309 replies to this topic

[Ultimax]

Wintersdark, on 21 March 2015 - 11:39 AM, said:

Sadly, no binary lasers for us. I think they'd really help some limited hardpoint IS assaults (like those 1E arms)... particularly given it's whole reason to exist is basically to allow big mechs to mount a bigger LL when it can't just mount more LL's.

I'm not hopeful for binary lasers, but I suppose if they were

• 9 Tons
  
• 4 Crit Slots
  
• 15 heat to fire
  
• 18 Damage
  
• Optimal Range 450m, maybe 500m

That would be OK.

You lose a touch of heat efficiency.
You gain 1 Ton.
Good for mechs like Petty Baby with minimal hardpoints.

Edited by Ultimatum X, 21 March 2015 - 11:50 AM.

[Bishop Steiner]

Cathy, on 21 March 2015 - 11:15 AM, said:

yeas, I'm still trying to make LRMs work on it as well its a Zeus and stuff min maxing, but I am close to admitting defeat with the single launchers, even though it looks more like a suppository, without a weapon in it, and yes ouch!

Without missiles it looks like it could be a brutal club.....oh if only for melee!

Alek Ituin, on 21 March 2015 - 11:28 AM, said:

This is why we need Blazers. Big purple beams of death, truly fitting for Assault E hardpoints. (Yeah, purple beams, figured they'd be pretty damn unique)

None of the energy weapons feel like they have any oomph in an Assault unless you put at least 2-4 of them on. Blazers would fix that by looking like they actually belong on an Assault chassis by virtue of their size, weight, and firepower.

can we have them shoot rainbows? The the Bronies would spend money on MWO forever!

[Bishop Steiner]

Sjorpha, on 21 March 2015 - 11:32 AM, said:

I've only just started out, but so far so good.

6S - I'm running a std300 build with 3ERLL and 2AC5, endo, ferro. I like having the full shield side and with the long range loadout is fine going a little slower. It's still fast enough to maneuver around the big friendly assaults to kite.

6T - Same here, the quirks give you extreme ERLL range. I'm running a standard 300 with 5ERLL, 1ML and 20 DHS.

Both the the above make nice zombies with the CT ERLL as well. I have no doubt they both have nice XL builds, and there is probably nice gauss/PPC snipers, laser vomits and hybrid support mechs using the missile launcher in there, but I like the ones I have for now.

9S - Different approach, 350XL, 3ASRM6 and 3LL. Very nice fast brawler, the 3ASRM6 arm is a pretty big deal as you can shoot fast mechs while twisting the torso away, shoot mechs above and below you, and lead shots against lights. That arm is the closest thing the game has to a melee weapon so far.

I'm loving the fact that the balanced hitboxes allow both standard and XL builds, I love the compact design and the tanky armour. I love how the low tonnage and nice long range builds make it perfect for CW decks. It's a great mech IMO, I can't wait to get them all elited.

Yeah..kill for 1 more E-point in the 6Ts RA. Would love to mount 2 LPL across from my 3x aSRM6.

Roadkill, on 21 March 2015 - 11:43 AM, said:

XL friendly? I haven't found that at all. In fact I estimate that ~75% of my deaths come from side torso XL destruction. (I run an XL350 in all 3 variants.)

The Zeus desperately needs better hardpoints. Best way to fight as Zeus is to shoot its left torso. If it's running an XL (which it probably is), it's dead. If not, it's practically disarmed, with the 6T being the exception if you're afraid of whatever missiles it's carrying.

I'm only done with basics across the board, but even though I like the Zeus I'm finding it pretty meh. No matter what build I try, I feel like there's a better platform for that build. Worse (at least for me), is that all the weapons are on the left side. I tend to be a right-side corner peeker, so using the Zeus's left-side biased loadouts is... challenging.

I'm hoping that Speed Tweak and then finishing Elites will liven up the chassis for me, but right now it's just something to grind until the Urbie gets here.

Don't know what to tell you, I tank damage in these things like no tomorrow. Seem to finally die about 50/50 CT/ST death, but only after obscene levels of punishment. Probably been killed more to rear torso damage than front shots combined. (though thinking that will happen less with unlock).

Even if I did die ti ST deaths exclusively, it'd be after taking so much damage that it doesn't really count as being "XL-unfriendly".

Ultimatum X, on 21 March 2015 - 11:49 AM, said:

I'm not hopeful for binary lasers, but I suppose if they were

• 9 Tons
  
• 4 Crit Slots
  
• 15 heat to fire
  
• 18 Damage
  
• Optimal Range 450m, maybe 500m

That would be OK.

You lose a touch of heat efficiency.
You gain 1 Ton.
Good for mechs like Petty Baby with minimal hardpoints.

I'd be ok with them even being made into a short range weapon, like a lazor ac20. Just want something big and nasty for those single hardpoints.

[Ultimax]

Bishop Steiner, on 21 March 2015 - 12:39 PM, said:

I'd be ok with them even being made into a short range weapon, like a lazor ac20. Just want something big and nasty for those single hardpoints.

That would definitely be interesting, but kind of hard to pin down.


We already have something close in the IS LPL.

7 Tons (1.57 damage per ton)
2 Crits
7 Heat
11 Damage (1.57 damage per heat)
365m
0.67s burn (1.64 damage per 0.1s)

Then there is IS LLAS

5 Tons (1.8 damage per ton)
2 Crits
7 Heat
9 Damage (1.29 damage per heat)
450m
1s (0.9 damage per 0.1s)

It's actually pretty tough to design a 9 ton weapon that doesn't outright infringe on on or the (or rather a pair of either) other, without making the 9 ton too unattractive.

And we can't break stock tonnage, so we are locked at 9 tons.


9 Tons (2 damage per ton)
4 Crits
16 Heat
18 Damage (1.125 damage per heat)
270m
0.8s burn (2.25 damage per 0.1s)




Just a fun mental exercise I guess, if you have 4E hardpoints & speed though 4x MPLs would often be better.

Edited by Ultimatum X, 21 March 2015 - 12:58 PM.

[Bishop Steiner]

Ultimatum X, on 21 March 2015 - 12:56 PM, said:

That would definitely be interesting, but kind of hard to pin down.


We already have something close in the IS LPL.

7 Tons (1.57 damage per ton)
2 Crits
7 Heat
11 Damage (1.57 damage per heat)
365m
0.67s burn (1.64 damage per 0.1s)

Then there is IS LLAS

5 Tons (1.8 damage per ton)
2 Crits
7 Heat
9 Damage (1.29 damage per heat)
450m
1s (0.9 damage per 0.1s)

It's actually pretty tough to design a 9 ton weapon that doesn't outright infringe on on or the (or rather a pair of either) other, without making the 9 ton too unattractive.

And we can't break stock tonnage, so we are locked at 9 tons.


9 Tons (2 damage per ton)
4 Crits
16 Heat
18 Damage (1.125 damage per heat)
270m
0.8s burn (2.25 damage per 0.1s)




Just a fun mental exercise I guess, if you have 4E hardpoints & speed though 4x MPLs would often be better.

yeah, the big draw would have to be for limited harpdoints, and the convergence advantage. I'm thinking on hardpoint friendly mechs, it would never really be that attractive.

[Wintersdark]

Bishop Steiner, on 21 March 2015 - 12:39 PM, said:

I'd be ok with them even being made into a short range weapon, like a lazor ac20. Just want something big and nasty for those single hardpoints.

Actually, a short range heavy energy weapon would be really awesome, and add a lot of interesting options.

[Wintersdark]

Bishop Steiner, on 21 March 2015 - 01:00 PM, said:

yeah, the big draw would have to be for limited harpdoints, and the convergence advantage. I'm thinking on hardpoint friendly mechs, it would never really be that attractive.

But on the other hand, it would give worthwhile energy options for those limited hardpoint mechs. Currently, just one LL or LPL is rarely worth mounting, given the tracking differences and requirements - such mechs typically have more B/M hardpoints and can just double down on those (except for poor oddball mechs like the Pretty Baby, which needs all the help it can get).

But as a short-duration, high damage, high heat close range laser? It'd take the same role AC20's take in 1B mechs, allowing interesting builds.

[Mirumoto Izanami]

Ultimatum X, on 21 March 2015 - 08:47 AM, said:

I agree.


Generally speaking the higher ratings are often taken for the added torso twist speeds, but I'm not convinced that I want to run an XL short range brawl build on an 80 ton assault mech that is basically shaped like a rectangle.


Long range on the other hand is a different story.

I use a XL 360 on my 6T with 3 LPLs and 3 ASRM 4s. The LPLs, with the range quirks, have a solid maximum effective range, and with 80kph speed, I and can maintain distance to avoid in the face brawling, relocate on the battlefield effectively, and make use of terrain/buildings in fights rather well. And the ASRM 12 gives it a knock out punch once I've chewed upa mech with LPLs.

I love it.

[Malleus011]

I'm struggling with the 6S as well. I'll try the AC/10 build and see if I get a performance jump.

I think it needs either enough weapon quirks to compete, or an extra hardpoint in any arm that has only a single hardpoint - I expect the quirks are more likely.

[Aethon]

Bishop Steiner, on 21 March 2015 - 07:33 AM, said:

-Needs 2nd Missile Hardpoint on 2 variants

This is precisely what I have been thinking; the ones that are light on missiles still need 2 hardpoints there, IMHO.

[CaliburZero]

My IS account i've been debating A La Carting the Zeus, and after reading what most have said... is it really worth it? Reading this thread there doesn't seem to be a clear answer. I looked at the hardpoints, and I'd like it alot more if those silly 1 Missile hardpoint arms got upped to 2 or 3.

If nothing else though, I think its very sexy aesthetically.

[KharnZor]

Mirumoto Izanami, on 21 March 2015 - 01:19 PM, said:

I use a XL 360 on my 6T with 3 LPLs and 3 ASRM 4s. The LPLs, with the range quirks, have a solid maximum effective range, and with 80kph speed, I and can maintain distance to avoid in the face brawling, relocate on the battlefield effectively, and make use of terrain/buildings in fights rather well. And the ASRM 12 gives it a knock out punch once I've chewed upa mech with LPLs.

I love it.

I love that build. However you dont really need asrm4's as normal 4's have a nice tight spread anyway.

[Lightfoot]

The Prime is the worst. If it carried an AC20 or MWO had a working Gauss Rifle it would be the classic Zeus (I don't mean Stock, just the classic loadouts would be possible). Two AC5's or an AC10 are a waste. That leaves you 4xLPL double fired and an SRM6 and maybe MGs. The 9S and 6T are no problem to come up with multiple working builds.

There is some CT bugginess and sometimes you don't hear rear attacks as coming from behind.

Mastered the ZEU-6T and ZEU-9S. They are not tough against damage at all, but if you hit and fade and pop up where least expected it works. If you can't do that you are toast to anything with decent aim because no one ever misses the CT. Poof the CT armor is gone. Just like that.

[Ultimax]

CaliburZero, on 21 March 2015 - 01:57 PM, said:

My IS account i've been debating A La Carting the Zeus, and after reading what most have said... is it really worth it? Reading this thread there doesn't seem to be a clear answer. I looked at the hardpoints, and I'd like it alot more if those silly 1 Missile hardpoint arms got upped to 2 or 3.

If nothing else though, I think its very sexy aesthetically.

Look, most people who went into the Zeus knew what they were getting into.


Mostly just something different, maybe some potentially interesting builds or potentially interesting future quirks.


If what you are looking for is a straight out of the box, top tier performer, that is not this mech.

That's not to discourage you, it's really just to manage your expectations.

You should be able to find some fun builds, do well with it and have good matches. The mech isn't the greatest, but it's not awful either.


I can still have fun even if the mech isn't great, and sometimes I acquire mechs simply for variety's sake.

Edited by Ultimatum X, 21 March 2015 - 02:22 PM.

[Numnuts]

CaliburZero, on 21 March 2015 - 01:57 PM, said:

My IS account i've been debating A La Carting the Zeus, and after reading what most have said... is it really worth it? Reading this thread there doesn't seem to be a clear answer. I looked at the hardpoints, and I'd like it alot more if those silly 1 Missile hardpoint arms got upped to 2 or 3.

If nothing else though, I think its very sexy aesthetically.

i honestly wouldn't..

the main reason i got the pack was for all the colors then the mechs....my stalkers are better in every way except for speed..

its a gargoyle that can tank a bit better right now...

[NotSoCoolJ]

These things can be pretty nasty when they are smart enough to not mount an XL engine. The side torso is easy to hit. Right now, it is a new mech and people are just shooting center mass. That wont last forever. Pretend it is a bigger Centurion. Lasers, SRMs, keep it tanky. I've seen these guys in "head on a stick mode" still fighting and bringing things down.

[Macksheen]

All three of mine are basically the same .... As many LPL as I can fit, then whatever works otherwise with my 325 or 350 xl ... Three srm6, three ml and one SRM ... And even a 10 or LBX.

[CaliburZero]

Ultimatum X, on 21 March 2015 - 02:21 PM, said:

Look, most people who went into the Zeus knew what they were getting into.


Mostly just something different, maybe some potentially interesting builds or potentially interesting future quirks.


If what you are looking for is a straight out of the box, top tier performer, that is not this mech.

That's not to discourage you, it's really just to manage your expectations.

You should be able to find some fun builds, do well with it and have good matches. The mech isn't the greatest, but it's not awful either.


I can still have fun even if the mech isn't great, and sometimes I acquire mechs simply for variety's sake.

Thanks for the reply (as well as Numnuts). Good to know. Honestly, I'm not looking for the FoTM per se, just so as long as it is pretty good/decent. My main interest was because I think its a very sexy mech. I'm vain, and have to look good while shooting things

[Something Wrong]

I've tried quite a few builds. Mixes of gauss + ER PPC, SRM + AC/5, PPC + SRM.

Hated all of them and was about the write the Zeus off as a total failure when I discovered the endosteel + DHS XL350 + 4 LPL build. Not designed for brawling or being the tip of the spear, but as a fire support mech and hunter-killer it's fantastic. Running with 480 armor, 1.43 heat management it's also incredibly hard to overheat even in extended combat as long as you fire the LPL in pairs.

Best part? Every Zeus variant can use this build without any alterations.

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...c6a1223388095d4

Edited by Sum Ting Wong, 21 March 2015 - 03:50 PM.

[Bishop Steiner]

Ultimatum X, on 21 March 2015 - 02:21 PM, said:

Look, most people who went into the Zeus knew what they were getting into.


Mostly just something different, maybe some potentially interesting builds or potentially interesting future quirks.


If what you are looking for is a straight out of the box, top tier performer, that is not this mech.

That's not to discourage you, it's really just to manage your expectations.

You should be able to find some fun builds, do well with it and have good matches. The mech isn't the greatest, but it's not awful either.


I can still have fun even if the mech isn't great, and sometimes I acquire mechs simply for variety's sake.

never have understood how a well supported ac10 is a waste, but you and I have always played a very different game, apparently.