27 replies to this topic

[Talaiar]

Question:
Which mech would best fit my playstyle? I am a Solo-queue player with around 200 matches over multiple accounts. I can't seem to find my niche mech, but I am looking for one with a fairly even balance between Survivability and Firepower - focusing a little bit more on Survivability.

My Playstyle:

• Preferred Range: Medium to Long with enough damage to trade effectively, and be a significant threat to anything less than an Assault.
  
• Fast and maneuverable enough to retreat or chase most mechs effectively (besides Lights, of course).
  
• I like having enough heat management to Alpha more than 3-5 times in a row without overheating, and to sustain good DPS during brawls (if I am unfortunate enough to get in one)

My owned mechs with Pro's / Con's that pertain to me:

1) Spider 5D: Quite fun to poke and snipe with, however lack of damage makes me feel I am nothing more than a nuisance to enemies, rather than a real threat.
2) King Crab 000: Sometimes really fun, other times very frustrating. Depends too much on team coordination. Too slow.
3) Cataphract 3D: Decent, but too slow.
4) Cicada 3M: Not enough firepower.

Mechs I am interested in based on research:

1) Firstarter - They seem highly rated, but I worry they have a focus on brawling, which is too high-risk a role for me - I like to be effective at longer ranges.

2) Nova - I don't know much about it, other than it can carry a large number of weapons and has Jump Jets, however I have concerns over its heat management.

3) Hunchback - I've read this mech is a great starter mech, however I'm looking for long-term viability, not just a "for noobs" mech.

4) Timber Wolf - from what I understand, this mech is 'the best' mech available in practically every category.

5) Stormcrow - This is a big "maybe", but that is largely because of how much I dislike overheating in the current Trial version.

Conclusion:
I do not want to get completely steamrolled by anything less than an Assault; I don't mind losing a fight, but I am getting a bit tired of every Hellbringer and Timberwolf just walking through me like I am literally just a zero-threat insect.

Thank you for your help!

Edited by Talaiar, 24 April 2015 - 11:53 PM.

[Gagis]

Dakka Dragon is worth a shot

[mailin]

The thing about any clan mechs is that if you don't like the hardpoints, you can change out the Omni pods to allow different weapons. The Stormcrow is one of the best mechs out there largely due to the speed and availability of weapons. Give it a shot.

[Talaiar]

Thanks for the replies!

I forgot - I was actually interested in the Dragon before (due to its great speed), however I remember reading a bunch of warnings to "Never get a Dragon"? If I remember correctly, it was due to the Hitboxes on it?

As for the Stormcrow: At the moment, it is my favourite Trial mech to pilot (I'm saving up tons of credits so I can buy whatever I end up deciding on). The omnipods and other Clan-tech bonuses definitely put me on the side of clans, however I haven't noticed Stormcrows being very... threatening... during regular matches? I see them and think: "Oh, okay, Stormcrow. Better be a bit careful." But when I see a Timberwolf, Hellbringer, or basically any Assault, I think: "Please don't notice me, please don't notice me. Oh s***, he noticed me" - then one of my arms get blown off.

I guess what I mean is, I want to be one of the mechs nobody wants to mess with, and I'm not 100% certain if the Stormcrow is one of those mechs? I see them all the time with one or both their arms blown off, making me think they may not be as durable as I like a mech to be.

Edited by Talaiar, 25 April 2015 - 12:09 AM.

[mailin]

None of the clan mechs are actually that durable. They tend to focus more on damage than survivability. If you want survivable, take a Stalker with a standard engine. If you want speed balanced with decent firepower though, you're looking at mediums or fast heavies. But something must be sacrificed, and that is the survivability.

[Modo44]

You can build the Scarecrow to run much cooler than the trial variant. It is the best medium mech at the moment, and it can carry a wide variety of good loadouts. The only issue you will run into, is getting focused as a serious threat.

[Gagis]

About the weaknesses of the Dragon:

+1N has absurdly good firepower with dual AC5
- Other Dragons are pretty irrelevant
- You need like ten tons of ammo to go with that rate of fire
- All of your dakka is in one arm
+ You can shield with your other arm

+ Dragon is one of the fastest heavies around
- Speed comes at the cost of durability

-Everyone will hit your center torso from anywhere. That hit box is horrid.
+ You can use XL engines, since the CT will go first anyways

All in all its a great flanker. Being ambushed by a Dragon will make anyone tremble in fear, but it is not the best in face-to-face trading.

[Modo44]

The Dragon is a one trick pony with quirks, and it costs a lot to fully equip (mech+upgrades+big XL engine = 15 million Cbills easy, per variant). The other useful Dragon is the Flame, but that is a hero mech (real money purchase). Neither is even remotely as scary as a Timber Wolf with the same pilot.

Edited by Modo44, 25 April 2015 - 12:35 AM.

[TheCaptainJZ]

I want to say something like a Jagermech with UAC5s. Or something like that. You can do something similar with the Cataphract you already own but the arms are low slung which is the advantage the Jager has.

One reason your Cataphract is slow is you need 3 variants to unlock the pilot skills. Unlocking speed tweak at the elite skills level gives you 10% more speed. Also, finishing the elite tier doubles the effects of all 8 basics which affects turning and cooling. It's like a new mech at that point.

Edit: You can use PPCs or ER large lasers to snipe somewhat with the CTF you have. Those torso energy mounts are as high as the cockpit so you can hide behind hills.

Edited by TheCaptainJZ, 25 April 2015 - 12:53 AM.

[Suzano]

would recommend the Hellbringer for your playstyle. he is fast, agile and deadly (if you have a good config). ECM is also a plus.

[Rear Admiral Tier 6]

Gagis, on 24 April 2015 - 11:46 PM, said:

Dakka Dragon is worth a shot

I was about to say this.

Other variants are pretty meh tho nowadays.

Its the only heavy mech that can outgun a Dire Wolf.

[Talaiar]

Thanks again for the responses!

I am playing matches while waiting for replies to this thread, and I find myself focusing on the mechs mentioned here.

So far, the Timber Wolf seems to be some kind of "chosen" mech by the devs. When engaging them, I can't really discern any real weakness that other mechs don't have more of.

The Hellbringer pilots seem just insane, and get away with things I wouldn't think possible. I do rather like ECM (makes me feel warm and safe), but Timber Wolf has those Jump Jets... Is always difficult to choose between the two, and the Timber Wolf gets the extra 10 tons.

I have almost 15 mill. credits saved up, so I'm definitely looking to get a real solid choice for how long it takes to grind this out in trials - and I am kinda tired of making new accounts, so this is one of my most important purchases. My instincts keep telling me to just go with the seemingly-overpowered Timber Wolf as the most 'solid', all-rounder choice?

I have spent a good deal of time thinking about Jagermech/Blackjack (with their awesome peek potential). They do seem quite devastating in-game as well. I have read a bit about them, and it seems they have vulnerable Side Torso's or something? I always thought they looked like they had a very protected Center Torso though?

Question: from what I understand from research, Clan Mechs are a bit more Laser - and less Ballistic - oriented? How well does this work when it comes to Heat management? I notice in smurfylab, Clan Laser tech has Damage / Range buffs over Inner Sphere tech. I don't mind a little heat management, but I don't want my game experience to be a Heat-Management Simulator. There is nothing worse, to me, than dying because I can't fire my dang weapons at the guy 10 meters in front of me, lol.

P.S. The Dragons do seem to be getting a lot of love in this thread... which is confusing me a bit, as others are saying they are one-trick ponies and/or deathtraps? Would a Dragon be a good choice as a first "main" mech? If they truly can outgun a Direwolf, that sounds pretty awesome considering its speed. Is it worth having one over a Timber Wolf (credits not being an issue)?

Basically I want a mech that can 1v1 almost any other mech (not counting Assaults), and have a good chance to win. I'm also hoping this dream mech doesn't have any overly-serious weaknesses, such as pathetic maneuverability (like my King Crab enjoys getting hamstring'd by Lights).

Credits aren't an issue... I'll grind out however much is necessary.

Edited by Talaiar, 25 April 2015 - 02:54 AM.

[Sandersson Jankins]

If you want something that is perfect for your needs, considered very highly in the current "meta", I suggest the Wolverine-6K.

I think its the 6k, anyway.

The standard build is running 4LL, with all the upgrades of course. I run a modified build with more of a close-in role. I use 2LL, 3ML, and a NARC with 24 shots.

[TyphonCh]

The Dragon was my first mech. The Champion variant was out at the time, which is what prompted me to buy it. The guass rifle and 2 LL kicked ass!!!

Dragons can be dangerous with they're speed and firepower. Missiles are.. meh. All of them in the center torso. Don't rely on them. Downside: The center torso takes the brunt of the damage, no matter which way they turn, because its so damn huge

I started just over a year ago, before JJ nerfs, before Clans, before quirks, etc. Dragon was a great low tier mech. But now, because pinpoint laser/guass convergence is dominating the game... Not so much so

I recommend the Shadow Hawk or Centrurion to new players (Cost wise, otherwise, Stormcrow). Both have great hit boxes, a varierty of hardpoints, and speed. Centurion has great geometry, and teaches you how to use that "shield arm"

Your pick

Edited by Team Chevy86, 25 April 2015 - 03:33 AM.

[Rear Admiral Tier 6]

Talaiar, on 25 April 2015 - 01:27 AM, said:

P.S. The Dragons do seem to be getting a lot of love in this thread... which is confusing me a bit, as others are saying they are one-trick ponies and/or deathtraps? Would a Dragon be a good choice as a first "main" mech? If they truly can outgun a Direwolf, that sounds pretty awesome considering its speed. Is it worth having one over a Timber Wolf (credits not being an issue)?

They are fragile,but can lay down hurt fast,bit like a faster more agile Jagermechs.Glass cannons,sadly the other variants than 1N are more skill intensive to master,1C is a good sniper and i use my 5N as a long range suppression mech with 3 ac2:s,its not excellent in that but works somewhat decently.You will be fine with them as long as you do not brawl much
If you want mobility,Griffin,Wolverine and Quickdraw are good mechs,but require heat management because they are mostly energy + missiles,good mechs anyway.

[Spleenslitta]

The Vindicator surprised me with it's versatility. Plenty of JJ's to jump on top of tall buildings while the enemy brawls with your teammates below.
PPC projectile speed quirk on all but the hero variant.

I got an 1AA which goes at 110.9 kph (280XL) with ER PPC (i know it doesn't get the quirks), 2 SPL in right arm, 1 ML in head, SRM6 with Artemis.Full JJ's.
You can do just about anything with it and if it's too hot just get an ER LL and a couple of extra heatsinks or a plain PPC instead of the ER version.

Just stay a bit away from the 1X. It's a typical either this or that mech. If you choose an AC5 or UAC5 you won't have tonnage for the PPC and vise versa.
Unless you get a small engine...but Vindicators are definitivly better with big XL engines.

Edited by Spleenslitta, 25 April 2015 - 04:43 AM.

[Sewman]

Talaiar, on 25 April 2015 - 01:27 AM, said:

Question: from what I understand from research, Clan Mechs are a bit more Laser - and less Ballistic - oriented? How well does this work when it comes to Heat management? I notice in smurfylab, Clan Laser tech has Damage / Range buffs over Inner Sphere tech. I don't mind a little heat management, but I don't want my game experience to be a Heat-Management Simulator. There is nothing worse, to me, than dying because I can't fire my dang weapons at the guy 10 meters in front of me, lol.

I have both the Timbers and Scrows mastered and you're right - Clan mechs are definitely more laser oriented (+guass). I tend to enjoy pretty heat efficient builds. Like you, I like having 3 or more alphas before overheating. I trust you might be as trigger happy as I am. With IS mechs, you can build pretty heat efficiency to the point of having 4+ alphas if you pick heavily quirked mechs like the Firestarters, Thunderbolts, Wolverines etc.

But with the above Clan mechs, its difficult to build really heat efficient builds if you are trying to use up all of the hard points. I find that the most lethal builds tend to give you 2 really face melting alphas before you have to hide and go have a smoke while your mech cools down.

I suppose this might be well suited to your play style of medium to long range support. You just have to be patient enough to wait for distracted assaults or heavies to present themselves. I'd avoid fast lights and mediums because you might waste valuable heat missing their legs. Try to aim for targets that you can hold the relatively longer clan beam duration on even if they're on the move.

I guess it should go without saying, but most mechs only really come alive after getting mastered. All of the mechs I've had sucked hard until mastering, some more than others.

[Kadix]

Talaiar, on 25 April 2015 - 01:27 AM, said:

So far, the Timber Wolf seems to be some kind of "chosen" mech by the devs. When engaging them, I can't really discern any real weakness that other mechs don't have more of.

It's not really the chosen mech of the PGI devs, it's been the on the cover of FASA stuff for ages and was one of the best mechs pen&paper.

With all the clan heavies at the same speed (5/8), the Timber Wolf is the heavest (75t) and the only one with endo steel, giving it even more tonnage for weapons compared.

[Elizander]

I'd recommend trying some mechs that have higher mount hard points. Based on what you had you didn't pick up anything like a Shadowhawk, Jagermech, Blackjack or Hellbringer. Having higher hard points equates to survivability because less mech is exposed to return fire when you pewpew.

[Koniving]

Talaiar, on 25 April 2015 - 12:02 AM, said:

Thanks for the replies!

I forgot - I was actually interested in the Dragon before (due to its great speed), however I remember reading a bunch of warnings to "Never get a Dragon"? If I remember correctly, it was due to the Hitboxes on it?

The concerns over a Dragon relate to its gut. For a long while the entire belly from all sides was considered "center torso." The pods between the arms and torso, a tiny set of shoulders, were considered the side torsos (almost non-existent). It will never outlive this bad reputation.
However the current hitboxes..

are quite a bit better. Still, the design of the CT is very missile and LBX unfriendly, so watch out for LRM fire.

Dragons are super quirked to compensate, so they can deliver much more firepower than you actually spent the tonnage for compared to the old days.

Stormcrow heat issues are due to stock + PGI design + lack of skill tree unlocks. Just basics alone would improve cooling and max heat by 7.5% and 10% respectively. Elites by 15% and 20% respectively. Most of my Stormcrow designs never shutdown, much akin to this 'Mech design (using a Highlander Heavy Metal).
Vid 1 against assaults, 1 light, many mediums.
Vid 2 against heavies, mediums and many lights.