55 replies to this topic

[FupDup]

Lordred, on 23 July 2014 - 08:49 PM, said:

Boy howdy, regretting this decision so far.

God I hope they get better, or perhaps I find a build to work with me.

What engine are you using? I've found that all 55 ton mediums should be using somewhere between an XL280 and an XL300. Any higher spends too much tonnage without giving you that much speed, and too much lower makes you a gimped heavy that hasn't yet hit puberty. 280-300 is the "sweet spot."

Also, you can get away with more armor frontloading on Griffins than most mechs because of their agility. I run with 8 rear and the rest frontal on my Griffs (most other mechs I run with ~10-12 rear).

[Wintersdark]

FupDup, on 23 July 2014 - 09:00 PM, said:

What engine are you using? I've found that all 55 ton mediums should be using somewhere between an XL280 and an XL300. Any higher spends too much tonnage without giving you that much speed, and too much lower makes you a gimped heavy that hasn't yet hit puberty. 280-300 is the "sweet spot."

Also, you can get away with more armor frontloading on Griffins than most mechs because of their agility. I run with 8 rear and the rest frontal on my Griffs (most other mechs I run with ~10-12 rear).

words of wisdom, all.

What sort of builds are you using? What play styles do you prefer?

[CycKath]

Keep at it, once you hit a sweet spot in piloting them/speccing them out, you will just enjoy them so much. After I get my first win of the day on the 'Mechs I'm skilling up, I always gravitate back to the Griffins and Wolverines of my mastered 'Mechs.

[Lordred]

I play many styles, the first Griffin I am working on is the 3M.

The very first match I took it out as an all stocker, clocked in about 290 damage, but disappointed with its lack of overall weapons for its weight.

Second match:
I took it out with 4x LRM 10, 2x ML, and a XL200, it was quite slow, could not rely on pugs to get me any locks, was a sitting duck.

Third match:
I switched to 2x ML, 2x LRM10, 2x LRM5, XL275, couldn't get any locks, lots of ECM, and no locks from pugs.

Fourth match:
Switched to 4x SRM4 and 2x ER LL, rounded a corner and lost the entire mech before making a single shot.

Fifth match:
Same thing.

Sixth match:
Same thing.

Tonight there is just WAY too much ECM in the field, or too much pin point watching corners.

I am already disenchanted by the Griffin, partly due to my epic bad luck.

[FupDup]

Lordred, on 23 July 2014 - 09:11 PM, said:

I play many styles, the first Griffin I am working on is the 3M.

The very first match I took it out as an all stocker, clocked in about 290 damage, but disappointed with its lack of overall weapons for its weight.

Second match:
I took it out with 4x LRM 10, 2x ML, and a XL200, it was quite slow, could not rely on pugs to get me any locks, was a sitting duck.

Third match:
I switched to 2x ML, 2x LRM10, 2x LRM5, XL275, couldn't get any locks, lots of ECM, and no locks from pugs.

Fourth match:
Switched to 4x SRM4 and 2x ER LL, rounded a corner and lost the entire mech before making a single shot.

Fifth match:
Same thing.

Sixth match:
Same thing.

Tonight there is just WAY too much ECM in the field, or too much pin point watching corners.

I am already disenchanted by the Griffin, partly due to my epic bad luck.

That XL200 match was definitely way too low of an engine, don't try that one again. 55 ton mech going at Stalker speeds...

XL275 has the same tonnage as XL280, but with slightly less speed. There isn't a point in using the 275 unless your max engine limit doesn't let you upgrade to a 280.



That 2 ERLL + 4 SRM4 build seems like it would be fairly short on tonnage and/or heatsinks. If you want to keep that build, you can try downgrading the ERLL to normal LL, for better heat.

If you're into Streaks, you could try 2 ERLL + 4 SSRM2 on the 3M, although I dunno if it does very well after the Streak damage reduction.

---

In general, I think I might be able to see your problem...it looks like you're trying to use it as a gunboat of some kind (cramming in as much firepower as possible). You want to pack a punch, but at the same time you don't want to overdo it. Mediums are more about finesse and gracefulness than they are about raw firepower.

Basically, it's sort of like "doing more with less." You generally can't carry the big payload that a heavy or assault can, but you can get yourself into position better than those larger mechs can and you can put that weaponry to good use (sometimes better use, depending on the position).

You're more of a "helper" mech than a "carry harder" mech, usually (although carrying with a medium is definitely possible, and satisfying...).

Edited by FupDup, 23 July 2014 - 09:21 PM.

[Lordred]

Thanks Fup, I am aware of the Mediums role quite well, I was attempting something different for the first night with the griffins, but thus far, I am not pleased with my results.

My initial reaction for the night however is best summarized by a Critic we all know and love.

"It Stinks!"

Will report more tomorrow after work, however after 10 straight losses, I am backing down.

[Wintersdark]

Three similar builds I enjoy, for pugging and total self reliance:

GRF-3M - 4xLRM5, AMS, TAG, BAP, LPL. Alternatively, swap for an ERPPC - a better build, theoretically, but I found the LPL worked better for medium range brawling.

GRF-1S - Similar, but with an LRM20 and NARC launcher as well as BAP and TAG. This is my favorite of the lot, hands down. Don't underestimate the strength of NARC in a pug!

GRF-1N - Twin LL, again with 20 tubes. Loses the ewar angle to sport more direct firepower.


All three of these are very aggressive builds. You're never relying on or expecting allies to hold locks for you, in each case the Griffins are equipped to get and hold their own locks. Utilize the LRM's as a medium range generally direct fire weapon. The 1S is my favourite of the lot, pushing forward with your brawlers and shutting down enemy ECM, then using speed and agility to not allow anyone to directly engage you.

The strength of Griffin LRM mechs is their incredible mobility. They can run away from opponents, twist 180 degrees back, lock LRM's and fire while evading.

Speed allows for rapid re positioning to negate opposing cover, and you scoff at enemy ECM.

Yes, you're only packing 20 tubes, and carrying a modest loadout of missiles but that's still 22 damage per volley, and as you're guiding your LRM's home with LOS/NARC/TAG you shouldn't be missing with them at all.

In each case, the mech is quite competent on it's own, but brings a lot more to the team than just a random weapons platform. It's really a lot of fun to play, but as I said, you have to be fast and aggressive, up front but not getting trapped in close range brawls.

[Evan Flynn]

I'd urge you to strongly consider the Banshee. I used to shy away from assaults for the most part minus the Victor and the occasional Stalker, but I gave the Banshee a shot and never looked back. I primarily use a 3E with three AC/5s and four medium lasers and I'm capable of going toe-to-toe with Dire Wolves if I get the jump on them. Its huge meaty arms are great for shielding your torso if you twist around and it can be surprisingly nimble, too. Word is the Banshee is the IS's best brawler, and I don't have a doubt in my mind that it's true.

[MischiefSC]

3M - 3xsrm6A.
3xML
Ammo.
Big engine.
A couple JJs.


Find a large brawler or brawler-loaded Timby. Hump his shoulder from behind.
People will shoot them first, step in and blow their face off.

[MischiefSC]

Or is the 3M the one that goes 4xSRM4, 1xERLL, JJs, ammo, big engine?

[Widowmaker1981]

Hi Lordred,

try this build for the 3M - ive played it extensively (my most played mech actually, since stats reset) and it works very nicely as a LRM skirmisher

GRF-3M

Swap ammo for more JJs / Armour to personal preference. i like having a lot of ammo for LRMs, as it allows you to take some more risky shots

Edited by Widowmaker1981, 24 July 2014 - 02:16 AM.

[Andross Deverow]

I like speed personally. Go fast with a decent punch.

GRF-1N - 3 Med Las, 3 SRM4A, XL340 and a few JJ. I rip apart slower mechs and lights legs fall off on their own when I look their way.
GRF-3M - 1 ER LL, 4 SSRM2, 1 Med Las, 7JJ, BAP & XL340. Another fun mech, a real good light hunter/killer. The ER LL is a good ranged poke.
GRF-1S - Havent played a ton with this one, still trying to decide on a good loadout. It only has 1 missle hardpoint so it isnt really worth using for me.

Regards

Edited by Andross Deverow, 24 July 2014 - 03:54 AM.

[Ngamok]

Since I got the Phoenix / Sabre package of course I have the 3 Griffins. Since I don't want to sell any of them, I wanted each to have a different flavor in builds or weapons. I do this with every chassis / variant combination (I own all the HBKs, GI too and each has a different build). So for me this is what I wound up doing:

GRF-1N

Ok, so everyone targets the right side on this. Fine, LRM and Medium Lasers then so I can stay alive. STD 250 to move around if I need to and brawl some with the mediums till I lose the side.

GRF-1S

SRM flavor and now missile tubes are on opposite side. So I don't lose everything if the right side gets taken out. Little faster than above, 4 of 7 jump jets to jump around. ER LL for those maps like Alpine that might turn into a stand off for some time or till I can close. I don't brawl with the ER LL unless I can manage the heat or need a kill shot super fast and override the shut down.

GRF-3M

Everyone's favorite Streak Boat. I am pretty sure I dumped the AMS for BAP though. Again ER LL for longer engagements. I don't like sitting around for stand off fights and not having the range. Also XL 325 for chasing down lights.

[Malleus011]

It took me a while to find Griffin builds that worked (but not as long as the Wolverine). XL300 is my minimum; anything else doesn't give enough speed. I tend to keep to the canon 'feel' of a big beam weapon and LRM's, though you must make compromises to deal with lights.

The laser/SRM builds seem extremely popular and effective as well.

[M0rpHeu5]

I see you are man enough to pilot the awesome and the locust. With tat in mind I suggest the dragon

Edited by M0rpHeu5, 24 July 2014 - 08:13 AM.

[Spheroid]

The only build I haven't scrapped. If you are going to utilize a shield arm you might as well go all out and be prepared to sacrifice the entire left side of the mech to survive.

GRF-1N

275 STD
Endo
Ferro (340)
6 JJ
2x LLAS
3x SRM4 (200)