5 replies to this topic

[Jonathan Strange]

When playing MMOs I tend to choose casters. I like the distance, so I prefer medium to long range builds/mechs. I don't do as well up close in MMOs, though here it seems to really depend on build, where in an MMO even close range specs I don't do well, here my C1s newest build does okay at times. I still would prefer a Medium or so range that can defend well.

I prefer heavy Mechs over the other classes (lights seem to require better driving skills than I have now, Medium class are okay, but I prefer Heavy, and Assault seems too slow for me). I like the Cataphract (I'm leaning to getting a 3D for my next Mech) and the Catapult (I have a C1 now, changed out the LRMs for now for some SRM6+Art, 2 ML and 2MPL, I did have a PPG for a short while, but all builds seem to overheat quickly despite having double heat sinks, so it is a close up build). So this is where the main question comes. How should I build out my C1 and which Cataphract should I go for and what build there? My damage seemed best with the odd PPG build and the newer short range build. My long range damage seemed minimal, so perhaps Medium range builds that can defend when at short range may be best (my LRM boat wasn't too good once the enemy got up close). LRMs seemed to lose out a bit with ECM and scouts and others didn't keep the targets locked long enough it seemed even before ECM. I tried Streaks but never seemed to do well with them. I like jump jets, but if I need the weight for better stuff elsewhere it is the first thing I'm willing to let go of.

Question on Camo Spec, what is the under color (each color channel has two blocks, one on top that seems to change when changing color, one on bottom) and how do you change it or is it something that is coming? I have the PC Gamer pattern, is that good for only one Mech and gone once used, good one Mech at a time but can be unequipped to free it up, or good for all Mechs?

Thanks for the help in advance.

Oh and as far as intros... North East Ohio area player. Intel i3 530, 6GB RAM, GeForce GTS 450, Win 7 64-bit, avg frame rate 15-25, though normally over 20. Never played the other Mechwarrior games online.

[Elizander]

If you want long-range weapons that can be used for mid/short range as well, you should give Large Lasers a try. They have good reach and good damage : heat ratio. You can increase your short-range damage with Medium Lasers/Small Lasers/SRMs depending on what hardpoints your chosen mech has. If you want to try out a Ballistic hardpoint with your lasers, you should look at the Gauss Rifle due to its low heat or something you can fire along with the lasers.

Use Ohm's Guide to check the hardpoints of the mechs you are looking at. Make sure they can carry the weapons you want to try out.

I can't answer your Camo question since I don't play around with it all that much.

[PanicFire]

Gauss Guns have good range and good damage. None of the current trial mechs have them. If you are looking for a long range shooter in a trial mech as stated above, Large lasers are good. You can go with a missile boat (long range missiles) but if the enemy has ECM up, you'll have some trouble getting locks.

Also the EPPC's are pretty good. I think the Trial Awsome has 3 of them on it.

Welcome to MWO.

[Darwins Dog]

As Elizander said, the LL is a great medium range weapon. Optimum range is 450m, but it can still hit and cause some damage at ~800 (I think that's the max). PPC is also good (and getting a buff today iirc), but mind the 90m minimum. On the cataphract, the ac5/uac5 are good medium range weapons and can crank out a lot of damage.

For the camo, the second color is the one that is already there. You can only have up to 3 different colors.

[Nikoliy]

Jonathan Strange, on 17 December 2012 - 08:12 PM, said:

Question on Camo Spec, what is the under color (each color channel has two blocks, one on top that seems to change when changing color, one on bottom) and how do you change it or is it something that is coming? I have the PC Gamer pattern, is that good for only one Mech and gone once used, good one Mech at a time but can be unequipped to free it up, or good for all Mechs?

Jonathan, the Camo Spec under color is the color you had on the mech before your new choice. If you hit "Reset" it will go back to the "Under color"
Im a big fan of direct fire weapons so if you like that you should go for the Cataphract 3D. The Cataphract has great torso energy slots excellent for shooting over stuff like friendly mechs or cover, PPCs or LL work great for that. 3D works great for dual Gauss as well, with both weapons on one side you are able to stay in cover a lot better then if they were in the arms. (Dual gauss build that I use is 280xl with GRx2 (7tonns ammo) + MLx2 +JJ (will need to reduce ammo once more then one JJ is needed)
The 3D is also great for a laser build try two LL in the torso with two MPL in the arms and an AC10 with 280xl or UAC5 with 300xl. With ether of these builds it is easy to be at the top of damage/kill board. (obviously both builds with DHS and Endo)
Try using the Mechlab program by majora incarnate for building your mechs before you spend any cbills on it.
http://mwomercs.com/...echbay-program/

[Buckminster]

I also tend to prefer the longer range support fire role. I have three mechs - all Catapults - and they are all built to fit a different need.

C1 - 2 LRM15 + Artemis and 4 medium lasers. This build has been sitting ever since ECMs came out. LRMs became trickier to use, and with the reload cost of Artemis I really wasn't making any money either. It's still effective, but I find that you really need to be able to see your target - indirect fire just isn't effective.

K2 - 2 PPCs and 2 medium lasers. I have 20 DHS on this build, so heat is fairly manageable. I love this build on the more wide open maps, where I can throw PPC shots at the other team. ECM has been a nuisance, but thermal vision still lets me see well enough, and doesn't really impact my aiming.

A1 - 3 SRM6 + Artemis and 3 Streaks. This is a fun up close build. The streaks are great against lights, and the 3 Artemis'd SRM6s pack a mean punch up close. ECM can give me fits at times, because of the streaks, but for the most part it's still a solid player.

I personally don't like lasers - I'm not very good at keeping my crosshairs trained on the target for the duration of the beam. As such, I tend to lean towards missiles and ballistic weapons (and PPCs since they act as ballistic), where I can take the shot and do full damage with a hit regardless.

Also, it might not be a bad idea to stick with one chassis. By staying Catapult I've been able to get all of my basic skills, and most of my elite skills. Those little bonuses add up, and will make your mech more effective. If you are thinking Cataphract, maybe look at a Catapult K2. It has enough energy slots if you are interested in pursuing a PPC build, and also has a pair of ballistic slots in the torso if you are thinking autocannons or gauss.


Edit: meant to add this link as well:

http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/

It's another good breakdown of mechs and their weapon hardpoints. It also has a lot of info on the weapon systems.

Edited by Buckminster, 18 December 2012 - 07:22 AM.