7 replies to this topic

[Mechwho]

So I just managed to buy a brand new standard Thunderbolt TDR-9SE...but I have no idea how to balance a heavy mech yet.

I`ve manage to do well with mediums but I dont feel confortable tweaking with my thunderbolt mainly beacuse of its size class as I mentioned above and because (obviously) due to CP being a commodity that I for one find as worthy as the bucks in my RL wallet, I mean it...

So I realy would appriciate if the community could help me with this one, Im mainly looking for something that works like my wolverine wich is a mix of LRMs and AC but considering the lazer at my disposal in my Thunderbolt I would consider using those instead of ACs.

[Xetelian]

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...4353789af2339b2

Thats what I would run if I had that mech. I have the free one they gave away but this is a mix of 3 weapon systems.

2xER LL for 600m+ one high in the shoulder for poking over hills and one in the arm for poking out from cover.
2x LRMs anything < 1000m
3x ML for <600m damage

[Evogenesis]

On Tuesday it is getting the following quirks;

LT/RT +10
Large pulse laser heat generation -10%
Energy heat generation -10%
Large pulse laser range +10%
Energy range +10%
Energy cooldown 12.5%
Missle cooldown 12.5%

I'd try making a build around those quirks. Plus large pulse lasers are a fun weapon to use.

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...7f228079d2d232a

Edited by Evogenesis, 01 November 2014 - 06:50 PM.

[IllCaesar]

This is what I run:

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...a239c542236d974

A lot of punch and durability in short range, and you can even mix in LLs if the contact with the enemy is short-lived.

I'm thinking this for the new quirks:

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...b9734d74ad66a94

To be honest, this is probably my least favourite of the three Thuds I got from my Phoenix package. While the extra missile hardpoint is nice, the lack of energy hardpoints on the right torso means that you can't quite use the right arm to shield without losing a lot of firepower. On the 5SS, I can generally lose both arms and still have 90% of my firepower. Same goes for the 5S, depending on how you build it.

Edited by MarsAtlas, 01 November 2014 - 07:59 PM.

[JC Daxion]

Evogenesis, on 01 November 2014 - 06:41 PM, said:

On Tuesday it is getting the following quirks;

LT/RT +10
Large pulse laser heat generation -10%
Energy heat generation -10%
Large pulse laser range +10%
Energy range +10%
Energy cooldown 12.5%
Missle cooldown 12.5%

I'd try making a build around those quirks. Plus large pulse lasers are a fun weapon to use.

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...7f228079d2d232a

what a bummer,, I was really hoping for MPL's on the thunder bolt for it's biggest boosted weapon


Is there a list some place showing what all mechs are getting?




That said.. to the OP, I have run this mech with much success. In fact with this set up is is in my top 5 mechs in KDR out of 30 mechs, My Cicada 3m, raven 3L, ilya, and Cat C1 are the only ones that are better. to me the TDR's are highly under rated, most likely because they are not your typical meta. The idea with this mech is Long range sniping support, and then Light/medium mech wrecking. Stick with your heavies and assaults, adding damage. Then when one of those pesky lights, or mediums comes a knocking, you transform into a Vulture and take um down. It also works very well as a light/medium escort, as long as they are not running all the way across a very large map. The Bap takes down the ever so popular ECM, and seeing thunder bolts are not around as much as many mechs, the idea or a Fast heavy with Streaks+bap, just does not register with um till it is to late.

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...20715fed92f39b1

One great perk of this build is the Dual ERlarge arm mounted lasers. You have great range to fire, and can do the poke just one arm out around a corner so you are basically firing with max cover, and just barely an arm exposed. So while others have to show themselves, you can pop um with a dual ER hit, while they are trying to aim for a tiny spot.. as soon as you fire twist right, and your arm is back under cover which is way faster than backing up too.




Another option i do from time to time, is drop the streaks, and add an LRM, or go with SRM's for more of a brawler.. though this you should drop down to the XL-300 for the extra weight. Personally i never ran the thunder bolts with an STD but i do know people like it with one. One day i will try it i am sure.. Maybe with perks! so with an XL you really need to be careful, and do the twist for your life move. Along with make sure you use that left arm shield. If you die before losing that left arm, you are doing something wrong..

Good luck!

Edited by JC Daxion, 02 November 2014 - 01:58 PM.

[Evogenesis]

The full list of quirks can be found in this thread. The Thunderbolt SS is getting buffs to the MPL.

http://mwomercs.com/...he-test-server/

[IllCaesar]

Evogenesis, on 02 November 2014 - 08:12 PM, said:

Thunderbolt SS

I'm never going to be able to look at that variant the same way ever again now.

Brb, consulting Hugo Boss on how best to paint it.

[SnagaDance]

I've found Thunderbolts to be wholy unsuited to XL's, they lose a side torso far too easily. Then again, the standard engine they come with is actually quite ideal in getting you ok speed in combination with a sizable weapon load.

This build is the essence of the one I use: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...347f94f7d2e6b87

I must say that I'm VERY happy to see it get LPL boosts. They're in the arm for maximum targeting possibilities. That's an arm mounted AC/20 really but with a lower arm actuator.

You can also add Endo and drop a HS and go for any combi of JumpJets, BAP or AMS. As a Thunderbolt it's often underestimated but this emch will make them pay for their folly.