13 replies to this topic

[Dizzywig]

I've recently graduated from my Dragons, having been slightly annoyed by their small twist angle against their massive speed, and decided to get a Catapult K2. I've already tried various builds, LLA x4, Gausscat, A/C20 Cat, etc. I've finally settled on a build which fits the striker role of a dragon, but on a Cat.

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...00514a722c8c1bc

Unlike other ballistics oriented K-2s, this Cat still maintains 2x MLAs and 2x MPLs for sustained damage, while finishing weakened foes with its twin UA/C5s. It runs a little hot after a while, but with proper management, it's a pretty fun and effective close to mid-range build.

The principle advantage of bringing this loadout to a Cat is that I could still fire away while I'm running away. The massive twist range also helps with catching light mechs without needing to turn so much.

How's this for a striker build? Honestly, You could probably work this into a Cataphract with more firepower, but I prefer the maneuverability.

EDIT: Check Stingz's build, so much better

Edited by Dizzywig, 17 January 2013 - 07:25 PM.

[Stingz]

Dizzywig, on 12 January 2013 - 03:42 AM, said:

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...00514a722c8c1bc

This instead might get better results, Catapults/Dragons are more of a Fire-Support mech.

Endo-Steel, gives more tons for 14 slots. More leg armor, and more ammo. UAC is about 3 tons ammo for 1 match, +2 for every extra UAC on the same ammo.

Drop down to regular M.Las, Pulse doesn't really matter without true "arms". Ammo in head since it's only 13 or less seconds of risk(25 shots)

Edited by Stingz, 12 January 2013 - 06:07 AM.

[Dizzywig]

Awesome, being able to spam the UACs now feels almost liberating. And my heat's down with the MPLs gone. I definitely like your setup a lot better!

[dr bongstorm]

when it works, it is sweet, when they jam it blows.

i have been using one uac5 and an ac20 with decent results. thinking about trying two ac 10s next.

i am not sure if i want to go with two uac 20s...it just doesnt seem fun. i find min/maxing makes things kind of homogeneous.

[Depe]

I tried this setup and looks like it works really fine.

[Stingz]

dr bongstorm, on 12 January 2013 - 07:38 PM, said:

i am not sure if i want to go with two uac 20s...it just doesnt seem fun. i find min/maxing makes things kind of homogeneous.

x2 UAC/20 is 80 damage in one spot, I don't think even an Atlas can stand up to that punishment(100 front, 62 internals usually).

Example: Hunchback IIC (x2 UAC/20, x2 ER M.Las)

Edited by Stingz, 14 January 2013 - 03:15 PM.

[4lex]

Stingz, on 13 January 2013 - 06:25 AM, said:

x2 UAC/20 is 80 damage in one spot, I don't think even an Atlas can stand up to that punishment(100 front, 62 internals usually).

Strange math =D

[MadPanda]

I run my K2 with standard engine and 2x UAC5, 2x ML. I don't like xl engine on a cat.

[StalaggtIKE]

Stingz, on 13 January 2013 - 06:25 AM, said:

x2 UAC/20 is 80 damage in one spot, I don't think even an Atlas can stand up to that punishment(100 front, 62 internals usually).

Shouldn't that be 40? Or have I've been neglecting a factor in calculating damage?

[Slash]

StalaggtIKE, on 14 January 2013 - 06:23 AM, said:

Shouldn't that be 40? Or have I've been neglecting a factor in calculating damage?

Our friend is counting the doubleshot effect into the volley. SO you'd have 2x20 damage shots immediately followed by 2x20 damage via the ultra "doubleshot" effect.

And yes, it will be devastating. Luckily, by the time UAC20s are around, there will be other longer ranged weapons to provide a counter (things like 6 Clan ER Small Lasers with 450M range).

[Dizzywig]

I'm back after playing Stingz build for a few days! The thing about this build I noticed most strongly is how little heat over damage it produces. That gives me enough burst damage to core a Stalker from behind with all its CT back armor still on.

Other things I like to do is play chicken with other mechs. I'd go right in front of them when their CT armor is down or almost down, and I'd stand still and we'd shoot at each other until the other mech ineveitably overheats from spamming all its guns at once. (Note, doesn't work against other ballistics-heavy mechs. Keep moving!)

Anyway, your main targets in this build is still heavies and assaults, but with some precision aiming, you can leg a light or medium fairly easily as well.

Here are some highlights:


I didn't expect to still get 2nd place. Most of my kills were together with my team, but the last one was an epic 3v1 showdown. Went down guns blazing.


Officially beat my kill record here. I admit some kills were a kill steal, but still a pretty sweet run.


Most damage I've ever done with this K2. I don't expect myself to go past 1k damage as I tend to avoid brawls. Finding an opportunity to jump a straggler's much more effective.


Sometimes I wish I did premades, but 200+ms and no mic makes it a tad bit hard. (also, shy ._.)


This game was fairly even, but losing their lights early cost the other team. Don't run into an enemy blob without support, light mech pilots!

So yeah. This build was the most fun I've had in MWO so far. Simple, effective and just plain awesome. I think I've found my mech of choice.

[Bad Brad Keselowski]

Funny, how this is the build I always tend to come back to and having the most fun with. You usually do best when you somehow manage to stay unnoticed. A dual AC/20 cat is frigthening but this build often is underestimated.

I'm running an XL, too. Very, very rarely get cored because of the side torso.

[NRP]

My K2 currently runs 2 AC/20s and 2 MLs. The only downside is that I can only run a STD200 engine, which means I'm slower than a friggin stock Atlas.

Just don't get in front of me because you will die. I tend to enjoy these high alpha damage builds.

[Dizzywig]

AC/20 cats are awesome! But I like to keep a good speed so I can weave in and out of cover to keep myself off as a target. Good for circling around things with less torso twist than you, baiting mechs to your team, and definitely good for running away.

While relying on your team is good, but I believe your own survival is your own responsibility He who knows when he can fight and when he cannot will be victorious, Sun Tzu said.