4 replies to this topic

[5LeafClover]

I've had my 3D for a long while now, but have recently got round to acquiring my trio. I opted for the 1X and 2X, which seem fairly similar in many ways but also seemed more flexible to me than the oddball 4X.

Here's what I'm currently running with reasonable success. Both as Flexi-brawlers in their own way:

CTF-1X
(STD300, AC10, PPC, 2xMPL)
Has good pin-point damage at mid range, with two of the crucial 10dmg weapons. You have to get in close for the MPLs to be useful, but they add some of punch lost by the PPC below 90m.


CTF-2X
(STD280, AC5, 2xLL, SRM4, SRM6)
Slower, and lacks some of the punch at range, but the SRM10 makes a nice mess of baddies at point blank.

I'm looking to hone my loadouts to take them to the next level and wondered what are other people running?

Edited by 5LeafClover, 25 September 2014 - 12:55 PM.

[Ultimax]

I skipped the 2X personally, but for the 1X your proposed build looks decent.


You might also try a full on close range high firepower variant like this:

1X: AC 20 + 5 MLAS

Or a long range hill humper like this:

1X: Gauss + 2x ER LLAS + 2x MLAS



The first one has good speed, good close range firepower, good survivability.

The second one wants to play at 400-600m, using the 325xl to help maintain range and you really want to lean heavily on the 2x ER LLAS at the start of the match because they are mounted very high, and you can keep most of your armor in tact by humping ridges and keeping most of your body hidden.

[MasterBLB]

Some improvements to ponder on:
CTF-1X - long range sniping build which also has good DPS in close quarter battles.The build 5xML+AC20 shown above is also rock solid,but I think you'd like to have something a bit different than CTF-2X.
A hint - 2X has only 4 tubes,so SRM6 is fired in 2 salvos 4+2 which decreases accuracy.
Another approach to CTF-2X - fast striker.You have 20 pinpoint strike,30 if you can lead a component against slower mechs.To fight these annoying lights you have double streaks and arm-mounted LPL.

Edited by MasterBLB, 25 September 2014 - 10:48 PM.

[PeeWrinkle]

I use this when playing the 2X. I really like the build however there were two chasis leveling points that really stood out for me. The first was after unlocking all the basic skills and the second was after unlocking speed tweak. After basics I became so much better in the mech, and after getting speed tweak it was even more effective. I guess two times basic was also pretty good as it really improved my twisting, heat management capabilities, and mobility but was not as noticeable to me as the first two points.

As you can tell by the config this is a 100% short range brawler. Don't wonder off alone because even with the STD engine you will go down quick. Stick with your teammates and unleash those missiles and AC20 at close range. I used the MLs sparingly at close range just to avoid shutting down, especially on hot maps. When closing I would use the MLs till about 200M, then I would use the AC20's and SRM4's with occasional laser support. Obviously this varied somewhat, but that was the general gist. I haven't played the 2x in a while, but I may have to try it again now that I have the AC20 cooldown module. I wonder how firing that AC20 faster would effect its performance?

The only other Cataphracts I have are the Ilya and the 3M so I can't really help with the 1X. I remember when I was trying to decide between the 1X and 2X as my third the 1X had more forum love. Probably why I chose the 2X, just wanted to be different! LOL

[ShadowbaneX]

This is what I use for the CTF-2X. It's similar to what I use for the 3D, only that drops the SRMs and it's ammo for JJs. My Victor-9K is a combination of the two, ie ER PPC, LB-10/X, 2x SRM4, 2 MLs & JJs with a 350 XL.

I tried some AC/20 Cataphracts but just never seemed to get the results I wanted.