116 replies to this topic

[Cybermech]

4 trial mechs will always be there.
however they do like to change them up, not sure how quickly will they change when open beta is around.

[Marshmallow Pony]

Cybermech, on 21 October 2012 - 12:22 AM, said:

4 trial mechs will always be there.
however they do like to change them up, not sure how quickly will they change when open beta is around.

I see, thanks a lot.

[Thrak]

So here's a question, I've got my Jenner D as first mech, it's doing OK and have unlocked all basic efficiencies.

Currently running the following:

2 x SRM 4 (2 tonnes ammo)
2 x MLAS

However as you might expect this is running a tad light on armor as I am still using the stock engine.
I have been know to go to 1 MLAS and a TAG and bulk up the armor when there is plenty of LRM boats in the team.
Issues - the heat buildup is pretty bad with 2 MLAS, however I struggle to get the punch with SLAS (I like to get the attention of heavies/assaults to make em turn and SLAS don't seem to do this as well!)

I'm currently running just under 4 mil CB, so my question is, do I keep saving and grab an XL300 engine for the Jenner I REALLY want, or should I keep saving and grab an awesome or even an atlas. I really enjoy playing an assault and since I am playing from europe I find the light battles a bit tricky with my ping (although, might go to SSRM if I get the XL 300).

I'm guessing running an XL and SSRMs will seriously reduce my income.

TLDR; should I keep saving for an assault mech or stick an XL in my Jenner?

[Cybermech]

the small laser do more damage then you think, its damage over time rather then volley.
might get more attention when shooting the ML since not many use them except new pilots on jenners.
there should be a patch today. which should bring us to open beta.. not sure on the latest gossip.
but if it is then ther servers are getting wiped.
I try out a different mech since saving for xl just waste time since patch is in maybe 1 hour???

[Lyran]

I love Hunchbacks, cheap, hard hitting but fragile.

Essentially skirmishing mechs, but right from first outing I did more than twice as well as I did in trial mechs.

8 medium lasers is fuuun!

[Kirala]

A lot of good information here for new folks. Many factors to consider with play styles in reference to types of Mech one will use. So many configurations one can achieve and with team play and individual roles allows one to acheive a plethora of exploration learning.

Thank you for sharing.

[Cybermech]

oh I agree this thread will have more, I just can't get the same out of a hunch as I can a cent when speaking in terms of not changing the engine.
It really is a personal thing and until there is more data input it will stay the same.
When the next patch comes out I plan on still running this thread on the basis for cheap efficient mechs over others.
Should help with new guys who need to grind things out

Edited by Cybermech, 23 October 2012 - 04:54 AM.

[CHWarpath]

Jenner

Let me actually help the new players. The Jenner is a great light mech, load it up with streaks and small lasers. Punches in bunches is better than firing, missing, and shutting down and guys like me WTF owning you. So don't follow these bad builds above. Mediums should be used sparingly on medium mechs and bigger. I have a buddy who plays the Jenner a lot and he routinely gets 300-700 damage a match using small lasers and streaks. Remember this community is terrible at shooting skillful weapons so use your jump jets and spam them with smalls and streaks.

Centurion

The Centurion is a great mech, and not that crippled AL version either. Also go with a ballistics slot on a Centurion. What makes the Centurion so amazing is its core which can house 2 energy weapons, fire a streak and a guass. Guass is high damage low heat, streaks are great for scouts and low heat. Keep gear out of your left arm and always have your left arm facing incoming fire. It will serve as a shield. The average pilot will aim for your right arm to blow off your guass rifle. This mentality along with your 2 medium lasers in the core or 1 medium and one small will make you very survivable.

AMS

The AMS system is not that great but its all you have, that and trying to have a structure take all of the LRM spam. This community is full of baddies who like to missile spam. So in mechs like the Centurion pivot it to your left side while taking cover and try to spread out the damage away from weapons and core. Carry about 2000 rounds of AMS ammo as well, you will go through 1000 easily in a match.

[Inkarnus]

i for one ifg u want to money brag get a commando they are moneymakers since they get like no repair costs
but if you play with firends in a group i recommend the jenner

and tbh STREAK srm are a moneysink bigtime run it all laser for max cash

Edited by Inkarnus, 02 November 2012 - 02:13 AM.

[Zeke Steiner]

Light: Go with the Raven RVN-2X. If your a beginer its the better mech to buy. Once collisions make a comeback you'll see yourself flat on your face more times than not trying to skirmish in a Jenner or commando. The Raven RVN-2X allows you to fire at range with your large laser and still have some teeth up close with those 2M lasers and SRM 6.

Medium: CN9-AL works fine as is. In my opinion its the best 'trial' mech out there. Alot of armor; LRM-10 that can deal damage while you get into position to fire off your lasers. Its biggest drawback is that its heat management will slow your damage output. Its a good training mech. Learn to use your empty arm to absorb hits, learn how to use LRMs effectively and learn how to aim your arm mounted lasers. Spend 30 or so matches in this mech and you'll have earned your Mechwarriors license.

[Hexcaliber]

If you want to go for mediums you may find the Hunchback an easier choice, it is one of the best balanced mechs chassis in the game, more than adequate armour, weapon hard points, and speed. The cent on average has one less weapon hard point so its potential dmg and alpha is lower, and once its arm is gone very often you lose the best weapon you had and everyone knows it, its still a very good mech but will take a little more to get the best from it.

Edited by Hexcaliber, 02 November 2012 - 04:00 AM.

[Flapdrol]

Hunchback 4SP is my recommendation.

I have 3 hunchbacks now and the 4SP easily my favorite one, it's the only hunch that isn't useless once the right torso gets taken out and it's very versatile, works as brawler, lrm support etc.

[Culler]

Flapdrol, on 02 November 2012 - 04:47 AM, said:

Hunchback 4SP is my recommendation.

I have 3 hunchbacks now and the 4SP easily my favorite one, it's the only hunch that isn't useless once the right torso gets taken out and it's very versatile, works as brawler, lrm support etc.

I agree with the 4sp as a first mech recommendation. It lets you play around with being an LRM boat or a brawler and with 4 lasers on the arms and no single vulnerable point it is forgiving for newbies and easy to pilot. I'd recommend 4 medium lasers, 2 streaks, and a whole lotta heatsinks for learning the ropes. Gives you a respectable 30 damage alpha that you can put on one point without having to lead targets or try to put your aiming reticle in two places at once (if you have lasers and ballistics on a target moving laterally, for instance.)

If you really want to be able to just try everything go for the CN9-A. That was my first mech. It lets you play around with ballistics, missiles, and it has 2 critical slots for lasers in the CT. I think it's easier to make and play good builds for the HBK-4SP though, especially for the new mech builder.

[Jordanthehutt]

Thanks!

[bardlord]

As the question is what should u buy first, I would have to say, as everyone should know, a LOT depends on your play style. yes bigger mechs cost more money, but for many folk the reaction time needed to run the light mechs (assuming your combat not scout which takes even more training), then the medium or heavies is theway to go.
I have played BTech and the various MW games since they came out. PnP/minis games are VERY different fromthe live action, so just because your a demon in battletech at GenCon, it just does not translate to this game...AND this game still has flaws.
Therefore, if your newer (better players can skipthe 1st few steps) I suggest you do it this way:

1. Play all the trial mechs, get comfortable with the game.
2. research the mechs a bit. know what they can do and what role they play.
3. play and play and play, save your cash, save and extra half mill or more than the cost of the mech u want to buy.
4. pick it and buy it....however, I reccomend the HUnchback sp for a starter, or any catapult. They are tough, hve decent speed and are rather forgiving.

if you get creamed a lot, go back to tria mechs and usethe awesome in a support role. camp near another awesome, atlas or catapults and fir issiles till your out. you do not pay for repairs to trial mechs, so if you kinda suck, you can still earn decent cash.

as for me, I love the jenner (founders). I currently run 4 med laser, srm6 and one JJ. My kill ratio is1.33 overall. In closed beta it was only 0.25. That just proves ights CAN be learned, but it may take you a long time.

Thats my 2 cents for now, Invite me sometime, I love a decent team, but I also will never slam a rookie.

Bard

[Cybermech]

those videos are terrible and there just generic fits.
lrm cent is just there to show you can use a cheap lrm boat.
This is just a start of a few mechs that will be there, tried hunch first and cent was way easier for me to use.
In a cent-A i would use 3x streak, 1x ac5, 2x medium pulse. 15 tonnes for a gauss cripples your fit since chances are your going to loose that arm.

The only reason why there is no hunch, cat, dragon fits atm cause of grinding.
My graphics card fan died seems to be a generic fault with twin frozen but got it fixed.
Please give me at least a while to update this and put up real videos

Edited by Cybermech, 03 November 2012 - 09:30 PM.

[SuomiWarder]

My recommendations as a player with a lot of MWO seat time is decide what play style you like from the trials and then use the following guidelines.

Fast, small mechs often equal living through a lost match. They let you run all over the map, perform useful diversionary acts, and benefit from lag shields making tjem harder to hit. Prefer the Jenner the most. Upgrade to an XL as soon as you can. Don't expect to score a lot of kills. Some skilled pilots manage, but without an organized team backing you up you'll need to luck across damaged mechs for many of your kills.

Assaults: Atlas over Awesome for new pilots. Load up the guns, learn to shoot straight, and start gaining kills. Best for killing other players - but the trade off is that you can expect to die a lot. Lights will swarm you, LRM boats will rip you up, enemy assaults will target you. If you generally just prefer to walk to wards the enemy and start blasting this is your ride. Obviously, expensive as first ride.

Mediums: Mobility and decent firepower, but a tad thin in armor against heavier mechs or groups. Still, your best all around choice. If you can pilot at speed and not ram buildings while shooting torso twisted sideways, go for the Cicada. Speed often keeps you alive longer. If you're more of a gunner than a race car driver, either of the other mediums works. You can play around with a larger mix of weapons on the Hunchie or Centurion than the Cicada. Important thing is to remember you are not Rambo. Stay with an Assault or a few other heavies and mediums. Don't try to dual assaults 1 on 1 as you are not fast enough to avoid their fire. But you are great at cleaning up damaged enemies of any size. Lights can be problamatic to hit but that's for everyone. (Cicadas chase lights the best if you plan to be an 'anti-scout' pilot).

Heavies: Dragons just seem difficult to use well without a lot of experiences. They have good speed but the CT is easy to hit and the weapon hardpoints never seem to let you focus on one role well. (for me anyway). The Catapult line is the most versitile heavy. Many have jump jets, you can go long or short range missiles, and the infamous "gaussapult" is based on a Catapult chasis. (A gaussapult is a twin gauss Catapult if you don't know). You can get every weapon in the game onto one of the Catapults, and often two of them. (Even AC-20s). Downside of a Catapult is I find the head easier to hit than on the other Mechs. This is your choice if you plan on being a "sniper" or long range support specialist. But they can be turned into brawlers when you want to go that way.

I didn't single out any given chassis of the type as eventually you will want to play through 3 of the type so that you can move to elite statis. Once you fill out all the basic mech pilot slots with xp, you'll need to do it again on two different models of the same chassis to start on Elite.

Personally I would tell a new member of the unit to go with a Jenner, Cicada or Centurion as a first mech. But that's just my personal opinion based on my play style.

[Lege]

1 Jenner-D (good early and one of the best mechs after it's fully upgraded)
2 Hunchback-4SP (all around good mech)
3 Cicada-2A (for people with pilot and gunnery skills)
4 Catapult-A1 (aka Streakapult)
5 Awesome-8R (best LRM boat)
6 Atlas D-DC (LRM boat + direct fire)

That is my list of recommended mechs for people starting out.

[princereggiek]

The cheapest jenner with 6 lasers is best.

[Cybermech]

cheapest jenner is not the jenner-f (6x laser)


Bought the huncback-4sp, not sure if its cause I don't' have the heat skills unlocked but it runs really hot on frozen.
I have to play around with it first.
TBH the endo steel is not that much of a problem for a fit, engine cost is another mech which is way different in my opinion.
Anyone got a close range fit they liked with std 200 engine on the 4sp??
Thinking of going 2xsrm6 4xsmall laser or pulse.
Get a fit a like then try with endo, might be a way better fit to play around in.