10 replies to this topic

[DavidStarr]

I have a mastered CPLT-A1 (except the extra module slot, need some 7k more XP), and I'm looking for a fun but solid way to play it. 6xLRM5 is kinda boring since I already have a fully mastered 4xLRM10 C4. SplatCat is an interesting way, but I'm not sure I can play it right.

So I thought: what about SSRM?

Edited by DavidStarr, 13 March 2016 - 10:14 AM.

[Wintersdark]

You've elited the Catapult. Mastered means you have the module slot.

But not really. There was a day, long long ago, that the streakcat was... Somewhat feared by lights. But these days, a heavy mech with a 24 point randomly spreading alpha is an utter joke.

[DavidStarr]

Wintersdark, on 13 March 2016 - 10:35 AM, said:

You've elited the Catapult. Mastered means you have the module slot.

Noted. I was confused by the "Master" badge visible in the "Skills" section.

DPS didn't seem terrible, over 8, and 48 burst damage in 5 seconds. But I've never actually fired SSRM in battle to know how it works.

Edited by DavidStarr, 13 March 2016 - 10:43 AM.

[Vectoron]

Greetings David!

The Streak Cat used to be a genuine terror back in the days of closed beta, and open beta. Soon after they fixed the missile tracking system, the Mech became extremely ineffective on targets that were larger that 40 tons as they scatter across the mech too randomly to seriously impact armor.

The Splat Cat carrying 6 SRM6's is a better choice if you choose to run Catapults of this design, higher payload and better concentrated fire.

However, if you are solely designed to attack lights? It might work, but I'd recommend against using 65 tons of mech for that.

I hope this helps!

Good question to ask!

[DavidStarr]

Thanks!

Off-topic, but since we're discussing A1: which would you consider a stronger mech overall, SpaltCat or 6xLRM5 LurmCat? I expect the LurmCat to get higher avg. damage figures, on par with my 4xLRM10 C4, but SplatCat can actually assassinate enemy mechs and not just slowly chip armor away and force mechs into cover.

Edited by DavidStarr, 13 March 2016 - 11:48 AM.

[Exard3k]

IS Mechs only have Streak SRM 2 available...6x2x2 = 24dmg alpha with a reload of 3.5sec and that damage is spread across the whole enemy mech, so you have to cut the damage in half or less to get "real" damage like you do with LRMs. Not that great....I never use Streaks except for the bigger clan variants.

A single AC20 has more firepower and has similar range.

Edited by Exard3k, 13 March 2016 - 12:22 PM.

[Wintersdark]

While I like 6xLRM5 builds (my Mad Dog w/ 6 LRM5 and 5 ERSL is a monster), I feel the catapult is best as an SRM platform. This, because it cannot carry other weaponry. A 6 LRM5 CPLT-A1 is totally helpless within 180m.

When I was running mine (and I did a fair bit back in the day) I went pure SRM, or alternatively hybrid - 4xSRM4, 2xLRM10 or something of the like. That allows you to contribute at range early in the match, then rush in to crump damaged mechs with SRM vollies.

As usual, I prefer SRM4's to SRM6's. You do less damage, but the spread is tighter, so you do as much or more useful damage and conserve ammo (ever more tonnage efficient).

Also, as the ghost heat limit is 4xSRM's, running 4 helps avoid the temptation to alpha 6x and trigger ghost heat.

[DavidStarr]

Great tip on SRM-4s, I didn't consider that!

Edited by DavidStarr, 13 March 2016 - 12:42 PM.

[Zerberus]

Since you already know how to use an LRM30 Trollpult, you may also want to consider the classic "3in1 Terrorpult" build to give a nice bit of versatility... assuming you can afford the XL engine

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...e5bd142ce20040b

[ImperialKnight]

splatcat is the only other viable build on the A1. which says a lot about the mech.

[Bassie]

I'd suggest avoiding the 6 x lrm 5 build. While you have a good rate of fire, generally a pilot will be able to avoids getting hit by more than a few of them by finding cover or denying a lock. And the big dead zone where your lrms do nothing is a significant vulnerability.

I used to run the splat cat with one group for the left missiles, one group for the right. It goes alright. You also get good at using srms and 'leading' with them, which is a useful skill for other mechs.

I'd suggest you want as fast an engine, (xl) as you can fit, as srms are better from closer (less spread, easier to hit). 6xsrm4 isn't a bad idea-less spread, faster reload time.