7 replies to this topic

[Phra]

The current tree layout heavily favors the old LPL+ML builds, especially paired with big engine clan mechs not needing speed tweak.

You can get all the extra you need for boating with only 25 points into firepower. From here, the ideal layout I found is 20 survival (everything but AMS nodes), 25 mobility (mostly everything but speed tweak), 20 operations (cut speed retention and improved gyros where you can), and 1 in auxiliary for the extra slot.

The end result is your familiar 2LPL + 2-3-4ML clan mech running with better weapon stats and a lot more tankiness than before, at the expense of 6KPH, that they hardly needed to begin with, giving you a more powerful package than the ones that used to rule the meta for so long.

Mixed builds are penalized as every extra node spent in firepower will cut either tankiness or mobility, so you are left with either strictly laser or dakka boats being the most "well-rounded" mechs, which I believe was the exact opposite of PGI intentions.

Furthermore, IS mechs are all handicapped from the get-go, speed tweak requiring way too many nodes to spec into, with most clan mechs having / being able to equip engines big enough for this not to be an issue.

To sum it up, if you want to min-max your stable (I sure do), the PTS tree system is a step backwards compared to the current state of the game, killing the little variety left on live server, even if it's dictated by the quirks itself.

Edited by Phra, 04 March 2017 - 09:58 AM.

[FupDup]

Except that Heat Containment and Cool Run are both lower in the PTS than live. This hits lazor vomit more than most other mechs.

[WolvesX]

FupDup, on 04 March 2017 - 09:05 AM, said:

Except that Heat Containment and Cool Run are both lower in the PTS than live. This hits lazor vomit more than most other mechs.

...and FubDup got it right again.

[Phra]

It affects every mech.

The main point is, single weapon type boating is the way to go on PTS, and lasers are still the best in that category. Spending more than 25ish points in firepower will come at the cost of tankiness and / or mobility.

[WolvesX]

Phra, on 04 March 2017 - 09:03 AM, said:

Furthermore, IS mechs are all handicapped from the get-go, speed tweak requiring way too many nodes to spec into, with most clan mechs having / being able to equip engines big enough for this not to be an issue.

I also think that you saw a part of this problem: http://bit.ly/2mYUMV8

[kapusta11]

FupDup, on 04 March 2017 - 09:05 AM, said:

Except that Heat Containment and Cool Run are both lower in the PTS than live. This hits lazor vomit more than most other mechs.

You have Cool Shot 27 now, two of them in fact, and 10-15% shorter duration.

[Phra]

kapusta11, on 04 March 2017 - 09:18 AM, said:

You have Cool Shot 27 now, two of them in fact, and 10-15% shorter duration.

With 3 slots, I can only equip one each on PTS. 1 cool shot, 1 arty / orbital, 1 UAV.

Not sure if it's intended.

WolvesX, on 04 March 2017 - 09:17 AM, said:

I also think that you saw a part of this problem: http://bit.ly/2mYUMV8

Yes, a singular tree system with reduced IS quirks will most certainly widen the gap between IS and Clan mechs compared to live.

I doubt they are going to introduce separate trees, so the best solution is different amount of points spendable.

Edited by Phra, 04 March 2017 - 09:31 AM.

[MechaBattler]

Phra, on 04 March 2017 - 09:10 AM, said:

It affects every mech.

The main point is, single weapon type boating is the way to go on PTS, and lasers are still the best in that category. Spending more than 25ish points in firepower will come at the cost of tankiness and / or mobility.

I actually think 2 weapon loadouts are where it's at. You can more easily get the extra cooldown without feeling like it's a waste. And honestly some mechs that have a higher base agility, you can skimp a bit on agility. They nerfed survival tree, so you can skimp on armor skills if you're running something big. 3 points of armor to my side torsos on my assault with full armor skill points? Why bother at that point.