9 replies to this topic

[Grimbloodz]

I could really use some advice today, im having a few problems with this 'Mech and need some opinions.

I got this (as its on sale) And ofc, it looks quite nice as well, and in the classic Battletech game, it always seemed to do quite well.

My play style is best described as alternate LRM attacks and fire support, with light a/c guns or ER lasers. I find this "Sniper" role works well for me, and hovering the mouse over the 'Mechs info before purchase, it looked very promising indeed.

I keep my loadouts simple, i prefer 2 simple weapon groups, 1 for each task.

When i purchased it, i removed its weapons and started a blank slate.

Engine slowed to a STD 260 (70.01 kph) and 2 JJ's removed (i actually don't feel any difference in its jump power, which is very odd)

Endo Steel, FF armour and Artemis added, as well as double heat-sinks to deal with my lasers.

Armour was then maxed, and i have 2 ER large lasers, and a LRM 15 system w/4.5 tons of ammo and CASE. Thats it, simple and strong)

What im finding is that the Quickdraw (I named my McGraw, reference to a old Hanna Barbera cartoon) attracts fire from everyone, possibly because its well known for having less armour than a feather pillow, and is almost as large as an Atlas!

Also today especially the game is plagued by LRM/ECM combo machines, in my last battle EVERY enemy 'Mech had at least an ECM system, and 9 of them had at least a LRM 5. So, if i try and snipe, everyone seems to spot me, and ofc i am careful, and i use my head (i even stay in the middle of our ECM mechs) I use cover, move back, i have even tried powering down to break target locks.

Is there a better build for this 'Mech to match my playstyle? Or is today simply "One of THOSE days?"

Thanks All

Grim

Edited by Grimbloodz, 18 August 2014 - 07:28 AM.

[Grimbloodz]

OK i admit, the last 2 battles, this mech has been very very good indeed

[Tesunie]

Well, I have a Quickdraw 4H as well, and I do like my Quickdraw personally. I'd have to ask a few questions though about your design before I can continue too much farther: (If you could build your mech on Smurfy, that wold be great)
- Do you have an "LRM15" total after all launchers, or literally only a single LRM15 system? Your max tubes you have is 10, so you would be better off probably doing an LRM10 and an LRM5.
- Quickdraws are really XL safe. I'd actually remove the Std engine and replace with with a similar weight XL engine.
- Your side torsos are very hard to hit, so I'd just place any ammo into those areas. Avoid the legs, especially if you intend to try jumping to shift damage. A lot of people seem to aim for a Quickdraw's leg.
- The mech is tall, but it tends to actually be a benefit I find. It's tall, but thin. I also have been known to try and twist damage into my arms if I can, as I'll happily sacrifice my arms to stay alive a bit longer.
- The twisting damage into arm's statement brings up another question, do you have you LLs in your arms (for extra mobility with them) or your side torso?
- Do you have artemis on your build? It's optional, but might help your missile performance a bit. If you can, or have to choose, take a TAG (if you have the extra weapon grouping, I changed shift to be an extra weapon grouping for me and my 2 button mouse (excluding mouse wheel which is zoom)).
- How many JJs do you have? I find 2 use to be effective. Now, lately, 2 barely even gets my mech to hover on the ground... I might have to retest this, but I think something is wonky with the Quickdraw's JJs...

A tactic I tend to use often with my jumping missile based mechs is to get a lock, and then jump backwards while shooting my LRMs at my target. Then I'll drop behind the cover I was around before hand. With a tall mech such as the Quickdraw (or even Shadowhawk, etc), I also often barely get my cockpit over a ridge or terrain piece to get a lock, then unload with my LRMs. I've even been known to use my JJs to "snipe" with my LRMs. Jump over an obstacle, get a lock, and shoot my LRMs. (Or, if someone else already has a lock for me, jump to clear the obstruction, and then open up with my LRMs. Either way...)

The Quickdraw is a very nice mech, but it suffers from the same things a Dragon does. What that is? Being the lightest heavy around. Just like the Dragon though, if it was classified as a medium mech, it'd probably be considered one of the best mechs in the game... With it's "heavy" classification tag, people expect it to preform like a Cataphract or a Jagermech (which it can if played well and in the right hands). Every mech in the "lightest" spot for it's class has this flaw. Look at the Locust, Dragon, and Awesome for references...

Once I can see your build on Smurfy (or some other online mechlab of your choice) , I will probably be able to provide more advice for you...

[Rear Admiral Tier 6]

Quickdraws really like XL-engines,with 340 XL or higher,it really handles like a light.

4G is actually a better brawler,since it has better torso twist.

But there are couple of nice brawler setups for 4H with STD engines like this

5K is the best variant,and comes with DHS and FF armor so its cheap to kit out,best IS laserboat imo.

Dont bother with the IV4 if you hate UAC5:s,those are the only weapons that are viable in it.

I run my 4H with XL355 which gives it a top speed of 105 kph after speed tweak,4 medium lasers,3 srm4:s,2jjs,endo/ferro.

Edited by Cookiemonter669, 18 August 2014 - 09:00 AM.

[Grimbloodz]

Thanks guys, i have never used "smurfy" as a build program before, ill try later. I do have artemis, and i have a single LRM-15, so i will split that. My Lasers are in my RT and Right Arm, launchers in the left torso. I will also save for a nice XL engine, i think i made that choice as im used to mediums like the Hunchback, that seem to do better with them. So ty for that advice, and the twisting advice - ty
I will link a loadout in a few minutes

Edited by Grimbloodz, 18 August 2014 - 09:25 AM.

[Grimbloodz]

http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/mechlab#i=83&l=add17b86718a7edae6e2982b8ef4eb6c0dac676d">QKD-4H this is basically it atm

Edited by Grimbloodz, 18 August 2014 - 09:32 AM.

[Grimbloodz]

http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/mechlab#i=83&l=add17b86718a7edae6e2982b8ef4eb6c0dac676d">McGraw</a>

[Tesunie]

It looks decent, but my suggestion to try and improve it a bit more: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...71716f57faac81b

I had to remove FF armor, but you saved tonnage on the engine. I changed the engine to an XL300, which is still faster than your old engine. I seperated your LRM15 into an LRM10 and an LRM5. This means instead of shooting off two volleys of 10/5, you will shoot off one volley of 15 at a given target.

As for LLs, this is a preference thing. I'd either place each into the arms for mobility and flexibility when shooting them, or I'd shift them into the side torso for safety and better concentrated fire (the beams cross almost the same path, so it's easier to shoot around stuff), and they are also higher in the torso.

I moved the JJs into the torso, as you are probably more likely to lose a leg, and when you lose a leg you want to have that extra jump to try and evade damage. A target that moves, in any direction, is just that much harder to kill. If you can't run, you might as well jump a bit... This is up for preference as it probably doesn't overly matter.

I also managed to squeeze on 2 additional heat sinks, which should help with your ERLLs heat control...

(Take or leave this advice as you wish. Experiment and do as you feel you must. It's your mech, and your game. Only making some friendly suggestions here.)

[Grimbloodz]

Thank you very much dude!

[The Bionic Platypus]

I've had the best luck with triple Large Laser builds and 1/2 mech builds lately, so why not do both?

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...1ddf0e94e351593


Bonus:

You can use the same build on all 3 variants with the standard engine, making it a very cost effective way to master this chassis!