26 replies to this topic

[DjPush]

I recieved all of the Loyalty mechs they just recently gave everyone. I have finished with the Nova, Executioner and Zues. I have started working on the Cicada (which I have never piloted before). I put a ERPPC with a LPulse and MLaser. I use the ERPPC for pop tarting and the other 2 for poking.

I'm trying to decide which one to buy next. The obvious choice is the ECM capable variant. However, I'm stuck on my 3rd choice. Which variants and loadouts have some of you had success with? Which are your favorites?

Edited by DjPush, 18 November 2015 - 10:42 AM.

[Ascaloth]

DjPush, on 18 November 2015 - 10:41 AM, said:

I recieved all of the Loyalty mechs they just recently gave everyone. I have finished with the Nova, Executioner and Zues. I have started working on the Cicada (which I have never piloted before). I put a ERPPC with a LPulse and MLaser. I use the ERPPC for pop tarting and the other 2 for poking.

I'm trying to decide which one to buy next. The obvious choice is the ECM capable variant. However, I'm stuck on my 3rd choice. Which variants and loadouts have some of you had success with? Which are your favorites?

3M (ECM Variant) with 3 ERLL + ECM, XL 295. Pretty nasty. Also works well and a bit cooler with non-extended range large lasers.

I personally like the 3C with a big engine (i use a XL 320), ERPPC and 4xMG. It has spare tonnage for extra ammo or even AMS. It's not a power mech, but it's very funny and annoying thanks to the overquirked erppc.

[El Bandito]

Judging from the PTS quirks, 3C and 2A are definitely good buy. 2B is just lackluster in comparison.

Edited by El Bandito, 18 November 2015 - 10:54 AM.

[BigJim]

The 2A; 6 Energy mounts, all torso locked - perfect.
If you want to go balls-out hipster you could run 2B (I think?) - The one with 5x Energy mounts, but semi arm-aimable, like the Jenner.
But I like the 2A best. Sans doubt.

Edited by BigJim, 18 November 2015 - 10:54 AM.

[CDLord HHGD]

I have 2x LL and 2x ML on mine. Don't remember the engine size, but I do have most if not all the JJs equipped.

[jss78]

All the Cicadas seem to have their fans. I believe many consider 2A and 2B the best, run with big engines and boating ML and MPL respectively. That's not my favourite play style, so my pick would be the 3C (with ER-PPC housed on top of the ST, very fun peek and poke mech, although objectively probably the worst Cicada) and 3M (for ECM).

Ascaloth, on 18 November 2015 - 10:48 AM, said:

I personally like the 3C with a big engine (i use a XL 320), ERPPC and 4xMG. It has spare tonnage for extra ammo or even AMS. It's not a power mech, but it's very funny and annoying thanks to the overquirked erppc.

This is precisely how I run mine. XL320, ER-PPC, 4 MG -- there's spare tonnage for AMS and BAP, so I run those too. Could run a bigger engine instead, but I'm too cheap to buy one.

I was astonished to see that it's keeping those crazy ER-PPC quirks in the PTS. But I'll take it.

[Nathan Foxbane]

2A, 3C, or X-5 are all solid. The 3C in particular has come a long way with quirks. 2B and X-5 are the only variants with arm mounted weapons. If you want 'Mech you can build "for the lulz" later the 3C with its Boomcada build is hilarious, especially if you actually kill someone with it on Alpine (it also makes you appreciate how fast Dire Wolves are).

[WrathOfDeadguy]

I dunno, you can build a few different BoomBug variations that aren't horribly slow. Not "sane normal Cicada" fast, but certainly fast enough to keep up with the rest of deathball. Cheaper, too. No DHS tax! I really need to re-buy my 3C. I sold it a while back because I didn't have enough mechbays, but that's not so much of a problem now...

The X5 is good, and has gotten better since getting dynamic hardpoints since it can now carry bigger launchers... but I still run mine almost-stock with 4xML and 2xSRM2, with that lovely gigantic XL330.

The 3M is the natural choice because, well, ECM. Any variant with ECM is an automatic purchase if you're mastering a chassis. Even if they nerf it, ECM is just that good.

[DjPush]

Is the X-5 the Hero variant? (Not at home or I would look myself)

[Virlutris]

Wub-cada's a nasty little monster. Those 5 MPL, with an XL300 and crammed with DHS, do a lot of work. It only seems lackluster on paper because MPLs are already meta-riffic, and don't require a lot in the way of quirks to make them even more popular.

I've seen people preaching the gospel of a 1LPL+3ML on the X5, claiming the build actually does some work because of the way the quirks line up (especially the range). I levelled mine with 4ML and Streaks last summer. I enjoyed it

Don't be afraid of the midsize engine. They're more tonnage efficient, and allow for gunzy loadouts like the previously-mentioned 3LL build on the 3M.

That said, I admit to running the 3C troll build above with the MGs and ERPPC. There's supposed to be a build that includes the ERPPC and an AC5 out there. I may yet try it

For your 3rd choice: 2A is steady, X5 has hero bonus (and energy range and option for missiles), 3C for lulz, 2B for wubz.

If I had to pick one with an autocannon held to my head, I'd say this: Wub-cada is best-cada.

[TLBFestus]

3M
3 med lasers
1 AC10
ECM

Sometimes I can just sit back after flanking and shoot targets with the AC and they don't notice me until the damage is done.

[WrathOfDeadguy]

So... something like this? Huh. I really need to try that some time. 4xMPL has been very reliable for me on the 3M, but it's just so... dull.

[627]

all of them!

No, seriously, after you mastered your first three cicadas you'll buy the rest anyway. I don't want to sound like garth but I have mastered all of them. Biggest joke by the way, besides my X-5 I had the most fun (and success) in the 3C with PPC and MGs. Have to say that was before the MG nerf and the quirkening, but still...

[Mycrus]

627, on 18 November 2015 - 01:39 PM, said:

all of them!

No, seriously, after you mastered your first three cicadas you'll buy the rest anyway. I don't want to sound like garth but I have mastered all of them. Biggest joke by the way, besides my X-5 I had the most fun (and success) in the 3C with PPC and MGs. Have to say that was before the MG nerf and the quirkening, but still...

You are right, i love them all!

[Troutmonkey]

Ascaloth, on 18 November 2015 - 10:48 AM, said:

I personally like the 3C with a big engine (i use a XL 320), ERPPC and 4xMG. It has spare tonnage for extra ammo or even AMS. It's not a power mech, but it's very funny and annoying thanks to the overquirked erppc.

The 3C is so fun to drive. It's not a great mech by any means, but it's good to poke and troll with.

I also run the 3M with 2LL, 2ML and ECM.
I run the 3F with 2LL, 2ML and JJs.
Think I'm running the 300XL in both.

[Jabilac]

I would pick up the 2B and the 3M.

3M has ECM, 4E, 1B Hardpoints.

2B only has 5E and most of those are on the arms but it is getting some pretty nice quirks on the PTS. Energy Heat Gen -20% and Energy Cooldown +20% Accel/Decel +50% Turn Rate +35% and Turn Yaw Speed +25% plus structure buffs everywhere.

X-5 if you want missiles.

Download the PTS and just buy them over there. Buy them all, skill them out, load them up, and drop. Get a taste at what each can do.

Edit: 3C - I usually do an XL280, ERPPC, and AC5 or AC2.

Edited by Jabilac, 18 November 2015 - 03:38 PM.

[TLBFestus]

PS WrathOfDeadguy, on 18 November 2015 - 01:27 PM, said:

So... something like this? Huh. I really need to try that some time. 4xMPL has been very reliable for me on the 3M, but it's just so... dull.

Something like that. I'm at work so doesn't have the exact load out in front of me. I know I scrimped somewhere to get an extra ton or half ton of ammo onto it. Have about 30 rounds, if I recall correctly.

The AC really surprises some lights that start to duel you as well. A couple of face shots with that often makes them reconsider their decision and they take off.

Edited by TLBFestus, 18 November 2015 - 03:51 PM.

[3xnihilo]

I have all the Cicadas but the 3C. If I had to put them in order of preference It would probably go like this:

2A
3M
2B
X-5 (hero) tied w/ jj Loyalty cicada

I really like the chassis so I enjoy all of them just if push came to shove the above is my order of preference.

[Troutmonkey]

Oh I forgot about the X-5. Yeah that thing works awesomely now that it has proper tube sizes. Fun little brawler that will only get better once the SRM changes go live

[Levi Porphyrogenitus]

I love the X-5. It's a solid Hero, made even better with the modular launcher sizes that came with dynamic weapon geometry.