9 replies to this topic

[Zookeeper Dan]

I'm working through mastering my first mech, the Shadow Hawk. I've gotten all the basics on one and am 3/4 of the way on unlocking the basics on the second. I'm pretty c-bill starved because I'm having fun but banging my head against the learning curve. Plus I spent all my training bonus on a SHD-2H, upgraded it, then bought a SHD-2H (C) only to find out they are considered the same variant for mastering.

My first is a SHD-2H (C) with two AC5's and LRM's.

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...31cb5e06be74b9b

The second is a SHD-2K with ERLL's and SRM's.

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...d0dbc5e67b5b260

What should I purchase as my third Shadow Hawk?

I'd like to try a more brawler build with and AC10 or AC20 with lasers or SRM's as backup.

Should I spring for a Grey Death that's already endo and double HS upgraded, comes with a XL engine I can use elsewhere and c-bill bonus or should I work with a 2D or 2D2?

Edited by Danth Reduviid, 16 February 2015 - 12:45 PM.

[TercieI]

Here's the basic SHD buying formula:

2K

and

2H or 5M

and

2D or 2D2 or GD

Really, they're all good and can all brawl so it depends on the details of what you like for backup weapons and whether you alwant to splash out real money. I've got all 5 CB variants mastered and didn't buy GD (and I have many hero mechs).

[Nik Reaper]

Well, I would say that you have 2 options , to go for the griffin like 2D2 with 4 srm4 and 2 ML , or the 2D with 3 ML and Ac20 , both good options but the Ac20 build is outclassed by BJ-DC and HBK-4G as the 2D has only 7.5% balistic cooldown.

The Gray death cannont be built with 4 ML an ac20, have enough ammo and be cool enough to use all 4 ML most of the time, as is seen that 3 ML AC20 on a 2D is very hot , and so the gray death has no truly advantageous builds , but if you really love SHD's and could see you'r self playing it a lot, sure go for it, the 30% cbill boost is very nice.

[RedEagle86]

I'd say go with the 2D2, you can get some pretty awesome builds on that one.

I run either the LPL version or the ML version. Both are effective and fun. With the ML version you can swap the AC/10 for an LBX-10, gaining a ton.

I've also seen the LRM 2D2, and the Brawler 2D2, which doesn't excel with the AC/20, but can with the AC/10.

[Furry Fox]

If I were you, I would buy the SHD-5M. It was actually my first 'Mech, and I still use it to this day.

Some things to note...

• While it requires the largest up-front cost (8,166,799 C-Bills), it comes with Double Heat Sinks and Endo-Steel structure already unlocked (which is worth about 2,050,000 C-Bills).
  
• It comes with an XL 275 engine, which you will certainly find EXTREMELY useful. I use the engine that came with my SHD-5M all the time on my other 'Mechs.

Some builds that you might enjoy...




UAC/5, 2xERLL, 2xSRM 2, 5xJump Jets, XL 275 engine - It might not be the best brawler, but it's definitely my favorite build. I find it best to do a lot of damage from afar for the first few minutes of the match, and then move forward to brawl once your team makes a push. This way you find yourself fighting half-damaged 'Mechs in your fresh one.

AC/10, 2xMPL, 1xSRM 6, 1xSRM 4, 5xJump Jets, XL 275 engine - To be honest, I haven't tested this build. However, it does meet your criteria. I might try it out later today.


Note: If you do buy the SHD-5M, then you can always go back and use its XL 275 engine in your SHD-2K to upgrade your ERLL sniper and to make a great SRM/MPL brawler. Here are two builds that I enjoy using very much on the SHD-2k.

3xSRM 6, 3xMPL, 5xJump Jets, XL 275 engine (Brawler)

3xSRM 4, 3xERLL, 3xJump Jets, XL 275 engine (Sniper)

Edited by Furry Fox, 17 February 2015 - 09:48 AM.

[Zookeeper Dan]

Thanks everyone for the great advice. After much debate I'm going to get a 2D2.

It came down to flexibility. I think I'll get more use out of the 4 missile hardpoints then I will the two energy hardpoints in each arm.

Although as much as I'm enjoying piloting Shadow Hawks I'll probably wind up getting them all eventually!

[DelphiAuriga]

My 3 most played mechs:

SHD-2H "Athenea", a brawler designed to bomb ppl and cool down the heat while u hit criticals in their cored parts with the MachineGuns, that cost no heat at all to fire. If u use correctly the heat, they will have plenty places without armor to fire the MGs at.



SHD-2D "Hera", a support frontliner mech. Not exacty funny to play, but it has so many gadgets at hand that ur team has advantgae with it, if u use the correct tool for the correct enemy mech.



SHD-2D2 "Artemisa", a LRM-Boat with autochain-fire in the LRMs, due to the diff cooldowns of the LRM5 and LRM10. Quite effective for its prize(it use stock engine).

Edited by DelphiAuriga, 17 February 2015 - 11:53 PM.

[Macksheen]

RedEagle86, on 16 February 2015 - 01:52 PM, said:

I'd say go with the 2D2, you can get some pretty awesome builds on that one.

I run either the LPL version or the ML version. Both are effective and fun. With the ML version you can swap the AC/10 for an LBX-10, gaining a ton.

I've also seen the LRM 2D2, and the Brawler 2D2, which doesn't excel with the AC/20, but can with the AC/10.

If you're going to use LPL on the 2D2, consider this mix: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...d1c97ac2b1e049f

The brawler 2D2 w/ AC + SRMs is pretty beastly too. http://mwo.smurfy-ne...70f5ce685e63624

OP: They are all good; the 2D2 you can run more missiles than anything, the 2D with one ballistic is prime for your AC20, etc.

The reason the 2D2 works w/ the LPLs is it gives you weapons in the arms that you can use to aim the streaks - it's a simplified driving experience. Whatever you're shooting at w/ the LPLs is prime for your streak lock.

Edited by Macksheen, 16 February 2016 - 08:31 AM.

[Rogue Jedi]

Macksheen, on 16 February 2016 - 08:28 AM, said:

The reason the 2D2 works w/ the LPLs is it gives you weapons in the arms that you can use to aim the streaks - it's a simplified driving experience. Whatever you're shooting at w/ the LPLs is prime for your streak lock.

you realise you are replying to a topic started a year ago right?

only the guy above you replied this year, all the others were from more than 360 days ago

[Macksheen]

Rogue Jedi, on 16 February 2016 - 09:24 AM, said:

you realise you are replying to a topic started a year ago right?

only the guy above you replied this year, all the others were from more than 360 days ago

I did not; it was at the top - the new reply by "
sadvgd21rm8morsem890d8m9043w0m" fooled me