9 replies to this topic

[Bivoca]

Hello guys.

I am rather new to MWO, so I am not sure about some aspects of the multiplayer scenario here.

So far I have been having fun using a shadowcat as a backstabber/striker.

I have been using the following build:

https://mwo.smurfy-n...721327c222930b2

However, I am thinking about slightly modifying it, as I find that i am somewhat squishy at times and I have a rather hard time escaping from LRMs and scouts on maps with little cover

https://mwo.smurfy-n...87e654365acff1d

Could somebody please provide me some feedback?

Thanks!

[Leone]

Artemis on an SRM2 is a waste. Heck, I'd not put it on an SRM 4 even. If you wanna keep the artemis, I'd upgrade to an SRM 6. Or just drop the missiles for heavier energy weaponry.

Maybe something like SHC-P. Also, I'm not sure you need so much Machine gun ammo for but three machine guns. It's not a bad idea, but at three, it shouldn't be your primary weapon, but more of a backup, cleaning up thing.

~Leone.

[Eisenhorne]

You're making the classic mistake of building a "bracket build". You have weapons for every range, which ensures you'll be mediocre at every range you fight at, instead of having a preferred "optimal" engagement range. You want to try to get your weapons to synergize in range, so you can focus on getting into that range and messing things up.

If you wanna do long range, do like 2 ERPPC's. If you wanna do close range, do some SRM6's with machine guns or small / medium lasers. If you wanna do missile support, 2 ATM9's is a lot of fun too. Just pick a niche, and optimize your mech to do that role as best as it can. Otherwise you're a jack of all trades, master of none.

[Bivoca]

Eisenhorne, on 08 August 2018 - 06:31 AM, said:

You're making the classic mistake of building a "bracket build". You have weapons for every range, which ensures you'll be mediocre at every range you fight at, instead of having a preferred "optimal" engagement range. You want to try to get your weapons to synergize in range, so you can focus on getting into that range and messing things up.

Thanks for the advice.


I was thinking about a med/low range build. But because of the SHC mobility, I find it handy to have at least one long range weapon in my mech for flanking. And if I good understand, the ER PPC does not have a minimum range - It also can be used in short range without penality. All the other weaponry is supposed to opperate at 100-300 m, which is where i noticed i spend most of my time. But perheaps you are right and I should replace the med lasers for SL for higher DPS - and increase the 2SRM to a higher one with the tonnage ill make free.

[Eisenhorne]

Maybe something like this then?

Much stronger short range punch, and the ERLL keeps some long range punch in there.

[Bivoca]

Eisenhorne, on 08 August 2018 - 07:40 AM, said:

Maybe something like this then?

Much stronger short range punch, and the ERLL keeps some long range punch in there.

Thanks again! I will give it a try later on today.

[General Solo]

@op

May I suggest Dual Large Pulse Laser Build.
A little easier to aim than PPC's.
Can kill at long range or short range and is reasonably cool

If your having lrm troubles, you could MAX ecm skills which will make lerms easier to deal with.

IMO mixing a long range weapon and a short range weapon, means that short range weapon is effectively dead weight for a large portion of the game.

With this build all your weapons are usefully all the time, no dead weight.

Keep your distance and poke from cover , wear them down from relative safety.
Works great against shorter ranged enemies, brawlers.

When they get close, use your mobility to reposition and repeat

Edited by OZHomerOZ, 08 August 2018 - 08:27 AM.

[Bivoca]

OZHomerOZ, on 08 August 2018 - 08:22 AM, said:

@op

IMO mixing a long range weapon and a short range weapon, means that short range weapon is effectively dead weight for a large portion of the game.

I understand what you mean, but in non-urban environments it is virtually impossible to get in close range for a large potion of the game anyway. At least this is my impression in QP.

[Leone]

Bivoca, on 08 August 2018 - 09:07 AM, said:

I understand what you mean, but in non-urban environments it is virtually impossible to get in close range for a large potion of the game anyway. At least this is my impression in QP.

It just means you've not learned the maps and how to read the flow of the game. Which as you're new, is completely understandable. Just, let it be known that you can take a brawler into polar highlands and sneak up on the enemy if you do it right. Keep your eyes open for opportunities and positions. Watch how other's move across the map and see what works and what doesn't.

For now, by all means, take some mid range, fight where you're comfortable and learn the game. But don't forget that there are paths and options out there for brawling, should you choose to.

~Leone.

[Dragonporn]

You never mix Ballistics with Missiles, especially in low tonnage mechs, because it brutally gimps you with extra tons you have to waste on ammo. You either pick one or the other.

Builds for Shadowcat in terms of efficiency:
- ER-PPC sniper build with ECM
- Large Laser Sniper build with ECM. Prime (C) is pretty well quirked for it, plus you really have no tonnage for Pulses
- Light hunter with Streaks and some laser you have spare tonnage for, just pray you won't get jumped by 2 or more.
- Heavy Laser drill with 6 LMG/MGs. You never take HMGs on this mech, because even with MASC it's too slow for chase, too fragile to hug and they weight too much. Also you either pick 6 MGs or none. Picking just 3 is pointless.

I'd strongly advice against having any close or even mid range weapons on this mech, because it is virtually THE most fragile mech in the game, and since it's Medium, agility won't really help you to survive because of sheer size.