would scare any light away.

Also, honorable mention to the Hunchback 4P, 9SPLs will make any light hate existing. The Cicada X5 is another one that /could/ qualify.

[Koniving]

IraqiWalker, on 24 April 2014 - 06:07 PM, said:

Also, honorable mention to the Hunchback 4P, 9SPLs will make any light hate existing.

4P is anti-everything. It's all in how you equip it. SPLs fry lights but only when they get close.
Hunchbacks with torso twist and turning speeds are Kings inside urban environments; anything you face between the buildings is screwed if your loadout suits what you plan to fight.

[Ertur]

I think you are looking at this in the entirely wrong way. Do you want a world of ever escalating violence? Have you ever stopped to think that maybe, just maybe, you can do something to help instead of hurt? Maybe streak missiles and pulse lasers aren't the answer, and all you really need are articulating arms to hug it out and a strong comforting shoulder for the poor misunderstood and unhappy light mechs to rest their heads upon.

I hope this helps.

Sincerely,
A Jenner Pilot