I wanted to post a small video I made on what I think helps new trial Dragon Mechwarriors be more productive in battle. Again this is just my opinion, and others see the dragon in a different light.
http://youtu.be/w-QoYM4rgvw
As a community lets make everyone better.
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Trial Dragon Not So Bad
Started by popas, Oct 31 2012 03:05 PM
20 replies to this topic
#2
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- Mercenary
- 119 posts
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Posted 31 October 2012 - 04:55 PM
The Dragon N1 has been one of my favorite mechs for a while now. While it takes some of your range away, you can swap the LRMs for 2 SSRM2s to help with pesky lights and sometimes I like the added punch of upgrading to an AC10. I've seen some Gauss variants that look like they work well, too.
I try and stay with another heavy or an assault and hit and run when I can. Armor on your big, honkin' nose and your main gun arm is a must.
As a standard variant, it's definitely pretty good choice right out of the box.
-Rabbit
Edit : I meant to say AC10, instead of 5.
I try and stay with another heavy or an assault and hit and run when I can. Armor on your big, honkin' nose and your main gun arm is a must.
As a standard variant, it's definitely pretty good choice right out of the box.
-Rabbit
Edit : I meant to say AC10, instead of 5.
Edited by Grey Rabbit, 31 October 2012 - 05:07 PM.
#3
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- The Widow Maker
- 11 posts
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Posted 01 November 2012 - 07:27 PM
Yeah i agree with you 100 percent. Its good to see more people enjoying these mech. So many like to run light mechs now a days
#5
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- 20 posts
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Posted 03 November 2012 - 03:32 PM
Sorry, but the trial Dragon is garbage. Worst of the trial mechs. The centurion has equal firepower and cools off much faster.
#6
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- Knight Errant
- 21 posts
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- LocationS Y D N E Y AUST
Posted 03 November 2012 - 08:43 PM
tellings, on 03 November 2012 - 03:32 PM, said:
Sorry, but the trial Dragon is garbage. Worst of the trial mechs. The centurion has equal firepower and cools off much faster.
Trial Dragon is pretty bad. Even the Centurion has more fire power and better balanced armour imo.
#7
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- 134 posts
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Posted 04 November 2012 - 05:47 AM
The Trial Dragon is, I think, actually faster than the Trial Centurion by around 10 kph. Trial Centurion also isn't going to cause any cockpit shake with its large laser the same way that the Dragon's AC5 might.
I've actually had more luck flanking around buildings to harass an Atlas with the Trial Dragon than with the Trial Centurion.
Your mileage may vary heavily outside of the Trial Versions, of course.
The real shame is that the entire point of this thread was to watch popas' video, which actually gives rather basic info to the game, rather than anything specific to the Trial Dragon, or even to the Dragon chassis. A laudable effort, but rather useless, unfortunately.
I've actually had more luck flanking around buildings to harass an Atlas with the Trial Dragon than with the Trial Centurion.
Your mileage may vary heavily outside of the Trial Versions, of course.
The real shame is that the entire point of this thread was to watch popas' video, which actually gives rather basic info to the game, rather than anything specific to the Trial Dragon, or even to the Dragon chassis. A laudable effort, but rather useless, unfortunately.
#8
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- Survivor
- 320 posts
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- LocationGMT+8
Posted 04 November 2012 - 06:30 AM
Some say Dragon (including DRG-1N) is bad, while others say is good.
Since I've used Trial Dragon quite often this time, I'm gonna make an argument for this one. Yes, Dragon was maybe an awful mech at first. But after quite sometimes later, I began to like the Dragon.
Maybe people think that Dragon is bad mech is probably because they don't know how to use it effectively. Due to the default loadout's lack of strong firepower to pack a punch on other mechs that are in the fray on the Dragon at close range, so it's not very suitable for brawling. So, it's discouraging for a Dragon to engage an opponent with a strong firepower. Instead, Dragon is actually made to be a flanker, skirmisher and raider. The Dragon is actually much more effective when you play in a supportive role for your team, as its default loadout is more suitable for providing fire-support, just like Centurion.
What makes the Dragon a potential flanker, skirmisher, harasser and raider, is its impressive speed and maneuverability. This allow the Dragon to perform an ambush behind enemy line. And be sure to make good use of its maneuverability to draw the opponents' fire as well as to harass someone else who are engaging with other mech.
By looking at the Dragon's loadout feature and its combat performances, I think the DCMS widely uses the hit-and-run tactics
Since I've used Trial Dragon quite often this time, I'm gonna make an argument for this one. Yes, Dragon was maybe an awful mech at first. But after quite sometimes later, I began to like the Dragon.
Maybe people think that Dragon is bad mech is probably because they don't know how to use it effectively. Due to the default loadout's lack of strong firepower to pack a punch on other mechs that are in the fray on the Dragon at close range, so it's not very suitable for brawling. So, it's discouraging for a Dragon to engage an opponent with a strong firepower. Instead, Dragon is actually made to be a flanker, skirmisher and raider. The Dragon is actually much more effective when you play in a supportive role for your team, as its default loadout is more suitable for providing fire-support, just like Centurion.
What makes the Dragon a potential flanker, skirmisher, harasser and raider, is its impressive speed and maneuverability. This allow the Dragon to perform an ambush behind enemy line. And be sure to make good use of its maneuverability to draw the opponents' fire as well as to harass someone else who are engaging with other mech.
By looking at the Dragon's loadout feature and its combat performances, I think the DCMS widely uses the hit-and-run tactics
#9
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- 134 posts
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Posted 04 November 2012 - 07:40 AM
Yes, the Dragon is VERY maneuverable for a heavy mech. When I was piloting my Jenner I would always think twice about picking on one, whereas I wouldn't give the same consideration to a Gauss Cat.
And the decent top speed (and the fact that it hangs back off the front line) makes it a decent choice to go chase that light mech out of your base at the start of a match.
And the decent top speed (and the fact that it hangs back off the front line) makes it a decent choice to go chase that light mech out of your base at the start of a match.
#10
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- Knight Errant
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Posted 08 November 2012 - 01:39 AM
I tired to show some love to this mech.. still to no digging the trail weapon layout. Perhaps its the weapons that is the let down?.
I do think it has quite good speed.
I do think it has quite good speed.
#11
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- Bridesmaid
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Posted 23 November 2012 - 01:53 PM
Total noob here - but I'm running this on my (first dragon) with mixed success.
Small lasers x 2
AC2's x 2
Streak SRM2 x 2
About 1 ton streak ammo, 2 ton AC ammo - 14 Heat sinks, Standard 300 engine, Ferros and endo upgraded atm. Can deal surprisingly well with medium/light mechs - I normally just hang back and defend the heavies from little dudes, and I often go protect base. Highest damage dealt in a match was 447 - which is not too bad. Average damage dealt is about 150-200 in a match with 3-6 assists. Could be much better but I play with 400 ping half the time so meh.
I dunno - I appreciate any feedback on how to make this fit more awesome.
Small lasers x 2
AC2's x 2
Streak SRM2 x 2
About 1 ton streak ammo, 2 ton AC ammo - 14 Heat sinks, Standard 300 engine, Ferros and endo upgraded atm. Can deal surprisingly well with medium/light mechs - I normally just hang back and defend the heavies from little dudes, and I often go protect base. Highest damage dealt in a match was 447 - which is not too bad. Average damage dealt is about 150-200 in a match with 3-6 assists. Could be much better but I play with 400 ping half the time so meh.
I dunno - I appreciate any feedback on how to make this fit more awesome.
#12
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- FP Veteran - Beta 1
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Posted 23 November 2012 - 03:02 PM
Grifthin, on 23 November 2012 - 01:53 PM, said:
Total noob here - but I'm running this on my (first dragon) with mixed success.
Small lasers x 2
AC2's x 2
Streak SRM2 x 2
About 1 ton streak ammo, 2 ton AC ammo - 14 Heat sinks, Standard 300 engine, Ferros and endo upgraded atm. Can deal surprisingly well with medium/light mechs - I normally just hang back and defend the heavies from little dudes, and I often go protect base. Highest damage dealt in a match was 447 - which is not too bad. Average damage dealt is about 150-200 in a match with 3-6 assists. Could be much better but I play with 400 ping half the time so meh.
I dunno - I appreciate any feedback on how to make this fit more awesome.
Small lasers x 2
AC2's x 2
Streak SRM2 x 2
About 1 ton streak ammo, 2 ton AC ammo - 14 Heat sinks, Standard 300 engine, Ferros and endo upgraded atm. Can deal surprisingly well with medium/light mechs - I normally just hang back and defend the heavies from little dudes, and I often go protect base. Highest damage dealt in a match was 447 - which is not too bad. Average damage dealt is about 150-200 in a match with 3-6 assists. Could be much better but I play with 400 ping half the time so meh.
I dunno - I appreciate any feedback on how to make this fit more awesome.
Upgrade to an XL engine, DHS and Endo steel. You'll fit a lot more firepower in with the weight saved.
#13
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- The Howl
- 164 posts
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- LocationLimbo
Posted 24 November 2012 - 03:06 AM
Grifthin, on 23 November 2012 - 01:53 PM, said:
Total noob here - but I'm running this on my (first dragon) with mixed success.
Small lasers x 2
AC2's x 2
Streak SRM2 x 2
About 1 ton streak ammo, 2 ton AC ammo - 14 Heat sinks, Standard 300 engine, Ferros and endo upgraded atm. Can deal surprisingly well with medium/light mechs - I normally just hang back and defend the heavies from little dudes, and I often go protect base. Highest damage dealt in a match was 447 - which is not too bad. Average damage dealt is about 150-200 in a match with 3-6 assists. Could be much better but I play with 400 ping half the time so meh.
I dunno - I appreciate any feedback on how to make this fit more awesome.
Small lasers x 2
AC2's x 2
Streak SRM2 x 2
About 1 ton streak ammo, 2 ton AC ammo - 14 Heat sinks, Standard 300 engine, Ferros and endo upgraded atm. Can deal surprisingly well with medium/light mechs - I normally just hang back and defend the heavies from little dudes, and I often go protect base. Highest damage dealt in a match was 447 - which is not too bad. Average damage dealt is about 150-200 in a match with 3-6 assists. Could be much better but I play with 400 ping half the time so meh.
I dunno - I appreciate any feedback on how to make this fit more awesome.
With that weapon loadout I'm actually impressed about that damage.
I usually run somewhere between 250-350 on average and most of that was ER PPC work.
With the current system of the weight class matching other weight classes in the drop, the dragon is not exactly a mech I wanna see on my team. Course there are some good dragon pilots out there >,^ (like me)
Edited by Zeke Steiner, 24 November 2012 - 03:08 AM.
#14
Posted 24 November 2012 - 06:49 PM
The dragon doesn't really shine until you dump an XL 300+ in that bad boy.
It has really small STs and those are also easily shielded by your weapon arms. (and you better have weapon arms!)
I tend to use alot of Burst Weapons on Dragons so I can do alot of damage very quickly and then move out of the fray before people realize where the sudden drop in their armor, (or loss of limb depending on what is needed most) just came from.
The 5N which is often maligned as one of the worst mechs in the game really is far from the worst especially once you get the hang of the arm mounted weapons (both energy weapons in one arm. ballistics in the other) and their tracking. There are alot of firing angles you can do that other mechs simply can't. (This is in general true for all dragons but particularly the 5N)
People start crapping their pants when they realize they just ate 2 AC5s, an LL and ML all on the exact same point of armor. Personally I like Legging people, particularly mechs that I'm already faster than (which is pretty much anything but a light). Then taking an arm or ST. After a while with the dragon, you start thinking of enemy mechs as Turkeys to be carved up for a holiday dinner when they're slower than you are.
the Trial dragon's weapons are it's biggest weakness in my opinion. Though since it takes away the abiity to do heavy burst damage. The Trial dragon takes the mech from fast raider and burster to a very careful, and hard to pilot initially sustained damage mech. I wish quite sincerely they'd at least put an XL 300 in there, and dump the mediums for 2 LLs. That change alone really starts to wake the dragon up in terms of reliable performance.
It has really small STs and those are also easily shielded by your weapon arms. (and you better have weapon arms!)
I tend to use alot of Burst Weapons on Dragons so I can do alot of damage very quickly and then move out of the fray before people realize where the sudden drop in their armor, (or loss of limb depending on what is needed most) just came from.
The 5N which is often maligned as one of the worst mechs in the game really is far from the worst especially once you get the hang of the arm mounted weapons (both energy weapons in one arm. ballistics in the other) and their tracking. There are alot of firing angles you can do that other mechs simply can't. (This is in general true for all dragons but particularly the 5N)
People start crapping their pants when they realize they just ate 2 AC5s, an LL and ML all on the exact same point of armor. Personally I like Legging people, particularly mechs that I'm already faster than (which is pretty much anything but a light). Then taking an arm or ST. After a while with the dragon, you start thinking of enemy mechs as Turkeys to be carved up for a holiday dinner when they're slower than you are.
the Trial dragon's weapons are it's biggest weakness in my opinion. Though since it takes away the abiity to do heavy burst damage. The Trial dragon takes the mech from fast raider and burster to a very careful, and hard to pilot initially sustained damage mech. I wish quite sincerely they'd at least put an XL 300 in there, and dump the mediums for 2 LLs. That change alone really starts to wake the dragon up in terms of reliable performance.
#15
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- Bridesmaid
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Posted 25 November 2012 - 07:57 AM
Someone in this thread mentioned Gauss - how does that work with the standard 1drg chassis ?
#16
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- 971 posts
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Posted 25 November 2012 - 08:11 AM
People who think trial mechs are useless are just not using their mechs and weapons properly. I am running 3 Hunchie variations (to unlock skills) and only change to weapon load out I made was to remove the small laser on every one, added nothing offensive except more ammo on one. Glad to see people apreciating the stock loadouts instead of streak boating.
#17
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- 661 posts
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Posted 25 November 2012 - 02:13 PM
Grifthin, on 25 November 2012 - 07:57 AM, said:
Someone in this thread mentioned Gauss - how does that work with the standard 1drg chassis ?
My main is the 1N with a gauss and 2xSSRMs and 2xML for support. I do find it every effective as I can snipe as well as go in close for brawling/support.
I have seen others swap out the SSRMs for SRM4s which give more kick but I have pretty high pings (300ms avg) and there is no way for me to deal with lights without the SSRMs.
#18
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- 661 posts
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Posted 25 November 2012 - 02:17 PM
Hmm, I just reread what you asked - are you asking how the gauss would fit/work on the std chassis with the std engine?
#19
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- Elite Founder
- 186 posts
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- LocationOz (Australia)
Posted 25 November 2012 - 04:17 PM
the dragon always has been in the same league as the cicada.
its a heavier mech pretending to be a lighter one.
its got a huge engine in the thing standard so that means not only is it fast, but it also turns and twists quickly.
arm mounted main weapons add even more to the versatility, but it does take time to get used to waiting (especially for those ballistics) to line up with the crosshairs, and even more practice to actually line up shots in close.
the dragon is able to essentially shoot enemies directly behind it with its arm weapons thanks to its impressive torso twist and arm movement, and makes a great light or scout mech hunter.
get one thing straight, the dragon is not a brawlers mech, and never will be, the larger than normal centre torso means you'll get cored quickly under sustained firepower.
as for the 5N its a bit confused with its loadout, being more of a fast harasser than anything, sit back from the front, and use the LRMs to aid the front line, and then when a scout gets behind your lines, you have the guns and speed to chase it down, or you can go on the offensive and scout behind enemy lines, going for a quick base cap, and to draw a few enemies back from the front.
for any dragon owners, the thing screams for an XL engine, the small ST negates the disadvantage of the engine size. a straight upgrade to an XL300 gives lots more room for more impressive firepower, while a larger XL means even more speed.
the dragon was known for its Knockdown capability, being a heavy mech and going so fast meant the there were few other mechs that could stand upto it. once knockdown comes back in, dragons will see a lot more play again IMO
its a heavier mech pretending to be a lighter one.
its got a huge engine in the thing standard so that means not only is it fast, but it also turns and twists quickly.
arm mounted main weapons add even more to the versatility, but it does take time to get used to waiting (especially for those ballistics) to line up with the crosshairs, and even more practice to actually line up shots in close.
the dragon is able to essentially shoot enemies directly behind it with its arm weapons thanks to its impressive torso twist and arm movement, and makes a great light or scout mech hunter.
get one thing straight, the dragon is not a brawlers mech, and never will be, the larger than normal centre torso means you'll get cored quickly under sustained firepower.
as for the 5N its a bit confused with its loadout, being more of a fast harasser than anything, sit back from the front, and use the LRMs to aid the front line, and then when a scout gets behind your lines, you have the guns and speed to chase it down, or you can go on the offensive and scout behind enemy lines, going for a quick base cap, and to draw a few enemies back from the front.
for any dragon owners, the thing screams for an XL engine, the small ST negates the disadvantage of the engine size. a straight upgrade to an XL300 gives lots more room for more impressive firepower, while a larger XL means even more speed.
the dragon was known for its Knockdown capability, being a heavy mech and going so fast meant the there were few other mechs that could stand upto it. once knockdown comes back in, dragons will see a lot more play again IMO
#20
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- Bad Company
- 93 posts
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Posted 26 November 2012 - 03:39 AM
Inspired by huge success of double UAC/5 + AC/2 on a 4x phract, i remembered about this guy - dragon 1n! Result realy lived up my expectations.
Loadaut:
XL300
ES, DHS
UAC/5 + AC/2 (chained)
2 SSRM
1 MPL in LA
fill the rest with ammo/heatsinks according your tastes.
Nothing tricky - use MPL + SSRMs against fast runners, AC's and alphas against slow or immobile mechs. Works well.
Loadaut:
XL300
ES, DHS
UAC/5 + AC/2 (chained)
2 SSRM
1 MPL in LA
fill the rest with ammo/heatsinks according your tastes.
Nothing tricky - use MPL + SSRMs against fast runners, AC's and alphas against slow or immobile mechs. Works well.
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