55 replies to this topic

[HlynkaCG]

As others have stated, longevity is the key to a high-score, early on your best bet is to run a medium mech and and stick like glue to a friendly heavy or assault. Let the big guy draw the aggro and tank the damage (that's what assault mechs are for afterall) while you clean up. Once you have a decent feel for the maps and the eb & flow of a match you can start branching out into other classes.

warner2, on 31 March 2015 - 08:52 AM, said:

Get good at playing MechWarrior by playing MechWarrior 4 or some other similar game single player. Once you are actually OK at the basics of playing the game move onto facing other people on-line.

I do not think that this is good advice. MW4 is a massively different beast.

[Spleenslitta]

HlynkaCG, on 31 March 2015 - 12:28 PM, said:

I do not think that this is good advice. MW4 is a massively different beast.

I agree. We can aim with the arms here. MW3 is a better example since you could aim with the arms there.
Racing around in the testing area shooting at stationary mechs while going at top speed at all ranges is decent practice for a beginner.

Getting used to the torso twisting, the legs going in another direction while you're aiming while glancing occasionally at your map and heat is the most difficult things to master.

[mailin]

If you stay close to an assault lance, stay off to one side of them. It reduces the chance of them getting flanked in your direction, keeps your firing lane clear and allows them to back up if they need to. Also, if you find yourself directly in front of the assaults DO NOT STOP in a choke point, like near the center on Terra Therma.

And use voice comms. Yes they're glitchy, but they are way better than what we had until very recently which was text chat only. The team that wins is the team that communicates and voice is the best tool for this. Also, when on comms, don't say "enemy at b4" because it could be misunderstood as C4, D4, E4 or even G4. Instead say "Bravo 4"

[Cruxs]

I didn't read through everything so if someone said this already sorry. Use the training grounds get good with every type of weapon run around the static mechs and focus on specific components. Practice shooting while you are moving using non stop fire and consistently hitting your target. Practice poking from cover get good at popping out hitting your target and getting back to cover, and learn the maps and where to fight and trade from. It sounds super boring but it will really help.

Edited by cruxholzer, 31 March 2015 - 02:28 PM.

[MavRCK]

Check out my old videos -- some of the mech tier list is outdated but the concepts of makes a good build or mech are still valid, the sections on tactics, movement etc are crucial to a solid skill base. When time permits (darn career ... friends.. relationships) I will be putting up updated videos on skills.

[warner2]

HlynkaCG, on 31 March 2015 - 12:28 PM, said:

As others have stated, longevity is the key to a high-score, early on your best bet is to run a medium mech and and stick like glue to a friendly heavy or assault. Let the big guy draw the aggro and tank the damage (that's what assault mechs are for afterall) while you clean up. Once you have a decent feel for the maps and the eb & flow of a match you can start branching out into other classes.



I do not think that this is good advice. MW4 is a massively different beast.

I call bullshit. Snobbish bullshit, at that.

MechWarrior is MechWarrior to a good degree. If you want to learn the basics of movement and aiming in a 'mech you don't think playing any MechWarrior game in a forgiving environment (single-player) is useful? Of course it is.

[Koniving]

VVintersteel, on 31 March 2015 - 04:38 AM, said:

I suck at this and want to get better. Can anyone help me.

Before this of course I want to learn how to be good at this game.

I'm literally 1:21 victory and have done literally 200 damage this whole time.

By technicality you could build a Marauder on a Cataphract or a couple of other mechs. It won't really be a Marauder but it'd be as close as you'd get. Unseen issues.

That said... Mad Cat is easy enough. It goes by the Clanner moniker "Timber Wolf" here. Every now and then you can even find them in the Trial Mechs.

More information on how you're playing would help.

For now, I have this to offer you.



Hope that helps.

(Also, any of the 2+ year vets recognize the Flea? Shown in 2012, still not released. With MASC coming into the game with the Clan pack 3... we'll finally get to see the Fleas.)

[Johny Rocket]

You have to master piloting your mech. Use the training grounds to learn new tasks and work out issues. Its also great for learning maps. A lot of times a teams map knowledge is what hands them the win. Learn escape routes.

Play with the trial mechs and see what you like to pilot before even worrying about fighting. A lot of the trial mechs are garbage but if you find a (C) Champion version in Trial check it out because these are tweaked mechs that already have most of the upgrades you would do and much more refined weapons loadouts.

Consider your computers graphics capability. Playing the game set to high for your machine actually makes it harder to play.
For some reason beyond just frame stutter and lag it messes with the smoothness of the controls.

Run less types of weapons, 2 is optimal. Put your close range defense weapons on group 1 and anything else on 2 or 3. Reflexively you will use your index finger to shoot. Applies for mouse and joystick.

Controllers, the game is biased to mouse play, if you want to use a joystick there is some good advice in the forums but you can ask Veterans for advice. I may do a Joystick advice thread. I refuse to mouse and keyboard play because I played the pc games back when and they were tuned for joystick. I hate keyboard play, one of the reasons I have always loved this game.

I come and go with my work schedule so really only have about 6-7 months of normal play. I struggled thru crap mechs and subpar pc and now Ive had 1000+ dmg point matches.

[InspectorG]

Koniving, on 31 March 2015 - 02:58 PM, said:

By technicality you could build a Marauder on a Cataphract or a couple of other mechs. It won't really be a Marauder but it'd be as close as you'd get. Unseen issues.

That said... Mad Cat is easy enough. It goes by the Clanner moniker "Timber Wolf" here. Every now and then you can even find them in the Trial Mechs.

More information on how you're playing would help.

For now, I have this to offer you.



Hope that helps.

(Also, any of the 2+ year vets recognize the Flea? Shown in 2012, still not released. With MASC coming into the game with the Clan pack 3... we'll finally get to see the Fleas.)

Excellent visual guide.

Perhaps more pages for: Squirrel chasing, LRM avoidance, ridge humping/corner peeking, NASCAR, Flanking?

You could join a Faction, join a unit, and practice with said unit.

[Sadistic Savior]

VVintersteel, on 31 March 2015 - 04:38 AM, said:

I suck at this and want to get better. Can anyone help me.

Being a noob and a fanboy, I want a Marauder II or Madcatt, I will sell my left leg for either.

Before this of course I want to learn how to be good at this game.

I'm literally 1:21 victory and have done literally 200 damage this whole time.

What do?

Anything above 100 damage for a new player is decent. Over 200 is good.

The best way to get good is to find your favorite role and stick to it. Find a playstyle you like and then get a mech adapted to that playstyle. Do not underestimate other players...this is not like the single player games. Light mech CAN solo your 75 ton MadCat. Heavier is not an iWin button.

The biggest mistake people make (mostly new players, but even vets do it) is trying to Rambo it. Work with your team. Even in a PUG you can support teammates even though no one is technically in charge. Shoot at common targets. Distract and cause chaos.

[HlynkaCG]

warner2, on 31 March 2015 - 02:52 PM, said:

I call bullshit. Snobbish bullshit, at that.

Hardly, Controls are different, weapons mechanics are different, maps are different. Only the mostrudementary thingsare similar and you can learn those by watching youtube videos or futzing around in the training grounds,

Seriously dude, chill out.

[CruiseMissileCowboy]

Your first order of business is to take a contract on the FACTION Screen.
Take a contract with Clan Smoke Jaguar, so you can get your MadCat style mech via the TimberWolf.
Buy and install a microphone.
Download and install TeamSpeak3
Join the Clan TS Server, Strana Mechty: STRANAMECHTY.INFO
Join the rooms that are NOT CW, join the rooms that ARE for PUG matches.
Start gaining experience, and cbills, buy your first real mech, and you are on your way.
Got Cash? Purchase one of the previous Clan Wave packs from the store so you can get in great mechs right away!

[Tool Box]

I have everything I need on a toggle. YAY no pinky cramps

ALSO OP as a new player here's some invaluable advice. Get a mech that you are comfortable with such. For example I was very comfortable with my, of all things timber wolves, when I first started playing this game. It just worked I have always pulled great results with timber wolves and if you really want to play timber wolves go for it. They are great mechs but I recommend you do a lot of learning about the game before you go out and get stomped like I did. Despite me being a great player now because I started on my timbers and spent months getting stomped and stomping in them they only have 2.0 k/ds versus my other 4 k/d mechs.

Edited by Tool Box, 01 April 2015 - 06:27 PM.

[Koniving]

Let the guy come back and read before we drown the poor dude in more posts. Don't want to overwhelm.

[Leone]

Personal suggestion? get rank two in every Faction before picking one to stick with. Try out Cw once you have the hang of normal play, and run enough drops to get a free mech bay, then, next week, do it again for another faction.

Eventually, you may end up finding some folk you'd like to work with, and maybe even join a unit. Oh, also, battletech builds do not always work here. Good luck warrior, may we meet on the field of valor.

~Leone, Raid leader of the Crimson Hand Mercenary Band

[percolated1]

Lights have about double the standard MWO learning curve, heavies and assaults are high priority targets, so mediums are a nice place to start. They have good mobility, a lower profile, enough firepower to be useful, and enough armor to actually survive long enough to pick up on tactics to improve your game. There is a ton of variety in medium mechs. I am personally partial to the BlackJack (sniper/fire support), Kintaro (missile boat), Cicada (fast energy boat/ECM on the 3M), and Centurion (classic MWO brawler with a big gun opposite a shield arm).

On the Clan side, mediums seem to begin and end with the Stormcrow, which is pure distilled evil (when it's not overheating...). Each Stormcrow chassis also costs more c-bills than an Atlas, so honestly Clan mechs might be better for down the road unless you want to pony up real dinero for an a la carte or package if that one's still available.

As a new player, try to stick with your lance and work on keeping your spacing in groups, learn how much room you need to fire, and learn your mech's heat curve to avoid overheating. Be patient, let targets come to you, and flank whenever possible.

Work on saving up c-bills to buy the chassis of whichever trial you end up liking, then leave it sit in the hangar and keep playing the trial mech until you have enough c-bills for the second chassis. All those trial drops earn you skill points, so you'll likely be able to buy half or more of your basic skill tree immediately. And the trial mech beats the pants off the stock chassis in nearly every case, as you'll have double heat sinks, probably an XL engine, and upgraded weapons and ammo capacity. You'll find that getting a new chassis battle ready often costs more than the chassis itself cost to buy... which means you could have gotten that second and third chassis and started training those up.

When you're trying to grind up a new non-trial chassis, you don't need to totally bling it out right away. Instead, try to play within the perks and put off those double heat sinks until you have your three chassis trained if you can pull it off. Instead, put a UAV in the consumable 1 slot and use it when you're near enemy mechs out of your line of sight, like over the next ridge. It'll cost you 40K c-bills a pop, but it will likely double up a new player's XP per drop, and the c-bill bonuses that rack up when you put a UAV in a good spot will often pay for it in spades. Thinking about when and where to pop a UAV builds situational awareness, too, and it's super-useful to your teammates.

When you see a dangerous target, press R to lock it before attacking if it hasn't spotted you and already started shooting you. Then call out it's letter and mech type on comms, and the nearest coordinate. The big boys die a lot faster with the LRMs raining down than with just you shooting it, not to mention getting hit with missiles makes it a lot harder for them to aim.

Learn to spot incoming LRMs, make a mental note of their vector, and start working the nearest hard cover. Works better than AMS. With a little practice, you can get LRM boats to waste a lot of ammo on you without really messing you up. If you have visual on a lone LRM boat, charge it! IS LRMs can't damage you inside 200m, and clan LRMs hurt progressively less the closer you are inside 200m.

[Liquid Leopard]

VVintersteel, on 31 March 2015 - 04:38 AM, said:

I suck at this and want to get better. Can anyone help me.

Being a noob and a fanboy, I want a Marauder II or Madcat, I will sell my left leg for either.

Before this of course I want to learn how to be good at this game.

I'm literally 1:21 victory and have done literally 200 damage this whole time.

What do?

Pfft. You're still not as bad as I was. I didn't get a kill until my 58th game, and that was a disconnected mech.

Since then, I learned that I was playing at 7 frames per second, or less, which is unplayable.
In case no one has mentioned it, did you know you can see your frame rate if you hit F9?

I tinkered with my hardware and settings a lot before I got the 30-60 frames per second I'm getting now (Yes, it's highly variable), and that made a difference in my results. That, and the fact that I've been playing about 2 years and don't suck like I used to.

I believe some of the really good players are playing at low settings, on screens with a higher resolution than mine. Well, low settings look funny, and make the game less fun. But, I found a thread on how to program the user.cfg file. I copied someone's sample, tinkered with the field of view, tried another sample... The game is prettier AND has a higher frame rate now. (Now, if only I knew a parameter to change so my frame rate wouldn't tank when there are a zillion missiles in the sky.)

Other than that, heat management seems to be one of the common challenges for new players. Whoever above said to practice at the Testing Grounds, they spoke truth. Go to the Testing Grounds, and try your new mechs and configurations at Tourmaline Desert or Terra Therma. If you can manage your heat there, Caustic Valley will be easy mode by comparison.

Also, you'll learn the maps and the tactics for them as you play. Caustic Valley is notorious for the giant counterclockwise maneuver. It sometimes works at Crimson Strait as well. Other maps have their own canned maneuvers that PUGers stick to a lot.

Tactics don't change much between the Assault and Skirmish game modes. Conquest changes it up a bit, but most often the biggest "murder ball" still wins. The team that sticks together and focuses fire will generally triumph over the team that spreads out too much or has "expert flankers" that feed themselves to the enemy's guns in ones and twos.

[SethAbercromby]

Liquid Leopard, on 02 April 2015 - 06:57 PM, said:

(Now, if only I knew a parameter to change so my frame rate wouldn't tank when there are a zillion missiles in the sky.)

That unfortunately is CryEngine hating your CPU. Best bet is to turn particles down to as low as you can possibly can. This'll also improve performance with overheat smoke and other effect-heavy scenarios. The heavy CPU load is unfortunately one of the programming quirks of the CryEngine itself, something PGI has little influence over.

[percolated1]

Liquid Leopard, on 02 April 2015 - 06:57 PM, said:

The team that sticks together and focuses fire will generally triumph over the team that spreads out too much or has "expert flankers" that feed themselves to the enemy's guns in ones and twos.

• Yeah, "flanking" probably needed a few more words. Maneuvering a few steps to better shoot a mech pointed a different direction is the "flanking" that should be done whenever possible, as in, the word "flanking" pops up and you get XP and cbills. The splitting off to try to sneak around the back of an enemy kind of "flanking" needs a lot to go right (you don't get lurmed to death the second you cross an open space, you don't get jumped from behind by lights, the enemy doesn't just turn around the second you uncork and focus fire you, your shorthanded team doesn't all die off while you're doing your stealthy ninja end around... you get the idear).

[Eaerie]

First off do not be in a big hurry to buy your first mechs, play as many of the trial mech chasis as you can to get a feel of what you like and dont like in mechs. Then once you have an idea of what you like start looking thru the forums on the potential mechs you may like. Look at builds, hardpoint locations, speeds etc. find one you think fits you. Then figure out which 3 variants look like good mechs for you to skill up.
1. as noted above most people recommend a medium or heavy as a first mech. lights and assaults are very unforgiving. Along those lines inner sphere mechs are cheaper to get and load out. personally i recommend a cicada, hunchie or griffin but pick one you think you will like
2. buy your mechs, and play them, tweek them change them and get a feel for what they can and cannot do.
3. understand that you may or may not have picked a mech that fits your playstyle. ther eis a LOT of trial and error to find a mech that matches your playstyle.
After you die spectate until the match ends
spectate different chassis and see how people play them. not only is this a good way to help you play your mech better it also will give you good insights into what to expect from a given mech. a sneaky ecm mech plays differently than a big lumbering direwolf with every concevable variation in between. KNOWLEDGE is POWER.

*UNDERSTAND WEAPON RANGES AND HEAT AND HOW IT EFFECTS YOUR MECH* dont think this can get said enough.
learn how different wapons work, how to lead a target using ballistics, lasers and machine hit where ever the crosshairs are. (though since lasers are a damage over time weapon it is possible to scatter you beam across a mech fast enough to do little to no damage and light/fast mechs expoit this.
learn to stay with a group and how NOT to hit a friendly, which means knowing where your weapons are firing from on your mech. are they up high or down low. In the arms or torsos.
learn and understand how to stay in cover from the LRM rain. If you use LRM's understand how cover effects your ability to bring the rain. Know that if you get NARC'd there is NO warning for it until you start getting LRM rained on so always stay in cover.

Learn the maps the best you can. know likely sniping points, set up points for a defense etc. again knowledge is power.

finally. PLAY TO HAVE FUN!!! if you have a few bad matches maybe take a little break, play about on smurfy tinker with your mechs etc. then try again.