32 replies to this topic

[ScreamingSkull]

One very basic thing you can do is call out what mech you're shooting at. Even players that have been playing for a while don't always do it, but if you focus fire well winning gets easier.

As far as heat management goes, I'd recommend shooting for 1.2-1.3 on the heat scale. Also, as a medium mech, play your role. You should be beside your assaults offering firing support and protecting them from lights. If you do that you should be able to rack up points.

[Its my first day]

IMO, thats a really bad newbie mech - slow, close range, and a medium that needs some speed for survival. HBKs are pretty tough for what they are, but I think most would have some problems with that mech. Heres the metamechs build on for it:

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...cc2427d2b9d914a

It looks a lot better. You can maneuver much better, and wont be caught in bad positions an murdered as often, which is really frustrating.


One of my first mechs in my non-illustrious 4 month career was this build I got from metamechs:

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...fb04b189cfb5388

Its a great build I really like playing, you stay on the second line and pound with the UACs and hide between, or support assaults. You might consider it if you like HBKs. Its also not bad with the stock engine and lasers and stuff taking up the gained weight capacity, though its much better when faster. Its very similar to the trial HBK, so you can actually try it out before committing.

Edited by Its my first day, 11 July 2017 - 12:45 PM.

[Koniving]

I shoot for 1.4 to 1.5 on MWO's heat scale, this gives you endurance and wiggle room for mistakes. For me it gives me the ability to take on another enemy right after dispatching one or two just prior.

Mediums have a number of roles, actually. What matters most is finding what works best. If you're playing the role Screaming suggested, then Streaks with BAP as a secondary fire and your lasers under primary fire. This lets the 'real' aiming be done by the homing missiles. If you want to give fire support against the big guys, LRMs (since it says that the IIC-B is missiles). This way, again, minimal aiming. If you're confident in your arm, consider SRMs and remember: If they're brown or yellow on the damage doll, steer clear. Orange or red, hunt 'em down (if they're alone or you have greater numbers around you).

[Tarl Cabot]

And when Koniving said shoot the same spot, this is why. Mechs do not have global hitpoint, sections are arms, legs, cockpit, F/R side and center torso sections. It is likely we assume a new player learn this but it never hurts to reiterate it. Link to the sticky at the top of this subforum and a pic of what it looks like on one mech


https://mwomercs.com...x-localization/

[CFC Conky]

Just to add a tiny bit to the great advice offered, if you can get your mech to go faster you might have a better time of it. I've found the sweet spot for mediums is around 80kph and I try to keep moving as much as possible. My most successful medium is the Blackjack-1(C) with 1xAC20 and 3-4 medium lasers, depending on the engine. With an xl235 and speed tweaks it goes ~95kph and packs a punch. It is a bit fragile though which is why you want to avoid standing still. Running back and forth behind our firing line, providing support as required seems to work well for me.

Good hunting,

CFC Conky

Edited by CFC Conky, 11 July 2017 - 02:24 PM.

[Roughneck45]

Didn't see it mentioned, but if you are running the stock loadout you are underarmorerd, so make sure to max that out. A lot of mechs stock loadouts skimp on the armor so always make sure to check that first.

[TripleEhBeef]

Metus regem, on 10 July 2017 - 10:46 AM, said:

I ask as you mentioned that you are using a stock HBK-IIC-B, they come stock with Clan Streak Short Range Missiles 6's (cSSRM/6's). These missile types generate extra heat when fired as a group, they also will not fire with out a lock on. This means mechs with ECM will shut down your ability to fight with the bulk of your fire power. The advantage to them, is that when you get a lock, all missiles will hit. The other thing to remember about your mech, is that it comes stock rather under armoured. Now if you prefer this play style, I would recommend this build: HBK-IIC-B

In the interest of saving Cbills, I've tossed together a STD engine build version of the above. You're down two DHS so you will run hotter, but if you group your SRMs in pairs and use the lasers lightly, you'll probably be fine.

If you have the cash for the XL 275, then go for the above build.

HBK-IIC-B El Cheapo


Also, the single best tip you will ever hear is this:

DON'T SELL ENGINES!

Edited by TripleEhBeef, 11 July 2017 - 04:10 PM.

[Jon McFuzzy]

MechaBattler, on 10 July 2017 - 01:42 PM, said:

A few simple guidelines to play by.

Keep a persistent watch on your mini map. Not just for enemies. But your allies, they will abandon you.

Stay with a group of allies and fire on whichever target they are focusing on. If you're in the lead use the command "Enemy Spotted" to indicate your target.

Be aware of the terrain and how you can use it to approach with cover or retreat.

Patience is best until you learn the correct time for boldness.

Edit: Forgot one important tip. Torso twist right after firing. Try to alternate the direction you twist so as to spread damage.

And one last thing. People forget they once were new. Don't take to heart their complaining. Only any offered advice.

+1 !!!

And just to add, you have Academy and Testing ground maps where you can do and test whatever you want.
For example, try to improve your aiming, ammo, heat management with "Hard" settings - either with laser, gauss, ppc, missiles etc.

Someone from my unit mentioned the word "muscle memory" - which seems to matter in this game. You'll need to train the GOOD behavior (not the bad ones) over and over and over again until you do things automatically.

Block all negative and discouraging comments - accept feedbacks. Good Luck.

[Alexander of Macedon]

kyfire, on 10 July 2017 - 03:04 PM, said:

Actually

Tourmaline Desert is the hotter map of all, followed closely by Caustic and Terra.

Pretty sure that the display temperature doesn't actually align with the functional temperature (in terms of how much it affects dissipation and cap).

[Damnedtroll]

Have worked hard to have my first kill when i was a new player... moving is the key to survive.

- you stand still you die,
- you hide for a long time you die,
- you run to finish a crippled mech alone in middle of the battle, you die
- you trade peekaboo long range with more than one mech that are able to hit you, you usually die...

Follow slower mech, stay with them in the beginning and act like fire support for them, look what they do, don't leave battle if you die fast, look at the moves of the best of the team to learn.

Edited by Damnedtroll, 14 July 2017 - 04:50 PM.

[ImperialKnight]

I'm going give some non-conventional advice and ask OP to get this

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...43c69daf573de2c

you'll need 11million CBills.

Hang back behind the Assaults and Heavies and support them by firing at the same enemy they are.

Focus your gameplay on 2 things, positioning and torso twisting. Your left arm should blow out before any of your other parts get opened up. AND you should tear through all of your armour before you die, i.e. no armor CT and side torso. then your right arm goes, and then die.

The Cent is still the best for newbies as a trainer mech, you can easily tell whether you are torso twisting efficiently due to th dedicated shield arm, and good hit boxes that allow easy rolling of damage.

The AL version with PPC allows you to stay out of trouble and provide firepower at a distance.

The XL will give you enough speed to reposition when you make a mistake. Why not a STD? This is NOT a brawl Cent, it's a support fire trainer mech. And this build will continue to be somewhat useful up to Tier 3/2

[CFC Conky]

Good mech the Centurion, good advice knightsljx.

[Davegt27]

OP join the club

I been playing for 3 years I still spend most of my time watching other people play

I bought some hunchback IIC's but they where so soft I sold them after a few days

welcome to MWO