76 replies to this topic

[Sickario]

Okay so I just started playing a couple of days ago when I noticed that certain Mechs that can only be bought with actual cash have a nice 30% xp bonus (Champions and Heroes, I guess). So I splurged on a Raven hero because I was told I want to start with a Light mech and was kinda disappointed with him. I'm sure it's entirely my fault, both with my setup and my learning how to, like, move and stuff. But even when I try to stay back and snipe I'm usually the first to die. I've tried some heavier trial mechs but it's the same story, so far I'm 0/5 as far as kill/death ratio (I haven't killed anyone yet and I usually die pretty fast, although I could have sworn I've played a lot more than 5 quick plays).

I know it's not supposed to be easy but I consider myself a fast learner but sometimes I need a clue. I've read up all I can but there's a lot of info out there and I may have skimmed something that I shouldn't have. I can post my Raven's setup to give everyone a good laugh (it's an RVN-3L(c)), or if people want to post their own builds for that model I'd appreciate it, I don't see any on Mech Specs so far.

I'm willing to spend money on another mech if I have to, especially if they're going to be on sale soon, but was looking for recommendations as far as something good for new players. I know I'm going to have to learn2play before anything else but I've been a spectator and seen guys with a ton of weapons at their disposal and I'm thinking "I want that!" but dunno if it's a result from being higher tiered or what have you.

With Christmas around the corner I was thinking about buying a Steam bundle but looking at them I'm not sure if they're particularly good mechs or not. Basically I want to know, if I'm going to buy a mech which one(s) will give me the best bang for my buck? Or should I just keep dying on my Raven until I've learned a bit more on Quick Play first? I hope I'm making sense.

Herlp.

[UncaPathy]

I started with the trial mechs and after the cadet 25 missions found I liked medium mechs and in particular the griffin. This got me some seed c-bills and xp to get a mech and to customize it a bit to my tastes.Just my 2 cents.

[jss78]

First, there are two basic kinds of 'mechs you can buy for "real" money:

- Heroes (H): these are unique 'mechs, special camos, different hardpoints from other variants, +30% to c-bills

- Champions (C): these are actually the same 'mechs as the "normal" variants, with two differences: it has a custom loadout (generally reflecting how the player community prefers to run that variant), and it gets +30% to XP

I regret to inform you that buying Champion 'mechs isn't a very good deal: the money literally only gets you that XP boost, as otherwise you could just buy the same variant for c-bills and put in the same loadout. By comparison, Heroes give you a 'mech you could NOT get without money, and a generally more useful c-bill boost.

That said I wouldn't feel too bad about getting the Raven -- it's actually a rather popular and well-regarded light 'mech. The stock loadout with ECM + 2xERLL is basically the most popular way to run it. It's fast, it's stealthy, and it can poke at enemies from great distance.

If you feel you didn't understand the 'mech variant system and want your money/MC back, you can always try sending a courteus e-mail to support.

Don't feel bad about not getting many kills. I believe my K/D after hundred games or so was in the 0.10 range ... It's very difficult game to get into, though the saving grace is that the community is generally very friendly to new players.

Last thing -- right this moment I'd be cautious about spending money on premium 'mechs. With the holiday sales coming up in a few days, you can get many of them for -50%. Check:

https://mwomercs.com...e-holiday-deals

[Tesunie]

I wished you had asked this question before spending money on a Champion(C) mech, no less a Light mech.

For starters, Champion mechs only grant a bonus to Experience earned, which quickly becomes unneeded one you've mastered the mech. I would have recommended a Hero mech over a Champion mech, simply due to Hero mechs having a +30% C-bill boost, which would help you out for the entire life of the game every time you use that mech.

My second point would be, never start with a light mech. You, as a new player, probably should sit yourself into a nice medium or even a heavy mech. Avoid Lights and assaults. However, as you've already spent real money on that Raven, we should probably work with that (don't sell mechs that are money only variants).

The Raven 3L is one of the better light mechs in the game. There are several loadouts you could set it up with, such as the dual ERLLs (ER Large Lasers) and ECM. This would be a "hide in back and shoot", but you can't stand still when you do that. Line up a shot, shoot, and then duck behind cover and reposition.

There are also more brawly builds for the 3L as well, if you wished to use them. Packed with Medium Lasers and SRMs (Short range missiles) with an ECM can also be a good combo, if you know how to and like to get close to your targets. Slap in the largest XL engine you can for this role.

Overall, I'd consider shelfing the Raven for a short while and would suggest you try and find a medium mech you might like more. Hunchbacks have a variant for every flavor of combat, so they tend to make good starter mechs, so do Stormcrows. If you don't wish to spend C-bills (you get a boost to earning C-bills for your first 25 matches, after that it gets more grindy), then use the free Trial mechs for a while as you figure out what play style you like most.

This game has a very steep learning curve. If you've only been playing for a few days, you aren't going to have much grasp on what you really need to do. You'll be learning the maps, the game modes, the weapon systems, movement, etc.

Seen as you already have a (C) mech, work with it. If you need to, try out different customizations to find something that works for you. Or, keep using what you have and just learn with it.


DON'T FORGET! If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask! There are plenty of people in the new player help forum willing to share what knowledge we can to help you get into the game. (The thread "Short Question, Short Answer" is also a good place to get some information, or ask and get a reasonably fast response.)

If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask. Right now, you're very generalized on your post here, so I can't provide much detailed information. (Plus, other people already seemed to have provided good answers already here.)

[Tesunie]

Oh, and for looking at mech options and possible customizations for your mech, without risking anything in game, you can check out this site.

I work in there for figuring out builds and seeing if they can even work. It should have all the mechs and all the most recent stats on said mechs, so you can see if an idea will or will not work.

[Sky Hawk]

If you really-really want to spend some money.. buy first Premium Time and perhaps some Mechbays (for MC). Lucky for you, Boxing Day/New Year Resolution Sales is comming soon..

And try to play more, with Trial Mechs... Aaand... If you have time... read more Forum here and watch some videos.. Like:

https://www.twitch.tv/piranhagames

https://www.twitch.t...arrior%20Online

Welcome to MWO!

[Sickario]

Tesunie, on 20 December 2016 - 01:11 PM, said:

Oh, and for looking at mech options and possible customizations for your mech, without risking anything in game, you can check out this site.

I work in there for figuring out builds and seeing if they can even work. It should have all the mechs and all the most recent stats on said mechs, so you can see if an idea will or will not work.

I have that site, as well as the ones others have supplied (I try to do my due diligence). The problem is what seems good on paper isn't always the same in practice, but that's my own lack of skill that I hope to develop over time.

Thanks everyone for your advice!

[Sickario]

Tesunie, on 20 December 2016 - 01:08 PM, said:

I wished you had asked this question before spending money on a Champion(C) mech, no less a Light mech.

For starters, Champion mechs only grant a bonus to Experience earned, which quickly becomes unneeded one you've mastered the mech. I would have recommended a Hero mech over a Champion mech, simply due to Hero mechs having a +30% C-bill boost, which would help you out for the entire life of the game every time you use that mech.

My second point would be, never start with a light mech. You, as a new player, probably should sit yourself into a nice medium or even a heavy mech. Avoid Lights and assaults. However, as you've already spent real money on that Raven, we should probably work with that (don't sell mechs that are money only variants).

The Raven 3L is one of the better light mechs in the game. There are several loadouts you could set it up with, such as the dual ERLLs (ER Large Lasers) and ECM. This would be a "hide in back and shoot", but you can't stand still when you do that. Line up a shot, shoot, and then duck behind cover and reposition.

There are also more brawly builds for the 3L as well, if you wished to use them. Packed with Medium Lasers and SRMs (Short range missiles) with an ECM can also be a good combo, if you know how to and like to get close to your targets. Slap in the largest XL engine you can for this role.

Overall, I'd consider shelfing the Raven for a short while and would suggest you try and find a medium mech you might like more. Hunchbacks have a variant for every flavor of combat, so they tend to make good starter mechs, so do Stormcrows. If you don't wish to spend C-bills (you get a boost to earning C-bills for your first 25 matches, after that it gets more grindy), then use the free Trial mechs for a while as you figure out what play style you like most.

This game has a very steep learning curve. If you've only been playing for a few days, you aren't going to have much grasp on what you really need to do. You'll be learning the maps, the game modes, the weapon systems, movement, etc.

Seen as you already have a (C) mech, work with it. If you need to, try out different customizations to find something that works for you. Or, keep using what you have and just learn with it.


DON'T FORGET! If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask! There are plenty of people in the new player help forum willing to share what knowledge we can to help you get into the game. (The thread "Short Question, Short Answer" is also a good place to get some information, or ask and get a reasonably fast response.)

If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask. Right now, you're very generalized on your post here, so I can't provide much detailed information. (Plus, other people already seemed to have provided good answers already here.)

This has been a great help, I wanted to thank you specifically for your reply (although everyone has been helpful). As far as having a Champion mech, for now I really want that experience but I'll definitely buy a Hero next, and I'll follow your advice and get a medium or heavy. I want survivability and to be able to hit hard, if you have any specific favorites please let me know.

[Tesunie]

Mixtli, on 20 December 2016 - 05:27 PM, said:

This has been a great help, I wanted to thank you specifically for your reply (although everyone has been helpful). As far as having a Champion mech, for now I really want that experience but I'll definitely buy a Hero next, and I'll follow your advice and get a medium or heavy. I want survivability and to be able to hit hard, if you have any specific favorites please let me know.

You should probably learn what mechs and play styles you like with the mechs you can purchase for C-bills. Once you find a mech chassis you like, then consider getting the hero mech if it's one that interests you. I'll say that I only have two hero mechs, the Huntsman and the Grid Iron (I earned the Grid Iron in an event).

As for suggested mechs, I'm predominately a medium mech pilot. I'm alright in heavies and lights, but do poorly in assaults most times. As far as generic starter mechs, the Hunchback does come to mind, as there is one in every flavor, be it ballistics, missiles or lasers. The Crab comes as a close second, but that's only due to it's all energy hard points on all variants. Beyond that, I could recommend the Nova (or Huntsman, but that isn't out for C-bills just yet) or Stormcrow if you wish to try Clan mechs.

As for Heavies... I can't say much there. I just don't use them as often as others. I know the Timberwolf is a strong contender (considered one of the best mechs in the game), as well as Catapult. But, I can't say much about either of those mechs, as I don't own either...

[Leone]

So, I've some suggestions about how to move in close quarters combat. It is, in no way a comprehesive light guide, but goes over a few things that'll get you killed, and gives you an idea on how to extend your life in a brawl.

Note, brawling with a light is a very good way to lose your mech. There's a link in there for some pretty solid Raven 3L advice someone else posted.

As for mediums and heavies, I'd suggest the Hunchback. It's an awesome starter mech, and whilst maybe not the best mech out there, it taught me well.

For heavies, I've been loving the marauder for it's tankiness and weapons loadouts.

~Leone.

Edited by Leone, 22 December 2016 - 02:02 AM.

[Chocowolf Sradac]

I would agree that I wish I had known prior to your purchase of the raven

Light mechs in General are the more harder chasis to first start out in. You don't carry a lot of armor, you carry little weapons and most mechs carries the whole weight of your mech in armor

The Light mech is a scout/opportunist role you should always avoid engaging the enemy head on until the time it is in your favor to shoot then to get into cover before the mech can effectively return fire

The Raven is good as the champion carries 2 er large lasers and ECM to help it stay hidden. its a mech that you want to poke the enemy from distance preferably when they are pre-occupied with dealing with another mech.

Also the golden rule of the Light mech is don't stop moving. 1 well placed shot will kill most light mechs and the speed of the mech is what makes the light mech effective at staying out of the crosshairs

When it comes to purchasing mechs I would say to avoid purchasing mechs with money for now. Play with the trial Mechs to get an idea of how each weight class plays then from there you can spend c-bills on a mech that may fit your playstyle better. There are plenty of mechs in the game you can purchase with c-bills or with money but it will be better to have more of an idea of how the game plays before investing money into it

once you get decent piloting lights as seen below a light mech can be very effective on the battlefield. This match I was piloting a Locust which is currently the lightest mech in the game but makes up for it with it's speed and maneuverability. you would need to be utilizing every part of the map as a shield and picking the right times to make quick accurate kills.




Also while this is an old video but this video may be helpful to you to explain each weight class and their roles

Edited by Chocowolf, 21 December 2016 - 07:16 PM.

[Flak Kannon]

Hi Mix.

First off. Welcome.

Second. The Raven is a fine light mech. It really is. But the variant you bought, the 3L(c) is a mech that excels at 'poking'.

At one time the Raven 3L was about as good a mech as there was in the game, it's ECM rendered you almost invisible at long ranges, and LRMs couldn't lock on you. Most pilots ran it with 2 ERLL and just sat back at 700 meters and melted mechs slowly and surely.


Then... the Clans arrived with their longer ranged version of the cERLL. It shoot further, did more damage, albeit, at a longer beam duration. You were no longer able to stay outta reach.

I have recently rebuilt my Raven 3L as a damage amplifier to the front lines. I run her with (2) SRM6 and 3 Medium lasers and ECM.

Swoop in, shoot all your weapons a few times, get HOT, them get the hell out fast, dodge and weave, and twist run away.

You still have a speed of 127 kph if you BUY and EQUIP an XL 275, one of the better engine to own, very vesatile in many mechs. a good 5 million cbill investment. Your mech came with a XL295, faster, but doesn't allow my build due to weight.

Now, I will say this, the amount of mechs that can crush you 'in close' has expanded a lot over the last year, with Maurader IIC and Kodiaks, just be mindful of your targets...

Never sell an engine or any equipment early on. Pull if off and use it latter, but dont sell it.

Lastly. Just know its very hard to get a single kill in this game for new players. Just stick with it, its a very hard game which you may or may not like.



Enjoi

Mixtli, on 20 December 2016 - 12:46 PM, said:

Okay so I just started playing a couple of days ago when I noticed that certain Mechs that can only be bought with actual cash have a nice 30% xp bonus (Champions and Heroes, I guess). So I splurged on a Raven hero because I was told I want to start with a Light mech and was kinda disappointed with him. I'm sure it's entirely my fault, both with my setup and my learning how to, like, move and stuff. But even when I try to stay back and snipe I'm usually the first to die. I've tried some heavier trial mechs but it's the same story, so far I'm 0/5 as far as kill/death ratio (I haven't killed anyone yet and I usually die pretty fast, although I could have sworn I've played a lot more than 5 quick plays).

I know it's not supposed to be easy but I consider myself a fast learner but sometimes I need a clue. I've read up all I can but there's a lot of info out there and I may have skimmed something that I shouldn't have. I can post my Raven's setup to give everyone a good laugh (it's an RVN-3L(c)), or if people want to post their own builds for that model I'd appreciate it, I don't see any on Mech Specs so far.

I'm willing to spend money on another mech if I have to, especially if they're going to be on sale soon, but was looking for recommendations as far as something good for new players. I know I'm going to have to learn2play before anything else but I've been a spectator and seen guys with a ton of weapons at their disposal and I'm thinking "I want that!" but dunno if it's a result from being higher tiered or what have you.




With Christmas around the corner I was thinking about buying a Steam bundle but looking at them I'm not sure if they're particularly good mechs or not. Basically I want to know, if I'm going to buy a mech which one(s) will give me the best bang for my buck? Or should I just keep dying on my Raven until I've learned a bit more on Quick Play first? I hope I'm making sense.

Herlp.

Edited by Flak Kannon, 20 December 2016 - 06:46 PM.

[GenghisJr]

If only the first few mechs HAD to be bought with cbills....the owners would know what to do with them when they got them - buyer satisfaction!
Raven 3L, dont play it but shoot them frequently, they are annoying...therefore a good mech.
Being new, your mech has no skills unlocked and this will make it difficult in short range combat, you just dont have the maneuverability of an elited or mastered mech chassis.
So the solution is the 3L build we all know and drives us up the wall...or at least into cover, and thats the build with 2 ERL's and ecm, to play this build, find some cover behind and maybe slightly above your team but really any distant cover will do, look for enemy mechs that are engaged in battle, target them, with any luck they wont realise its that pesky 3L 700m away taking out their torso's.
As soon as your position is revealed, move, closer to your team, a 3L cannot defend itself against other lights and they will look at a 3L as an easy target, trust me they are 'en route" once you start receiving fire.

[Sickario]

Thanks, everyone, given me much food for thought. I have two questions. For my Raven, do I bother with the AMS? I hit it when I get target locked and I run but I usually get hit either way, dunno if I'm doing it wrong or what.

Secondly, and this is probably the most noobish question I've ever asked, but does MWO have guilds? Or is that what clans are? I'm still a bit fuzzy about what exactly clans are, and the inner sphere. Yeah I'm Google-ing all that I can but it's so much info I'm trying to understand, it's a bit overwhelming at times.

[Tesunie]

Mixtli, on 20 December 2016 - 07:51 PM, said:

Thanks, everyone, given me much food for thought. I have two questions. For my Raven, do I bother with the AMS? I hit it when I get target locked and I run but I usually get hit either way, dunno if I'm doing it wrong or what.

Secondly, and this is probably the most noobish question I've ever asked, but does MWO have guilds? Or is that what clans are? I'm still a bit fuzzy about what exactly clans are, and the inner sphere. Yeah I'm Google-ing all that I can but it's so much info I'm trying to understand, it's a bit overwhelming at times.

With ECM as well? I'd not bother with AMS. Your ECM typically will do a better job protecting you than AMS will. Also, consider making sure cover is always nearby. Break the enemy's lock, and the LRMs can't hit. To break that lock, just break line of sight with any enemy that might be able to see you.

We have things called "units". Like, I'm in a Unit called the Seraphim. 228 is also a unit. EmP is another well known unit. Merc Star (MS) is another large unit. There are many different units, some are small and some are large. You can even create your own unit if you wished.

Joining a unit can be a huge decision, depending upon how serious your/they are. I'm really serious on my commitment to my unit. Some units like to help new players, some want only top tier players in their unit.

Many units have threads in the forums. You can see some of them floating in the Faction Play section of the forums. However, until your account finishes it's 25 cadet matches, you can not post anywhere but the New Player Forum. This is an anti-spam function of the forums.

You can fly solo or with a unit. You can even form groups with friends and play together without needing to be part of a unit. The choice is really yours to make.

Any specific questions, just ask. It will be a lot to take in, which is why I stated this game as a steep learning curve.

[Koniving]

Guilds are typically called Units.

The Clans are a band of 13+ factions (in total only 4 are here) that comprised of the united militarizes of all the warring Inner Sphere factions. 300 years after leaving they are back. And while humans (though many are genetically enhanced clones), they would probably have more in common with Klingons from Star Trek.



Interestinglythe source's 30+ year history is far enough back it is possible the "Clans" inspired the development of Klingons culture from the Kirk era (shallow as they were) to the Picard era (deep as they became).

[Natred]

In a light you have to be extremely patient and sly. You picked a rough quick play meta at the moment to jump into lights. Stick with your team and protect your teams flanks. Your primary targets will be lights and mediums. Heavies and assaults have to much weaponry to fight head on. If you have the opportunity to shoot one on the side or back without getting hit back take it. Especially back armor is the place Mechs are the weakest. It's a rough job to do but protecting your teams flanks and rear is more important then scouting for the enemy.

Make sure to upgrade your engine and armor if possible especially in inner sphere mechs. In a light you rely on speed, precision and positioning more then raw firepower. Try different weapons and find out what works for you as weapons.

Honestly as a beginner pilot you want to play a mech with jump jets. Shadow cats are great starter Mechs. Healthy mix of firepower, speed and armor. 2 large pulse plus ecm is quality. Really have to do some work to rack up the damage though.

Also change your keys around the default keys are really lacking for full versatility.

Hit me up if you need more help or pointers.

[GenghisJr]

Mixtli, on 20 December 2016 - 07:51 PM, said:

Thanks, everyone, given me much food for thought. I have two questions. For my Raven, do I bother with the AMS? I hit it when I get target locked and I run but I usually get hit either way, dunno if I'm doing it wrong or what.

Secondly, and this is probably the most noobish question I've ever asked, but does MWO have guilds? Or is that what clans are? I'm still a bit fuzzy about what exactly clans are, and the inner sphere. Yeah I'm Google-ing all that I can but it's so much info I'm trying to understand, it's a bit overwhelming at times.

No. AMS is a tonnage tax, you wont have an issue with LRMS with ecm but for when you dont, when you hear the "I" of incoming missiles break line of sight to break the lock, get behind hard cover, get behind an assault, move at 90 deg to flight path, return fire at missile launcher to force opponent to break lock - still getting LRM'd? Then they have a uav up or there is one of these pesky raven 3L's behind, hiding under ecm providing locks

[Sickario]

Okay thanks again, Tesunie. This is my last post I can make today and I can't "like" anymore replies, but there's always tomorrow.

I can wait on joining a unit, then (huh huh huh, we said "unit"). I'm usually hard core in MMO's but I want to be a lot more casual for this game.

So these deals for Boxing Day sound like when I'll get my Hero, both from their MC discount and the 50% discount with certain heroes themselves:

https://mwomercs.com...e-holiday-deals

I'll probably go with a heavy mech but I haven't decided yet, got a few days to study up on these guys. I may even take some trial assault mechs into some quick plays to get a feel for them, we'll see.

[Tiantara]

- If you want good heavy - think about role...
I pretty much love Catapult (LRM\laser builds and PPC\ballisty type too), Warhammer (great sturdy mech), Cataprhact, Hellbringer (Nice ECM mech), MadDog (Streak version just insane), Marauder (Pretty strong ballistic) and EbonJaguar (Laser\PPC boat just for easy ride).
From Assault - best choice Atlas (Especially in zombie build), Mauler (Heavy ballistic and pure LRM), Kodiak, Dire Wolf and maybe Executioner 9But it have some problems with heat)...
Anyway it depends on your playstyle. If you wish, I can help by some advice of sturdy build in game. Same nick as on forum. ^_~