11 replies to this topic

[Bughole]

Hi guys.

Had this account since closed beta, but couldn't play because my comp couldn't handle it. I changed my gfx card to a second-hand gtx 650 and I can play.

I have some questions.

1. Can I change the type of weapons I can mount to a specific part? i.e. Left arms has energy weapons, can I change to Cannons or whatever?
2. I bought a Thunderbolt, I saw from a newbie guide that it isn't the best pick, but meh, I did it. I couldn't mount on him only 2 AC5s, 1 LRM 5, and ammo for them. Any idea why I can't add more modules? I mean, how come stock it had a bunch of weapons, but I stripped all of them and could only add 2 guns and a launcher? I know about tonnage but it doesn't add up.

That is all for now. Thanks.

[Mechteric]

1. No, they are static (though the upcoming Clan mechs will have some kind of limited ability to swap limbs)

2. try using smurfy's to easily see what weapon mounts you have: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...avy_thunderbolt. All TBolts also have at least a few energy mounts.

Give this one a try: TDR-5S


Though I would also highly recommend a 9S, I like it much better than the 5S: TDR-9S

Edited by CapperDeluxe, 15 May 2014 - 09:38 AM.

[DEMAX51]

Bughole, on 15 May 2014 - 09:29 AM, said:

2. I bought a Thunderbolt, I saw from a newbie guide that it isn't the best pick, but meh, I did it. I couldn't mount on him only 2 AC5s, 1 LRM 5, and ammo for them. Any idea why I can't add more modules? I mean, how come stock it had a bunch of weapons, but I stripped all of them and could only add 2 guns and a launcher? I know about tonnage but it doesn't add up.

Apart from tonnage, your loadout possibilities are also limited by space (critical slots) and hardpoints (where each type of weapon can be placed). You might also not be able to put anything else on the 'Mech if you don't have enough c-bills to purchase the individual items.

In the 'Mechlab, if an item is shaded red it means you can't put it on your 'Mech for some reason. If you hover your mouse over the item, it should tell you why you can't use it (i.e. it'll say "not enough crit slots" or "too heavy" or "not enough c-bills").

Which Thunderbolt are you using?

Edited by DEMAX51, 15 May 2014 - 09:42 AM.

[Modo44]

To add more weapons, you usually want to upgrade to Endo Steel, and sometimes to an XL engine (not recommended on a Thunderbolt). 2xAC5 is a heavy and powerful weapon system. Even with Endo Steel and limited ammo (2-3 tons per gun), everything else is basically backup on a 65t mech.

[Mechteric]

Oh I forgot, when I first piloted my 5S I used 2xAC5 with 4xMedium Lasers and liked it quite a bit though it was a bit slow for my usual tastes. Used it up through Elites I think.

TDR-5S


You may note I don't really use the missiles on my Thunderbolts much. Its because I think it makes a poor LRM mech, and still waiting on more SRM fixes.

Edited by CapperDeluxe, 15 May 2014 - 10:59 AM.

[Koniving]

Bughole, on 15 May 2014 - 09:29 AM, said:

That is all for now. Thanks.

It's a balancing trick. Here, you have things that have weight, and you need to keep the minimal requirements to keep the mech running (Engine, 10 total heatsinks, armor, and at least 1 weapon), yet make enough tonnage (and slots) to fit what you want. Lowering armor, changing internal structure or armor types, single or double heatsinks, engine size, or just accepting you can't use certain weapons... these can all help you fit things in.

In the mean time, here's some Thunderbolt videos. These are all using the Thunderbolt 5S.
Hit and run fighter


Thunderbolts in the city.


Ranged LRM support + close range combat with MGs and MLs. (Starts kinda slow, but 'static' fast forwards. 2:45 is when the action begins).


And don't ever be nervous about feeding ammunition from the legs, as this image modified (assumingly) by Khobai illustrates.

Khobai, on 13 May 2014 - 08:09 AM, said:

Somehow it works. For Thunderbolts unless you're "too fast," no one ever goes for your legs.
Now as the game gets 'tougher' or you get more experience, you may want to relocate the ammo away from the legs. But that just depends on what the target of the month is. Sometimes its legs, torsos, arms, and occasionally you'll find matches where everyone wants to shoot your cockpit.

[Metafox]

As Modo mentioned, you'll want to upgrade to endo steel. This will reduce your weight by 5% rounded down, but it takes 14 slots and costs CBills. You'll also want to upgrade to double heat sinks as these will greatly improve your base heat efficiency. Both upgrades are expensive but definitely worth it. To buy the upgrades, you need to click on the "Upgrades" button two slots below the "Loadout" button in the mechlab.

[Bughole]

Thanks a lot guys.

I am using the 5S. I did upgrade to endo steel and the fiber armor, no double heatsinks though. I wanted ACs on my mech because I know they are powerful from previous mech games I played, Mech Commander being the last one I played. I wanted either PPC or ACs, but I figured I won't have problems with heat using ACs. I will try and swap out the random LRM 5 I put there for some lazors.

Thanks a lot for the advice and links! <3

[Garegaupa]

If I were you, I'd drop the Ferro-Fibrous armor. It gives you a relatively negligible weight saving compared to all the critical slots it takes up. I'd much rather go for just Endo-Steel and Double Heat Sinks. That will give you 14 more critical slots to play with, which is rather significant.

Ferro-Fibrous is mostly only used on lights and some mediums, where there is less of a need for a large amount of critical slots.

[Modo44]

Garegaupa, on 17 May 2014 - 12:46 AM, said:

Ferro-Fibrous is mostly only used on lights and some mediums, where there is less of a need for a large amount of critical slots.

That is a misconception. When running mostly heavy guns, you can use Ferro on many heavies for that one more ton (which is about how much in saves with nearly full armor. Yes, this is usually cutting it close as far as free slots, but quite doable. Specifically on the Thunderbolt 5S, consider 2xAC5+4xML or 2xAC5+3xML+PPC (the latter with the benefit of keeping the stock engine).

[Garegaupa]

I agree, Modo44, there are certainly some Heavy 'Mech builds that can take advantage of Ferro-Fibrous. The two you've linked to are good examples. When I have the critical slots to spare I'll likely go for it, whatever the 'Mech.

However, I still don't think it's wrong to say that as 'Mech weight increases, the amount of (viable) FF builds go down. That being said, I'm sure there are people who could make even the heaviest Assault work with FF.

[Modo44]

Garegaupa, on 17 May 2014 - 03:32 AM, said:

That being said, I'm sure there are people who could make even the heaviest Assault work with FF.

I run one. Similar things can be done on a Victor. Yes, the amount of useful builds goes down. It only really makes sense with heavy ballistics+some energy setups.