19 replies to this topic

[Bangarang Rufio]

Since I've started MWO, I've always thought the Cataphracts were among the coolest looking mechs in the game. I really want to start playing them, but usually when I ask for starting advice, the immediate response is "Just go play a Timberwolf." Well, I don't like Timberwolves. Is investing into Cataphracts a wise decision, or should I go with my second choice of a Shadowhawk?

[Tastian]

Cataphracts are great. They start out weird and they have low monkey arms; but the new quirks really help the 1x and 2x and the 3d is a beast. DO IT.

[rangergord]

I was looking at cataphracts for my next chassis too. How is the unquirked 3D faring against the rest of the variants? Also on the 2X, is everyone running both the AC20 and the SRM4's to take advantage of all the quirks? It looks like what you end up with is a slow brawler and in the current lurmstorm environment (at least in solo queue) slow brawlers are at a disadvantage. Alternatives I'm considering are 2ERLL + AC20 and 2ERLL + AC10 + 2SRM4 with an XL.

[August55]

Quad AC/5 CTF-4X Build, do it now! It was OP when it started to exist but now it is even better as an anti-clammer mech. Ilya with triple U-AC/5 + 2ML aint bad either.

Edited by August55, 08 November 2014 - 08:05 AM.

[Quxudica]

Bangarang Rufio, on 07 November 2014 - 10:24 PM, said:

Since I've started MWO, I've always thought the Cataphracts were among the coolest looking mechs in the game. I really want to start playing them, but usually when I ask for starting advice, the immediate response is "Just go play a Timberwolf." Well, I don't like Timberwolves. Is investing into Cataphracts a wise decision, or should I go with my second choice of a Shadowhawk?

Phract used to be my bread and butter long time ago, was averaging a 4.00 KDR in solo queue with one. Times have changed but they can still break muster if you play them right. Key thing to keep in mind are the low slung arms and the very vulnerable side torsos. These two characteristics can be very problematic given the prevalence of FLPPD in today environment. That said these puppies can pack a mean punch and carry pretty decent speed at the same time (well all but the quad ballistic variant). You don't want to attract attention if you can avoid it when running an XL, which you may want to do if you are good at protecting your sides as it greatly increases your loadout flexibility. Shadow other mechs that grab attention and lend some fire support, try to avoid 1v1ing if you can without a STD.

[Gettodachoppa]

I just invested in the CTF-3D chasis, i have the 4x ML and 2x LB10 setup, it works ok, what seems to be the preferred build these days for the different CTF chasis?

[Kali Rinpoche]

Gettodachoppa, on 10 November 2014 - 09:36 PM, said:

I just invested in the CTF-3D chasis, i have the 4x ML and 2x LB10 setup, it works ok, what seems to be the preferred build these days for the different CTF chasis?

The Phract's are my favorite IS Chassis. Here is a basic, standard engine version of the 3D I use. It's not a fancy, high burst damage build. It's more of a fringe fighter that can put down fire to stop an advance, but really excels at chewing up damaged opponents. One on one it can hold its own by protecting its right side until its time to chew up your foe. Less that 600 damage in it is a bad round.

CTF-3D

The quirk system has brought new life to the whole Phract family. I have all of them mastered and love them all.

Notes:
1. The 4X is the hardest to master b/c of its slow top speed. 3 AC 5's, 2ML, lots of ammo.
2. The 1X is my favorite 5ML + AC20. 4 tons ammo and DHS to fill the rest.
3. I play the 2x with Gauss, MLs, SRM4.
4. On the Ilya - The AC's of your choice and MLs. I like 2 Ac10s personally.
5. They all have good torso twist range and speed when mastered.
6. Don't run XL engines generally. If you must run XL, run 300's on the Ilya.
7. While you can do some light brawling, you can't go toe to toe with Clan Dakka boats unless you catch them from behind.

Edited by Kali Rinpoche, 17 November 2014 - 08:51 AM.

[Captain Stiffy]

Anyone have a 3xAC/10 muromets build which includes at least some lasers?

[Kin3ticX]

Captain Stiffy, on 12 November 2014 - 05:41 PM, said:

Anyone have a 3xAC/10 muromets build which includes at least some lasers?

I suspect they will change the quirks for that mech to Ultra-5s since you cant seriously fit 3xAC10s.

[Captain Stiffy]

Kin3ticX, on 12 November 2014 - 06:23 PM, said:

I suspect they will change the quirks for that mech to Ultra-5s since you cant seriously fit 3xAC10s.

god i hope so pgi please

[DrSlamastika]

Definitely YES ! ! !
One of the best chassis. Just dont be afraid of XL engine.

My favourites:

1. CTF-4X: 4x AC5 + 2x ML

2. ILYA MUROMETS: 3x UAC5 + 3x ML

3. CTF-3D: 1x GAUSS GUN + 2x PPC

Edited by DrSlamastika, 12 November 2014 - 06:46 PM.

[Creag]

DrSlamastika, on 12 November 2014 - 06:41 PM, said:

Definitely YES ! ! !

One of the best chassis. Just dont be afraid of XL engine.

+1 as Dr says don't be afraid XL engine, I love mine Pharacts

[HlynkaCG]

Creag, on 12 November 2014 - 06:45 PM, said:

+1 as Dr says don't be afraid XL engine, I love mine Pharacts

Agreed but don't be afraid of a standard either. 300 std engine and an AC20 still leaves you plenty of tonnage for ammo, armor and backup weapons.

[Tim East]

I used a dual AC5 dual AC2 4X for a while and it was alright. Those low arms though...so many bullets wasted on hills.

[STEF_]

Do it!

Maybe it's the best heavy IS chassis.

Ilya, you can load any dakka you want.
D3, JJ maneuverability.
X2.

They have good energy hardpoints in ST.
You can mount both xl or standard engine, there are good loadouts for both engines, depending on what you want to do in the battlefield.
If you don't want to spend real money with the ilya, 1x and x4 are real different.
Energy and more speed for 1x, pure dakka but slow is the x4. The problem here is that all those dakkas weight a lot, so you must take an xl... and still you are slow, while the enemies are pretty happy to hit your ST....

[Flak Kannon]

Ah...

My first love.


My first mech with my Cadet bonus went to the 4x. I learned tough love... Spiders and Jenners ATE MY ASS UP!

But we grew together, into better pilots and better mechs.

I own them all. I play them often. I love each one for different reasons.

Ilya was my Russian mistress for a LONG time. Our secret? (3)LBX10's 2 ML, XL225, and 105 rounds. Many won't understand our love, but it WRECKED many, many a face before them dirty clanner showed up. We retired our love... and adopted old faith triple UAC5's triple ML. Can't break what was never broken.

The 4x is fun as a fire support mech, but is vulnerable to the LRM storm washing over the game. Two AC5's, two AC2's, lotta ammo... and dakka. Fun, Fun, Fun, Frustrating when unsupported, and the LRM rain starts.


The 3D is just a sexy bitcxh. I have this one fun build with her.... It's a beauty.. One LBX10, one AC10, 4 medium lasers. Try it before you knock it.

The newer Cata's in my stable are the 1x and 2x. pretty typical builds for these paternal twins. One is more beastly with an AC20, the other came outta the womb with a smaller AC10. But have many medium lasers... one has enjoi'ed a sprinkling of SRM4's..

Quirks make this game more fun... so dont think you HAVE to MIN/MAX the Cataphract. Do what feels right!

Edited by Flak Kannon, 13 November 2014 - 06:25 PM.

[NUJRSYDEVIL]

I need help from my fellow Cata pilots. I'm fed up and about to sell my 3D. I've found a happy medium with the rest of my mechs (I'm mainly a light pilot) but the Cata is constantly disappointing me.

My build is a 3D with a 280XL Engine, 2 ULTRA AC5, 1 ERLL, and 2 ML for defensive purposes.

The Ultra AC5s jam way too often and make brawling difficult. I also feel that the 3D is extremely under armored as I am getting opened like a tin can time after time. I've had more success in fire fights with my Jenner than the Cata.

I need some advice before I sell this thing, It Alphas at only 29 damage IIRC and cannot hold it's own with other heavies, and assaults.

Edited by NUJRSYDEVIL, 16 November 2014 - 01:05 PM.

[KeefCheef]

NUJRSYDEVIL, on 16 November 2014 - 01:04 PM, said:

I need help from my fellow Cata pilots. I'm fed up and about to sell my 3D. I've found a happy medium with the rest of my mechs (I'm mainly a light pilot) but the Cata is constantly disappointing me.

My build is a 3D with a 280XL Engine, 2 ULTRA AC5, 1 ERLL, and 2 ML for defensive purposes.

The Ultra AC5s jam way too often and make brawling difficult. I also feel that the 3D is extremely under armored as I am getting opened like a tin can time after time. I've had more success in fire fights with my Jenner than the Cata.

I need some advice before I sell this thing, It Alphas at only 29 damage IIRC and cannot hold it's own with other heavies, and assaults.

Try 2x UAC5 4xML
or my personal favorite, 2x AC10 4xML
If you're losing your side torsos, AC20 4xML is a good std engine build.

[Big Tin Man]

Most important thing on the phracts, take the low ground and fire up. The low slung arms mean you'll bury shots into the ground all the time. Firing downhill means you're totally on the edge of a ridge to shoot, and you're totally open.

Loved the quad ac5 4x. Stumble up to the brawl late and mow people down, or pluck from range. low heat means you can fire forever.

Ran dual gauss and triple LBX 10 on the ilya. My first hero, and well worth it.

Never liked the 2x, and didn't spring for the 3D when it was the AC5/PPC meta poptart baby, but people love it

Edited by Big Tin Man, 17 November 2014 - 09:03 AM.

[RetroActive]

I'm surprised nobody's mentioned the dual gauss + 4 medlas 3D! Jumping dual gauss is very fun. Or you can forego the JJs and corner snipe. Both the gauss are on the right side of your mech, so corner peeking works great. Your left arm only has a medlas on it, so it makes a good shield arm to protect that XL engine.