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Know what your mech is built for and play to it.
- Long range? Don't go leading the charge, you'll be a prime target that you might not be equipped to deal with. Instead be part of the 2nd line or further back. Give your team that fire support. Don't forget to not stand still for too long. As a long range supporter its important you last the whole match!
- Short range? - Hold those targets and call for that support from your long ranged friendlies! Don't shoulder it alone, especially if you are in a group with comms. Try not to get too antsy if nothing is in your range. Also try not to take a beating before enemies get in your range!
- Always be aware of your surroundings. Anticipate enemy movements. ex- heavy mech out in the open seemingly alone in grid C4. I'll go run over there and ruin his day. Right?Wrong! Any smart heavy / assault pilot is not going to be traveling alone and this is a situation that could go really poorly, really fast if you are not careful.
- Looking forward is great, but watch the rear and watch the flanks, making sure they are covered. This is something that all players can benefit from and can really affect the outcome of a battle. Surprises are good, but lets save them for parties. This is especially true for maps where its easy for the enemy to flank.
- Use that situation awareness to make sure you have a way out or a way to get to cover in case things get too hot. Don't just charge in after that fleeing beat up shadowhawk, only to round a corner into an iron wall of 6 atlas's with your pants down. Oh god now what!?!
- If possible use terrain that makes it less likely that you will be flanked and / or surrounded.
- Think before you charge and / or wander off - As bad moves are going to be heavily punished in slower chassis, it's important to have an idea where the enemy is at all times so you don't run into a situation where you are in a fight you are not ready for.
- Prioritize targets - Evaluate what the enemy is doing and then decided where your help is needed most...don't just shoot the first thing that charges in...chances are he's getting lots of love already. Instead, give support by suppressing targets further back so they are not getting in free and easy shots.
- Bait them in! - pesky long range sniper harassing you? Hug a corner to nullify the range advantage. Maybe he won't even expect you to still be there and you can annihilate him! And you will feel awesome!
Sometimes it's best to let that battle play out and come to you rather than go chasing down a fight. Take that time to anticipate where the enemy is gonna push from...read the battlefield...look out for terrain that you can benefit from.those pesky flankers, take a smoke, watch some porn...whatever. Just have patience!
Really, take that time to get a feel for whats going on, what your team is doing and how the enemy is responding - potential openings to charge, flank etc.
Last but not least....
Play all the weight classes and rolesl. Find out what works for them, and what they hate. It will help you all around as a Mechwarrior. You can't win them all, but if you do your part and play your role correctly, you should at least make the enemy have to really work for it!
