19 replies to this topic

[Todo Sandybanks]

If you are new or even a veteran that wants to start playing lights and be better than okay, then this is the guide for you.

In this QUICK guide we will cover some BASIC things,

1. Tactics
2. Builds
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1. Tactics
____________________________________________________________________________

Okay so you wanna know this: You are a light which means..... use your speed, use your ecm [raven 3l, commando 2d, spider 5d, locust pirates bane], and NEVER go at a mech 60tons+ straight on. Utilize faster mediums to help you in your cause, if you have a 55 ton mech on your team going 100+ stay with him you can provide him a distraction or ecm [if one of the mechs i listed] while he tears up the badboys [60tons+].
CAPTURE!!!: You are the fastest mech on your team! Capture just one light can change the fate of a conquest or assault game!

Take this quick quiz to see if you passed this section. [try to answer without looking]

1. Which mechs did i list that have ecm?
2. What mech weight should you not go head to head with?
3. what mech weight did i say goes fast that can aid you?
4. what are lights really good for?



__________________________________________________________________________
2. Builds
__________________________________________________________________________

The build you have varies with what play style you want to use, example: I want a fast critical hit build with lasers, I would select either the spider 5K with 1 large laser or 4 machine guns, or a Ember with 4 machine guns and 4 medium lasers [If you do not wanna drop the money for the hero the firestarter H works too], so if you know what you wanna do you can then figure out what mechs, weapons, engines are best for that the play type.
Here are some common builds for lights:
spider 5k: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...978ab80638fefbe
Firestarter ember: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...3aba6c54f579432
Firestarter H: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...96ea1976bb6c1e2
Raven 3L: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...09510316fcc9d22
Mainly you just wanna play with what you like and find out what mechs you want.

Take this quick quiz to see if you passed this section. [try to answer without looking]

1. What mechs did I mention for fast critical hit with lasers mech?

a. Spider 5k,ember,firestarter H

b. Raven 3l, commando 2d, spider 5d

c. None of the above.

2. What do you want to do for finding the right mechs and builds?



If you answered correctly on all quiz questions you have passed! Thanks for reading and good luck! Need anymore help just PM me or send me a friend request and invite me to a public group and I’ll help if I can.
PS: this is just a QUICK and BASIC guide to lights not supposed to be an advanced guide.

[TercieI]

I hate to be this guy, but none of those are common builds (well, the Ember at least has the right guns for the common build) and each contains at least one fundamental error.

SDR-5K: There's simply no reason not to run an ERLL in place of the LL. Also, you put ammo in the legs of a light, where everyone shoots.

Ember: You should never strip leg armor on a light...and then you put ammo there? And two tons of MG ammo is plenty. Additionally, the XL290 weighs the same as the XL295, so there's never a reason to use it. Finally, you have armor stripped and 14 free slots and no Ferro Fibrous armor.

FS9-H: The only common build on this is 6ML. 2MGs is anemic. Also, mixing SPLs and MLs is bad because it means you don't have a good engagement range. Also, see Ember comments about XL290 and available slots and missing FF.

RVN-3L: This build is incredibly dated. The only common build on the RVN-3L is 2ERLL, though one sees brawler versions with dumb fire SRMS occasionally. IS streaks are pretty useless now. Even when this build was common, there are two major errors with your version. First, you have armor stripped legs on the most hittable light legs in the game and you have ammo in those legs. Second, the BAP is pretty pointless. When ECM is equipped, it loses its counter ability, so that's a poor use of 1/5 tons. Again, FF missing with available slots.

Edited by Terciel1976, 13 February 2015 - 08:41 PM.

[Todo Sandybanks]

Terciel1976, on 12 February 2015 - 02:43 PM, said:

I hate to be this guy, but none of those are common builds (well, the Ember at least has the right guns for the common build) and each contains at least one fundamental error.

SDR-5K: There's simply no reason not to run an ERLL in place of the LL. Also, you put ammo in the legs of a light, where everyone shoots.

Ember: You should never strip leg armor on a light...and then you put ammo there? And two tons of MG ammo is plenty. Additionally, Also, the XL290 weighs the same as the XL295, so there's never a reason to use it. Finally, you have armor stripped and 14 free slots and no Ferro Fibrous armor.

FS9-H: The only common build on this is 6ML. 2MGs is anemic. Also, mixing SPLs and MLs is bad because it means you don't have a good engagement range. Also, see Ember comments about XL290 and available slots and missing FF.

RVN-3L: This build is incredibly dated. The only common build on the RVN-3L is 2ERLL, though one sees brawler versions with dumb fire SRMS occasionally. IS streaks are pretty useless now. Even when this build was common, there are two major errors with your version. First, you have armor stripped legs on the most hittable light legs in the game and you have ammo in those legs. Second, the BAP is pretty pointless. When ECM is equipped, it loses its counter ability, so that's a poor use of 1/5 tons. Again, FF missing with available slots.

Okay guys listen to this guy to he got some knowledge about lights it seems so hit him up too if you need any help.

[SethAbercromby]

I hate to be that second guy and I always appreciate when someone decides to write a guide, but the guide feels way to rushed and skimps on a large deal of information regarding to the tips you thew out there with no explanation.

When writing here, you have to assume your reader to be at beginner-level knowlege. That is not being fully aware of the proper rules of enagegment, target slection, overall awareness and at the very least which mediums usually can go more than 100 kph. (besides, regarding question 1.2, you don't want to go head to head with any other 'mech, not just the obvious targets, also 1.4 is way too ambigious in light of the multitude of specialized roles a light can take)

As someone who is just transitioning into learning Lights after having gathered at least some experience with all other weight classes, I don't think this guide is all that helpful, neither for veterans that want to try a new set of 'Mechs nor a complete beginner.

[Todo Sandybanks]

SethAbercromby, on 12 February 2015 - 02:55 PM, said:

I hate to be that second guy and I always appreciate when someone decides to write a guide, but the guide feels way to rushed and skimps on a large deal of information regarding to the tips you thew out there with no explanation.

When writing here, you have to assume your reader to be at beginner-level knowlege. That is not being fully aware of the proper rules of enagegment, target slection, overall awareness and at the very least which mediums usually can go more than 100 kph. (besides, regarding question 1.2, you don't want to go head to head with any other 'mech, not just the obvious targets, also 1.4 is way too ambigious in light of the multitude of specialized roles a light can take)

As someone who is just transitioning into learning Lights after having gathered at least some experience with all other weight classes, I don't think this guide is all that helpful, neither for veterans that want to try a new set of 'Mechs nor a complete beginner.

I said QUICK guide.
And thanks for the addition like i said with he other guy hit him up if you need questions, he can obviously help you too.

Edited by Antonius Zalman, 12 February 2015 - 02:59 PM.

[SethAbercromby]

Antonius Zalman, on 12 February 2015 - 02:58 PM, said:

I said QUICK guide.

QUICK does not equal BAD.

[DONTOR]

Terciel made all the proper fixes, but I do like that you mention sticking with very fast mediums, I like doing that sometimes also. By facing 60+ ton mechs head on are you referring to fighting them 1 on 1? Or literally charging at them head on? Because a fast light can devastate certian very heavy / sluggish assult mechs when piloted correctly. Infact its one of the most fun things to do in a light mech .

Also its VERY important to find out the targets weaponry befroe you engage a larger mech as they can sometimes have huge streak racks (Clan mechs more so)

SethAbercromby, on 12 February 2015 - 02:59 PM, said:

QUICK does not equal BAD.

CHILL.

WhereTF did my founders badge go also??

Edited by DONTOR, 12 February 2015 - 03:08 PM.

[SethAbercromby]

DONTOR, on 12 February 2015 - 03:08 PM, said:

CHILL.

WhereTF did my founders badge go also??

I am, thanks.

I just don't like a fortuneteller's style of approach to writing guides. You've just proven yourself that it's so ambigous, you can read pretty much anything into it and that's not very helpful to newcomers, isn't it?

You can set your badge it sperately to your title but I assumed you figured that out already.

[DONTOR]

SethAbercromby, on 12 February 2015 - 03:15 PM, said:

I am, thanks.

I just don't like a fortuneteller's style of approach to writing guides. You've just proven yourself that it's so ambigous, you can read pretty much anything into it and that's not very helpful to newcomers, isn't it?

You can set your badge it sperately to your title but I assumed you figured that out already.

Well he is 14 years old and just trying to help so, like I said take it down a notch.

It must be ingame where I set my forum badge, since I'm not seeng it under profile anywhere...

Edited by DONTOR, 12 February 2015 - 03:42 PM.

[SethAbercromby]

DONTOR, on 12 February 2015 - 03:42 PM, said:

Well he is 14 years old and just trying to help so, like I said take it down a notch.

It must be ingame where I set my forum badge, since I'm not seeng it under profile anywhere...

Age has never been a concern to me. I respect any guide, but I'm also honest with each in my criticism. Like I said, it's not factually wrong, but he needs to work on the pacing and be more elaborate on his explanations. You don't write a guide for yourself, but for those less understanding than you are and you can only do that with a certain amount of patience.

Yup, it's ingame. Main tab -> "Titles/Badges" -> "Badges" on the left side of the screen.

[Steel Battalion LoC]

Pirates' Bane is the future of MWO light pilots, I can feel it!

[SethAbercromby]

Steel Battalion LoC, on 12 February 2015 - 04:31 PM, said:

Pirates' Bane is the future of MWO light pilots, I can feel it!

It certainly is my future, or rater present-future-future. You get what I mean.

And unlike you, I'm only half-joking!

[Impossible Wasabi]

The Space Pope is going to have to veto most of these light mech builds.

FS-9A (Small Pulse Lasers), FS-9H (Medium Lasers) and FS-9S (Medium Pulse Laser) are probably the best light mechs for newb and veteran alike.

ECM isn't really something you need on a light mech, but if it is necessary for some particular match then the Raven 3L (ER Large Laser build) is really the only competitive choice.

Also, like others have pointed out, it's an incredibly bad idea to have anything less than full armor on the legs of a light mech. Speed is life and if they get one of your legs you are done.

Edited by The True Space Pope, 12 February 2015 - 05:15 PM.

[DONTOR]

The True Space Pope, on 12 February 2015 - 05:12 PM, said:

ECM isn't really something you need on a light mech, but if it is necessary for some particular match then the Raven 3L (ER Large Laser build) is really the only competitive choice.

Indeed I much prefer any of the other Commando's to the 2D, the extra speed makes up for the ECM easily.

[Steel Battalion LoC]

SethAbercromby, on 12 February 2015 - 04:56 PM, said:

It certainly is my future, or rater present-future-future. You get what I mean.

And unlike you, I'm only half-joking!

No, I was not joking! Well, maybe... However, I was serious for my self at least. I dropped my Jenner and jump jets for the Pirate's Bane!

I guess / suppose it always "could" be the future if pilots are willing to take the risk of potentially getting sneezed on and dying instantly. The more you practice with it, the better you can be with this wonderful mech

I love it, but fall damage and teamate collision on those precious legs of the Bane can really become a challenge.

[SethAbercromby]

Steel Battalion LoC, on 12 February 2015 - 07:19 PM, said:

No, I was not joking! Well, maybe... However, I was serious for my self at least. I dropped my Jenner and jump jets for the Pirate's Bane!

I guess / suppose it always "could" be the future if pilots are willing to take the risk of potentially getting sneezed on and dying instantly. The more you practice with it, the better you can be with this wonderful mech

I love it, but fall damage and teamate collision on those precious legs of the Bane can really become a challenge.

It's hilarious but very very sad at the same time. It's mobility quirks are insane. Give the thing a turning quirk, and we'll be doing hair-needle spins all while accalerating and stopping at rates that would cause G-forces any veteran fighter pilot would probably consider cruel and unusual punishment.

I never get tired outrunning 'Mechs in reverse.

[InspectorG]

Well,

See if we can add some topics to help this guide.

I have the most experience Pugging and some with CW. Team drops im not really into. My Unit is very casual.

In my experience you dont want to brawl in a light unless its a very favorable opportunity or late mach where the enemies are very damages.
Early match, just waiting till the battle line forms is usually a good choice. Look at your map and look for flanking opportunities.
Also look for solo LRM boats way in the back...thems is tasty meats.
You can also look for ways to harass enemy heavies/assaults so they get distracted from firing on your team. Its not glorious and rarely recognized in a Pug, but keeping 100 tons from shooting at teammates is an efficient use of 20-35tons. Terrain has unlimited HP. Beware dual gauss, PPC boats, AC20 up close, streak boats at sub-300m.

Mid match, do the above but also help with the brawling. Feel free to hide behind friendlies- wait for enemy weapons to be on cooldown, peek and fire. Look for angles that make the enemy have to split his fire over more area.
There is also a time to decide is close combat is worth it: a long range assalt faces you in an FS and a friendly heavy. If he stares down the heavy, you may be able to push into him and get very close pressuring him to deal with you cutting his legs or working his back. if he turns, your friendly gets free shots.

Late match is when you vulture. Ideally, you have been moving, hitting, running, using cover. You should be fresher than the enemy non-lights unless you had to help with the heavy lifting.
You want to hunt, and if you have time and initiative, take the time to spread the enemy out so you can single out the vulnerable.
A fresh light likely wont last vs 2+ enemies solo. This is where you bait the faster ones into chasing you so you double back to the hurt slow heavy/assault.
If the above cant be done, weave in and out of the enemies hoping they hit each other.

Now, always look out for open components. Look for builds that use XLengines. Early match it mat be more beneficial to just neuter a mech and leave it. if you dont have time to finish him off, but his main weapon is gone, find someone else to kill. Either friendlies will get him or he may run and hide for you to vulture later.

Also make good practice of legging enemies, this will help with CW.

Remember to be a coward, they should rarely see your face.


I do well as striker, skirmisher. Not so much as sniper, others should chime in on that.

You want to think, 'how can i hit him without getting hit back'. Use cover and terrain. Using a Locust FORCES you to do this otherwise, you die. Locust E is looking good with the upcoming quirks(nudge nudge, wink wink)

You can cut armor in the head, because lights have smaller heads and tend to keep moving...but accept the occasional arty strike that headshots you.

Full leg armor, always. Max Xl engine, usually. FF if you have the space.

Get good with lasers, set in game mouse sensitivity to 'zero', same with mouse acceleration. Lights really cant carry much else. Juggle that heat.

Tap the Jump Jets to spread damage. Also to turn sharper.

Arm lock is personal and mech dependent for me, but get good with toggling it on/off. Commandos are good for drive bys.

Spiders should be painted with wild and bright colors, because:nature.
FireStarters for CW, maybe with the occasional Spider D for the ECM...i pray babymechajesus buffs the Jenners.

Modules: weapons should usually match quirks. Consumables: UAV for the exp grind. Coolshot for lasers. Arty/uav for CW

Hope this helps, good night !

[Araevin Teshurr]

Thanks, no time to read all that crap, but much appreciated that you posted it!!

[SethAbercromby]

Relaed, on 13 February 2015 - 10:09 AM, said:

Thanks, no time to read all that crap, but much appreciated that you posted it!!

Please do us all a favor and don't post anything then.

[Satan n stuff]

Steel Battalion LoC, on 12 February 2015 - 04:31 PM, said:

Pirates' Bane is the future of MWO light pilots, I can feel it!

It's decent enough, but it's still a Locust.

Edited by Satan n stuff, 13 February 2015 - 10:47 AM.