17 replies to this topic

[Revalc]

Hey everyone, tl;dr wanting some advice on what I should be aiming for.

I've played the game before, though I don't remember it, otherwise my sole experience with Mech Warrior was MW2 on a Win98 PC. I think? Something like that, basically I know next to nothing and while i am doing some research into stuff there's a few things I'm not quite understanding in building a Mech loadout, or at the very least what kind of Mech I should be looking at getting.

To narrow it down:

• I don't like Assaults/Heavies, I do like having some good speed and mobility so thinking mediums or lights. Something with enough speed to react and reposition, in this I don't really know what counts as fast in MWO.
  
• My typical playstyle in fps games is more that of support. I know there's no magic healing beams so I'm thinking more along the lines of escorting/supporting heavies/assaults with additional firepower. I'm also thinking of running an ECM and/or AMS.
  
• I like mid range combat and skirmishing. But I also don't know what constitutes as those sorts of ranges beyond what weapons show as their effective ranges. I'm currently thinking of around the 300 to 500 meter mark.
  
• I like ballistic weapons, lasers are fun but there's something about the satisfying blast of an AC.

It seems I own a Raven 3L from the last time I played, no clue how good it is but in terms of looks, it's probably my favourite Mech. I've also got a Centurion that I'm assuming was some sort of free give away, it has an AC20 and LRMs. But there's two options beyond trial mechs for now.



So before I splurge the Mech Academy cbills I got I'm hoping for some advice as to what kind of builds I can work towards, any tips for playing, and what sort of mechs I can be looking at. Not asking for detailed builds as part of the fun for me is working out how to make it work best for me.

Thanks.

[Gagis]

Bushwhackers tend to make for pretty good medium tonnage medium range ballistic skirmishers. Their low profile and good hitboxes make them hard to kill and they can effectively scurry along with fatter mechs as a force multiplier. I have one of mine set up for 3RAC2 and the other I have had trouble deciding between 2AC10+LPPC or 2UAC10.

Other advice: Standard mouse sensitivity of 1.0 is about 10 times too much. Try 0.1 and work your way up from that if it feels too sluggish. You'll find that hitting enemies where you want to hit them suddenly becomes much easier.

Edited by Gagis, 15 April 2022 - 03:58 AM.

[w0qj]

A warm welcome back to MWO!

As I'm partial to Assault & Heavy mechs, your question is out of my depth unfortunately...

1. Do you wish to play IS faction (and not Clan) medium/light mechs?
Clan side weapons are lighter, if you are willing to go the 'dark side'

1a) IS ballistics are quite heavy for an IS Medium or even Light mech, so it's very likely you'll use just one (1) ballistic weapon, and a bunch of ER-Medium Lasers for the 300-500m combat range you've mentioned.

eg: ECM ballistic
Phoenix Hawk PXH-1B (45ton) with ECM + XL280 engine. You can barely fit in 1x RAC5 + small lasers + 1xJJ.
Or you can fit in 1x RAC2 with medium lasers + 1xJJ.

eg: "No" ECM, alternative weapons (example of what's available nowadays)
Shadow Hawk SHD-2K (55ton)
XL280: goes at 82kph, fast enough to hunt mechs!
3x Light-PPC
3x SRM6
Quirks:
-10% Heat Gen
+20% PPC family velocity (any PPC type)
-10% Missile Cooldown
+10% Missile Velocity

1b ) For the Clan side, you can also choose one (1) bigger ballistic weapon, and a battery of medium or even ER-SML lasers.
As an extreme example, Clan Adder (35ton Light mech) can field just one UAC20 with enough ammo (thanks to MWO/Cauldron recent patches). So a Clan medium mech can definitely field a larger ballistic weapon + battery of ER lasers.

2. Current "meta" (aka 'the best?') builds for your perusal:
https://grimmechs.is...ts?list=general
https://grimmechs.is...im.org/Database

MechDB mech/weapon/equipment info:
https://mwo.nav-alpha.com/mechs
https://mwo.nav-alph...uipment/weapons
https://mwo.nav-alph...pment/ghostheat
(Smurfy.de is so out of date now...)

MWO/Cauldron patches since April 2021 (big changes):
https://mwomercs.com...auldron-changes
https://mwomercs.com...-hsl-quirk-list

Do have fun choosing your new mech!

Edited by w0qj, 15 April 2022 - 07:35 AM.

[TheCaptainJZ]

Raven 3L is perfect for trying out ECM. It's not quite as powerful as it used to be but still great.
Since you love ACs, try the Cent out! Centurions have been buffed with more armor so as far as mediums go, they're pretty tanky.
The recommendation of Bushwackers is a great one as well. There's enough variety in the variants so you have a few to choose from.
The old skill tree is gone, so no more need to own 3 of a variant to skill them fully. Lots of other changes as well. Sounds like you played in 2015 or 2016 perhaps?

[Revalc]

Thanks everyone this has given me plenty to work with.

I have no idea when I last played, all I know is my Raven has a little England flag in the cockpit So I must have played some games to a certain degree. But if it's a reasonable Mech then I'll see how I can load it out, at least it's something to start working with if nothing else.

I'll be honest when it comes to IS and Clan Mechs I'm still not fully up to speed, especially as to which are which, it's not really a problem to me as to which I go for. If the glove fits really. it sounds like Clan Mechs might offer more to some parts then others as to what I'd like to do, but never say never! Might turn out that I like to do something else in MWO.

I'll give a few a try out in the testing grounds first, like the Cent I have as well. The ECM isn't vital to how I'd like to play, so I'll give all the mentioned Mechs a try out.

Thanks again.

[KaptinOrk]

I came up with this Raven build a while back, it's not really to my tastes, it probably isn't even a good build, but you might like it: https://mwo.nav-alph...52b85bf2_RVN-3L

The idea was to hang with the team to provide ECM/AMS cover, use the ERMLas and MRMs to contribute at mid-range and keep the BAP (Beagle Active Probe) handy in for ECM lights trying to flank the team. I went deep into the sensors tree and loaded up on consumables too, lots of strikes and UAVs.

Edited by KaptinOrk, 15 April 2022 - 02:08 PM.

[ScrapIron Prime]

KaptinOrk, on 15 April 2022 - 02:07 PM, said:

I came up with this Raven build a while back, it's not really to my tastes, it probably isn't even a good build, but you might like it: https://mwo.nav-alph...52b85bf2_RVN-3L

The idea was to hang with the team to provide ECM/AMS cover, use the ERMLas and MRMs to contribute at mid-range and keep the BAP (Beagle Active Probe) handy in for ECM lights trying to flank the team. I went deep into the sensors tree and loaded up on consumables too, lots of strikes and UAVs.

Not a bad load out, but the Beagle won’t affect ECM. The extra range it has on seismic sensors is glorious.

[Revalc]

I actually did end up going with a Raven 3L build, mostly because I already have it, budget constraints when starting out and such forth. I feel like I was able to pack in quite a lot onto it really, AMS, ECM, 3 ER-ML and 2 MRM-10. The stock XL is what it'll have to live with so just shy of 100kmph, but sensor ranges over 1000m feels wonderful and should suit what I want to be doing.

I took the advice to lower the sensitivity and adjusted my FoV while I was at it and already in the testing grounds I'm finding that: Information is king. Having the side windows and sensor range feels as important as my weapons. The build isn't exactly what I wanted to be doing but I can work on this while I aim for what I do want:

A Shadow Hawk! That shoulder mounted AC tho. I think it's the 5M I can do a decent 2 x UAC/5 build on.

Thanks for all the advice and suggestions, we'll see how it goes when I find time to actually play and learn the maps.

[w0qj]

Glad you've found mech you are comfortable with, RVN-3L, it's a nice build!

However, do try to resist the urge to splurge on your consumables, especially your UAV.

Each consumable (UAV x2, artillery, etc.) must pay for itself.

ie: UAV must give you lots of Scouting, ECM Counter, Locked Damage, etc. etc. and usually 1st UAV well placed can do this, eventually giving you lots of Kill Assists, but this means you are scouting ahead of the group, and not being with your Assaults giving ECM/AMS cover.

ie: Artillery: must do lots of damage on various mechs for more Kill Assists eventually, and maybe even a kill!

Ineffective use of consumables is the main reason why it's hard to improve your CBills economy especially early on in your MWO career. My personal advice is to use only one consumable per QP game, and use it only when you've calculated & feel consumable would pay for itself!

This is actually one of the reasons why I strongly feel that RVN-3L(S) with +30% CBills bonus should come back;
this is one of the mechs which would definitely benefit from this CBills bonus, from using all those consumables!

Edited by w0qj, 16 April 2022 - 07:14 AM.

[KaptinOrk]

ScrapIron Prime, on 15 April 2022 - 07:07 PM, said:

Not a bad load out, but the Beagle won’t affect ECM. The extra range it has on seismic sensors is glorious.

It doesn't? I thought it said "Counters ECM" or something similar to that in the description?

IIRC, it's supposed to counter a single source of ECM, that's why it was considered "mandatory" on streak boats.

Edited by KaptinOrk, 16 April 2022 - 03:50 PM.

[ScrapIron Prime]

KaptinOrk, on 16 April 2022 - 03:49 PM, said:

It doesn't? I thought it said "Counters ECM" or something similar to that in the description?

IIRC, it's supposed to counter a single source of ECM, that's why it was considered "mandatory" on streak boats.

I mis-spoke. The probe does effect ECM, it just doesn’t cancel it out. You have to be within 200m of an ECM equipped mech to be able to target it, and with sensor tree plus a Beagle, you can extend that to 320m. But it doesn’t speed the time to lock, doesn’t work against stealth armor at all, and is effectively useless if there is a second enemy ECM in range of the first one.

[Gagis]

The real problem with Beagle is that its redundant. You can switch your ECM from Disrupt mode into Counter mode and get the same effect without spending extra tonnage on it. ECM already does the important part when needed.

[Horseman]

Revalc, on 15 April 2022 - 03:16 AM, said:

Hey everyone, tl;dr wanting some advice on what I should be aiming for.

• I don't like Assaults/Heavies, I do like having some good speed and mobility so thinking mediums or lights. Something with enough speed to react and reposition, in this I don't really know what counts as fast in MWO.
  
• My typical playstyle in fps games is more that of support. I know there's no magic healing beams so I'm thinking more along the lines of escorting/supporting heavies/assaults with additional firepower. I'm also thinking of running an ECM and/or AMS.
  
• I like mid range combat and skirmishing. But I also don't know what constitutes as those sorts of ranges beyond what weapons show as their effective ranges. I'm currently thinking of around the 300 to 500 meter mark.
  
• I like ballistic weapons, lasers are fun but there's something about the satisfying blast of an AC.

Ballistics with nothing else - Hunchback IIC (you HAVE to try 2xUAC20!), Bushwacker X1, Jagermech DD, one of several variants of Rifleman (the latter three with 2xUAC10).

Ballistics with a side of lasers - Warhammer 6R.
Thanatos and Night Gyr can decently manage ballistics with ECM, and so can the Sunspider
Alternatively, get a Kit Fox - the Prime pods have nice ballistic quirks, and it gets better when paired with the Kit Fox P left arm (huge ammo quirks there). I've kitted mine with UAC20 and with the gigaquirks it's a hilariously enjoyable build - not just for the memes but because it can actually dish out decent amounts of damage. You can probably drop down to a UAC10 and slap on ECM + 3xAMS as you intended.

BTW, MechDB is a nice tool to filter mechs by features, hardpoints and quirks: https://mwo.nav-alpha.com/mechs

Quote

It seems I own a Raven 3L from the last time I played, no clue how good it is but in terms of looks, it's probably my favourite Mech.

Mostly ECM laser sniper.

Quote

I've also got a Centurion that I'm assuming was some sort of free give away, it has an AC20 and LRMs. But there's two options beyond trial mechs for now.

If it has an AC20, then it's the Centurion AH. You replace the LRMs with a MRM launcher, though personally I prefer to use 3xSRM4 or 3xSRM6 on it (6s require XL engine, 4s can choose between Light Fusion or a bigger XL)

KaptinOrk, on 16 April 2022 - 03:49 PM, said:

It doesn't? I thought it said "Counters ECM" or something similar to that in the description?
IIRC, it's supposed to counter a single source of ECM, that's why it was considered "mandatory" on streak boats.

It won't do that when your own ECM is active, you'll only get sensor range buff out of it.

Edited by Horseman, 22 April 2022 - 08:13 AM.

[TheCaptainJZ]

You can also go with Stealth Armor with that raven for a slightly different style of play. My brother and I have played 2-man in stealth lights before and then gone after isolated targets. Can be very effective! I think I have ER Med lasers and Streak 4s on mine currently from doing that but haven't played it in some time.

[VeeOt Dragon]

yeah the Centurion you have is great with a AC/10 or LBX-10 and MRMs with a couple MLs for backup. if you don't mind being on the squishier side the Blackjack has nice high ballistic mounts but if you want to use 2 you are going to have to go with ac/5s or 2s. the Dervish is a good missile boat (i run one as an LRM support mech with 2 LRM-15s and some ER SLs). for more ballistic fun you can't really go wrong with the good old Hunchback. Shadowhawks do well with various ballistics as well.

light mechs i can't help you with as i only play the Urbie. that said you have the Urbie in all its durpy goodness, never underestimate the Urbie. (there is even now an ECM Urbie, glorious. and its a C-bill mech ta boot) though the urbie does take a C-bill investment to make it viable as you need to put in Endo and a bigger engine (at least an LE-170 though some people can pull off XLs in them).

as far as ECM the Hellspawn is rather good even if it has odd hitboxes. there is an ECM there are a pair of Assassins that have ECM, they are more like Mediums that think they are Light mechs. there is a Griffon with ECM as well that does good with 2 L-PPCs and 3 SRM-6 but i'm sure you could shove an MRM launcher or two in there for a bit more range.

can't help you with Clan mechs as i don't run clanner trash (FRR for life). (mostly just joking here, not about not using clan mechs)

the best advice i can give though is to tool around in the mechlab (from the store page all you need to is select a mech you think you like then hit the "View in Mechlab" tab and you can fool around with different builds and then take them to the testing grounds and see what works for you (i recommend using one of the hot maps like Terra Therma so get a feel for how the build will run in the worst case heat wise). also i wouls stay away from XL engines in IS mechs until you have a good handle on maneuvering in the game as all it takes is the lass of one side torso for you to go BOOM, clan XLs are alright though. with a Standard engine you can lose both side torsos and still move around (even better if you have CT weapons then you can continue to shoot as a stick). Light Engines (IS only) you need to either lose your CT (something that will kill everything) or both side torsos. Clan XL are just like IS LE in that you can lose a side torso and keep on fighting.

as i always say "Screw the meta just have fun", just find something you like and go shoot big stompy robits with it. also don't be afraid to try out LRM, the forum trolls will hate on you but who gives a rat's *** what those shitheads think. LRMs are good weapon system when used properly with a team that works together, though can be frustrating against high skill tier players or when you get a team that doesn't know about the R key.

[Horseman]

VeeOt Dragon, on 04 June 2022 - 04:27 PM, said:

LRMs are good weapon system when used properly with a team that works together,

The problem is that they tend to attract people who don't have a shred of a clue how to use them effectively, and overusing them tends to build habits that are overall detrimental to one's gameplay skills (been there). I don't hate on LRMs but do not recommend focusing on them exclusively.

[The Basilisk]

ScrapIron Prime, on 16 April 2022 - 09:11 PM, said:

I mis-spoke. The probe does effect ECM, it just doesn’t cancel it out. You have to be within 200m of an ECM equipped mech to be able to target it, and with sensor tree plus a Beagle, you can extend that to 320m. But it doesn’t speed the time to lock, doesn’t work against stealth armor at all, and is effectively useless if there is a second enemy ECM in range of the first one.

Gagis, on 16 April 2022 - 11:59 PM, said:

The real problem with Beagle is that its redundant. You can switch your ECM from Disrupt mode into Counter mode and get the same effect without spending extra tonnage on it. ECM already does the important part when needed.

The actual problem here is that as soon as your ecm is on disrupt your beagle will not be able to function as ECM counter. Actual game mechanic here that was implemented somewhere down the road to make early ECM models not too powerful. (think of it you can go whin 120m and disrupt him but cancel out his friendly ecm cover....that sucks)
Everything else works but beagle and ECM do not stack you can not have both.

Edited by The Basilisk, 05 June 2022 - 06:47 AM.

[Ertur]

Is your Centurion white with fancy gold nordic designs on it? If so, congratulations you have one of the better free mechs they've given away. AC20, 3xSRM4 in the left torso, You can do some damage with that thing. Stick with the assaults/heavies, wait for the brawl, then show them your boomstick.