40 replies to this topic

[Vassago Rain]

Chief Justice, on 30 December 2012 - 07:20 AM, said:

Hi,

thank you all for your replies and tipps.
I tried the 4LL-build, but it seems i'm just terminally incompetent.
Another problem is the constant drop in frame rates and the shaking/explosion galore if i'm hit by a salvo of missiles.
Can't see anything really.

It also astounds me, how other people can build smaller mechs who are able to rip me apart in a matter of seconds, while i hit with all 4 laser 4 or 5 times, and there seems to be hardly any damage(%-drop is about 5% after 4 hits with all 4 LLs).

Maybe i'm not getting this game at all.

The safest strategy seems to be, to save up for a LRM-mech, stay behind and slam 60-75 missile-salvos at the enemies.
Unfortunately thats not how i would like to play the game at all.

Maybe this game is just not for me..which is a shame..i loved all the older MW-games to death.
Will restart with a new account, try to get the hang of it more, and buy a mech much later in the game, because i just can't figure out a build that works for me. I just get wanked every time, no matter if i stay with 4 assault mechs, i'm the first to get shot at.

Another thing that really bothers me, is the overly expensive customazation. I can't really try something out without spending millions of cbills. That just sucks. I have to play 20 matches to afford to try out something a little bit different.

Ok, will stop whining now

Thanks again guys.
Have fun.

Don't look at the mech you're shooting. Don't look at the little damage display. Look only at your crosshair. If it's red, you're doing damage.

If it's not, you're missing.

[Isle5]

A K-2 can be a dangerous mech that could be one of the reasons your getting targeted first. I know if I see a K-2 I either stay out of his LOS and try to flank him. Another tip would be hang back a bit and stay with the groups. There is no shame moving from cover to cover until the battle kicks off. Once the fight happens find yourself a wall and pop in and out of cover taking shots. Just because your a heavy mech doesn't mean you need to be at the front lines. Things I learnt piloting catapults was that your center torso is HUGE and sticks out like a sore thumb.

Another point I find is that it can take me 5-10 matches to figure out a new build especially if I change engines where I get a major jump in speed and if I change weapons. When I purchased my Flame I was used to catapults and it took me 10 games to figure the limits of the mech. Then once I figured the Flame out and maxed my basic I purchased a Fang and I am now going through the growing pains of learning that build. It takes time and I can only imagine the pain of going to a K-2 from the current stock of trial mechs. Tough your build out for 5-10 matches then determine if you can play it like that before you swap equipment out.

[prox]

If you really start over with a fresh account, maybe go for the Hunchback first. It has good overall mobility, decent armor, is good vs scouts, packs quite a punch and doesn't need an expensive XL engine.

[JPsi]

Don't give up just yet, this game has a very steep learning curve. Very rare is the player with a positive K/DR on less than 100 matches.

As stated above, visually, the only indication you are hitting is if your reticle glows red while firing. Your screen may show the enemy mech covered in big red spots, but that means nothing.

With this games horrible netcode, you have to lead the target even with lasers. Follow the red reticle, then use any damage done to the paper doll as an indication of where about you are hitting for even more fine tuning.

The other thing is, you won't be placed in matches (yet) with players of equal skill to you. You get placed in (nearly at random) with anyone else that pressed the button at around the same time. Meaning, more often than not, you'll be facing experienced players. The odds are already stacked against you, don't prematurely blame the mech. Give it a go and a bit more time.

Also, playing the matches allows you to level up the mech, a mech with all the masteries unlocked is significantly better than an unleveled mech.

[vettie]

Chief - just remember, some of these folks have been playing MWO or some form or MechWarrior/BattleTech for a long time.

This game is different than those that came before and it takes some getting used to.

The K2 is a very good mech.

For a person just getting into the game I do not suggest an XL engine. reason? XL take up slots in your torsos, all 3 of them. Once the armour in penetrated, the engine is 'exposed' and you will die quickly. For NOW, at least, stick with standard engine.

Keep your weapons and your mech. It comes with a 260 engine (if i recall). Put 2 Large Lasers in the upper arms and 2 medium lasers in the torso. Remember the Torso weapons will fire in whatever direction the body of your mech is pointing, The ARMs are directional and can be moved to shoot on the sides or up and down.

IF you have a mouse with more that 3 buttons (other than the scroll / center button) put your left side Large Laser on button 1, right side Large laser on button 2 and the 2 Medium Lasers on button 3 or 4 (whatever your non scroll wheel button is).

this allows you to shoot 1 weapon at a time, or combine them, thus controlling your heat better by not using an alpha shot all the time. You still can alpha shot if the target is in range.

With this build, put AMS and as many heat sinks as you can fit in the rig. It will keep your heat levels manageable. the 260 engine gets you decent speed. 64.8 before any tweaks. Stick with team mates and keep your self in cover as best you can.

Try voice comms, people are more than willing to help you out. TS3, ventrillo, Mumble and C3 are all free downloads. TS3 is probably most widely used. There are some threads that give TS3 info on where and how to join others playing. Try it. Not only will you learn, you might make some good friends along the way.

Mostly, enjoy your self and have fun. It will come to you. patience.

And Vassago - +1. YOur posts here are very helpful to this player. People give you lots of crap, and I am not going to say that soemtimes you dont deserve it (LOL), but you jumped right in there and handed this guys some really good info. Hats Off bud.

[Minsc]

superteds, on 30 December 2012 - 01:42 AM, said:

the targeting being 'off' is to do with weapon convergence it's a bit lengthy to explain, but suffice to say that everyone struggles with it. cata K2 is a very flexible mech, so don't sell it, just repurpose it.

Found some information on that the OP may want to take a look at in that regard since it can throw players, new and experienced off.

http://mwomercs.com/...listic-weapons/

They have a nifty diagram for convergence that hopefully will help the OP see how why his aiming is "off" at times. I'd also recommend taking a look over the Guides Forum. Lots of useful information there, particularly the general guides area I linked.

Unfortunately I am not a catapult pilot, so I can't offer any chassis specific builds or information other than it is usually a high priority target to shoot at since the K-2 in particular can have some devastating builds. (2xAC20, 2xGuass, and 4xLL come to mind).

[TB Freelancer]

Chief Justice, on 30 December 2012 - 07:20 AM, said:

Thanks again guys.
Have fun.

Check your PMs...

[Chief Justice]

Hi guys,

i played a little bit more with the trial mechs, and i have to say, that in the centurion i get better results. Even the stock build is not bad, even if it is a little bit on the low side regarding heat sinks.

But he's not a primary target, his damage is ok, and the speed really gives me a passable survival chance..i think i will save up to buy a Centurion-D. The advantage is: Is comes with a XL-300 engine, which i can even use later in other mechs.

I was thinking about replacing the LRM10 with 2 Streak launchers to focus on short range combat.
Do you think thats an ok move?

Edited by Chief Justice, 30 December 2012 - 11:07 AM.

[Minsc]

Chief Justice, on 30 December 2012 - 11:06 AM, said:

Hi guys,

i played a little bit more with the trial mechs, and i have to say, that in the centurion i get better results. Even the stock build is not bad, even if it is a little bit on the low side regarding heat sinks.

But he's not a primary target, his damage is ok, and the speed really gives me a passable survival chance..i think i will save up to buy a Centurion-D. The advantage is: Is comes with a XL-300 engine, which i can even use later in other mechs.

I was thinking about replacing the LRM10 with 2 Streak launchers to focus on short range combat.
Do you think thats an ok move?

I actually really love the centurion chassis (except the YLW) and it is a versatile mech regardless of which one you go with. As far as Centurion Specific Builds, I have two I currently use, though both use a 350 XL engine. If you plan on sticking with the 300 XL particularly to save on costs plus have an extra engine for engine swaps, there are some good 300 XL builds I used as well with the Centurion-D.

A couple things to remember, it does come pre-loaded with Artemis IV and Endo-Steel, and I'd recommend keeping the Artemis IV in mind for your builds since you will have it by default.

Anyway, on to builds. I built my Cent-D for close range hit and fade attacks, so you may want to adjust for your particular play-style.

CN9-D Build 1 - Short range hit and run

CN9-D Build 2 - AC2 harrassment balanced build

Mind you, those two builds are something I would use or have used assuming a 300 XL engine. As I mentioned earlier, I use a 350 XL currently and use an SRM + Artemis IV build that works great for hit and run, and I will include another build I was considering and haven't gotten around to testing out.

CN9-D Considered Build

CN9-D Current Personal build - Uses both arms are shields Works wonders once I got the hang of it

IMPORTANT NOTE!

One thing I almost forgot about, all the centurions have missile bay doors. This means when you fire missiles there is a slight delay when firing since the doors need a moment to open. While the doors are closed, that section gets a 10% damage resistance. You can manually open or close the doors by using the "/" or forward slash key on your key board. There are tiny lights on the sides of you cockpit indicating if they are open or closed. Orange = closed, green = open.

Also, your right arm is a large target that screams "SHOOT ME!" and be sure to use your left arm as a shield (unless you strip it to get more guns/ammo/heat sinks and don't want a shield there)

If you have any further questions feel free to PM me and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Edited by Minsc, 30 December 2012 - 11:50 AM.

[Gaeb]

superteds, on 30 December 2012 - 01:42 AM, said:

cata K2 is a very flexible mech, so don't sell it, just repurpose it.

This.

You can do...
4 large lasers,
2 Gauss Rifles + 0-4 S/M lasers
2 AC20 + 0-4 S/M lasers
2 PPC/ERPPC + 0-2 S/M lasers
4 M lasers + 2UAC 5

etc.

Edited by Gaeb, 30 December 2012 - 11:55 AM.

[Aym]

What a nice thread. Best of luck to the OP, surprised no one has brought up voice coms, talking to live team mates can be a big help when learning how to play a mech. All in all this is a great thread with useful, honest answers, no whining or flaming. MWO really does have an excellent community as evidenced in topics such as this.

[Minsc]

Aym, on 30 December 2012 - 12:03 PM, said:

What a nice thread. Best of luck to the OP, surprised no one has brought up voice coms, talking to live team mates can be a big help when learning how to play a mech. All in all this is a great thread with useful, honest answers, no whining or flaming. MWO really does have an excellent community as evidenced in topics such as this.

Don't jinx it!

[Tickdoff Tank]

Gaeb, on 30 December 2012 - 11:54 AM, said:

This.

You can do...
4 large lasers,
2 Gauss Rifles + 0-4 S/M lasers
2 AC20 + 0-4 S/M lasers
2 PPC/ERPPC + 0-2 S/M lasers
4 M lasers + 2UAC 5

etc.

I have found that 2 PPCs and 1 Gauss rifle is a pretty nice combo on a K2.

[vettie]

vettie, on 30 December 2012 - 09:19 AM, said:

Chief - just remember, some of these folks have been playing MWO or some form or MechWarrior/BattleTech for a long time.

This game is different than those that came before and it takes some getting used to.

The K2 is a very good mech.

...

Try voice comms, people are more than willing to help you out. TS3, ventrillo, Mumble and C3 are all free downloads. TS3 is probably most widely used. There are some threads that give TS3 info on where and how to join others playing. Try it. Not only will you learn, you might make some good friends along the way.

Mostly, enjoy your self and have fun. It will come to you. patience.

And Vassago - +1. YOur posts here are very helpful to this player. People give you lots of crap, and I am not going to say that soemtimes you dont deserve it (LOL), but you jumped right in there and handed this guys some really good info. Hats Off bud.

Aym, on 30 December 2012 - 12:03 PM, said:

What a nice thread. Best of luck to the OP, surprised no one has brought up voice coms, talking to live team mates can be a big help when learning how to play a mech. All in all this is a great thread with useful, honest answers, no whining or flaming. MWO really does have an excellent community as evidenced in topics such as this.

I did make that suggestion. Voice Comms IS very useful, especially when learning / just starting.

[Wolfways]

A great K2 = x2 ERPPC's, x2 ML's, 20DHS, 315XL engine (86.6kph with xp), full armour (except a little off the legs)

I also keep the MG's in mine for when they get buffed

[Davers]

Once you get the hang of aiming with ballistics they are very good (PPCs included). Plus PPCs are getting some kind of 'ECM' boost eventually that may make them even better.

But, Large Lasers are really good weapons, especially for newer players since you can 'drag' them onto target. 2 LL and 2 UAC/5s might be fun, since you can put 4 extra tons of ammo or heatsinks in compared to 2 PPCs.

Streak missiles are kinda a specialized build now, with so much ECM around. SRMs might be more reliable. Remember to hit '/' to open your bay doors to get rid of the firing delay.

[elbloom]

lead your targets...... LEAD YOUR TARGETS............... aim ahead of them !

[Chief Justice]

Hi folks,

made a new account and bought a Centurion D as indicated.
Had my first 3 matches a few minutes ago, and it was the first time since i started playing that i REALLY had fun.
4 Kills in 3 matches, no fatalities and only moderate damage..thats not bad in my opinion

Thank you all for your good advice, builds and suggestions. As soon as i have more cBills i will try other configs.

Ah..another thing..after the cadet bonus..is there a strategy for more cbills?
Even with winning the match, 5 assists, 2 kills and several component destruction bonuses, i end up with 110k at best.

Are there any bonus "trophies" i should look for, to earn more money?

Thank you again for all your help!

PS: My config: Centurion D, 1x LB-X 10, 1x Medium Laser, 2x Streak Missiles.

Edited by Chief Justice, 30 December 2012 - 02:23 PM.

[LarkinOmega]

Just keep grinding. The best strategy is to find a group of friends and just drop over and over again. If you've having fun, winning and losing cease to mater and the c-bills will come rolling in.

120k on a win is decent money, it means you're doing it right. Just keep piloting and getting better and the money will go up.

[Davers]

Chief Justice, on 30 December 2012 - 02:16 PM, said:

Hi folks,

made a new account and bought a Centurion D as indicated.
Had my first 3 matches a few minutes ago, and it was the first time since i started playing that i REALLY had fun.
4 Kills in 3 matches, no fatalities and only moderate damage..thats not bad in my opinion

Thank you all for your good advice, builds and suggestions. As soon as i have more cBills i will try other configs.

Ah..another thing..after the cadet bonus..is there a strategy for more cbills?
Even with winning the match, 5 assists, 2 kills and several component destruction bonuses, i end up with 110k at best.

Are there any bonus "trophies" i should look for, to earn more money?

Thank you again for all your help!

PS: My config: Centurion D, 1x LB-X 10, 1x Medium Laser, 2x Streak Missiles.

There is some kind of achievement awards system planned, but we will have to wait a few months to see what it is.