16 replies to this topic

[Lostdragon]

I'm going to compete in the charity tournament this weekend and I need some ideas for 1v1 builds. My first match is in a clan medium, then if I win I advance to a round with an IS assault, followed by a heavy clan mech, clan assault, and finally an IS light. Once caveat, I hate Gauss rifles. I know they are probably what I should be trying to put on these mechs, but I want to stay clear of them if I can because I suck at the charge up mechanic.

I've not done many 1v1 duels, but I'm thinking I want to stay at the top end of the weight class to maximize my armor and weapons. I have IFRs, NVAs, and SCRs in the medium class and I think the SCR is the obvious choices for the first match but would appreciate build input.

If I win and move on to the IS Assault round then I have more limited options. I have 2 HGNs that are mastered along with the AWS 9-M. I have two unmastered AS7s and 1 KGC. I'm thinking I might get another AS7 so I can basic it and master either my DDC or AS7-S. To get double basics and all on the KGC I would have to buy and basic two more and I really don't want to spend my cbills on that. Any advice and builds for this round would be appreciated.

For the Clan heavy I think the TBR is an obvious choice, however I do have HBRs and I have a lot of play time in a HBR build I really enjoy.

For the Clan assault I can use either a WHK or DWF and I think the DWF is the best choice. I generally play an all dakka build but I'm thinking of dropping some ammo from that and throwing on some CERMLs.

Thanks in advance for you help and advice.

[Kira Onime]

What is the context of the 1 vs 1 'cause your weapon loadout will change according to that.

Map?
Is there a designated location on a map for the duel or is it in the open?

[El Bandito]

Why do you wish to swap so many different weight classes in the first place? Is it not better just to play 1-2 mechs for consistency?

Medium = SCR, Heavy = Timbie, those are pretty much obvious. For Assaults, Direwhale is for more specialized builds, while the Warhawk can be jack of all trades with its better than average mobility, and mixed hardpoints.

Lights is a toss-up between the Cheater and the Firestarter.

I must add, that a well piloted Nova can decide the match pretty fast. Faster than the Crow.

Edited by El Bandito, 05 October 2015 - 09:29 AM.

[Lostdragon]

Kira Onime, on 05 October 2015 - 09:02 AM, said:

What is the context of the 1 vs 1 'cause your weapon loadout will change according to that.

Map?
Is there a designated location on a map for the duel or is it in the open?

Random maps except Alpine and Tourmaline, rules don't specify starting location so I'm assuming when the drop begins the duel begins with the standard starting points.

El Bandito, on 05 October 2015 - 09:27 AM, said:

Why do you wish to swap so many different weight classes in the first place? Is it not better just to play 1-2 mechs for consistency?

Medium = SCR, Heavy = Timbie, those are pretty much obvious. For Assaults, Direwhale is for more specialized builds, while the Warhawk can be jack of all trades with its better than average mobility, and mixed hardpoints.

Lights is a toss-up between the Cheater and the Firestarter.

I must add, that a well piloted Nova can decide the match pretty fast. Faster than the Crow.

You're in the tourney too, look at the brackets. You don't get to choose your weight classes. The rules are set up such that if I wind up winning out I will fight in C Med> IS Assault > C heavy> C Assault > IS Light.

I actually like the Nova better than the SCR but I think the SCR's hitboxes will be more advantageous.

[Kira Onime]

Lostdragon, on 05 October 2015 - 09:53 AM, said:

Random maps except Alpine and Tourmaline, rules don't specify starting location so I'm assuming when the drop begins the duel begins with the standard starting points.

Then pure brawl is out of the question.
You'll want to avoid SL and SPL.

[Lostdragon]

Kira Onime, on 05 October 2015 - 10:00 AM, said:

Then pure brawl is out of the question.
You'll want to avoid SL and SPL.

Yeah, I'm thinking for the SCR I'll go 5x ML 1 LPL. I might use the Loyalty AS7-S with an AC20 and 3 LL.

[Kira Onime]

Lostdragon, on 05 October 2015 - 10:01 AM, said:

Yeah, I'm thinking for the SCR I'll go 5x ML 1 LPL.

Or Gauss 4ML

[Lostdragon]

Kira Onime, on 05 October 2015 - 10:04 AM, said:

Or Gauss 4ML

I suck with Gauss I'm much more confident in my lasing abilities.

[Ascaloth]

I'm also on the tournament, bracket A. Guess all my matches will be on Inner Sphere mechs, mostly Lights and Heavies. What I suggest you is: Use mechs you are comfortable with and train on private matches. Ask your partner(s) to use meta-mechs only and try to adapt your builds to beat them.

I've found that most meta mechs are easily beaten by mechs fitted for duel only, since brawl reign over peak-a-boo on 1x1 battles..

[Kira Onime]

Ascaloth, on 05 October 2015 - 10:22 AM, said:

I'm also on the tournament, bracket A. Guess all my matches will be on Inner Sphere mechs, mostly Lights and Heavies. What I suggest you is: Use mechs you are comfortable with and train on private matches. Ask your partner(s) to use meta-mechs only and try to adapt your builds to beat them.

I've found that most meta mechs are easily beaten by mechs fitted for duel only, since brawl reign over peak-a-boo on 1x1 battles..

True but with the map RNG the OP will have, running pure brawl is a very very risky choice.

[Ascaloth]

Kira Onime, on 05 October 2015 - 10:30 AM, said:

True but with the map RNG the OP will have, running pure brawl is a very very risky choice.

Well, you can:
- Avoid common routes.
- Drop ammo to mount a bigger engine (I.S. only) and reach the enemy faster.
- Use BAP or Adv. Sensor Module to find the Red Dorito before your opponent.
- Hide in a corner and wait for the enemy to come.

[Kira Onime]

Ascaloth, on 05 October 2015 - 10:38 AM, said:

Well, you can:
- Avoid common routes.
- Drop ammo to mount a bigger engine (I.S. only) and reach the enemy faster.
- Use BAP or Adv. Sensor Module to find the Red Dorito before your opponent.
- Hide in a corner and wait for the enemy to come.

Don't get me wrong, I fully understand the merits of a pure brawl build but there are simply too many RNG elements into play to justify said build.

Gauss laser vomit is generally a very safe build to bring and can do "okay" in a brawl if need be.

[El Bandito]

Once I have seen a guy in a Scat with Dual CERPPCs kiting a Streak Crow for good 2 minutes. Pretty cartoony to watch.

[aniviron]

For SCR, it's tough to beat gauss + 4 ER ML. Good range, good damage, you still get to shoot gauss when you're running hot, and you can spread your lasers out enough to avoid most of the negative quirks. Your speed and range should let you dictate the terms of the engagement, and you will do well on every map. For Novae, the only real viable builds are SPL or twin ER PPC, and both of those have very obvious glaring weaknesses that can be compensated for in team games but will get you killed very fast in 1v1s.

If you want to close range MPLs are great on the SCR- and if you're feeling ballsy, I've had dueling success in the uAC20 + 3 SRM6 build brawling in the SCR. Keep in mind that the map selection can really screw you if you go short range though, and the MPL build is a risk given the chance for terra therma/caustic.

[Narcissistic Martyr]

For IS light...

Realistically though... you're gonna want a firestarter or play the hide and seek game with an ECM spider. An oxide would be a hilarious choice if you get the drop on them though since it'll instasplode most lights.

[QuulDrah]

*scribble-scribble* great info guys, keep posting :-P ;-)

IMHO long range sniping will be a pretty daring tactics... considering the duels are 10min max.

my first (and probably last) match will be in IS heavys... so yeah, brawl it is.
the key to 1vs1 - as i understand it - is sustained dps. unless you can oneshot people a high alpha plus long cooldown is less favourable than lower alpha with continuos fire. i just hope that my opponent will not use LRMs, since there is only one IS heavy with ECM, and i won't be arriving in a cataphract... although... on second thought.. hmmmm *scratches-head* maybe i will. maybe i won't... need to test this.

Edited by QuulDrah, 06 October 2015 - 03:36 AM.

[Scandinavian Jawbreaker]

Ascaloth, on 05 October 2015 - 10:38 AM, said:

Well, you can:
- Avoid common routes.
- Drop ammo to mount a bigger engine (I.S. only) and reach the enemy faster.
- Use BAP or Adv. Sensor Module to find the Red Dorito before your opponent.
- Hide in a corner and wait for the enemy to come.

Couple of corrections and additions...

- Bap could be waste of tonnage
- Adv. Sensor module is useful, but only as third if you have three module slots. Radar Dep and Seismic far too important to drop off. Tweak graphics settings for best visual.
- Do not hide in corners. The one who gets the first alpha in could be the winner. Even small advantage is important and the one with the initative is strong. However try to choose and/or lure opponent to a spot that is beneficial for your build.
- Use max leg armor or don't show your legs at all

I'll send you a friend request, just give me a shout if you want to do some duels and discuss about builds and 1v1 stuff