19 replies to this topic

[Pappus]

Or is there something better to do with 10k mc?

To clarify I see a lot of CTF-IM and 3D but not the other variants present in the bundle so I wonder if I am just gonna sell those anyway.

Which mechs get the 30% cbill bonus?

Edited by Pappus, 10 June 2014 - 04:57 PM.

[Gas Guzzler]

Honestly, the 3D is the best heavy in the game (meta), not in its stock form mind you, and the Ilya is very good as well. The 4X looks like fun, but its the only Cataphract I don't own. Its very slow but can mount 4 ballistic weapons which is a plus. It is definitely the most lackluster of the bunch, but the other 2 are a couple of the best heavies.

The only downside is that the Cataphract 3D champion doesn't come with an XL engine like the standard Cataphract 3D does. So you would need to borrow and XL280-300 from some thing else (the Ilya comes with an XL 280). That is, if you want to put an XL in it of course.

[Gas Guzzler]

Also, make sure you unlock at least basic efficiencies on at least 3 variants of any chassis before selling them even if you don't like them.

Edited by Gas Guzzler, 10 June 2014 - 05:05 PM.

[TercieI]

IMO, they got the heavy and assault bundles pretty much perfect (exc. that the CTF-3D(C) is not as well equipped as the regular CTF-3D).

[Redshift2k5]

Pappus, on 10 June 2014 - 04:51 PM, said:

Which mechs get the 30% cbill bonus?

The Ily Muromets has a permanent 30% C-bil bonus. Having a hero mech, especially one that deals lots of direct damage (damage, kills, and assist pay out lots of c-bills) is a great way to keep your C-bill wallet full, which will always be beneficial to have in your mech garage.

[Alaskan Nobody]

Terciel1976, on 10 June 2014 - 05:22 PM, said:

(exc. that the CTF-3D(C) is not as well equipped as the regular CTF-3D).

Which is kinda the killer for the bundle (for me anyways)

[Pappus]

Purchased the bundle, thanks for the quick assistance.

However would you happen to have the standard builds handy for CTF-3D and the IM?

[Alaskan Nobody]

Pappus, on 10 June 2014 - 05:27 PM, said:

Purchased the bundle, thanks for the quick assistance.

However would you happen to have the standard builds handy for CTF-3D and the IM?

General build for the IM involves 3xAC5 or 3xUAC5
I prefer either 2xLBAC10 2xLL or 3xLBAC

2xLBAC can also be done on the 3D, but since one gun is in the arm, and one in the torso - coordinating them gets trickier

Edit: added smurfy links with (very rough) example builds

Edited by Shar Wolf, 10 June 2014 - 05:37 PM.

[NRP]

Those are the three best Cataphracts imo.

[Gas Guzzler]

Pappus, on 10 June 2014 - 05:27 PM, said:

Purchased the bundle, thanks for the quick assistance.

However would you happen to have the standard builds handy for CTF-3D and the IM?

The Ilya is actually pretty effective out of the box. For the longest time I just upgraded to DHS, and Endo Steel if it doesn't already have them, stick with 2 AC5s + 4 tons ammo and 1 AC10 plus 3 tons ammo, and 3 MLs.

Better build for it is probably loading it with 3 UAC5s, and 3 MLs. Lots of DPS.

CTF-3D has Jump Jets, so definitely equip those, some say you only need 1 but I feel better with 2-3: The best loadout is 2 PPCs and 2 AC5s, and an XL280-300 (your choice, just have to trade ammo/heat sinks/speed/jump jets). You can also do 2 Gauss and some medium lasers. Some really crazy people drop down to an XL 255 and do 2 Gauss and an ER PPC (yeah, I've done it).

[Koniving]

Many people run PPCs and AC/5s in the 3D for obvious reasons (poptart).

The most common build for the Muromets is 3 UAC/5s and 3 ML. 3 AC/5s instead of the UAC/5s to be more dependable.

The 3D is the only Cataphract I don't own. Don't have a personal build.
The Muromets; well I don't recommend that you do it but here's what I run on mine.

2 LB-10. 2 flamers. 1 UAC/5 (I now run an AC/5; the UAC/5 jams too much; often before I can get a single shot out).
It's a fun thing to watch. Very unique. But it's not for everyone. In fact it's not for most people. Hopefully it'll help you be creative and get you to try experimenting with ideas sometime down the line. It'll be interesting to see a more diverse battlefield.

NRP, on 10 June 2014 - 05:33 PM, said:

Those are the three best Cataphracts imo.

Call me a heretic, but my favorites are the 4X, 1X, and Muromets.

Edited by Koniving, 10 June 2014 - 05:39 PM.

[NRP]

I've been running 3 AC/10s on my Ilya. It's slow, but holy hell . . . .

4X: four AC/5s, two MLs, max XL engine, and as much ammo as you have crit slots/tonnage left for. Watch mechs melt in front of you.

3D: Lots of loadout options really. Check www.mechspecs.com

You chose wisely. I think you'll have quite a lot of success with the Cataphracts.

[NRP]

Koniving, on 10 June 2014 - 05:37 PM, said:

Call me a heretic, but my favorites are the 4X, 1X, and Muromets.

That's because you don't own a 3D.

[Koniving]

NRP, on 10 June 2014 - 05:48 PM, said:

That's because you don't own a 3D.

Jumpy mechs don't mean much to me. For example my Victors don't jump.

[F R A N C I S]

if you know you want to play Cataphracts, and don't own any, YES. Defnitely worth it.

The Illya/3D/4X all have different play styles. Just be aware that they are not a brawling mech... they are fragile, but will make you a better pilot.

The pack itself is definitely worth the MC. Forget the cockpit items, but the premium time and the C-bill bonus on the Illya will make you heaps of C-Bills so you can upgrade them quickly. The 3D(C) comes with a better engine than the non-champion version and upgrades too.

[Pappus]

Triple UAC5 is insanely FUN. Thanks for the good advice

[Alaskan Nobody]

iUDEXnCr, on 10 June 2014 - 06:07 PM, said:

The 3D(C) comes with a better engine than the non-champion version and upgrades too.

That is debatable

The Standard the (C) comes with makes it tougher - but the XL that the non-(C) gets lets you mount a lot more weaponry.

[Itsalrightwithme]

The 3D is fantastic, I love it and I have three of them.

2xPPC 1xAC5
2xPPC 1xGauss
2xuAC5 1xERPPC

[luxebo]

Did anyone mention triple Gauss yet?

Spoiler

[Modo44]

The mechs are really good, so if you have the cash and will, go for it.

Note that only mechbays and maybe hero mechs (using combined MC and item sales) provide a good price offer in MWO. All packs are strictly early access and/or grind reduction -- with most elements available over time for free.