23 replies to this topic

[pewpewgunther]

Completed my 1st and 2nd match ever today and feel like the learning curve is steep. Just watching people like sidestrafe on youtube and what's a good light or medium sniper mech? I don't want to waste my exp in trial mechs but am not really comfortable with brawling and the like yet, would rather watch a little, get used to movement but not be a total drain on my team. Where do I start? I looked through the mechs for nearly 2 hours and my head was swimming. From reading some older posts (like 2013) it seems like balistic snipers can be effective but cost more money to maintain, but I don't really understand....anything. Help! Thanks in advance.

[Gagis]

Sniping is harder than a lot of people think, so I might recommend focusing on hit and run tactics you can perform while following the bulk of your team. It requires a frustratingly high amount of map knowledge situational awareness about team movement. Aiming in this game is also hard until someone reminds you to tune the default mouse sensitivity WAAAAAYYYY down.

For example, something like this might work, since the chassis has decent hitboxes, the weapons are mounted high, the range is convenient and the mobility is good: http://mwo.smurfy-ne...9583888aec515f4

That should work as a good platform for learning basics of the game.

Edited by Gagis, 14 October 2017 - 10:35 PM.

[arcana75]

pewpewgunther, on 14 October 2017 - 10:15 PM, said:

Completed my 1st and 2nd match ever today and feel like the learning curve is steep. Just watching people like sidestrafe on youtube and what's a good light or medium sniper mech? I don't want to waste my exp in trial mechs but am not really comfortable with brawling and the like yet, would rather watch a little, get used to movement but not be a total drain on my team. Where do I start? I looked through the mechs for nearly 2 hours and my head was swimming. From reading some older posts (like 2013) it seems like balistic snipers can be effective but cost more money to maintain, but I don't really understand....anything. Help! Thanks in advance.

If you're certain you want to snipe, then first thing you probably want to unlock is the 4x zoom from the skilltree, under Sensors, 4 nodes to the right. It is a boon for snipers. Then you want lots of Velocity nodes.

2 of the 3 weapon types ie Energy and Ballistic give you sniping options, so if you want to snipe you don't have to go ballistic. But I should let you know that a forgiving sniper weapon is the LBX, which is a shotgun but has crazy range. Of cuz the further it is the more damage drops.

There is no such thing as "maintenance". You only need to pay for ammo once, by loading it into your mech, then that's it, no more reload costs.

Sniper Mediums and Lights, you probably would have seen or heard of the term "poptart", which refers to a mech that has jump jets and snipes, so the idea is you hide behind cover, fire jumpjets, try to spot an enemy, pop off a shot, then land back behind cover. The problem with medium/light snipers is that they are relegated to that exact one role: sniping. If you get rushed you're going to be destroyed, or if your entire team is down, you're probably not long for this world either. I would suggest if you really want to snipe, go for a heavy or assault, because they are big enough to carry a sniping weapon or 2, as well as close-ranged backup weapons when the need calls for it. Most sniping heavies/assaults carry 1-2 sniping weapons (eg ER-LL, ER-PPC) then SRMs or medium lasers for closer combat. A poptarting medium with ER-PPCs is quite effective with good aim, but bear in mind you'll be quite typecast role-wise.

With mediums/lights you'll struggle to be effective in both long and short, and thus you must rely on your speed to maintain optimal range. The keyword here is effective. Bushwackers can have an autocannon as a sniping option, with SRMs and lasers up close. You could also go with a Stormcrow with 2 large lasers and several medium lasers.

But once you start fighting against a proper heavy or assault sniper, eg a Supernova or Stalker with 6 ER large lasers, you will lose sniper exchanges at range. Hence if you're playing a medium or light, your 2 advantages are speed and smaller profile, so you should be fitting your mech accordingly, eg using your speed and smaller size to get closer to the enemy quicker and unseen, then using your heat and DPS to unload tons of damage, esp against snipers who would lose out to your loadout as sniper weapons have higher cooldowns. An SRM Huntsman or Hunchback with lasers/ballistics will make mincemeat of enemies close by.

Also you might want to search for more recent content as things have changed alot over the years. Use the advanced search tools of Google to limit your searches by date, starting from July 2017. Also you can watch more recent YouTube content eg those from TTB, Snuggles, MoltenMetal, Kanajashi. And of cuz self-plug: if you want to see how brawling builds fare, you can check out my videos as I only play brawling builds cuz that's my style, as I hate to snipe and peek.

Edited by arcana75, 15 October 2017 - 01:08 AM.

[mailin]

As previously stated, repair and rearm is no longer in MWO. Personally, I suggest a Shadowcat as a sniper. The advantages of this mech are that it has ECM, jump jets, MASC, and can mount 2 er ppcs (With the appropriate pods). Once you feel comfortable getting closer there are other weapons systmes available depending on which pods you purchase.

Edited by mailin, 15 October 2017 - 12:53 AM.

[Rogue Jedi]

Sniping as in getting 1 hit kills at long range does not realy exist in MWO, for a long range fire support Light or Medium most of them can be configured to perform that role

Urbanmech was designed for urban combat, it is a 30 ton Mech able to carry a Gauss Rifle, AC10 or multiple PPCs, it makes a competant fire support Mech and has the added advantages of a 360^o torso twist, and it is an urbanmech, most people will underestimate it, also a Gauss Urbie could be made rather cheep if you stick with the stock engine.

most varients of the Raven have 2 E hardpoints in the Right Arm, those are hign mounted and allow you to put in 2 ERLL, you can be pretty fast and have Jumpjets in the 4X or ECM in the 3L

the Panther is designed to carry a PPC

the Arctic Cheetah has 2 shoulder mounted energy hardpoints for ERLL or ERPPC

Jenner and Jenner IIC can jump and have the option for fairly high mounted energy weapons

a Spider with PPCs used to be very popular as a harrasser,

Cicada and Viper can both do long range builds, and the Viper makes a great poptart (jump sniper) due to being the best jumping Mech in the game

Blackjack is pretty much designed as a fire support platform and gives balistic or energy options

Shadow Cat was designed as a scout sniper, one if its varients comes with a Gauss Rifle and 2 ERML stock, but that does not realy have enough tonage for Gauss ammo, it would work better with PPCs, LPLs or ERLLs

most varients of Hunchback or Hunchback IIC would make good fire support platforms with high mounted energy or balistic hardpoints. with the HBK-IIC it is possible to do dual gauss with a few lasers, suficent to destroy the head of any Mech if you are a good (or lucky) enough shot

the Shadow Hawk makes a good fire support platform, high mounted B hardpoints on most varients coupled with Jumpjet compatability

the Huntysman can again be a competant fire support platform.

[Koniving]

pewpewgunther, on 14 October 2017 - 10:15 PM, said:

Completed my 1st and 2nd match ever today and feel like the learning curve is steep. Just watching people like sidestrafe on youtube and what's a good light or medium sniper mech? I don't want to waste my exp in trial mechs but am not really comfortable with brawling and the like yet, would rather watch a little, get used to movement but not be a total drain on my team. Where do I start? I looked through the mechs for nearly 2 hours and my head was swimming. From reading some older posts (like 2013) it seems like balistic snipers can be effective but cost more money to maintain, but I don't really understand....anything. Help! Thanks in advance.

(Edit, since it will be a while before you might see this post I decided to use spoilers to help organize it.)
Forgive me, this is going to be a long list. I will try to be as brief as possible with each.

Clan mechs will be specified as such. If not specified, it is Inner Sphere. On Clan mechs listed here you cannot change the engine (unless you can in which case I will say so).
Note: All pictures here are of me from another player's perspective. All are taken by Lordred from his "Camera Commando."

Fast but fragile snipers:

Spoiler

Light:
Warning: Some of these can be killed in a single shot if the shot is strong enough. Speed is your ally. NEVER stay in one place for too long. Shoot, relocate, shoot, relocate. Never fire more than twice from the same spot or you will die.

Any Locust with energy arms. (Equip a ER PPC OR ER Large Laser OR twin Light PPCs (or an even bigger engine and a single Light PPC backed up with some lasers or machine guns), double heatsinks, endo steel, and when you can afford it an XL engine or Light Engine. Remember to raise armor to maximum.) (Locust snapshots. 1. 2. Equipped with an AC/5. An Ultra AC/2 is more practical, PPCs even more practical. Pictured is a Locust with ballistic arms.)

Commando. Specifically the 2D. Equip ECM, a decent sized PPC or LRMs and an energy. Many prefer SRMs but as you said you're not comfy with getting up close yet. Funnel armor forward to take more damage (leave 1 or 2 armor rear since you aren't planning to get close. A friend of mine who is a pro with these things actually funnels his armor almost entirely to the back and is plenty content to pot-shot and run away laughing; should build your arm aiming skills before trying full back armor, though. Hold left CTRL with armlock off and aim to know what I mean). Pictures 1 2 3 4

Myst Lynx (kinda-sorta the Clan version of the Locust/Commando right now. Same thing.)

There are many others of varying degrees in the 20 to 30 ton range such as the Spider (IS) and the Arctic Cheetah (Clan).
Pictures of my Spider Sniper -- trying to fight a hit and run sniper -- while hit and running.
1 2 3

Medium:
Cicada. Any will work, but for best results get the 3C, use an ER Large Laser or ER PPC and back it up with 4 Light (long range) machine guns). Picture

Trebuchet: Potentially very fast, but you'll never achieve top speed with a genuinely practical weapons assortment. This thing can take big energy or big missiles, but not 'big' on both. There's a variant that can take ballistic weapons including the ballistic sniper weapon, the Gauss Rifle family (Light, Medium, Heavy; don't use Heavy... Trust me. It is "HEAVY"...with lousy range.) Picture going toe to toe with an Atlas at near point blank. I won this fight.
Note: Trebuchets have been reduced significantly in size since this picture. Also there's a perspective illusion, it was never the same height as an Atlas.
Second note: At the time of the picture, Lordred (the camera man) got hit with a Gauss Rifle from the Atlas when he missed me. That chunk is meant to be part of the slug [or part of your armor] flying off the mech.
TROLLBuchets I'm the one closest to the camera. These were named as such because they would run up, blind you with flamers (can't be done now) and then pepper you to death while you're unable to see what you're doing. To note the Treb versus Atlas was a Trollbuchet build.

IFR (Can't remember the full name, I've got 270+ mechs, sue me.) Basically the Clan Cicada (as will the upcoming Arctic Wolf but that isn't out yet and won't be out for cbills for several months).

Slow But extremely Tanky options for sharp shooting.

Spoiler

Lights:
Urbanmech. (If you get a big enough engine you can get a modest 100+ speed. These things are walking tanks. Heads up -- there's no torso twist limit you can twist eternally; make sure to get used to using C to center torso to legs and F to center legs to torso). Can use an autocannon, a pair of ER Large Lasers, several Light PPCs, a pair of normal PPCs, or a single Heavy PPC. Pair PPCs especially with your favorite kind of machine guns (as MGs produce zero heat for your mech and PPCs are extremely hot weapons). Oh, and they can jump.

Panther. Another slow mech but tanky mech. You can combine your favorite PPC types (including a Heavy PPC) with missile launchers (OooOOooo). Long Range Missiles come to mind. If enemies like to get too close, you could always favor a "Streak SRM" launcher which locks on and defies physics because PGI believes that "Won't fire unless there's a 90% chance to hit" means "It will fire if you have a lock and must always hit 100% of the time." So yeah. They aren't terribly efficient but they are good at taking out legs and hitting things that you can't hit. And when their leg is gone, they are easy to hit with your big energy weapons. Yay! Plus jumpiness! Picture of me jump sniping. Note I look messed up because I've been shot everywhere and heavily, and I'm still ticking with all my limbs and a good chunk of armor (you smoke from any spot that loses armor, and I'm only smoking from one spot).

Raven. Surprisingly effective. Funnel ALL ARMOR FORWARD (except maybe 1 or 2 points per rear torso) and this thing will tank enough to take on heavy mechs in face to face confrontations while packing an AC/20, so it can definitely handle your sharp shooting desires. Don't let anything get behind you. As long as you know where they are, you won't have any trouble. (Unlock Seismic Sensor to help detect guys sneaking up behind you; only works while stationary which is great, sharp shooters stand still a lot. Side note: After you shoot a couple of times, MOVE!) Picture (4X with AC/20; for sniping I favor the 2X with twin PPCs or 3 Light PPCs or the 3L with an ER PPC, 1 or 2 streak missile launchers and a ECM to help stay off sensors.)

Closest thing Clan has in this category is the Adder... it isn't tanky, but it is a good weapons platform for its size and it is a sniper mech. I favor the torsos for my PPCs and Energy weapons. This is entirely optional, it defaults to the arms for them. This little turtle is pretty squat, but its long and wide size means it loves being on the wrong end of LRMs. Be careful of them.

Mediums:
Hunchback. A commonly suggested general purpose 50 tonner. PPCs on the 4P or large energy weapons. For the 4H, Gauss Rifles are solid. 4G, could go Gauss Rifle or several Light Gauss Rifles, or multiple Autocannon 2s or 5s of any class (LBX, AC, Ultra AC). (Pictures: 4P 4G
Several: 4P, 4SP, 4J (Long Range Missiles) and 4J (PPCs)

Enforcer. Some good possibilities. Keep in mind most weapons are on the arms, making over the hill sharp shooting kind of difficult. Energy weapons tend to favor the left arm and as such left-side peeking. (These aren't necessarily slow, but if you want big guns they will be on the slower end of mediums. Like Hunchbacks, they can carry a large number of large energy weapons and a modest number of heftier long range cannons or 1 to 2 Gauss Rifles).

Wolverine: Many people would write this guy off. Don't. Even after the rescale it is still the smallest 55 tonner in the game, with very snug, relatively small hitboxes compared to any other 55 tonner. Yes, it relies heavily on the right arm and people might literally go for it. Protect that arm with your life, let them hit your left side. Good mech to learn torso twisting for spreading damage. Don't let them have that arm as (like with the Panther), most of your weapons are there (and unlike the panther, it's big enough to actually hit). Pack weapons as you please, you're almost a Heavy. This mech at stock has practically maxed out armor and a bunch of life-extending quirks to go with it. I have virtually every mech in the game, and while I agree the Hunchback is the best medium for literally any playstyle... I believe the Wolverine is the best medium, period... as long as you're not looking for speed. Since it goes as fast as any 55 tonner though that doesn't really matter. I tend to go with modest engines and a big weapons payload. Has energy, ballistic, and combination right arms, and can have up to 3 missile launchers. Picture in a brawl (is on left). Not a good over the hill mech. But you can have plenty of jumpjets to make up for it. (Careful, one variant can't use jumpjets).

Huntsman. (On the highest end of 'slow'. Clan. Despite the Clans having a Hunchback IIC, the Huntsman is actually the equivalent of the IS Hunchback in terms of versatility and tankability.) So many options. Sooo many options. Shoulder mounted long range weapons seem to be a favorite of those who like sharp shooting. My Huntsmen. My sharp shooter build is on the bottom right, backed up with multiple SRM launchers on the arm and a TAG on the right shoulder (it helps me with aiming, there is no actual benefit in pairing it with PPCs but seeing that red line lets me know whether or not my shot will get there or if it will stop on something before reaching it. Top left and right are both mixed builds, with a Gauss Rifle [one has it on right armother on left arm] and many backup weapons.)

In Betweeners: These mechs can be kinda fast, they can be kinda tanky. They are in between the two extremes.

Spoiler

Lights:
Firestarter. 35 tons. Can carry your typical sniper's loadout. The H can also carry Gauss Rifles and ballistic weapons. Many tend to load these up with small to medium lasers since there are Sooo many hardpoints.

Wolfhound. Somewhat limited due to torso focused weapons, the CT mounts will ALWAYS be medium to small backup weapons or even a Snub PPC / Light PPC. The side torsos can mount any energy weapon you want. Could even go Heavy PPC or 3+ Light PPCs (keep in mind, 4 Light PPCs is punished with extra heat, as is 2 of any non-light PPC. The trick is not to fire them at the same time.) Technically this is on the really fast list... but it isn't fragile.

Picture: Firestarter, Wolfhound and Bushwacker [Medium, mentioned later] (used during a question in getting help deciding on a new pattern during a sale).

Jenner. 35 tons, decent speed. Energy / Missile hybrid. Missiles entirely optional, I like using the Jenner JR7-D with 2 Streak launchers for defense and an ER PPC or 2 Light PPCs. Picture.

Kit Fox (Clan, 30 tons). Unlike the Adder, this thing doesn't have a chance in hell of tanking stuff. What it does have is the ability to carry triple Anti Missile Systems and ECM all on the same body part. This is also canonically a sniper mech. Picture

Arctic Cheetah. (Clan, 30 tons). Mentioned already. This thing isn't particularly fragile but it can be if it holds still long enough. It tends to break its own legs so watch your jumps, save enough fuel for the landing or you'll soon find yourself limping in front of someone with a lot of big guns. That's never a good situation. That said you will see a LOT of these guys in the field as you get further into the game. Just shoot their legs. Anything else is a waste of time.

Jenner IIC (Clan, 35 tons). One of the few Clan mechs that can change engines but CANNOT change hardpoints. Make sure to pick one with energy mounts if you want to sharp shoot with it. Otherwise it's basically a Jenner with Clan weapons. Clan ER PPCs are hot as heck and they don't have any other kinds. Keep that in mind.

Mediums:

45 tonners:
Vindicator. Low slung weapons tend to make this canonical sharp shooter mech unfavorable. The range of motion however makes this very useful for players with advanced skills in arm movement. A good mech to aspire up to.
Phoenix Hawk. Mid-slung arms, incredible arm range and this awesome feeling of being able to see your hands holding guns from inside the cockpit. For some reason it just feels incredible. Great jumping abilities, too. Unfortunately, this is not new player friendly as it tends to be somewhat vulnerable and if you aren't taking advantage of the arms with arm aiming... you'll find this mech severely handicapped without its best traits at your disposal.
Blackjack. Simple, affordable, effective. Canonically an anti-insurgency mech, the high arm mounts are level with the cockpit and perfect for peeking over hills and around corners. The 1X is the fastest variant. Funnel armor forward for the best long range tankiness. Can jump, just watch the landings. Reasonably tanky.

Crab. 50 tons. Similar to the Hunchback in terms of the fact that it is super cheap to start with. If you can, try to get away with a standard engine (if you do, this thing can tank pretty close to a Hunchback). Your front profle is pretty narrow, but be careful when enemies get to your sides. Any energy weapons you want anywhere you want. Sadly that's about it, there's no room for much else. Keep at least something in the arms, contrary to popular belief you need a weapon equipped in a limb with a 'missile door' (in this case the claws count as missile doors despite being energy weapons) for the 10% damage resistance they provide to work. If you leave them close they open instantly and close shortly after for energy and ballistic weapons (on mechs where applicable like the King Crab for the ballistics). Only get the 10% damage resistance on the limbs with claws while closed.

Image: Crab (same one four different paintjobs), Phoenix Hawk, and a Super Nova (not mentioned here because it's an assault.)
(This picture and the other collection of mechs are from this thread.)

Centurion. 50 tons. A general workhorse mech meant to guard Trebuchets in lore. These things are quite tanky, though not as rediculously so as they used to be (at one point they were called zombie mechs because they would lose almost all their limbs, limp and STILL kill things). They can be made to go pretty fast, too. The right arm mounts are low so don't go aiming over hills. These things make good troll mechs, too. Centurion Kong Koniving's (Yen Lo) Wang My personal favorite is the AH, but short of using triple Light Gauss (and even that is not practical) or multiple missile launchers, it may be best to go with the AL, A, or D. The D is the fastest variant. A healthier Centurion.

Griffin 55 tons. Canonical sniper mech in lore. The preferred loadout in lore is PPCs and LRMs. While it also does great with many other sets, just roll with it. Side note: The View is Incredible. The best IS view you can get. Wolverine has the second best.

Kintaro 55 tons: This one has an undeserved bad reputation due to a faulty hitbox layout when it first launched. It was fixed in a week but that was enough to curse it in the eyes of "meta" forever. In terms of tankiness in 55 tonners, this is the second tankiest in the IS (third tankiest if counting both sides). This is primarily a missile mech. Long range missiles backed up with some lasers or short range, medium range or streak missiles can be good. Can also do the big energy weapons and back them up with low heat Streak / SRM launchers against threats that get too close. Center torso has 0 to 2 missile doors depending on the variant. Yes, 2 doors means 20% damage resistance while closed (must have 2 launchers in it though). The Golden Boy hero The View (View is rated on both clarity and how far to each side you can see. Third best view in IS medium mechs.)

Stormcrow (55 tons, Clanner). An all around good, solid mech. May teach you bad habits if you get too used to it, though. Favor torso mounts for your sniper weapons if you wanna 'peek' over hills. Favor arms if you wanna peek around corners. This is my sharp-shoot capable all-rounder.

Nova (50 tons, Clan.) A short, squat, general purpose mech with a wide horizontal profile from the front. Low slung arms, but good torso mounts.

Hunchback IIC (50 tons, Clan.) Despite being a Hunchback, it can't compare to The Hunchback in terms of tankiness. Nope, this thing is pure weapons platform. It is one of the only Clan mechs listed here that can change engines, but unlike most Clan mechs it cannot change hardpoints. Very high torso mounts.

That's all I can think of but I'm sure there are more like the Uller, but as I don't own one I don't know where it stands.

I hope that helps, and welcome to MWO.

Edited by Koniving, 15 October 2017 - 11:36 AM.

[Koniving]

I forgot a mech. Yep. I'm bad.

Shadow Hawk, 55 tons. Falls under the inbetweeners. A want-to-be Hunchback. Tight hitboxes, but evenly made with easily accessible rears, meaning you can't get away with the same armor tricks as the Hunchback (which btw... if you get a Hunchback model, any variant EXCEPT the 4SP, funnel the right torso armor all forward except 2 points to the rear). Anyway, the Shadow Hawk has very sluggish torso twisting and turning abilities. Sure it can jump and it has all 3 weapon types. It has no peripheral vision. The cannons obstruct your vision especially when firing. Sure the mounts are high and the mech (while not as insanely tall as it was) is pretty tall.
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pewpewgunther, on 14 October 2017 - 10:15 PM, said:

From reading some older posts (like 2013) it seems like balistic snipers can be effective but cost more money to maintain, but I don't really understand....anything. Help! Thanks in advance.

In 2012, and probably 2013 it kept getting mentioned because we were told it would come back, there was a repair and rearm system. Meaning you had to buy ammo again and again, get repairs to damaged weapons and replace destroyed ones. Lasers were meant to be favorable due to being cheap, with numerous drawbacks that disappeared... causing a lot of problems. PGI removed the repair and rearm system in 2012 and it will not be coming back in MWO. So no worries. What ballistics had going for it at the time was instantaneous upfront damage (unlike lasers which burned over time, and PPCs which had severe hit registration issues at the time; also since for a long time during repair and rearm we only had single heatsinks... PPCs were too hot to be practical).

A far better repair and rearm system will be in the upcoming Mechwarrior 5: Mercenaries pre-alpha played live at Mech Con (PC Gamer Article excerpts and screenshots much farther into development) as well as the upcoming Battletech PC Game. MW5 is a single player game. Battletech PC has a versus mode for multiplayer but is largely a single player game. (A super brief discussion)

--------

Energy, ballistic-Energy (PPCs), and Ballistic weapons are all viable sharp shooting direct fire options. For Ballistics the 2 family and the Gauss family are long range (except Heavy Gauss). The 5 family is medium-long. The 10 is medium and the 20 is short.

This info can be ignored. It only explains why the ranges are weird and nonsensical.

Spoiler

(I know the huge bullets don't make sense to be short range, but the source material is that the AC/20 would spew out up to a hundred shells really wildly and thus the accurate range was pretty damn short due to recoil and firing over time, and that fired about twice as many as the ten, which fired twice as many as the 5, etc. PGI went for big tank cannons instead for their aesthetic rather than the jet cannons that the lore based autocannons on).

Gauss Rifles have the longest effective ranges. The 660 ranges are for full damage. It then declines linearly until 1320 meters where it does 0 damage. Half way between the two, a standard Gauss Rifle does 7.5 damage. (You can extend the range with range nodes in the skill tree.) The Heavy Gauss is the exception, its range says 180 meters (for 25 damage), but unlike others which extend out to double range before doing zero, the Heavy Gauss extends out to 5 times range before doing zero. Thing is for its tonnage and so few shots per ton of ammo and its immense size... it isn't really worth it.

A few helpful videos. I do appologise I go for somewhat educational gameplay rather than entertaining. Something I'd like to change to be both, but hey I can get into some pretty tight spots and still come out on top.

4H video-- (2 of 4) I'm hesitant to share it because I sound terrible, I was sick and its after recording commentary. The entire video is pretty useful (and it explains why I like to go 'loner' in Hunchbacks, something you shouldn't really do if you can help it). At exactly 4:50 is an important segment about a somewhat frequent occurrence in MWO that you should be prepared for. The most important thing to remember is Stay Calm.

Medium-long sharpshooter equipped 4H (video 4 of 4, no commentary) Sharing this one because it falls under the play-style you're looking to do. My advice is do this near your allies but let them have the front line. Sometimes though you can get away with sneaking off to the side like this. Note: It is okay to skip ahead to 2 or even 3 minutes. It is a slow build and it takes me a bit to get behind the enemy line. (Music is classic Mechwarrior 3050 and classic Mechwarrior music, both from the SNES.)
Note 2: On multiple occasions a good chunk onto the video I get into brawling and do things that no one should ever do, like charge a 100 ton Clan Dire Wolf head on and ram him. Most mechs couldn't survive this let alone do it multiple times.

HBK 4H video 3 of 4. (Skill tree. Bad exchanges [what to strive for if you're a Locust sharp shooter or harasser; what to avoid if you're anything else]. Loadout changing. And finally the Perfect Match for a Slow, tanky mech concluding the perfect mistake of overreaching.)


The following videos are helpful in other ways. Mechwarrior 2 remixes are used for soundtracks. Note the "blur" effect is used to announce when I put the video in slow motion (and when I leave slow motion).

Teaches: Advanced zoom (press V after unlocking the skill node), PPC MG combos, how to get missiles off of you when you've been targeted for rain, and picking weak spots for quick, efficient kills. It is using an aggressive sharp shooting strategy.
This Heavy Rifleman video has only enough skill tree unlocked to get advanced zoom (4 nodes). It uses 2 ER PPCs and 4 Light Machine Guns. Almost 7 kills.


This next video demonstrates the following: Getting weapons ready aka changing weapon groups around on the fly (arrow keys and right CTRL key). Seismic Sensor. Patience. Carefully placing shots around allies that get in your way. Staying Calm under fire.
Orion (hero mech Protector) the 75 ton Atlas.
Skip to 2:30, if you like, it takes me a bit to get to the fight and the first meaningful thing is mentioned there.

Edited by Koniving, 15 October 2017 - 07:38 AM.

[jss78]

There are tons of 'mech suggestions above.

However as a general comment, I'd consider whether you really want to go "sniper". I can see the attraction -- support from a bit further back while still finding your feet.

The meta in this game tends to be that long-range combat isn't actually so common -- a lot of the time you fight in short-to-medium range. For a new player, I'd argue that something like a medium-range laser boat might work easier in the random queue. Medium-heavy weight class. E.g. ERML's, LPL's, either clan or IS.

Then you can simply follow your team around, perhaps supporting a bigger mech, focus your fire with him. It's an easy way to play with your team, and guys like this are always useful.

I find dedicated long-range 'mechs a bit situational, and honestly difficult to use. As said, long-range combat doesn't actually happen that much, and in a 'mech like this you're in trouble if you're ambushed in close range. Long range tends to equal lots of heat and poor damage per second -- that short-range striker 'mech will eat you alive.

[Koniving]

Used spoilers to make my first post a bit more...attractive in terms of being able to ease into it.

[pewpewgunther]

Wow, this community is fantastic.....I'm really overwhelmed by the amount and scope of information here but it does get me started a bit on understanding. Thanks so much for the replies everyone!

[Koniving]

Feel free to follow up with more questions in this thread after you disseminate the info here.

Would wait to buy your first mech until after your name is no longer Cyan (after 25 matches).

Edited by Koniving, 15 October 2017 - 05:07 PM.

[arcana75]

One thing tho if I would suggest as a new player myself: buy a medium multi-role mech asap with your cadet bonus, don't wait till 25 matches to buy, as the trial mechs underperform imho.

Either Clan or IS, doesn't matter, but pick a multi-role medium. Good picks include ballistics-based Bushwacker (guns for long range, mix of lasers/srms/guns for short/medium range) for IS and Hunchback IIC for Clan (MRMs or guns for long/medium range, lasers/srms/guns for short). They are reasonably fast and sturdy and pack a punch, so are very forgiving when you make mistakes. And if one day you do want to fix a role, be it peek-n-poke (aka snipe) or CQB brawling, these 2 mechs can do both fairly well due to hardpoints being high and close to the cockpit so you can hit what you can see. And because they are relatively cheap, you can buy them asap.

Spend hours on smurfy playing theorycraft on these 2 mechs and find a loadout that suits you, then buy the mech and slowly work towards the planned loadout.

Edited by arcana75, 15 October 2017 - 08:11 PM.

[SnagaDance]

You mentioned looking at YouTube videos. There are some really good channels for MWO out there, but the one I'd recommend for new players is the one from Baradul (MoltenMetal on YouTube):

https://www.youtube....pFQjKhsoscKoodg

He's a really calm and laid back person and actively comments on his own and other people their playstyles. Why you should/shouldn't do certain things for instance, which make his videos quite educational.

He's also not afraid of showing games he loses or getting himself destroyed because of a mistake, it's all a learning experience.

And finally, he's always a good sport. No swearing, no calling team members or opponents names, an excellent example of how to behave in an online game.

[arcana75]

Do note that MoltenMetal/Baradul and TTB are both Tier 1 brawling players, so nearly all their mech builds and therefore playstyles are tailored that way. They favour high alphas and CQB and have the skills to pull it off with positioning and torso twisting. If you watch MM long enough you'll start to realise most of the time he's calling for a push, but he's not at the front, and calling for pushes in Tier 5 or 4 could be suicide runs for you, cuz you're charging then you realise you're all alone.

TheB33f is another streamer with excellent skills, he's an extremely good pilot, and is also a Tier 1 brawler. Some of his feats are on heroic levels. But he's not a native English speaker and it might be quite challenging cutting through his thick accent. I read he's Hungarian.

But agree, all of the MWO players who stream have good etiquette.

[aGentleWarrior]

arcana75, on 16 October 2017 - 01:12 AM, said:

TheB33f is another streamer with excellent skills, he's an extremely good pilot, and is also a Tier 1 brawler. Some of his feats are on heroic levels. But he's not a native English speaker and it might be quite challenging cutting through his thick accent. I read he's Hungarian.

LOL
i thought he is from canada where french would be his native language...

[SnagaDance]

TheB33F is indeed French Canadian which, together with his deep voice, just sounds totally awesome.

Not only is he an excellent player (last video of him I saw he was in a legged Locust and still killed 3 enemies before going down) but he also does some absolutely crazy things just for the lulz.

He actually has 2 channels on YouTube, his currently active channel is TheB33f Highlights.

The old one of TheB33F has some absolute golden content though like Spooky Atlas, Giga Drill, Drop Bear and Close Range AMS. Totally worth it if you want to have a laugh.

I'll just leave this one here, where he hillariously exploits a tiny spelling error made for a mech quirk (they forgot to put in the comma for the 10,00% missile cooldown)

[Husker Dude]

Rogue Jedi, on 15 October 2017 - 03:59 AM, said:

most varients of Hunchback or Hunchback IIC would make good fire support platforms with high mounted energy or balistic hardpoints. with the HBK-IIC it is possible to do dual gauss with a few lasers, suficent to destroy the head of any Mech if you are a good (or lucky) enough shot

The dual ERPPC Hunchback IIC is probably my favorite mech for all of these roles.

[Leone]

So, I know you're more about the lighter faster mechs, but, take a look at this guide.

It goes over build considerations and map control. Those're things to think about once you've the basics down.

~Leone.

[PurplePuke]

arcana75, on 16 October 2017 - 01:12 AM, said:

Do note that MoltenMetal/Baradul and TTB are both Tier 1 brawling players, so nearly all their mech builds and therefore playstyles are tailored that way. They favour high alphas and CQB and have the skills to pull it off with positioning and torso twisting. If you watch MM long enough you'll start to realise most of the time he's calling for a push, but he's not at the front, and calling for pushes in Tier 5 or 4 could be suicide runs for you, cuz you're charging then you realise you're all alone.

TheB33f is another streamer with excellent skills, he's an extremely good pilot, and is also a Tier 1 brawler. Some of his feats are on heroic levels. But he's not a native English speaker and it might be quite challenging cutting through his thick accent. I read he's Hungarian.

But agree, all of the MWO players who stream have good etiquette.

The Beef is French-Canadian, from the Province of Quebec.

[The Cyberserker]

pewpewgunther, on 14 October 2017 - 10:15 PM, said:

Completed my 1st and 2nd match ever today and feel like the learning curve is steep. Just watching people like sidestrafe on youtube and what's a good light or medium sniper mech? I don't want to waste my exp in trial mechs but am not really comfortable with brawling and the like yet, would rather watch a little, get used to movement but not be a total drain on my team. Where do I start? I looked through the mechs for nearly 2 hours and my head was swimming. From reading some older posts (like 2013) it seems like balistic snipers can be effective but cost more money to maintain, but I don't really understand....anything. Help! Thanks in advance.

I've never tried to build a medium sniper, but the blackjack BJ-3 looks good on paper. It has high hardpoints, and PPC velocity, energy heat and energy range bonuses.