1704 replies to this topic

[Virlutris]

Ih8tevictors, on 24 May 2016 - 05:21 AM, said:

tried a couple of different RVN 4X builds. the issue i am having is the thing is cursed LOL. the thing is a stomp magnet. the 3L setup similar had a much better XP earning per game. grrr the 4X is avg about 400 xp a game.

give it time and i may get the hang of it yet. probably just me playing way too aggressively.

I did find that I drew a lot more attention than I was used to without the ECM.

On the 2X, that was mitigated by the fact that I was part of the pack, and there were other more interesting things for other doods to shoot.

If flank-sniping's not a good recipe for anything but death, I'd normally say to give the dual LPL build a try, and playing it more like a mid-range mech.That's expensive though, if you're operating on a budget (which we all are on this challenge), because it requires a new engine, and possibly the new weapons too.

I guess sticking it out with the ERLLs might be the thing for it given the situation. It was rough in Pugs for me too.

I ended up grinding the 4X a lot in CW on my primary (this acct). I'd mix it into a wave with pokey heavies or assaults and let the enemies targeting priotities work to my benefit while poking and ducking like crazy.

Edit: spelling

Edited by Virlutris, 24 May 2016 - 08:45 AM.

[Blind Baku]

Virlutris, on 23 May 2016 - 03:05 PM, said:

Yah, same here. I went ERLL Xtreme on it. Folks love the 2 LPL, too. I'd say the ERLL build has the better oddz of "feeling" closer to a Locust (and I know he loves his Locusts), like a shoot-and-move snipery one (with JJs!).

IIRC, 4X has that nice beam duration quirk too. That's priceless for an ERLL troll.

The Duration and Range bonus' make it a fantastic sniper. IF you have CBills to blow adding a Radar Derp and a ERLL Range mod will help it go a lot further. Trick is Peak and shoot, move, and think vertically when you can. Also don't feel like you have to wait the entire duration either. If you get the two white flashed, hide! Move somewhere else near but behind your line, peak again. If you do not have Radar Derp remember the enemy can see you for a sec of so as you reposition.

In the end each pilot has their own strengths and if this one is burning you out, grab something else and run something you like.

Edited by Blind Baku, 24 May 2016 - 08:18 AM.

[Ih8tevictors]

Grisbane, on 24 May 2016 - 09:49 AM, said:

is this challenge still a thing or?

yep some of us are still quite active here. (trying to grind out my second Mech)

start and alt account. post your name and mech and an invite to the unit will be sent.

pretty much all laid out in the first post.

if you don't have enough Cbills to buy your first mech after the academy, you may run the Trial mech closest to your mech to earn enough to buy your first mech. Trials maybe used to fill out a dro deck for FW but if possible stick with your Mechs

Good Luck, Have Fun or Die Trying....

[Amaranth Panther]

Now that I'm into Stage 2 (Bonus Mech Challenge #1), I'm working on my Victors.

My 9B dakka troll is working just fine with a stock standard engine and SHS (scoreboard pics when I'm home). I'm through basics on it, and almost enough XP for Speed Tweak (some day). The all-ballistic loadout (UAC5//4t, AC5//3t, AC2//2t) has been fun

What have my fellow Victor Challengers been finding to work for the other two variants? I'm going to assume no one has banked enough MC for a Dragon Slayer

I was thinking, when I've banked enough to buy it, that I'd go with AC20 and SRMs on the 9S for brawliness. Has that been working for anyone? (edit: assuming stock-standard 320 engine for now)

On the 9K, what I'd like to do is run an XL-engined extreme range sniper. That's going to be almost like buying a 4th Victor, though. I'm looking for an intermediate plan. What are folks doing with a standard engine (probably stock 320) on it (that y'all feel is reasonably effective).

Also, update: When I was running all that premium time over the weekend, I finally got enough GXP to unlock Radar Dep. Which ... is almost like a whole 'nuther Victor as well. Hm. Gonna unlock the Seismics next.

Edited by Amaranth Panther, 24 May 2016 - 04:04 PM.

[Amaranth Panther]

Iron Pete Chiwalski, on 21 May 2016 - 02:55 PM, said:

I haven't been to this thread in a while. I did end up mastering all my Atlas's. I was going to do the secondary challenge, but I keep getting atlas for my mech.
...
I think I will go with my second best answer on every question next time, and see if i can get something different.

This is pretty much what I did.

Warning: geekery follows

I took the quiz originally last Fall, then I took it again right about the time I first posted in this thread. Panthers both times.

So then I started messing with the answers, and tweaked each answer for which I was "on the fence," or "close." I still got the Panther several times, but I also got the Victor several times, which gave me my second mech to shoot for.

I ran it a bunch more times because at that point I was playing with the quiz algorithm as much as anything else. I still stuck to variations on the couple "tied" and "close" questions.

Eventually, I found that I also got the Grasshopper almost as frequently as the Victor. I got the Hunchie once too, lol. I like the way that I ended up getting something from every class, tweaking the answers for (I think) only 3 or 4 questions.

I'm happy with the Grasshopper result, too. Love it on my primary account. The single instance of the Hunchie means (for me, anyway) that I could eventually see my way to grinding a GHR and HBK to go with the PNT and VTR in my CW/FP deck. Conveniently, one each adds up to a 235-ton dropdeck. Kinda nice, actually

That's way out in the future though, and subject to whatever other levels of the challenge we all decide to add. I've got Victors to grind, along with a ClanTech chassis, before I can get too busy working on what to do next

[NocturnalBeast]

Amaranth Panther, on 25 May 2016 - 09:15 AM, said:

This is pretty much what I did.

Warning: geekery follows

I took the quiz originally last Fall, then I took it again right about the time I first posted in this thread. Panthers both times.

So then I started messing with the answers, and tweaked each answer for which I was "on the fence," or "close." I still got the Panther several times, but I also got the Victor several times, which gave me my second mech to shoot for.

I ran it a bunch more times because at that point I was playing with the quiz algorithm as much as anything else. I still stuck to variations on the couple "tied" and "close" questions.

Eventually, I found that I also got the Grasshopper almost as frequently as the Victor. I got the Hunchie once too, lol. I like the way that I ended up getting something from every class, tweaking the answers for (I think) only 3 or 4 questions.

I'm happy with the Grasshopper result, too. Love it on my primary account. The single instance of the Hunchie means (for me, anyway) that I could eventually see my way to grinding a GHR and HBK to go with the PNT and VTR in my CW/FP deck. Conveniently, one each adds up to a 235-ton dropdeck. Kinda nice, actually

That's way out in the future though, and subject to whatever other levels of the challenge we all decide to add. I've got Victors to grind, along with a ClanTech chassis, before I can get too busy working on what to do next

It is great that you are more active than I am in the Challenge and that you have analyzed it so thoroughly, but the point of the challenge is to take what you were given the first time (each time) and stick with it, otherwise, you should just play on your main account.

[Stretch2279]

Alright I'm in, got thunderbolt which is fine with me. Pilot name is xStretch2279x (original I know)

[Amaranth Panther]

Ed Steele, on 25 May 2016 - 11:49 PM, said:

It is great that you are more active than I am in the Challenge and that you have analyzed it so thoroughly, but the point of the challenge is to take what you were given the first time (each time) and stick with it, otherwise, you should just play on your main account.

Duly noted, and I'll invite you to note that I'm currently sticking within the boundaries of the challenge and bonus stages as they are currently defined, even though I'm totally geeking out by "testing the quiz." What I was given was Panthers and Victors. That's what I've got, with ClanTech TBD. If we want to reign things in a bit to keep us focused, I'm totally okay with that.

Yes, I'm looking to the future. I do that kind of thing. I like to know where I could be going in addition to where I'm actually headed. I'm totally geeky like that

The Victors and a ClanTech chassis TBD are plenty of work. I figured we'd be okay to add further chassis from faithful quiz result variations, but that was more my speculation than anything else. Yeah, I geeked out, but they were legit variations, which I'd be making anyway to detemine another chassis for the future. I'll totally accept "settle down, Skippy," as a point of correction and order

Specialization and sticking-with-a-thing is good for the soul too. My dakka-VTR has been good for building my dakka skills, and it's been nice to watch my stats build on a fresh account.

[NoMoreCenturions]

Amaranth Panther, on 26 May 2016 - 11:45 AM, said:

...I'll totally accept "settle down, Skippy," as a point of correction and order

...

Hey Panther -- don't lose your enthusiasm! It's a good thing. Ed is just trying to keep everyone on track. Sounds like you're doing it right.

[Amaranth Panther]

NoMoreCenturions, on 26 May 2016 - 12:41 PM, said:

Hey Panther -- don't lose your enthusiasm! It's a good thing. Ed is just trying to keep everyone on track. Sounds like you're doing it right.

Yep, the use of the "" was intended as an indicator of self-deprecating humor. Brainstorms and good healthy discussion need stress-testing and spot-checks, especially from folks who have "the big idea."

Calibration gud. On-track iz gud trak.

Sooooooooooo, anybody got build advice for Victors using the stock-standard 320?

[NoMoreCenturions]

Amaranth Panther, on 26 May 2016 - 03:15 PM, said:

...
Sooooooooooo, anybody got build advice for Victors using the stock-standard 320?

Which chassis? I have an XL 320 in my 9S, but my 9B and 9K have the std 320. I ran my 9B with an AC20, 2srm6 & 2ml, DHS & endo. My 9K has an AC10, 2srm6 and 3ml, so kind of a similar loadout between the two. Both were fun to run.

Edited by NoMoreCenturions, 26 May 2016 - 03:52 PM.

[Amaranth Panther]

I'm happy with my troll-dakka build for the 9B. It's the UAC5/AC5/AC2 dakka boat, with STD320.

It's the others I'm poking around for input on. I'm gonna be a while saving for an XL, so I'm looking for standard-engine options.

Your 9S is about what I was figuring. That 9K, on the other hand, is eluding me for build ideas that I'm comfortable with.

[Ih8tevictors]

Grisbane, on 26 May 2016 - 04:58 AM, said:

Done, took test 1st time. pulled Atlas. AS7S in alt's garage 2nd mech will be Thunderbolt (apparently choosing john mclain instead indiana jones did it -shrugs-) Alt's name is PillowPantz (i admit, after playing clans so long, i am finding it painful to re-adopt IS mechs.. i love my timbie and dire a little too much)

Stretch2279, on 26 May 2016 - 05:10 AM, said:

Alright I'm in, got thunderbolt which is fine with me. Pilot name is xStretch2279x (original I know)

PillowPantz AS7 Big Ugly Fat Fellow Mech

xStretch2279x TDR little on the old side but still a fine design

Invites sent

Accounting summery

starting coffers 10,000,000 cbills

1 @ 1,900,000 cbills
1 @ 1,950,000 cbills

remaining balance 6,150,000 cbills

next recruit @ 2,000,000

(in my best PBS voice) this unit relies on member donations to be able to add folks to our rolls. when you can spare a million C-Bills help a fellow mech warrior join up...

[Ih8tevictors]

Amaranth Panther

on the VTR 9K

i got the CDA 2A(C) that was being give away a bit ago for a challenge. which left me with an XL340. Hmmmm 9K can carry 6 JJs has a Gauss and energy slots and missile slots soooooo

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...cd3afb6b9690a7d

armor values and some placement is not right but believe it or not this thing was great in CW. with the JJs and speed of the xl340 it could get onto high ground that a BUFF should not. play the vertical sniper game and harass with the LRM5s. the ERLL/Gauss combo is a classic long range setup.

is it the best build? no, is it meta? nope, was it fun? yep. JJs on assaults tend to to get over looked for more fire power. in the VTR max JJs is a nice change of pace. has real sweet spot at 450M to 900M. can also harass out to 1200m easily

Edited by Ih8tevictors, 26 May 2016 - 07:45 PM.

[Amaranth Panther]

Ih8tevictors, on 26 May 2016 - 06:45 PM, said:

Amaranth Panther

on the VTR 9K

i got the CDA 2A(C) that was being give away a bit ago for a challenge. which left me with an XL340. Hmmmm 9K can carry 6 JJs has a Gauss and energy slots and missile slots soooooo

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...cd3afb6b9690a7d

armor values and some placement is not right but believe it or not this thing was great in CW. with the JJs and speed of the xl340 it could get onto high ground that a BUFF should not. play the vertical sniper game and harass with the LRM5s. the ERLL/Gauss combo is a classic long range setup.

is it the best build? no, is it meta? nope, was it fun? yep. JJs on assaults tend to to get over looked for more fire power. in the VTR max JJs is a nice change of pace. has real sweet spot at 450M to 900M. can also harass out to 1200m easily

*megasigh*

Yep, that's why I want the XL engine. Running the Gauss and at least a couple blue lasers is exactly where I want to end up.

What were you running before you had the XL? Or did you get the 9K after you already had it?

Edited by Amaranth Panther, 26 May 2016 - 10:27 PM.

[loopala]

Amaranth Panther, on 26 May 2016 - 10:07 PM, said:

*megasigh*

Yep, that's why I want the XL engine. Running the Gauss and at least a couple blue lasers is exactly where I want to end up.

What were you running before you had the XL? Or did you get the 9K after you already had it?

By giving up the missiles you can get an ok twin erll 9k with stock eng and good armor. The VTR, to me anyway, needs almost max armor.

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...16a7e2e9ba97c56

[Ih8tevictors]

Now on the 9s and 9b i kept them pretty much super stock. Endo DHS and kept the ac20s but played a bit with the missile and energy slots. i found that SRM2s complement the beserker play style of mine. 2 or 3 srm2s chain fired while up close and personal will get many an assault pilot to back up once they go defensive just take them apart with the AC20. both of these build are played the same. JJ dancing brawlers. stick and move. you want to get the other guy off balance. 100m or less is were these shine. you have good amount of JJs use them to keep from being hit. think like a light mech, a big slow clumsy, light mech with a big cannon.

9B AC20 2 SRM2s 2 MPL 4 JJs

http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/mechlab#i=89&l=3949ec1277c794071352eae16245ea84ec83fbf0

with duration quirks the 9B also has a good twist and alpha and twist

9S AC20 3 SRM2s 2 ML 4 JJs

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...4e14b23c9338f75

with the quirks the 9S is a little better then the 9B for FW. the AC20 SRM makes a good twist and shoot while the MLs tend to be there more as an add on. now chain firing the SRMs while poking with the MLs once again tends to upset pilots while you dance around pounding with the ac20. the 25% range and velocity boast actually make 400m ac20 snap shots possible. i don't recommend these as a play style but one or two tends to make the reds seek cover.

the VTR is one of the few mechs that really does not need much tinkering with IMHO. it is play style that needs tinkering with. the VTR is a big, mobile, in your face, gun platform. it is not, nor will it ever be, a point of the spear assault. it makes a great back up to the classic point of the spear assault. pair up with an aggressive atlas or dire wolf pilot pushing the line and dance around being the biggest distraction you can be.

[davoodoo]

This thing said im commando...

I despise lights overall and can at best tolerate erll raven and im commando...

Im not taking part in this...

[Amaranth Panther]

davoodoo, on 27 May 2016 - 06:26 AM, said:

This thing said im commando...

I despise lights overall and can at best tolerate erll raven and im commando...

Im not taking part in this...

That's okay, but the fact that it may pull you out of your comfort zone is part of the "challenge" of it.

Once you learn how to peek, dash, and especially how to "juke" in them, they're a lot more fun than you'd expect.

You're welcome to join us if you change your mind.

[Ih8tevictors]

New week, still with House Liao. The Chancellor wishes to thank us for our continued support of the Capellan Confederacy

Well the 20% bonus helps

Edited by Ih8tevictors, 29 May 2016 - 06:19 AM.