51 replies to this topic

[Tesunie]

Rich Rusznak, on 20 May 2014 - 08:23 PM, said:

I'm going to follow the 2D2 build, what does chain fire do for me exactly? I haven't ever used it or what's the point. (how should I setup my weapon groups if you don't mind me asking a dumb question)

All other advice is appreciated from others too

I suggest two weapon groups (you can do three if you wish and have a mouse that can handle it). ERPPCs in one group (or separated by left and right arm), and SSRMs as a second group.

To get chain fire, you press backspace while you have the group you wish to chain fire with selected.

Chain fire is a mechanic where you will shoot one weapon at a time within the group. For the ERPPCs, it is for heat management, as otherwise that large spike of heat will threaten to shut you down very quickly. Chain firing the PPCs lets you cool off between shots, or only shoot one shot when you are running hot. For the SSRMs, I find that the constant SSRM hits shake your foe a bit, reducing their aim. It also can be a scare tactic to just have SSRMs sending missile warnings constantly into your opponent's ears. As a final benefit (for the moment at least), it seems to also help the SSRMs deal and register their damage more accurately.

The 4 SSRMs on chain fire will send a nonstop wave after wave of SSRMs into a target. People tend to fear constant damage, even if it is only a small amount. It also helps with heat control as well again, as you can (usually) fire all 4 SSRMs on chain fire and actually cool off while doing so. Shooting them all together would quickly lead to shut downs (especially if the target you were sniping with ERPPCs got close while you were still hot from the PPCs).

Also, use the jump jets to your advantage to get some ERPPC shots on targets over a hill or ridge. (I don't normally poptart, but if you need to or wish to, this mech can manage it.)

If the ERPPCs run too hot for you, you can exchange them for normal PPCs (be aware of their 90m minimum range) or ERLL to maintain that long reach (but you lose the front loaded damage, or burst damage). I have tried it each way, and settled on ERPPCs for my own personal use as best for me.

[RichRuzz]

I'm very good at aiming gauss cannons, I used to use the K2, what would be the mech (hero or non) to use for a gauss build and would it be viable? Trying to save up money for the build you listed.

[Modo44]

The Jagermech or the Cataphract 3D. Both are glass cannons. You need perfect positioning or you will die horribly. The K2 Gauss builds are still OK, only the mech is harder to use for ridge peeking.

[Tesunie]

Rich Rusznak, on 20 May 2014 - 09:10 PM, said:

I'm very good at aiming gauss cannons, I used to use the K2, what would be the mech (hero or non) to use for a gauss build and would it be viable? Trying to save up money for the build you listed.

The Firebrand could fit a pair of Gauss Rifles in like the K2 did, and the c-bill boost for the hero mech would help you gain more money faster.

Otherwise, with a quick toss together (I didn't have any Gauss Shadowhawks personally), you could try this 2H build. Gauss and 3 tons ammo with close range backups of 3 SSRM2s, 2 ton ammo, a med laser and BAP (to cut ECM). Completely untested and literally tossed together right this moment... (Totally BSing this one here...) Med laser could easily enough be dropped for more ammo on the Gauss if desired. Or you could drop a ton of SSRM ammo and get more Gauss ammo...

(Personally, if I take a Gauss, it's probably going to be my Cicada 3C... because I'm crazy.)

[RichRuzz]

I really liked the other build posted for the Shadowhawk but I lacked the 275 engine I think it was so just using my Yen-lo-wang to gain money to purchase it.

[Sergeant Random]

Something you can try with the SHD-2H

Endo steel, 275xl (from the 5M) 1xac5 and 2xac2.
You will have room for jets and ammo.

This is a cheap, practical build that can allow you to try/practice the dakka style. Especially if you wish to transition into Jagers.

Put all weapons in one group and shoot everything that moves within 800m. Have fun.

[Tesunie]

Rich Rusznak, on 20 May 2014 - 09:49 PM, said:

I really liked the other build posted for the Shadowhawk but I lacked the 275 engine I think it was so just using my Yen-lo-wang to gain money to purchase it.

As someone else said (above me), the 5M comes with an XL270 engine. I thought you had all the Shadowhawks (I believed you said you had owned all three) so I presented designs with that concept. I can alter some of these designs to have the stock std270 engine if you desire...

[Tesunie]

Gauss Shadowhawk 2H with a Std 270 engine.

However, there is a current problem with SSRM (and all missile) hit detection and damage application. So, for the moment, I might suggest something closer to this instead for a Shadowhawk 2H. (Of course, you can make any of these shadowhawks on any other Shadowhawk chassis if desired.)


If you wish to have a mini Shadowhawk 2D2, while you save up for the engine, you could temporarily set it up like this as well. (LLs can be replaced for ERLL if one desires.)


I'd like to note, the armor values are not the exact placement of the armor. Shift it around as you desire. (Noticed I had a lot of rear armor on that 2D2 that isn't really there but on the front.)

[RichRuzz]

Oh crap the only one I don't have is the M, the M comes with the XL engine that was in the build? I won't waste the 5M on the engine and just buy the mech then!

[Tesunie]

Rich Rusznak, on 21 May 2014 - 09:02 AM, said:

Oh crap the only one I don't have is the M, the M comes with the XL engine that was in the build? I won't waste the 5M on the engine and just buy the mech then!

Sorry. I thought you knew/had that Shadowhawk already. I forgot that they released another one (two?) recently... (I is an idiot.)

[Tesunie]

Another new concept, for the Shadowhawk 2K, as I don't know what your third variant is... If you use this one (after missiles are fixed), group the TAG into each group. If you have the macro for TAG, do that. If you can (with TAG macroed to stay on or it on a third weapon group depending upon your mouse), chain fire the LLs, as you need to keep TAG on target. Then fire the LRMs as whatever target you can shoot/TAG. It will run hotter than the 2H I showed, but you don't have to worry about the AC shooting differently from the TAG and ammo becomes less of a concern...

[Chimerahawk]

I'd say you'll probably enjoy the firebrand more. Just because you can make builds like Dual guass or Dual AC/20, which while not always the most practical, are very fun! Also, I've been noticing a very large amount of bad SHD pilots crowding teams lately, so I might be a bit biased.

(Gotta love seeing 5 SHDs run from 1 Atlas xD)

[ExplodedZombie]

Rich Rusznak, on 20 May 2014 - 07:40 PM, said:

Any suggested builds for my 2H or 2D2? Mostly PUG with my buddy who is in a Banshee Hero, then will adapt if I ever find a team.

2H winner of life. 280xl, ac10, ml, 2 MGs, 2 SRM6. JJs. Wow. Duck in and out of building, using the AC10 at range at first. Cycle targets and look for mechs with armor beat to hell in their torsos. RUN THEM DOWN then return to team. So good. My best so far is 6 kills, 5 assists.
Groups
1. AC10
2. SRM6s
3. MGs + ML

Edited by ExplodedZombie, 21 May 2014 - 02:04 PM.

[Orbit Rain]

What XL engines (if any) do you have Rich? You can definitely grind cbills with your firebrand and dual gauss if you take to it.

[Buckminster]

Rich Rusznak, on 21 May 2014 - 09:02 AM, said:

Oh crap the only one I don't have is the M, the M comes with the XL engine that was in the build? I won't waste the 5M on the engine and just buy the mech then!

Another option is to pull the XL from your Firebrand. The XL280 works just as well in the Shadow Hawks.

[Sergeant Random]

Yup xl280 weighs the same as xl275.

The shd-5m should be worth it. I have shadowhawks myself and I mastered them by swapping the ol 275 around.
I bought several large energy weapons (er ppc & erllas) and swapped around the 5m's lrm20.
The 3 original shd (2h, 2d2 & 5m) could mount xl275, lrm20, large energy weapon - then fill extra tonnage with ams, mg, jj, dhs. That way I could grind cbills while mastering and practicing with different weapons. All before settling into any expensive build.

Shd are perfect for training with all weapon types. I found lrm5 spamming enjoyable. With lrm5 quick cycle times, you can terrorize enemies with missile alerts for as long as you have ammo. Cbill grinding with lrm assists is also a plus to the experience. And nowadays, you can get xp for spotting for your own missiles (hit an enemy with lrm while they are in line of sight). If you think lrm5s are weak, do the dps math on smurfy.

And if you get bored watching radar for positioning with lrms, you can try jumping ac20. Or a 5m with 2ac5. Or any mixed ac10 build. When playing direct fire, watch for enemies about to be hit by lrms (they get that rain icon) & target them for bonus xp.

Have fun grinding

[RichRuzz]

For http://mwo.smurfy-ne...0ef2b36422b21b2

Do I want the Streak SRM 2 or the Streak SRM 2 + Artemis? Since it lists having the Artemis upgrade.

[Alaskan Nobody]

Rich Rusznak, on 21 May 2014 - 09:03 PM, said:

Do I want the Streak SRM 2 or the Streak SRM 2 + Artemis? Since it lists having the Artemis upgrade.

For streaks - Artemis is a weightless upgrade

[RichRuzz]

Oh, and sorry for a dumb question for that build I can't get the "dynamic structure" to fit in the leftover of my legs and spots it's "supposed" to be in the build.

[Sergeant Random]

Im not sure artemis affects streaks. Because they didnt in the original Battletech games. I don't know how PGI implemented it exactly either.