50 replies to this topic

[Vhek]

Newbs should really play each mech multiple times to get a feel for their playstyle. The commando can be a viable option if the player enjoys light mechs and wants to start making XP and Creds.

Lighter mechs should appeal to players who like mobility and hit and run tactics. During teamfights try to damage key components on the mech (take off the arms, or ammo storage area). Light mechs should attempt to get other mechs to tunnel vision them - then seperate them from the pack or lead them to where your team is ready to blob them. Youll get plenty of creds and XP for spotting, some damage, and assists which you should have many by the end of the game if you dont try to toe to toe with mechs.

As others have said in the thread if you go Commando - armor up and equip harass weapons.

[Rippthrough]

Whilst there was nothing wrong with the commando, the new engine/heatsink rulings have added massive amounts of extra weigh to the commando and Raven chassis to the point where previous builds aren't viable even with the addition of endo steel and FF.

Sucks *** tbh.

[Karasumaru]

I actually think a Commando is a great starter mech simply because it's not as specialized as the Jenner, Raven or Cicada. Many new players will just put their pedal to the metal and floor the throttle on their mechs, and with the faster mechs, good luck getting a good hit even with med lasers, and don't even think about the SRMs. The Commando is fast enough you get a good feel of the speed, but not so fast that it can be disorienting when you're running around.

Edit: Although I have to admit I am a huge fan of the 4SP with dual SSRM 2s.

Edited by Karasumaru, 30 October 2012 - 07:30 PM.

[Narcissistic Martyr]

Hunchie is good and all... but I've got the need for speed, rediculous amounts of speed. So I'm saving for a cicaida with it's lovely lovely speed. Remember, speed is outflanking the enemy, speed is the distraction that causes the enemy to turn their backs to your lrm spam, speed is life, speed is victory.

[Mr 144]

Ah yes Lefty, you knew I'd find this The HBK-4SP is by far my favorite mech. It's unfortunate that closed beta threads were mostly wiped, as I had one that basically proved Lefty's stement of "impossible to lose money" in one

HBK-4SP Factoids:
-120 degree torso twist (second only to the the Catapult's 140 without aticulating arms)
-20 degree torso pitch (second only to the dragon)
-40 degree arm movement (standard all mechs with articulating arms)
-The ONLY chassis with both 120 degree torso twist AND articulating arms.
-The ONLY hunchback with symetrical design
-The ONLY hunchback with 2x energy in each arm (all others are 1x each arm)
-Identical Hardpoints to the AWS-8T (awesome variant)
-Very good Stock Loadout (buy & drop)
-light mechs (annoying scouts) almost universally fear a mech without blind spots

All of this combined, means the HBK-4SP has the absolute best range of motion of any mech in the game...bar none. It is a "pilot's mech", meaning, as your personal skills improve, so will your gameplay with the chassis. Personally, going back to slow torso turning speed and 90 degree limitation is so bad, I doubt I'll ever play many other chassis'.

IMHO, the best mech in the game. Specializing in a role will have you picking a chassis perfectly suited for that role, but the HBK-4SP does not lag behind specialist builds dramatically. They can literally be configured for any role on the field, and fill that role nicely. I don't know of any other chassis or variant that allows such experimentation and customization as the 4SP. Just look on the field, and seldom will you see two 4SP's configured the same.

Mr 144

Edited by Mr 144, 30 October 2012 - 09:37 PM.

[Masterminds]

This guide was very useful thank you.

[Strig]

Nice advice for beginers and a good breakdown on the HBK-4SP.

[Athomahawk]

4SP is hands down one of the best mechs in mwo and also very fun to drive.

[Greatsword]

I recommended this article to my buddy just starting out. Thanks for the info.

[Ghost Inc]

About 5 more games and I can buy my first own battlemech!

Small question: Why do you prefer the hunchback with SRM over the one with 2 LRM-10s ?

[Lugh]

Feh. Crack open the wallet and buy the mech you enjoy. Support the company keep the servers turned on!

[Shalune]

If you really love firepower and running a faster hunchback don't overlook the 4J either. You get an extra energy slot, torso-centric hardpoints*, and the easy to shoot hunch isn't so easy to shoot at 84-90 kmph (90 is top speed with 260 + T2 pilot skill.) I also like having both missiles in one section for more easily predicted convergence. SP is fantastic too of course, I have love for all hunches.


*I know a lot of people love arm hardpoints but I prefer torso for a lot of things.

[Xyco]

imo, if you like fast-moving, hit and run tactics then buy the commando. if you like slow-moving, in your face/stand your ground/team up with assaults fighting then buy the hunchback.

[Bryan Kerensky]

Xyco, on 31 October 2012 - 09:02 PM, said:

imo, if you like fast-moving, hit and run tactics then buy the commando. if you like slow-moving, in your face/stand your ground/team up with assaults fighting then buy the hunchback.

The hunchback 4SP when configured correctly is by no means slow moving. If you stand your ground and fight as if you are an assault you will die quick. The SP SRM combination is best used for heavy hit and run.

For players who do not know, the hit detection for commandos is not entirely accurate. When they circle they are much more difficult to hit compared to jenners and ravens, even with lasers. If you like to frustrate people, this is a good choice.

[Karasumaru]

IncorporeaL GhosT, on 31 October 2012 - 04:45 PM, said:

About 5 more games and I can buy my first own battlemech!

Small question: Why do you prefer the hunchback with SRM over the one with 2 LRM-10s ?

4SP is the only Hunchback config where you don't lose the majority of your firepower if one side torso gets taken out; the "Hunch" is missing because the hardpoints are spread between the side torsos, so they'll have to take out both of them to disarm you.

[Cybermech]

i do believe the centurion is much better boat to grind with as it those not need an engine upgrade at all.
any of the hunchback side torso's are way too easy to kill with the 200 std engine.

Edited by Cybermech, 01 November 2012 - 02:28 PM.

[Lyoto Machida]

I agree with the OP...the 4SP is a great all around mech.

Having said that, lights are not going to have as easy of a time moving forward. Once knockdowns get implemented correctly with no warping, unlucky/unskilled light pilots are gonna be getting blasted with alpha strikes.

[Lefty Lucy]

Mr 144, on 30 October 2012 - 09:27 PM, said:

All of this combined, means the HBK-4SP has the absolute best range of motion of any mech in the game...bar none. It is a "pilot's mech", meaning, as your personal skills improve, so will your gameplay with the chassis. Personally, going back to slow torso turning speed and 90 degree limitation is so bad, I doubt I'll ever play many other chassis'.

IMHO, the best mech in the game. Specializing in a role will have you picking a chassis perfectly suited for that role, but the HBK-4SP does not lag behind specialist builds dramatically. They can literally be configured for any role on the field, and fill that role nicely. I don't know of any other chassis or variant that allows such experimentation and customization as the 4SP. Just look on the field, and seldom will you see two 4SP's configured the same.

Mr 144

Yes, the mobility (not speed, but maneuverability) makes it one of the most engaging mechs in the game to pilot.

Lugh, on 31 October 2012 - 04:56 PM, said:

Feh. Crack open the wallet and buy the mech you enjoy. Support the company keep the servers turned on!

I did use MC to buy the HBK-4SP, because I enjoy it that much.

IncorporeaL GhosT, on 31 October 2012 - 04:45 PM, said:

About 5 more games and I can buy my first own battlemech!

Small question: Why do you prefer the hunchback with SRM over the one with 2 LRM-10s ?

Because the hard points on a mech are *way* more important than the starting weapons. The nice thing about the 4SP is that it can do the LRMs too, if you want

[StonerMk2]

Just thought id chime in here. Bought one today threw on 2 MPL's and 2 SPL's and a MPL in the head, a ton of heat sinks and well so far ive been doing great i think. Not exactly a heavy damage dealer, but when supporting a heavy or assault it completely rocks. Ive been blowing componets off all day and averaging at least 2 kills a match. Gotta say im loving this mech and never thought i woulda. Either way im gonna be using this puppy for a while until i can save up for my favorite mech, the lovely Atlas. Not to mention the repair bill is really nothing for this bad boy, and with no ammo to resupply, ive been gaining money REAL quick.

Edited by StonerMk2, 03 November 2012 - 11:16 AM.

[Twisp]

Unless you find you REALLY like a particular role, the 4sp should be your first mech. It's arguably one of the best mechs to use with a stock load out.