16 replies to this topic

[Kralizec242]

So I've been thinking about getting either an Orion or Cataphract to ease me back into playing IS mechs, after taking the easy mode with running the clanner route (and selling that wretched Catapult C4 that I'd started out with). I'd like to play a bit more of a brawler/marksman sort of route to where I can hang back ~500m, but still have the ability to dive right in and come out on top.

Which one do you prefer, and why? If not either of those; which one would you recommend?

Edited by Kralizec242, 17 October 2014 - 06:32 PM.

[Escef]

I prefer the Orion over the Cataphract, the combination of missile, ballistic, and energy hardpoints give you a lot more practical flexibility in your builds.

That said, for you I recommend the Cataphract. The side torso energy hardpoints are mounted high, giving them good ability to fire over terrain and light team mates. Put PPCs or large lasers there if you can. If you go with a standard engine you can cram an AC20 into your right torso on a 1X, 2X, or 3D. Speaking of the 3D Cataphract, it's combination of ballistics and jump jets make it a strong contender for best mech in the game.

The drawbacks of the Cataphract are that the arm weapons are low and somewhat widely spaced, there will be times your weapons' fire clips a building, low rise, or team mate by accident (note that Orions also suffer from this to a lesser extent). Specific model drawbacks also exist, The 2X's two missile hardpoints have only 4 tubes, so large launchers will volley fire, which makes AMS more useful against it. The 4X is slow due to having a small max engine size, and its best trick (the arm ballistics) is done better on the Jagermech.

I will also point out that the Cataphract Hero, the Ilya Muromets, is one of the best mechs in the game. The Cataphract Mastery bundle is a pretty good deal. For less than you'd pay for an Ilya, 2 mech bays, and 30 days premium time you get all that plus a third bay, a Champion 3D Cataphract, a 4X Cataphract, and the Cataphract statue cockpit item (useless, but if you end up liking 'phracts you may want to pop it into one of your mechs). (Note: the Orion bundle is also a good deal, but I really think you'd be better off with the 'phracts.)

[Haydin]

Hold out a little bit and see the upcoming IS quirk passes. The CTF-3D is incredibly good, but variants like the 2X and 1X are tier 5, so will be receiving some BIG buffs. Orions will get some too, so you should choose what you like then.

[STEF_]

If I would read this thread 1 month ago, I would say "CTF without a doub!".
But with the c-bills earned with "wortly adversaries 2" event, I decided to buy 3 Orion reading these amazing threads:

http://mwomercs.com/...e-of-the-orion/

http://mwomercs.com/...ughts-opinions/

I really enjoyed mastering ON1-V/VA/K in a blink. Don't listen to people saying they are subpar: that means that they don't know how to use it.
Orions are not easy but they work marvelous in team play.
That said, Ilya and ctf-3d are optimal platforms.

[IraqiWalker]

Kralizec242, on 17 October 2014 - 06:09 PM, said:

So I've been thinking about getting either an Orion or Cataphract to ease me back into playing IS mechs, after taking the easy mode with running the clanner route (and selling that wretched Catapult C4 that I'd started out with). I'd like to play a bit more of a brawler/marksman sort of route to where I can hang back ~500m, but still have the ability to dive right in and come out on top.

Which one do you prefer, and why? If not either of those; which one would you recommend?

Wait for the quirk passes (November 4th, I believe). Also, the possibly coming-soon IS mech pack.

[juxstapo]

Wait and see, quirk pass, possible mech packs, get a Cataphract.... nick nack Cataphract.

Not to try and stir the pot or anything, so just wait and see, or try the champions, no.. just get a Phract.
Brawl? Jump Jets on the 3D
Snipe? High shoulder energy points on most of 'em.
Dakka? 2x and Ilya
Missles? uhh.. jump jets on the 3D.

seriously though, I was going to fence straddle but that "brawler/marksman" remark nailed it. I say invest in Phracts.

Edited by juxstapo, 19 October 2014 - 02:31 PM.

[NUJRSYDEVIL]

The Orion has been my least favorite mech to pilot in the entire game.

The Cataphract is a fun mech which usually dominates the game. Is the 3D the ultra expensive one?

Anyways I would wait until November like others have posted. Had I not bought my Stormcrow MC I would have got an Ilya Muromets, but plan on getting a 3D next month.

[juxstapo]

Yea, the 3D might cause sticker shock but believe me, it's worth it.
However the Mastery Bundle Escef pointed out is a fabulous deal if you're of a mind to drop some bux

[IraqiWalker]

I would recommend you check out the Grasshopper as well, everyone talks about the CTF-3D, but that's one variant of the chassis. While every GHR variant has JJs, and similar hardpoints to the 3D.

[Kodyn]

I'm absolutely in love with my 3D, and hated the Orions I've tried(only due to hitboxes), so I may be a bit biased.

The thing that i think a lot of people neglect to realize about the 'Phract is that it's tough. You can run an XL with one and still outlast most heavies and assaults, just by the nature of it's hitboxes, and the places people shoot on it. I often find myself with both arms still at the end of matches, and it doesn't have that magnetic CT that Orions suffer from. You can perform equally well with good teamwork, or solo, if you're caught out.

Also, a properly fit 3D can mow down nearly any clan med-heavy with little issue, assuming equal or lower piloting skill on the opponent. "Don't solo clanners!" is for people learning IS mechs, once you get comfortable, there's some IS chassis that will rock clanner worlds, and the 3D is one of them.

[Lawrence J Flagg]

It really comes down to what weapons you use on your mech. Sounds like you want to use either ac2's or gauss, or ppcs, or large lasers. If you are a marksman at ~500m the champion dragon is a great choice. Low heat and solid range. It can go really fast too if you get the 325+ engine in there so people won't be able to hit you. Bonus mech module to boot. I would recommend target info gathering, advanced sensor range, and advanced zoom modules. Once you buy the range weapon modules for your weapons you can even shoot at mechs that are further away. I have found that you can peek around corners really easily, and sometimes you can easily get headshots on mechs. Great underrated mech. Oh and it looks great in phranken.

[zeta44]

I use a catatphract, the variant i own can eat bullets then swallow the leftovers with no problem, I have had so many missiles hit that thing from base turrets, still keeps moving. As for build I like to use an ultra ac10 and a standard one set up to fire independently or together along with an LRM 10,and an Er large laser. Then i exchange all of that so I can carry heated seats

[Chiasson Brinker]

I've found that the Orion is my pick of the IS heavies, followed a close second by the Catapults. Both of which really liven up with full efficiencies. Last night I had a game where I got 5 kills, just shy of 500 total damage using the unique Orion, Protector. Stock engine, upped armour, and running 2 Large Lasers, 1 ER Large Laser, an LBx10 and an active probe.

[Dawnstealer]

What everyone else has said, but my Phract 4X is the most ferocious brawler I have:

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...9f942cef2597b40

[Macksheen]

The 4xAC5 CTF-4X is going to get a wee bit scarier too.

[The Trumpet of Gabriel]

I personally like both. They can both be very effective, but I would say the Cataphract is easier to pilot.

[Shaemus Shadow]

Macksheen, on 30 October 2014 - 05:29 PM, said:

The 4xAC5 CTF-4X is going to get a wee bit scarier too.

I just bought the 4X and it is a beast. I still have the ST 210 in it so it is REALLY slow but I have been able to back off 2 mechs that were hitting me at the same time by firing back with my 3xAC5 and 2 mpl. You can put 4xAC5 on it but I wanted the mpl for pesky lights which haunt me because I am so slow I cannot keep up with the herd in PUGs.

Edited by Shaemus Shadow, 14 November 2014 - 12:24 PM.