29 replies to this topic

[Sarriss]

As a relatively new fan to the series (Was a huge fan of MW3) I was wondering what people would suggest for making a primarily fire support type mech.

From what I've read it doesn't seem viable to create more of a sniper-like role (low profile, precise at long ranges, quick) but I'd like to hear from the obviously more knowledgeable community about it. I was thinking of something more versatile then just a catapult firing LRMs, maybe a shadowcat or centurion.

I was hoping to find something medium/heavy with good maneuverability, decent armour and can pack a punch primarily at range. Maybe there isn't something exactly suited to firing PPCs and LRMs but any suggestions for where to start would be greatly appreciated. Maybe you could start by telling me what you plan to start with, possible armaments and what role you hope to play.

Thanks in advance.

[Garth Erlam]

The Dragon (prime), canonically, is a great harassment 'Mech. Good armour, great speed, AC/5 for range, with some LRM's for flavour.

[Thorn Hallis]

Enforcer and Dervish for 3025. Fast mechs that have a decent punch.

Turkina B for clanners. 2 ER Large, 2 Large Pulse + Targeting Computer + Jump Jets.

[Orzorn]

For indirect fire support, there's always the Catapult. As Garth just suggested, the Dragon is essentially built for fire support.

Not sure of the exact year it was created, but the AS7-K Atlas variant sports a gauss rifle, LRM-20, and a pair of large lasers along with a pair of medium lasers and an AMS along with CASE. This variant is extremely suited towards long range direct fire.

[Brakkyn]

I think the term "sniper" is overused. People hear that word and are filled with thoughts of awesomeness and taking off body parts a kilometer away, and suddenly every other pilot is a "sniper".

I also think lighter 'Mechs--20 to 55 tons--are best suited to the direct-fire support role. Take, for example, the Hollander or Hollander II, armed with a single large weapon system designed to devastate enemy 'Mechs at long range with a single shot. Fast, moderate armor, but only a single weapon system, and nothing to back it up.

[mr Zonke]

Hollander, when and if it comes should be cool, my favourite mech =)
In the meantime the Dragon will be alot of fun I thinks for long ranges, sturdy enough to engage that little scout at any range also..

[Jet Morgan]

I always liked the Archer (ARC-2K variant) for it's twin lrm15's and twin large lasers ... unfortunately not that maneuverable. I liked the Pheonix Hawk (large laser) for it's fire and run capabilities, plus jump jets weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! I always tended to refit any fire support mech that could not run - with jets and use the terrain to pop up and down behind hills and bluffs.

edit: really?! the * brigade is just too zealous sometimes - substitute fire with hit

Edited by Jet Morgan, 12 March 2012 - 10:55 AM.

[Cochise]

Yeah the Dragon is a heavy, but not too heavy, plus it has ECM and Jammers. Main weapons of Gauss rifle and LRM's make a good combo.

[Nakir]

Do you want a decent sniper mech? Take a Rifleman !!! ...unfortunately it is a "unseen"...but it would be really great to see it in MWO.Here's a video( taken from MW4 ) as a practical example...Rifleman in action!!




P.S. Note also the Longbow in action at 3:56... another great mech for indirect fire support!

[Dr Killinger]

Nakir, on 12 March 2012 - 11:05 AM, said:

do you want a decent sniper mech? Take a Rifleman !!! ...unfortunately it is a "unseen"...but it would be really great to see it in MWO

Came here to say this. The Rifleman is one of my favorite designs, and would suit you well, I think. I doubt it will be in the game, but there you have it.

As for specific weapons, Extended Range weapons are not widespread in 3049 yet, so You'll be using the lighter Autocannons (AC/2, AC/5) or perhaps Large Lasers and PPCs for the medium-long range work. But then we have the daddy of long range weapons... the Gauss Rifle. If you find this bad boy on any variants when the game launches, take it. You'll feel right at home- a devastating long-range shot, with a long reload time.

Perhaps a Jagermech might make it in?

Edited by Dr.Killinger, 12 March 2012 - 11:11 AM.

[Thorn Hallis]

Nakir, on 12 March 2012 - 11:05 AM, said:

P.S. Note also the Longbow in action at 3:56... another great mech for indirect fire!

Just that his fire is not indirect...

[Nakir]

Thorn Hallis, on 12 March 2012 - 11:23 AM, said:

Just that his fire is not indirect...

usually LRM is a type of indirect fire ,but instead it is very precise

[Volthorne]

"indirect fire-support" refers to a weapon that does not need a clear line of sight to it's target. For example, you could have a light mech scout around a hill for you and drop LRMs or Arrow IV's on someone on the other side.

[Siilk]

Direct fire support? Well, my mechs of choice would be Hollander prime(Gauss), Rifleman prime(2xLLs, 2xAC5s, 2xMLs), Shadowcat prime(2xERMLs, Gauss) or Mad Dog C(2xGauss). Latter two are of Clan design, so you wouldn't see them in MWO, at least for some time. And, naturally, anything, that boats ER Lasers and/or PPCs could be used as an energy sniper.

[verybad]

Thorn Hallis, on 12 March 2012 - 10:31 AM, said:

Enforcer and Dervish for 3025. Fast mechs that have a decent punch.

Turkina B for clanners. 2 ER Large, 2 Large Pulse + Targeting Computer + Jump Jets.

Turk won't be around for a long time. The Enforcer is a clear and present brawler/multiple situation mech (as is the Centurion, which is very close to being the same mech) While I have a very healthy respect for the AC-10, it's not a snipling weapon, it's a medium range weapon that fits very nicely as a main weapon on many mechs, and can fill a larger number of roles,,,not sniping however.

I think LRMs and PPCs will probably be the most feared long range weapons at first. If the Gauss rifle is available....

[osito]

I am waiting for my gauss rifle. Good range and damage profile with very little heat build up. For a good direct support ranged weapons there really only ppc, lrms, and gauss. You could use lower caliber ac but they just dont have enough of a damage profile for me.

[A6PackofToucans]

One of my favorites.....

[BrokenDog]

Griffin seems to fit with the request.
3025 PPC and LRM10 with 24 reloads.

[Catharsis]

Well it probably will not be available early on in this game, but the best support mech in the medium/heavy class is the Clan Mad Dog (Vulture). It can carry a large amount of LRMs and the associated electrionics, as well as PPCs or ER Large/Medium Lasers in its arms.

[Dataman]

Garth Erlam, on 12 March 2012 - 10:28 AM, said:

The Dragon (prime), canonically, is a great harassment 'Mech. Good armour, great speed, AC/5 for range, with some LRM's for flavour.

I thought this too. Dragon ftw