15 replies to this topic

[Agent 0 Fortune]

This isn't intended to bash game mechanics or organized play, it is what it is. However I believe there are ways for PUG players to significantly improve the odds by minimizing an opponents advantages.

1. If you are a PUG player, understand that you are battling 4-man and 8-man teams frequently. That's life in ecMWO, and you should assume that you are always moving toward a team of 4-8 enemies.

2. The matchmaker works (for PUGs). This means that your selection not only affects you, but the opposing team. Do not underestimate the power of your decision when selecting your mech. If you hate Assaults, don't take on, if you hate Lights don't take one, etc. This means understanding common builds, if you don't like ECM, only lights and an assault can carry it. If you don't like Streak Cats, Gauss Cats, or Splat Cats, realize those are all Heavy mechs. I'm not suggesting playing a specific weight class, just be aware of the consequences of your mech selection.

3. Lag-shield the Sword of Damocles. Lag-shield is a massive boost to your survivability, but it provides the enemy team the same benefit. If you do not think you can beat a 150kph streak carrying ECM opponent, then consider a medium mech alternative, like the CN-D and Cicada mechs, they are both fast and medium weight class.

4. Match type. Many player leave the default of "any". Unless you are playing a mech that can adapt to both combat types, choose your mode, and have a plan before you hit launch.

[Corralis]

I'm gonna add a few here:-

5. Talk to your team mates, ask them what the plan of attack is or if there is even a plan, ask if you are part of a pre-made team.

6. Stick with your team mates, you go out alone in this game then expect to die, you sit back and wait for your team mates to attack and die first then expect to die last. Only with co-ordinated firepower will you win consistantly.

7. You will die, you will lose, get over it and learn what happened and try to be better next time.

8. Accuracy, When I die, I sit and watch my team play and it frightens me how inaccurate some of you guys are. There is no aim-assist in this game (hacks not withstanding), so learn to hit your enemy and hit them where they are weakest. If you see an Atlas with weak center torso armor then hit him in the center torso.

9. Heat management, I make this one myself sometime when I really want the kill but if you fire and shut down you will probably die straight after.

10. Use your cockpit, all the tools are there to help you so use them. ALWAYS hit 'R' to lock an enemy as it will give you detailed info of the enemy mech and where he is weakest. This goes back to accuracy but if an enemy has weak rear armor and max front armor then save your shot and get behind him. Line up your shot, take your time and fire when you can get a clean shot.

11. Protect your mech, if you are weak on your left side then show the enemy your right side. Learn the torso twist and use it to your advantage. Also if the enemy is trying to do the same thing then they will look at you when they want to fire so save your shot till they face you and then unleash hell.

I could honestly keep talking for ages but I think this is enough of a masterclass right now.

Enjoy boys and girls.

Edited by Corralis, 28 December 2012 - 02:52 PM.

[Corralis]

Oh yea I almost forgot:-

12. Pick a mech you like using and find a set-up that suits you. Play around with this tool http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/mechlab and find a good set-up before you spend the money in game. You will save yourself a fortune over the years. I like to use the Cataphract and I have found a set-up that suits me really well and it isn't some cheap build streak boat or none of that nonsense. Stick with a single mech and perfect your ability to use it. Just cause you get killed by SRM boats all the time doesn't mean you must go out and buy one. Just learn how to deal with them in what you have.

[Feetwet]

13. Keep your head on a swivel. If your whole team is watching one direction, then you should look the other. If no one can see the enemy, he will not show up on the scope.

[GODzillaGSPB]

14. There IS indeed a reverse gear. Use it. Often. Your front side holds your strongest armor. That said, don't just always go full speed. Full speed takes longer to get to a standstill and longer to reverse. And also account for momentum. If you're going up a hill and want to just peek over it, slow down and stop before reaching the top, as the momentum will cary you a bit further.

Edited by GODzillaGSPB, 28 December 2012 - 03:13 PM.

[Heeden]

14.a In a nice fast mech approach ridges at an angle and run along the crest so you can quickly dip back down if you get a lot of incoming fire.

15. This has already been mentioned but always be aware of where your team mates are, if you see someone blink out on the radar you know there's an ECM mech near his location.

[Taryys]

16. If you are behind a mech you only have to go slightly faster than them to keep behind them.

17. [Guide] Playing with Friends, Groups, and Teams

[Kaspirikay]

Tell me again to learn to hit with high ping and badnet code. Also firing delay.

Yeah, im playing hardmode.

Also, combo breaker lol

Edited by Kaspirikay, 28 December 2012 - 03:35 PM.

[One Medic Army]

18. Keep in mind where your hardpoints are! If you have an arm mounted weapon, it's easy to clip a nearby friendly when firing. High-mounted weapons mean that you need to expose less of your mech to fire them over hills, you can do the same with arm weapons around buildings.

19. Being damaged doesn't mean you're out. By retreating and re-engaging a different enemy you can get free shots frequently while they're focused on someone else.

20. Corollary to 19, If a new mech joins a fight you're in, hit R and check out how badly damaged it is, it might make a better target.

21. Take shots of opportunity, even if they're not on your primary target. Especially take shots of opportunity on stopped light mechs.

Edited by One Medic Army, 28 December 2012 - 03:54 PM.

[Lykaon]

Kaspirikay, on 28 December 2012 - 03:34 PM, said:

Tell me again to learn to hit with high ping and badnet code. Also firing delay.

Yeah, im playing hardmode.

Also, combo breaker lol

Raven 3L or Commando 2D you need ECM + streaks.

[Kaspirikay]

Lykaon, on 28 December 2012 - 04:10 PM, said:

Raven 3L or Commando 2D you need ECM + streaks.

Yeah you got me. I ran a streakcst and now a 2d lol

[PiemasterXL]

Cool, can I pug with you guys?

[elsie]

PiemasterXL, on 28 December 2012 - 04:16 PM, said:

Cool, can I pug with you guys?

Wouldn't that make you one of those evil premades then?


elsie

[Joseph Mallan]

THIS NEEDS STICKIED!

An actual good helpful list of information. Everyone but Kaspirikay (a nod for good humor) I salute you.

[PiemasterXL]

elsie, on 28 December 2012 - 04:22 PM, said:

Wouldn't that make you one of those evil premades then?


elsie

mind blown



But seriously, you guys are doing the lord's work. I get very frustrated with pug teammates, especially the lights who just rambo off and then leave me the only light left in the team, then i get nommed by the mostly-intact enemy lights.

[LawDawg]

22. If you are running a mech with TAG on it, along with Lasers/ballistics/SRM's, you can use the TAG to lead the target.
Just fire the TAG and wait for it to "paint" the target and then fire your weapons. You will then know how many mechs you have you have to lead your target.