7 replies to this topic

[InspectorG]

Ok so ive just gotten into UAV use for my lights.

Any good advice on how/when/where/tactics?

I usually run them in my max speed TDK, haul a** over to where i think the enemy is mobilizing to, drop it, run like hell. I usually get a nice bonus and the LRM puggers- if they pay attention- will fire away.

Are there good uses for mid/late match deployment?

If i drop an arty/air strike in the same area as my UAV will it get killed?

Much thanks in advance!

[juxstapo]

doubt you can hit a UAV with air/arty.. would have to experiment, but highly doubt it.

That said, mid/late game is the best time to use that UAV. So stahp what you're doing!

Reason being: Save it until the two groups are stuck in, especially if you wind up in a match where both sides form firing lines (alpha snipers squaring off behind cover), as opposed to an all out scrum. However it works in the scrum as well.

Wait until the match is good and stagnated, then go drop it, preferably just on your team's side of the other's team's cover. Then rack up the xp and c-bills when your LRM boats can suddenly see around the corner or over the ridge or between the buildings, etc.

..very clumsy explanation, sorry. At any rate, start saving it till late game and drop it close to the enemy's biggest cluster, see if it doesn't profit you more.

Edited by juxstapo, 25 May 2014 - 08:02 PM.

[Chuck B]

I use UAV's alot, here are some tips I've found.

1. Upgrade them as soon as you can, the extra range is more important then the extra time IMHO.
2. Find out how many LRM users you Have to work with. It will help you figure out when you use it.
I use mine early most of the time. If you have a lot of LRM users you might use it early to mid game once you find the Main group. If you dont have a lot of LRM users you might want to save it for later when your hunting that lance that didn't group up or is attacking from a spot your team isn't seeing.
3, It can be used to watch a Flank. If you have a felling that a flank is going to be over run but cant stick around to watch it use your UAV as an Over-watch tool.
4. It can be use to lead or organize a team. If you are able to catch 6+ mechs in it . it will normally get a scattered team to come together since they all see a big group of targets to hit.
5 Learn to eye-ball its area of effect to catch as many mechs in its AOE. If I dont catch at least 8 mechs in its AOE I feel like I've failed in using it.
6. Use seismic sensor with it. Sneak around and use the sensor to help you find the best place to launch it to catch as many mechs as possible. The sensor and the UAV have nearly the same range so what you see with the sensor you'll catch with the UAV.

Edited by Chuck B, 13 June 2014 - 01:36 AM.

[MonkeyCheese]

Most has been covered already

I will say tho, try not to drop one from low ground like below a mountain in alpine or the ground floor on the moon map, it is more likely to be seen and shot down

[Kotzi]

Use it early to get the most out of it. Preferably at the highest spot possible at a location where lots of enemies are, without them beeing able to see it. Best would be behind their cover because if lrms come they will withdraw backwards most times. But lrm support is not the only benefit, if your team knows where the enemy is it can react accordingly, if they are not too ******** though, excuse my language. Artys dont destroy UAVs.

[InspectorG]

Thanks for the advice!
I was going to ask about the related modules, but it seems range is better than time. How much extra range does it add?


Ive been doing what Juxstapo recommended, and it works IF your puggers are decent. Which, as of lately, has been swinging very wildly. Seems like each match is a stomp.

So i like to scout and vulture in my commandos and spiders.
Module-wise, is a good setup: seismic, UAV range, and UAV?

I may get a kitfox so i guess i better get used to light brawling...

[Sandslice]

UAV normally has a 240m range - similar to the level 2 Seismic sensor's 250; UAV's range extension goes up to 300m.

[Octantis]

Everyone here has good advice. Here are my $.02 which might be rehashes of above posts.

1: The timing of a UAV is key. Pop it too early and your lrms aren't in positions yet. Too late, the fight might be over. "So Oct when is the right time?" I find that popping a UAV right before a push is going to happen or right after one has happened. If everyone is trading fire rather than looking for something to shoot at they won't notice your UAV. They will chalk up the incoming missiles as a lock from someone nearby.

2. Location. I only use UAVs on my lights as it gives me the mobility to put it where needed. Oddly enough the best place to put it in my opinion is right in front of them. Places where mechs like to hill hump like caldera in Caustic, point kappa on Frozen City, and C3 on Forest colony. Mechs tend to congregate in these locations yet gives you lots of cover to get in front of them. Once it's up the enemy will have to back way the hell up to shoot it down if they notice it at all. Some times if there is a heads up team they'll have two fire teams and team 2 will notice it and shoot it down.

3. Communication. Aside from asking if there are any LRMs in the group at start up the best thing you can do with a UAV is to let the team know it is coming (timing is critical). Just say "UAV incomming. Get ready". This way the LRM boats know to look for a lock and the brawlers will look for the weak mech and flank. Much can be gleamed from seeing which direction the triangles are pointed when choosing which side of a building to go around.

Hope that helps.