4 replies to this topic

[Chaplin]

I am returning to the game and I am familiar with regular mech tree upgrades, but the pilot skill ones are new to me.

When I spend GXP on them, are they now open forever for any pilot skill module slots on any chassis or do I have to unlock them each time for each mech? Assuming that they carry across account once unlocked, what ones should I focus on early? That is sure I understand to get medium laser ones for medium laser builds, but what are some good general cross build choices? Radar derp? Seismic sensor? Basically, if you were to be starting up new all over again, what would be some early priorities?

I currently have about 15k GXP saved up if that matters.

Thanks.

[cleghorn6]

You are correct, they are "pilot" skills so once you unlock them (and buy the module) you can use them in every 'mech.

And you're probably not far off on the right ones to focus on. Radar derp and seismic are generally accepted to be the "best" modules. The weapon ones are pretty good but you want to focus on weapons you use in multiple builds. It starts to get expensive buying modules for every weapon you might use (both GXP expensive and CBills expensive).

Other than that it's really down to play style. If you're a fast light pilot who finds himself legged from big drops all the time (or a pop-tart, I suppose) you might find the fall damage reduction module useful. If you're a sniper, the advanced zoom might be handy (I've also seen it used to great effect in brawlers to deliver precise damage but that would fall under "advanced skills" and not for the beginner).

Generally, if you're reading the module description and think "oh, that would be really handy", then get it. If you read all the descriptions and don't think that at all, you're not alone.

[p4r4g0n]

Personally I would go Seismic first as LRMs are not usually a problem. Then again, I am not sure what things are like at the Tier you play on so if people are using LRMs heavily in your matches, you may want to opt for Radar Deprivation.

Advanced Target Decay is a must have if you mainly run LRM / Streaks heavy load outs so get this first if that is the case.

Other than what is listed above, I would defer the rest for later.

Please note that modules for the skills above are not cheap i.e. 6 million c-bills each so you will need to pace the skills you unlock with the availability of c-bills you have to purchase the modules. Check out module prices before unlocking the skill.

[The Basilisk]

Pilot skills refer to the pilot not to the mech so unlocked modules will stay unlocked.
You still have to buy multiple pieces if you want to equip several mechs paralel.
If not you can remove a module from a mech and put it into an other.

Best *neutral* modules are the seismic sensors, the radar deprivation module.
Quite usefull but not too important are sensor range and advanced zoom.
Nice to have are improved target information gathering and 360° target retention.

Circumstancial modules are shock absorbance, target decay and climbing.

Target decay is also pretty usefull if you are a missle boat.

[Rhavin]

Radar Derp and seismic are must haves, if your a sniper advanced zoom can be effective. Another pair i find useful on some builds is sensor range and info gathering.

I unlocked range mods for energy weapons and cooldown for ballistics I used first. Later I unlocked almost. everything. My most used weapon mods are med laser range and Ac 5 cooldown.

By everything I mean I have like nothing even moderately useful left to unlock. IS small lasers mods and range for lrms on both sides, cap acceleration are all I have left. I spend my gxp on mech unlocks now.