17 replies to this topic

[Hanky Spam]

Hello comm...

I've started playing MWO yesterday and until now I like it.
However, I pretty much dont like it that I have to pay for almost everything in-game, though I understand that this game cant be entirely free without anything to pay for.

So my question/problem looks as follows:
I'm pretty much fine with the standard-mechs in-game but I also would like to individualize them and I cant do that currently with my account, so I guess I need a paid member-ship account, right?

Would it be sufficient to buy a premium-membership or would it be better to buy a mech-pack, as far as I've understood there is almost always also a membership package included?

Another question:
Are these paid mechs actually just a re-skin of the standard mechs which are available in-game or do these mechs also have improvements?

Thanks in regards for suggestions...

[Haike]

You do not need a "paid membership account". To modify your mech, you just need to buy it via Cbills(free ingame currency) and thats it.

Premium Time just gives 50% bonus to cbills/exp earned. Not required under any circumstances for a free player

[Revorn]

You dont need to buy anything with RL-Money at all. You can farm some C-bills (ingamecurrency) and buy them with that. The Mechs you have bougth, regardless the Way C-Bills or MC can then be customized.

Hero Mechs are the only ones wich need to be bougth with RL-Money, but they only differs in some Hardpoints and Painting for the Style. And of course the +30% C-Bills income if you drive a Match in them. But they are not better then the normal ones.

Edited by Revorn, 25 December 2015 - 02:12 AM.

[TexAce]

Smells fishy.

Whatever. I'll answer.

Who says you can't individualize your mechs with your current account? Individualize how? Visually or loadouts?

First: nothing In this game HAS to be payed for with real money except premium time, skins and colors, and mechbays (although you can get those for free in Faction Play too).

So all the mechs you can buy for cbills are as good as those who still are behind a pay wall and will be released for cbills later.

Hero mechs are not better than standard mechs, the, just have a slightly different hardpoints layout and a unique skin.

If you want to customize your mechs visually buy MC.

There are no payed membership accounts like you think.

[Goritude]

I'm new too but I can give you some feedback.

Yes, the owned versions are better, at least the ones I tested: Stormcrow prime and D are better than the trial version.

As Haike said, just use your c-bills to get the mech you want.

[Leggin Ho]

Try to look around for a unit / team and get the folks to get ith you on comms and try to walk you through some of the things you will need to look at before buying/building a mech. There are ALOT of small things you need to look at that will make your build much better than just throwing things on a chasis.

Check out this site for the current "Meta" or most used mechs as well...

http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/

That may help you see which direction most builds are going that are competitive right now.

[Will E Coyote]

As said above:
You can adapt all the equipement on any mech you own ,to your own playstyle , with c-bills.
The only thing you actually need to pay with real money, or MC, is cosmetics. If you want a fancy colour or a cool patern on your mech (skin) thne you need to buy thhat with MC.
You can buy a basic blue and a basic red with c-bills, but all the rest is MC.

You have to understand that the developers need some income :-)

Rest assured, if you are a bit patient and 'grind' c-bills, then almost anything is available free.

Premium time gives you a 50%bonus on c-bills earned per match.

Hero mechs, which you can buy with real money amso give you a 30%bonus on c-bills per match and it is cumulative with premium time. However, hero mechs are not particularly powerfull, some have nice layouts/hardpoints, but they are not the 'top mechs' of the game.
A good hero mech is, for example, the Top Dog.

Mastery packs contain 3Mechs (you need 3 mechs to 'master' a certain chassis) , one of these is a hero mech, and they also contain mechbay and premium time. Overall its a good deal and worth to buy if you consider putting some money in the game at get max return on investment. Premium time is also a good thing.

During events, like one that is happening now, PGI rewards you with lots of goodies, where they give away stuff that you normally would have to spend real money on, so keep an eye out for these events and participate if you can.

Welcome to mwo, enjoy the game and do not hesitate to ask questions via the forum where needed.

[Aiden Skye]

You cannot customize trial mechs. You have to buy your own mech using c-bills (or MC if you are impatient to bring out some cbills)
Once you have your own mech you can put whatever weapons and equipment the hard points allow on it.

If there is anything I could recommend you buy if you want to put some money into the game is mechbays and some premium time to speed up the cbill bring for mechs and equipment.

[Lykaon]

ladiesman712, on 25 December 2015 - 02:04 AM, said:

Hello comm...

I've started playing MWO yesterday and until now I like it.
However, I pretty much dont like it that I have to pay for almost everything in-game, though I understand that this game cant be entirely free without anything to pay for.

So my question/problem looks as follows:
I'm pretty much fine with the standard-mechs in-game but I also would like to individualize them and I cant do that currently with my account, so I guess I need a paid member-ship account, right?

Would it be sufficient to buy a premium-membership or would it be better to buy a mech-pack, as far as I've understood there is almost always also a membership package included?

Another question:
Are these paid mechs actually just a re-skin of the standard mechs which are available in-game or do these mechs also have improvements?

Thanks in regards for suggestions...

Here is what you do.

Step one play the tutorial and do not rush through it. Really get to know the ins and outs of piloting.There is no rush just take your time and complete the tutorial and leave with 5 million C-bills in your account.

Next step Spend NOTHING! your next 25 games will grant a cadet pay bonus. For these first 25 games only use the trial mechs. Play around with them find what trial mechs suit your style of play. Do not expect to do well in these first few matches because MWo is a tough game to learn.Do not get discouraged.And remember spend no C-bills.

After your 25 cadet games you should now have a pile of C-bills that will allow you to purchase pretty much any mech you may want and afford to customize it to your specifications. Plan your purchases well and waste nothing.There are several web resources you can check for mech builds and advice for mech designs.Do some research BEFORE you buy a mech.

Some things to know.

In order to gain master level unlocked on the mech skill tree you will need 3 different models of the same chassis type.

So if for example you were mastering locusts you would need three different Locust variants to unlock mastery. for example..

Locust 1V
Locust 1M
Locust 1E

You need to unlock basic tiers before elite tiers are open to unlocking.

When choosing your first couple of unlocks I recommend in the basic tier starting with Heat Containment and Cool Running as the first two. These improve your mech's ability to handle heat build and cooling off. In the Elite tier I strongly recommend Speed Tweak first.

Now about modules.

Mech modules are modules that effect your mech's basic functions but not weapons. Many mech modules are sensor related like Advanced Zoom 360 target retention and Seismic sensors.

Weapon modules obviously unlock modification to weapon performances.

Consumables are one shot effects that need to be replaced after use. Air and artillery strikes coolant and UAVs.

All modules require GXP to unlock your ability to purchase and use them.

My recommendation is to save up for the seismic sensor first and then a radar derprivation module next. Initially you will only need one of each and move them to whatever mech you are using at the time.

As for consumables I take a UAV on almost every mech with a speed of over 65 kph.Not saying you should as well it's a thing I do.My second module depends on my mech's performance.If it runs hot and fights in close range I use a coolant if I run cooler or have a longer engagement range I use an artillery strike.

I also recommend finding a player unit to play with.There are many player run units with private teamspeak servers that are very casual and allow non members to play with their groups and access their team speak.

Shop around and see if you like playing with a unit and find a unit you like if you desire to join one.

I recommend playing with a unit because you will have access to a wealth of experience from other players who can readily answer your questions via team speak.

It is not mandatory to play in a unit to get a lot out of MWo But it is certainly an excellent way to learn how to play MWo quicker than experiemnting around solo.

[JC Daxion]

It can't hurt to buy a mech pack. For a new player these are pretty great, to reduce the grind. I'd suggest a medium mech pack.. they have a Champion which gives an XP boost, so that helps with getting GXP, needed to unlock modules, and a hero which gives a nice C-bill boost.

Centurion Or shadow Hawk for Inner sphere.. the centurions are faster, and have a more limited weapon builds, But are nice and fast and has a great hero. the shadow hawks on the other hand can use basically every weapon in the game, and also have a nice hero too. It also has jumpjets.

and it is hard to go wrong with the Clan Stormcrow pack. as far as clans go, they are very flexible and you can use lots of builds from energy, to missile, or even ballistics, though you don't see them as much with this mech, but you can at least try um out.


for a cost/value ratio they are pretty great. The IS packs i mentioned also come with nice engines so a big plus. This way you can just use all your C-bills you make to use on upgrades, buy modules, or save for other mechs down the road.

IS can be better for new players, as swapping parts around like the expensive XL engines can really help new players, they also have a lot more variety. BUT if you fully outfit a mech with modules, engine and weapons the costs become very similar most of the time.

Clan side, they don't have as many great mechs over all, but the great mechs they do have are pretty great! So if really at this point you could just buy for example, arctic cheeta, stormcrow, timber wolf, or hellbringer, and a warhawk or direwolf, and you'd be pretty set with all play styles.

While IS you could do similar things with just 4 mechs, The way the Omni-pod system works on Clan side, you can really make tons of builds with just a single chasis, verse IS side, it might take you 5 or 6, or more just to be-able to make as many builds as a single timber wolf.


Buy Mech bays with MC.. Your gonna need them as well. I also like to buy paint on occasion when it's on sale, But you can get 5 extra C-bill colors, which i honestly like. they are just over 1m each, so if you bought a mech pack, you can pick up a few colors with out worry of denting your saved money.

Premium time is also a great way to make more money, and get more XP..



If you don't want to spend a dime, Hunchbacks are great starter mechs.. Pick up the 4G or 4H (i recommend the 4H for new players as it has more energy poiints and a longer ranged AC-10) Then either the 4J for missiles, the 4J or 4SP.. I recomend the 4SP, as it is the only hunchless HBK, so you can see how that style plays, then round it out with the 4P, the HBK energy boat. Grab a STD250 engine, and then spend your money on getting double heat sinks, and endo steel upgrades.. then get working on um to master!

Good luck!

Lykaon, on 25 December 2015 - 06:59 AM, said:

Here is what you do.

Step one play the tutorial and do not rush through it. Really get to know the ins and outs of piloting.There is no rush just take your time and complete the tutorial and leave with 5 million C-bills in your account.

Next step Spend NOTHING! your next 25 games will grant a cadet pay bonus. For these first 25 games only use the trial mechs. Play around with them find what trial mechs suit your style of play. Do not expect to do well in these first few matches because MWo is a tough game to learn.Do not get discouraged.And remember spend no C-bills.

Let me add a step in between... After the tutorial, Log into training grounds, and spend time on all the maps before you drop in game.. Play around with different mechs, learn how the heat works on different maps, and get an idea of the layout..

You can skip the last 6 on the list for now, as they are Clan wars maps, and you don't really need to learn them at this point, but if you want go ahead anyway.. More practice is always good.. But the time would be better spent on the other maps.. I always say, drop on each map at least twice.. I personally would drop on every map the first time in a light mech with jump jets.. Then play around with other mechs and learn um a bit more..

2-4 hours in training grounds learning maps will make a world of difference

Edited by JC Daxion, 25 December 2015 - 07:05 AM.

[DrxAbstract]

ladiesman712, on 25 December 2015 - 02:04 AM, said:

Hello comm...

I've started playing MWO yesterday and until now I like it.
However, I pretty much dont like it that I have to pay for almost everything in-game, though I understand that this game cant be entirely free without anything to pay for.

So my question/problem looks as follows:
I'm pretty much fine with the standard-mechs in-game but I also would like to individualize them and I cant do that currently with my account, so I guess I need a paid member-ship account, right?

Would it be sufficient to buy a premium-membership or would it be better to buy a mech-pack, as far as I've understood there is almost always also a membership package included?

Another question:
Are these paid mechs actually just a re-skin of the standard mechs which are available in-game or do these mechs also have improvements?

Thanks in regards for suggestions...

I wouldn't say I dislike you, but if the government ever started a program to turn people into fertilizer, I'd sign you up.

[Nightmare1]

ladiesman712, on 25 December 2015 - 02:04 AM, said:

Hello comm...

I've started playing MWO yesterday and until now I like it.
However, I pretty much dont like it that I have to pay for almost everything in-game, though I understand that this game cant be entirely free without anything to pay for.

So my question/problem looks as follows:
I'm pretty much fine with the standard-mechs in-game but I also would like to individualize them and I cant do that currently with my account, so I guess I need a paid member-ship account, right?

Would it be sufficient to buy a premium-membership or would it be better to buy a mech-pack, as far as I've understood there is almost always also a membership package included?

Another question:
Are these paid mechs actually just a re-skin of the standard mechs which are available in-game or do these mechs also have improvements?

Thanks in regards for suggestions...

The Mechs you're using that you cannot personalize are Trial Mechs. These are rotated out periodically by the devs and are free to use by anyone, with the caveat that your cannot customize them. You can earn XP for them even though you can't use it to unlock efficiencies.

There is no such as Premium Paid Accounts in MWO. All you have to do is use the C-bills that you earn every match to purchase a Mech from the Store. Since you're a new player, I recommend going with a Medium Chassis, something along the lines of a Hunchback. That would be the best avenue for you to gain experience and skills in this game, while using relatively inexpensive Mechs. Stay away from Lights and Assaults until you've got some matches under your belt.

Once you've purchased your Mech, it's yours to do whatever you want with it. You can enter the Mechlab and customize it with C-bills. If it is a copy of one of the Trial Mechs you've been using, then the XP you earned will transfer over to it and give you a headstart on leveling it.

You actually don't have to pay any money for MWO. I played for over a year without dropping a dime on the game.

Welcome to MWO and good luck! I think you'll really enjoy it! If you have further questions or need extra help, feel free to PM me. I'm traveling until the 3rd, so I won't be able to help you in-game until then. I'll reply to PMs though.

Also, if you think you might want to join a Unit later, I recommend you check out The Brethren Pirates at brethrenmwo.enjin.com. We're very welcoming to new players and are pretty good about helping bring them up to speed with regard to MWO as well as in giving them good advice on such topics as Mech purchases.

DrxAbstract, on 25 December 2015 - 07:17 AM, said:

I wouldn't say I dislike you, but if the government ever started a program to turn people into fertilizer, I'd sign you up.

That's not helpful. If you don't have anything constructive to say to a new, confused player, then get lost.

[Scratx]

ladiesman712, on 25 December 2015 - 02:04 AM, said:

Hello comm...

I've started playing MWO yesterday and until now I like it.
However, I pretty much dont like it that I have to pay for almost everything in-game, though I understand that this game cant be entirely free without anything to pay for.

So my question/problem looks as follows:
I'm pretty much fine with the standard-mechs in-game but I also would like to individualize them and I cant do that currently with my account, so I guess I need a paid member-ship account, right?

Would it be sufficient to buy a premium-membership or would it be better to buy a mech-pack, as far as I've understood there is almost always also a membership package included?

Another question:
Are these paid mechs actually just a re-skin of the standard mechs which are available in-game or do these mechs also have improvements?

Thanks in regards for suggestions...

Lykaon gives some very good suggestions, though I'll add that mastering the mech (requires 3 variants of the same chassis) is no longer as important as it used to be. Most of the skill-related performance boosts were nerfed right before the Steam release, so the most you're really looking at is a minor boost to heat management and maximum speed. You can get by without mastering them now.

So, the TL;DR version : play around in the academy until you have a good grasp of how to handle a mech, test all the trial mechs, don't spend any c-bills until you have all the cadet bonus (25 matches) and have a good idea of what mech you'd like to get first.

Now, as for what you might want to buy...

Mech packs are good value in comparison to simply buying the equivalent stuff from the ingame store with MC. So the biggest thing you should do is look at the store ( http://mwomercs.com/store , plus naturally the Steam-only offerings ) and see if anything picks your fancy. Some of the packs are focused on a single chassis, some packs are increasing bundles depending on tier you grab, with a-la carte options to pick and choose. They don't come with MC but do usually come with banked premium time which you can activate in 30 day chunks in your profile or all at once within the game client. You can't get banked premium time any other way, by the way...

If you don't want any of the mechpacks, and even if you do, grabbing some MC is an alternative and actually rather necessary if you want to go beyond the initial mechbays. I understand it's possible to get extra mechbays through faction play and there's sometimes events that can net you some too, but as a new player you really REALLY should avoid faction play until you have a good set of mechs you do well in and know what you're doing. Each mechbay is 300 MC so plan accordingly. Mech painting pretty much requires MC as well. Color unlocks are permanent, mech patterns can be perma-unlocked for 750MC or 75MC for a single use (this just means if you replace the pattern with something else later you can't go back to it without paying again).

A word of attention that some of the packs in the store are pre-orders and won't be delivered for some time so don't go for those packs unless you don't mind the wait.

Finally, premium time is very nice for getting those c-bills and xp fast but it's not quite as critical as it can get in certain other games that feature "nice" things such as repair and rearm. Your c-bills always go up, never down, even if your ultra-shiny mech gets utterly trashed. Premium mechs have a 30% cbill bonus and thus they're also a good alternative for farming c-bills over the long term.

[DrxAbstract]

Nightmare1, on 25 December 2015 - 09:09 AM, said:

That's not helpful. If you don't have anything constructive to say to a new, confused player, then get lost.

New is right--The account was 22 minutes old when this post was made. So either he's trolling (Most likely) or he invested a grand total of 5 minutes in the game (If he has even played it) before coming here inquiring about inaccurate to completely fallacious topics.

By all means get trolled.

(or)

Spoon-feed the lecherous, lazy, unimaginative behavior so he can continue relying on others doing everything for him... Because that turns out so well.

[His Holiness Pope Buster]

Dear ladiesman:

What is love?
What is this longing in our hearts for togetherness?
Is it not the sweetest flower?
Does not this flower of love have the fragrant aroma of fine, fine diamonds?
Does not the wind love the dirt?
Is not love not unlike the unlikely not it is unliken to?
Are you with someone tonight?
Do not question your love.
Take your lover by the hand.
Release the power within yourself.
You heard me, release the power.
Tame the wild cosmos with a whisper.
Conquer heaven with one intimate caress.
That's right, don't be shy.
Whip out everything you got and do it in the butt.

By Leon Phelps

Edited by His Holiness Pope Buster, 25 December 2015 - 12:42 PM.

[Nightmare1]

DrxAbstract, on 25 December 2015 - 12:19 PM, said:

New is right--The account was 22 minutes old when this post was made. So either he's trolling (Most likely) or he invested a grand total of 5 minutes in the game (If he has even played it) before coming here inquiring about inaccurate to completely fallacious topics.

By all means get trolled.

(or)

Spoon-feed the lecherous, lazy, unimaginative behavior so he can continue relying on others doing everything for him... Because that turns out so well.

Huh, I didn't check his account creation time/date. I just took it for granted that he was a Steam newbie and decided to try and help him.

That being said, though he did troll, there was some good information posted in this thread that could help other new players, so there's no reason to kill it with fire.

[DrxAbstract]

Nightmare1, on 25 December 2015 - 01:10 PM, said:

Huh, I didn't check his account creation time/date. I just took it for granted that he was a Steam newbie and decided to try and help him.

That being said, though he did troll, there was some good information posted in this thread that could help other new players, so there's no reason to kill it with fire.

There is not a single piece of information here that isn't already contained in the New Player Help forum, which is easily located and where he should have been directed to in the first place had this been a legitimate search. Regurgitating information posted elsewhere within the narrow field of his inquiry is far less useful than directing him to the place containing those answers as well as a plethora of others he could potentially need.

But troll was trolling, so I wished a fiery, explosive and generally excruciating demise upon him/her/it.

[Jacobei]

Best advice I got!!! Here you go

If you don't know about One Shot Patterns. Its what I spend my free MC on. They are cool and only cost 75-150MC which is worth it and fun.

Go to patterns and change it to on shot instead of the costly patterns.