15 replies to this topic

[Vermaxx]

I've got the 1X and 2X. I was going to get Ilya on sale (no brainer) but I had the UltimatePay issue, and I was denied.

So which of the lesser phracts should I buy? The 3D has a nice champion load but you give up a cannon, and it is expensive as fk. The 4X is just ********, especially now that AC2s are crap.

Help me decide. It's that or put them on hold entirely and work Thunderbolts.

[Autobot9000]

The 4X is everything but bad. Use a pure 4xAC5 setup with endosteel and 255XL engine. This thing is MURDEROUS. Just pick heavy/assault targets, stay away from the fast mechs. Probably one of the most glorious ....

The 3D on the other hand with 1 JJ and 340XL/endo, 2 U/AC5 and 4ML is probably the most classical and still very good.

You started with the weaker phracts, these two are the glory of the phracts (with the Ilya).

[VirtualSmitty]

The 4X is actually still pretty good.Slower than the others but can mount some nice ballistic combos. The 3D is the best of the lot, can't go wrong there.

[Jeb]

3d has jump jets which opens up mobility with this version.
4x is slower, but has 4 ballistic points and some interesting builds


normally I see people say 3d, Ilya, 1x or 4x, 2x for the order.

I own the 1x, 3d, Ilya and like all 3. Once I get some of my clan mechs skilled up, I was thinking of getting the 4x and 2x as well...

(1x vs 4x tends to be laser vs ballistic build)

Edited by Jeb, 08 July 2014 - 09:47 AM.

[Malcolm Vordermark]

Get the CTF-3D next. Thats the best one from the whole line in my opinion.

Edited by Rouken, 08 July 2014 - 09:53 AM.

[Atlai]

I have owned all the phracts at one point in this game, the best one really is the 3D. There is just so much you can do with it.

That and the Ilya, but i would wait for a sale.

It's pretty expensive yes but well worth the grind.

[Appogee]

The 3D is the best and most versatile of the Phracts. The 4X with 4AC5 is a good Mech, though a one-trick pony in many respects.

If you send support a ticket, they will fix your UltimatePay problems. The Ilya remains the best Hero and is still my go-to Mech in any 12-man match.

[Tastian]

The 4X isn't all that great imho. There are only a couple viable builds you can make with it and you have two speeds: slow and stop. The 3D, however, is very versatile and mobile.

[Maverick27]

3d for sure. JJs and a variety of hardpoints.

[Vermaxx]

Guess its the 3D. It helps the champion has been available for weeks, I've got a fair bit of xp saved on it already.

[Autobot9000]

3D is for variety; Muromets is great hero, 4x is a specialist to take down bigger guys

[Rear Admiral Tier 6]

+ 1 for 3D

Jumpsniping and meta aside it makes a great brawler with STD-engine,AC20 and 4 medium lasers and jump jets.

[Flak Kannon]

My first purchased mech was a 4x.

Put on 2 AC2's 2 AC5's and dakka all day...

Or you can do a 2 UAC5, 1 Ac5 and get close to what the Ilya can do...

and.... 4 AC2's is a hoot..


But I will say this. In the game, with clan tech... getting your face out in front of enemy anymore hurts more than it used to. Just know that.

When Community Warfare hits, it will be IS LRM's verse Clans insame DPS..

But the IS Autokannons still have thier place, they just dont rule the battle field anymore....

[Tiamat of the Sea]

When I skilled my cataphracts, I picked up the 1X, 2X, and 4X- Cataphracts were my third or fourth 'mech and I didn't really have the C-bills to spare on the XL-expensive 3D. I would say if there's one to steer clear of early on, it's actually the 4X, though. You -can- do amazing things with it, but it requires being able to compensate for a tiny engine size (resulting in slow movement and poor agility) and inconveniently exceptionally low weapon mounts. If you're a more experienced pilot and have the ability to work around the 4X's drawbacks, though, I'd place it about even with the other Cataphracts.

I don't find the 3D all that impressive personally, mostly because there's nothing exceptionally special about its weapon mountings in my eyes, and it's very difficult to find the tonnage with most potential loadouts to have a decently large engine, jump jets, and considerable weaponry without sacrificing durability by taking an XL engine- and I find the billboard-face effect of Cataphracts somewhat prohibitive on XL engines that don't gear the 'mech up over 70 KPH.

It's worth noting that all of this is from the perspective of someone who has not ever and is not likely to ever play an Ilya, so there's that to take into account.

[Dunning Kruger Effect]

You've been missing out on the best ones.

CTF 3D is very versatile, and was (and still is) one of the best mechs in the game.

However, I'd like to emphasize this

Quote

The 4X is everything but bad. Use a pure 4xAC5 setup with endosteel and 255XL engine. This thing is MURDEROUS. Just pick heavy/assault targets, stay away from the fast mechs. Probably one of the most glorious ....

What AC2 nerf? You should be using 4xAC5s anyway. One of the most devestating mechs I've played (pretty much just point at enemy and hold mouse buttons down, opponent dies, profit!)

[juxstapo]

CTF-3D is The Inner Sphere Mech.