10 replies to this topic

[Valrock]

So I picked up a 4G, mostly just because I needed a third HBK for XP efficiencies. Didn't like having the one AC20, decent damage if you hit something but if you missed it meant sitting still with no real damage output. Changed a few bits to fit my playstyle, ended up running:

2 x UAC/5 (4t ammo)
3 x Med lasers (each arm and head)
STD 200 engine, Dbl Heat Sinks, Endo but no FF. I would FF if I could to save weight, but only have 11 slots available.

Biggest issue here is tonnage. Unless I go to an XL engine, which I am NOT about to do given the giant target on my shoulder, I have no weight capacity for an engine faster than 64 kph.. I also can't load up an AMS, and with the recent patch (LRM's usable again, oh and here's stalker class full of them) AMS is becoming something really worth packing again.

Has anyone else run a 4G with success? I'm finding myself enjoying ballistics more and more, but being limited by this chassis.



Val.

[KerenskyClone]

Use an AC20, trust me on this...it stumps dual UAC5s (except at range and they are hard to use effectively at range).

The UACs are simply too unreliable, Ive had them jam up on me more times than I can count, sure you can alternate fire but your alpha is severly limited in that case,. The AC20 never jams and when it hits it really hurts...

[Valrock]

It was the short range of the AC20 and the long reload time that put me off when I first started using it; I was looking for a direct fire alternative for long range damage on ECM groups, and at the moment there's a lot of assaults walking around. Like shooting fish in a barrel, even from half a klick away.

[KerenskyClone]

Sniping with the UAC will not really work that well unless the enemy is dumb enough to stand still...

I run a tripple UAC Muromets build, shooting at range at the big mechs although fun will only expend your ammo and leave you sitting in a sniping spot with your medium mech (or in my case heavy), when ideally you should be manuvering and using that speed to flank the enemy and do quick harrasing strikes...

The UAC works best in close to very close ranges where (if you dont jam up) you can obliterate a mech in seconds....IF...you dont jam up. A lot of times you will jam up and then its run Forrest run...this is why the AC20 is a better solution even with its relatiely long reload time, a quickly manouvering mech like the hunchback can use this reload to move into a better position while firing UACs at speed and keeping a target in sights is quite tricky.

[Haggle]

I've run a 4G extensively; in my opinion, you have a couple of ways to run this mech:

1) With an AC/20. Load a big engine (std 245 works great) and a couple of Medium lasers. Now, _always_ keep a friendly mech in front of you to act as a meat shield. Snipe from behind that mech, or as soon as your meat shield locks with another mech, use your speed to move behind and feed your AC/20 into the backside of the target. Never go head to head with this mech. You don't have the armor for a fight. Use your speed to stay out of the line of fire.

2) With dual UAC/5s. Keep the 245 and medium lasers. Pile on the ammo. Use this mech to snipe from a distance. Whatever you do, don't chain fire the UACs, keep them linked. Snipe at slow moving mechs from cover and stay at a distance. You'll need to practice leading your target with the UACs in order to score hits from range. Your dual UACs will jam...but sometimes they wont. Every time you get an enemy to line up and hold still (it will happen a lot in a fight if you watch), crank out the UACs. Sometimes, they'll jam quickly...other times you may get up to 20 rounds in seconds out (which usually results in melted assault mechs). As soon as the UACs jam up, retreat to cover. This build revolves around maximizing the chances to fire the UACs without a jam up. It takes a bit more skill, but I have far better results with this build than the AC/20 one. If played right, its easy to consistently put out 500~600 damage per match...a lot harder to do with the AC/20 build. Avoid using the medium lasers until you're out of ammo or are cornered...they make a nice line for your enemies to follow back to your sniping spot. They're for when you're out of ammo and just cruising the map at high speed.

[Pwnnoyer]

I love the 4G dual UAC builds. The trick is to act as fire support. Find an assault or some brawlers to take the lead and hang back a few hundred meters. The UAC's give you a reach that most people don't expect. It's especially good if you can get an angle on someone's rear.

I actually had a question as well: I was thinking of putting dual UAC's on either a CAT-K2 or a Cataphract. Has anyone tried those builds and how to they compare to the trusty 4G?

[Valrock]

Haggle how do you fit the 245 with the double UAC's? I'm finding myself squeezing in ammo as it is, only able to free up about 2-3 tons if i really tried. I do prefer running the hit and run style UAC's from 3-400 meter's, not sniping but staying well and truly out of straight up brawling range. A bit more speed would be amazing for this.

[KEMikos]

Kenseu, on 27 December 2012 - 08:13 PM, said:

I actually had a question as well: I was thinking of putting dual UAC's on either a CAT-K2 or a Cataphract. Has anyone tried those builds and how to they compare to the trusty 4G?

I haven't tried a K2, but they're lovely on a 'Phract. 4X with 2xUAC5 + 2xAC5 is an insane amount of dakka. You will get eaten alive by lights though, so make friends with the ankle-biters on your team. Or go with 2xUAC and 4xMLAS on a 3D. Not quite as much fun, but it's a more well-rounded build.

[Bagua]

Valrock, on 27 December 2012 - 03:17 AM, said:

Has anyone else run a 4G with success? I'm finding myself enjoying ballistics more and more, but being limited by this chassis.

I love the th 4G with the AC/20. Group up with an Assault and pick their targets.
Otherwise it makes a great sniper with a Gauss, due to the shoulder mount you can stay in partial cover.

[Haggle]

Valrock, on 27 December 2012 - 11:35 PM, said:

Haggle how do you fit the 245 with the double UAC's? I'm finding myself squeezing in ammo as it is, only able to free up about 2-3 tons if i really tried. I do prefer running the hit and run style UAC's from 3-400 meter's, not sniping but staying well and truly out of straight up brawling range. A bit more speed would be amazing for this.

Completely sorry; I need to remember not to post things from memory. My dual UAC/5 4G has a 200 engine, 2 ML, DHS, Endo. The balance of the weight is UAC ammo.

[superteds]

it's worth mentioning if you're a fan of the AC20 hunchie, you'll be much better doing that with a 4H.