38 replies to this topic

[FitzSimmons]

I am an entirely average/mediocre player, which I freely admit. I've pulled 819 dmg and a 98 rating in a Cicada 3M, which is about 300 more damage than I've done in another light and medium. I'm also supplying ECM cover and can get around the field faster than any other non-cicada medium.

The variant has worked well for me. Knock it if you wish. The Shadowhawk seems like a nice chassis to me, and Kiiyor's extensive stats seem to bear that out. The Griffin seems like a underperforming heavy. I rarely am pressed heavily by them on the field. Shadowhawks, Hunchbacks, and occasionally Blackjacks have really ripped into me. Do with that what you will.

[TVMA Doc]

knightsljx, on 05 October 2014 - 06:12 PM, said:

Shadowhawks, no contest. Griffins are stronger with some builds but SHDs are much more versatile. 2K is the best variant, play it as a SRM brawler

If you wait a little, the Stormcrows are coming out. They pack more firepower and are just as agile as SHDs. The only downside is that SCRs have no JJs



How does his description sound like a Cicada? The Cicada is nothing like what he wants

I really like the Shadowhawk with dual AC5. The high mounted arms make it very easy to land most of the shots and have the added benefit of allowing you to hide behind terrain while firing. It does play like a heavy medium, but the hawk and the Centurion have typically been my favorite mediums.

[Gift of the Magi]

Wow, SO much advice! Thanks a bunch people! Ok, let's see if I can answer a few of the questions and clarify a bit.

My light chassis of choice is the Jenner. I kid you not, I run it with 4 Medium Lasers, AMS and a LRM5. I use it as a harassment and recon mech, with close support for my lance.

I have never considered myself a good player. Maybe ok but not good. I like to work with a team but I often find myself cut off and alone (either because I got curious about a certain area, trying to work an angle or just forgetting to watch the radar). Thus mobility and versatility to get my dumb backside out of trouble is helpful.

I prefer a simplier weapons lay-out due to lack of keypad (this is a laptop) and less to remember in a fight.

YES, I would like to see builds, because I don't have a good deal of experience working with them yet.

I do so love Jump Jets. My Jenner has scored a solo kill on a Dire Wolf by jumping from rooftop to rooftop above the mech's arm lift until I got a lucky head hit. I like being able to create new fire zones and opportunities for myself.

The Wolverine does look interesting, but I have little knowledge of it. Yet. Clan mechs normally do not interest me, but I admit it's mostly a looks-style thing and that back in the day I hated those guys in my Battletech games...

If I go Centurion, would it be worth getting the bundle?

I don't want to commit to ANY Hero mechs until I am sure I like the chassis to start with.

Normally I prefer lasers and maybe missiles to ballistics, but I only recently came back from a long haitus and it seems like ACs are getting a lot of love these days.

In a recent match, a player mentioned that in a few weeks MWO is going to add in a bunch of 'role-specific' modifiers to mechs. Anyone know much about this and should I hold on til this happens?

Thanks to everyone that replied! Once I decide what to get I will post it here for consideration and polite mockery.

[K0M3D14N]

FitzSimmons, on 06 October 2014 - 01:48 PM, said:

The Griffin seems like a underperforming heavy.

Then you've never come across an even half-decent Griffin pilot.



I run my Griffins with an XL-325 that I gutted from an old DRG-5N that I had gathering dust in my Mechbays. Play them like you would a big Commando- use your speed to get in, blow parts off wounded mechs (3x ASRM6 makes for a big punch), get back out again.

EDIT: Here's the build.

Edited by K0M3D14N, 06 October 2014 - 07:30 PM.

[Tesunie]

Some builds I have. Some are good, some need a certain finesse to operate well (and probably come not recommended if it isn't your playstyle.) (Warning: Armor placement is most likely not what I actually have for front and back armor. Ammo crits can be placed as desired.)

Shadowawhk 2H: This custom is one meant to out shoot your opponents over the long run. You almost never need to silence your weapons from heat, which can be helpful on very hot maps. While everyone else is shutting down, you can keep going. Light on weapons and instant punch. Use as support from within the team, getting your own locks when desired/safe.

Shadowhawk 2D2: Twin ERPPCs and 4 SSRM2s. This design is created for long range support, and able to handle fast mechs with the SSRMs if they decide to get close. Strangely enough, it's worked very well when it's had to rush the enemy formation, leading a charge. Chain fire the PPCs for heat control, and use the SSRMs when you are close and need to cool off for a bit. RUNS HOT! (Chain fire the SSRMs as well, if desired.)

Shadowhawk 5M: This mech is... different from your normal mechs. I find the combination of AC20 and LRMs to be pleasing, as you are rarely "useless" at any given range. The LRMs don't mind the slower speeds, and once people do get close to your "LRM boat", they tend to find the hard way that an AC20 hurts and you AREN'T a boat... Needs careful positioning. (Worked well for me. Can't say about anyone else here.)

Griffin 3M: The Griffin I find to be a very nimble mech. This loadout follows the same concept that my Stalker 3F does, a balance between long range (LRMs) and close range punch. Best to use it's jump to gain locks, lock on for your LRMs, and shoot. Is hot when it gets to the close in fighting, but can handle a lot, and run away from anything it honestly probably can't handle.

Griffin 1N: Lopsided build with all of your weapons to one side. I wasn't impressed with this design personally, as I found that arm was too easy to pop off. However, many people like having a shield. I'm sure this isn't the "best" design one can come up with...

Centurion AL: An older design of mine, but has proven itself competent for the battlefield. Use weapons at their intended ranges, poke the arm out of cover for sniping work, and it should serve itself well. Not the easiest loadout to use, I'll admit. Requires some patience and positioning knowhow. Does run a little warm.

Centurion 9D: The Gauss may look like it's the "main" weapon, but it kinda isn't. I placed two tons of ammo for the weapon for a reason, that arm tends to get ripped off easily, especially in closer combat. Thus, my goal is often to use the ammo completely before closing in for range. However, if needbe, I will sacrifice the Gauss arm to survive longer. (SSRMs may be replaced with LRMs or SRMs. I suggest SRMs (with missile bay doors left open) so you don't end up with almost no close range weapons after the arm is destroyed. Preference dictates here.)



For other mechs not on your list, but you may enjoy:
Cicada 3M: Load it up with 4 med pulse lasers and ECM, large XL engine, and heat sinks. Pair up your lasers into groups of 2. Also, dual ERLLs with ECM is a popular build (as well as PPCs and ERPPCs instead of lasers). An UAC5 3M is also rather interesting...

Cicada 3C (Hollander III): A strange mech built in honor of the Hollander mech, which is just a mech with a Gauss Rifle. Can also be done on the 3M with ECM, if desired... (It is a strange mech to use...)

Hunchback 4SP: If you like LRMs, and yet desired to still have that close in punch, this is a nice blend between the two. Sadly, no Jump on it for your preference. But, it might present a different playstyle for you to learn. Lasers can run you hot, so be careful on engaging too closely.

Dragon (Any variant): This might interest you, as it will run very close to your current described combat style. This mech likes to play with the lights, even though it's a heavy mech. I use this design as a light mech hunter, skirmisher, and flanker/harrasser. If you don't wish to have the SSRMs, you can always replace them with SRMs or two LRM5s (I'd remove BAP at that point then). I know it's a heavy mech, but you may wish to consider it a bit at least...

Quickdraw: Though my current actual build I don't have created on Smurfy (don't know why), it can work decently as a fast heavy with missiles and lasers. Very XL friendly, and can have jump. Similar to the Dragon honestly without the ballistic had point and with jump. May be of interest to you?

Stalker 3F: Here is a medium... hey! How did this get here? Anyway, if you ever feel like jumping to the assault class mechs, this might be a decent ride for you as well. Has some LRM support (helps counter it's slower speeds), while still having a lot of punch in close ranges (and can work well against light mechs with those SSRM2s).

Battlemaster 1G: Last one I'll post, and last one that isn't a medium. The Battlemaster is capable of creating many nice builds. This one here I treated it like an assault, but you can always place a fairly hefty engine in to go faster if desired. This one sounds similar to your Jenner build, but slower and with more weapons. The LRM rack is to help while you move into position, and the LL and UAC5 are for some longer range, direct fire weaponry. These are also your default cool down weapons. The 6 med lasers I use sparingly, as they quickly heat up the mech. I use them for either desperation moved (I'm gonna die anyway) or for targets that are slow or standing still inside optimum range (just melt a section). Med lasers are not for common use...



Just trying to provide some concepts and ideas. I feel it's important for one to expand on their skills, and to try out new things. Stepping out of the light chassis I feel is a great step out for you. Don't be afraid to experiment a bit and see what else may (or may not) work for you. For this, I suggest the Shadowhawk personally. I know it comes highly recommended (which isn't why I'm saying this), but it really is capable of doing just about any playstyle you might wish to do. It's got jump, so you can use it if you wish. It's got missiles and ballistics. Only thing most of them can't do is boat lasers, but they all can at least take some energy weapons still. (LLs might be more preferable here?)

I wish you luck, and if you have any questions, post here! I'll answer whatever I can, if I can.

Edited by Tesunie, 06 October 2014 - 07:27 PM.

[Soulscour]

Gift of the Magi, on 06 October 2014 - 06:41 PM, said:

I prefer a simplier weapons lay-out due to lack of keypad (this is a laptop) and less to remember in a fight.

YES, I would like to see builds, because I don't have a good deal of experience working with them yet.

If I go Centurion, would it be worth getting the bundle?

I don't want to commit to ANY Hero mechs until I am sure I like the chassis to start with.

Normally I prefer lasers and maybe missiles to ballistics, but I only recently came back from a long haitus and it seems like ACs are getting a lot of love these days.

In a recent match, a player mentioned that in a few weeks MWO is going to add in a bunch of 'role-specific' modifiers to mechs. Anyone know much about this and should I hold on til this happens?

First I will say that if you have purchased any MC at all you get a free Centurion AH later this month. For that reason you should not purchase the package and should not purchase the yen lo wang. The centurion AH is just like it but with 2 missile points instead of 2 energy points. Here is the most common centurion build is CN9-A . Its a 2 button mech that runs 96. Open missile doors with /

Secondly this is a common cicada build. CDA-2A or CDA-2B Its just like a jenner. How many more xl engines do you want to buy?

I recommend the Centurions and Hunchbacks because they both run well with cheap standard engines as upgrades. These are my 3 Hunchback builds HBK-4G , HBK-4SP , HBK-4P
They are ment to be played as escorts or in packs.

[Kmieciu]

Nightshade24, on 05 October 2014 - 06:40 PM, said:

It's a Medium mech (check)
It is fast like a light (check)
it has more firepower then lights (check)
it has more armour then lights (check)

What's wrong with cicada?

Ginormous CT hitbox.

[Elizander]

Gift of the Magi, on 05 October 2014 - 05:50 PM, said:

Hello,

I have been running lights for a while now and while I have enjoyed the speed and being the little wasp (snort) stinging the Big Boys, I have been looking into something with a bit more bang.

My preferences in Battlemechs trends toward speed and firepower, but also versatility. So right now I am looking at the Shadow Hawk, the Centurion and the Griffin. I like all the options of the Hawk, the firepower of the Centurion and that the Griffin has a bit of both. Jump Jets are very nice too.

But thanks to the store being less than helpful and Mechlab being a bit vague as a website, could you folks give me a bit of advice on which chassis I should invest in?

Thank you for your time.

The store is pretty useless for buying mechs. Russ said something about that himself in a previous Town Hall so let's hope for a UI overhaul.

To buy mechs and see what they actually do, go to Mechlab and you will see in the upper leftish of the screen it says "OWNED" in a drop down menu. Click that and select purchasable. You can then see all the mechs and you can click on them and access the 'Details' button in the lower right. The only bad thing is that after each time you check the details and press back you have to do the process all over again.

As for mech suggestions it's better to go for versatility if you don't already have a lot of mechs. The Griffin has no ballistics on anything and there is a Shadow Hawk variant that's almost like a Griffin (with 3 Energy and 3 Missile hardpoints).

If you like missiles I'd look at the Kintaro. It's a medium that can pack 4 SRM6s and an SRM4 (you can also add artemis to that) and it outmissiles the Griffin. Setback is no JJs I think. Versatility you with Shadow Hawk because it's one of the biggest mediums and has JJs. Centurions and Hunchbacks follow due to the diversity of their hardpoints, at least for me.

You can also get some crazy loadouts from Trebuchets but people don't like them.

TBT-7K 2xSRM4 2xML 1xAC20 Brawler Treb

[H I A S]

Because your Treb is too slow and have not enaugh Ammo.

[Cab]

Wait for the Stormcrow today ...

[FitzSimmons]

Gift of the Magi, on 06 October 2014 - 06:41 PM, said:

The Wolverine does look interesting, but I have little knowledge of it. Yet. Clan mechs normally do not interest me, but I admit it's mostly a looks-style thing and that back in the day I hated those guys in my Battletech games...

The Wolverine 7K was my first mech. I think it's a great beginner mech. LRM support, quick moving with enough armor that you survive mistakes often, jump jets, empty left side to learn torso twisting, you can zombie in it, etc.

That being said, I would not suggest it over the mechs listed above. It just doesn't pack enough punch.

[Wrathful-Khan]

I'd like to add +1 for Cicada. I started as a Hunchback pilot, I later upgunned to a Jager and really enjoyed it. After mastering and many many drops I decided to try my hands at lights, so I got a Jenner.

The Jenner was great fun and for some reason I decided to give Cicadas a go. I can't even remember what the motivation was. It was totally a whim and my expectations were low because people rag on them so much.

Mate. Getting in that Cicada changed my life. It fit me like a glove, it was the mech I always wanted to drive but didn't know it. It's fast enough to be where it counts, enough firepower to make a difference when it gets there and enough armour to sit on the line with the big boys if need be. If you can read the flow of battle and work with the team the Cicada can be a game changer.

Since mastering the CIcada I have also mastered many other mechs including Shawks, but I always come back to my CDA-3M.

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...09d3310a1df71ee

[Tzukasa]

Shadowhawk or Griffin is the way to go. They are used in competitive matches IE they are the best IS meds. The cent is kinda meh. Once the Stormcrow is out that is also a must. Those are the 3 to go with though for meds. Shadowhawk, Griffin, and Stormcrow.

[H I A S]

Tzukasa, on 07 October 2014 - 07:05 AM, said:

Shadowhawk or Griffin is the way to go. They are used in competitive matches IE they are the best IS meds. The cent is kinda meh. Once the Stormcrow is out that is also a must. Those are the 3 to go with though for meds. Shadowhawk, Griffin, and Stormcrow.

Yes, Shadowhawk and Griffin are the best IS-Mediums (Hitboxes/Hardpoints/Armor).

[Fubbit]

Lots of great information here on mediums. Go mediums!

There is a *mega* quirk pass coming through soon. (this month?)
I believe this will radically change how all mechs perform, and hopefully get them all much closer in terms of potential power.

I just thought it would be worth mentioning that investing heavily into any chassis right now may not be optimal. (Assuming there is a financial component to your decisions)

I am very excited to see the new quirks in place.

Cheers!

[Gift of the Magi]

Thank you to all that replied and offered advice. I had to spet away from the game for a while due to the holidays, work and family, but now I am back and have decided to try one of the Shadow Hawks first. If it works out I'll collect a set, but if not you folks have supplied a treasure trove of options to try out later.

Now I just have to decide which of the seven to take....

[Raggedyman]

Get a Hunchback.

It'll make you a god damn battlemech tyrannosaurus.

[Gift of the Magi]

Raggedyman, on 06 January 2015 - 04:43 AM, said:

Get a Hunchback.

It'll make you a god damn battlemech tyrannosaurus.

And apparently into Jesse 'The Body' Ventura. Hunchbacks do look nice, so once I pick a S-Hawk, I may take a Hunch or one of the others I am looking at too just to have something else to pilot and check out at the same time. Hey, it's not real money anyway.

[Kahadras]

I'm big fan of medium mechs. I started out with a Shadowhawk and there isn't a lot wrong with them. I've got three mediums at the moment which are a Shadowhawk 2K, a Wolverine 6K and a Cicada 2B (wub wub wub). The Wolverine's weak point is that all of it's firepower is carried on the right arm so once that's gone it's gg. I picked up the Shadowhawk to try to counter this problem by bringing the large pulse lasers into the torso.

IMHO the Cicada isn't really a medium mech but more of a heavy light mech. I've had really good games with it but I've had to use speed and mobility to get kills.

Edited by Kahadras, 06 January 2015 - 08:39 AM.