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I have been liking the game so far, though I have made a few financial missteps in the game (namely, buying several mechs considered middling or difficult to pilot). So far, I own a light 'mech (KFX-D, customized with SRMs, difficult to pilot), a medium 'mech (CN9-A, engine dropped down to 190, customized to mount an UAC/10 and an MRM 20. The Centurion is a middling from what I've heard but is currently my favorite because it has good survivability) and a heavy 'mech (RFL-8D, stock with armor moved to front, dies too fast, though someone suggested me swap out the RACs for two medium lasers and a pair of LB-10X autocannons to remedy this), and I am now pondering what mech I should get next. This time, I think I am better off if I make an informed decision, which is why I have come to consult the forums!
I have read up slightly on the roles of various weight classes, and I have found that heavy 'mechs are generally the workhorses of the team, being tough enough to survive a barrage while also being mobile enough to lead a push, while assault 'mechs are slow, lumbering behemoths that require team support to do well, but that can inflict brutal punishment on anything caught in its reticles.
So now I have another difficult decision to make: should I buy an assault mech so I have one 'mech of each weight class, or should I buy a heavy 'mech that doesn't need a suite of personal bodyguards?
I figured that assault 'mechs aren't too beginner friendly because they tend to draw a lot of fire, but if I am to buy one, which one would suit a relatively inexperienced player like me? While I am down to 13 million C-bills at the moment, I should be able to get around 18 million more during winter break. I expect to be able to afford any non-hero 'mech in the game by the end of said break. The qualities I am looking for are survivability and the ability to recover if I make a mistake. My Kit Fox and Rifleman rarely live to see more than one engagement owing to my lack of skill and experience, and I'd like to own a 'mech that can stay in a match and ensure or at least increase the odds of victory.
Alternatively, I can buy another heavy 'mech. Since matches tend to snowball after losing an amount of 'mechs, I figured that a dead heavy wouldn't be as impactful as a dead assault. Furthermore, heavies aren't as big and scary as an assault, so I probably won't draw as much fire if I am piloting one. Since my current Rifleman will die if sneezed on (the Rifleman already has relatively poor armor, and the survivability issue is exacerbated by the XL engine the 8D variant has by default), I would like something decently survivable, even if it means that it doesn't have the best firepower.
So, what suggestions do you have? Are there any heavies or assaults I should get that will allow me to survive for long enough to be an actual asset to a team rather than a liability?
EDIT: I have not slept well for 5 days in a row, so the text might not be very coherent. Apologies!
Edited by LunaticRED, 02 December 2022 - 01:07 PM.
