5 replies to this topic

[Jedi Outcast]

I've had a good track record with the centurion since I've joined the beta in August, and wanted to start hunting lightmechs with the new LRM changes.

I can't decide on the CN9-A with AC-2 and SSRMS (3x), or the CN9-AL with pulse lasers and SSRM (2x).

[Cole Allard]

Hello fello Centurion brother,

I have both versions in my mechlab...all 4 centurions to be honest...here my tipp:

Speed:
9-A and 9-AL can both take the 260XL at max.
That gives you 92,X km/h with the 10% buff from the pilotskill you get close to 97,X km/h.
This brings you in the upper middle classe. Do not think to kill jenners with this, and mediums like the hunchback will still be fast enough to score some hits on you, unless your a good dodger. Yet...speed = survival...and you will be hard to kill if played correct.

Armor:
You can equip both with 320+ points of armor...what I would suggest you. Take every point of armor you can and DO NOT trade armor for weapons.

Weapons:
9-A with 3x streaks2 is since yesterday out of date. Mine has an LBX AC10...and it is fun to play...the AC10 too...so, what ever you put in the right arm...make sure it fits YOUR style of play.

9-AL with 2x streaks2 is out of date since yesterday. Mine has an ER PPC in the right arm, my sniper Centurion if you like.

Both my variants have the streaks, but remember the streaks have been nerfed and I need to try around if they still fitt in, standard SRM can do the job!

Playstyle:
The Centurion is by far my favorite. The looks can be discussed, but played right...this battlemech is a killer. Your left side: is you armor side, your left arm (you will notice) shows no weapons...just armor...and if you look at it, its build like a shield...and thats how its used! Every time an enemy shoots at you, you show them your left side...imagine your right side to be something you dont want to show. Your left arm also has a cockpit shield (that looks like a medieval plate armour) that will make headshot (cockpit) impossible unless your hit fro above.

You run around your enemy...yes...BUT LEFT TURNS...to show him your left side...NEVER right way !
You only show them your right side when you shoot...second to turn torso...second to aim and fire...second to turn torso back.

So, the first part you will miss in a match, is your left arm...thats ok, it only shows your playing right. the LAST thing you will loose is your right arm. (and EVERYONE will go for it)

Make sure NO AMMO is in the left side. Be carefull with XL engines...they take up toso slots, 1 hit to the engine is Game Over, so loosing your left arm with an XL engine means = do not engage anymore unless you have to.


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Did you have a look at the D variant that comes with a 300XL engine???

Edited by Cole Allard, 07 November 2012 - 07:11 AM.

[Relic1701]

The D....

I got a 385xl in mine and it hits 126kph (maybe more...not logged in), with 2 MPL & 2 SSRM's, not much room for anything else.

Either that or the Cicada.

But if you must have either the A or AL, go with the AL, you don't want to have an ammo dependency while fighting a light, the server authentication and lag shield (however minor they are these days) makes ballistics a poor choice when setting up to combat fast mechs.

Have fun

[Jedi Outcast]

I saw the D, and it's a sexy beast, but I'm a free player and haven't bought a mech since the reset, so it would be a long wait.

Thanks for some of the tips, I didn't think about not storing ammo next to the shield arm (which should have been obvious, lol).

The A and the AL seem to be very similar damage wise, and with the unfortunate state of the netcode, lasers might be the better choice.

I'll probably go for all 3 at some point.

Edited by Interrogator, 07 November 2012 - 09:29 AM.

[Murphy7]

Of the four Centurions available, the YLW is the least well suited to the task.

A and AL are both speed limited, but that only matters in how you go about hunting a light, even a Jenner.

A gives you three missile slots and one ballistic slot, along with the energy on the CT. AL gives you two energy on an arm and only two missile slots.

Of the two, much would depend on how fair a shot you are with the ballistic weapon - I run a AC/5, 2 Med Las and 3 SSRM Centurion that can do anti-light work, but the AC is mainly there for pot shotting heavies at a longer range - or getting a heat friendly shot in on a light that is shut down. Streaks or LRMs, the trick is to get a lock you can hold and fire with.

My general build that I have the most fun with currently is an AL with a 260 rated engine, ER LLAS, 2 MPulse, and 2 SRM 4s.

The anti-light work is done with the lasers - used to carry streaks for that as well, but they realy only work in dissuading them from harassing a teammate - if you are their target, the circling will all but ensure that streaks will miss. It's all about choosing your shots. ER LLAS is a lot of heat, but also a lot of range which makes hitting a fleeing target a bit easier and more effective. The MPulse work well given the CT line, pretty much whatever is on your crosshair will be hit + any appropriate leading necessary for the lag issue.

I look forward to the -D as an anti-light build, in which case I am thinking of dropping the artemis and LRMs for SSRMs, but retaining the LB-X for ballistic hunting of lights. Not sure how effective it will be, but since half the battle is hunting lights is keeping them off your teammates, it should work as a wake-up call.


My trick for hunting lights is to be willing to break engagement quickly and refocus your attention within an area rather than on a particular mech. Think zone defense over man-to-man in light hunting - it might take longer to get a confirmed kill, but if the goal is to keep your teammates alive or your base clear, it can work to your advantage.

[QuantumButler]

Neither, you want a lrm boat with artemis, since lrms counter every single build atm.