14 replies to this topic

[Bleys295]

So I've been playing for three days now, using a Catapult K2 for direct fire support. The going is rocky however because I cannot deal with light mechs. Any time a scout s my location they start circling, even with the catapults crazy twist I cannot get a solid hit before I get cored from behind. Any advice?

[focuspark]

Medium Lasers or Medium Pulse Lasers.

Don't panic, they can smell fear.

Try to back into something to make it hard to circle.

Don't use your big guns on them, you'll just miss and overheat.

Swing your torso around early in anticipation of their circle, this way you can keep a bead on them longer.

Invest MXP into torso twist improvements early.

[Redshift2k5]

The best thing is to never let yourself GET in that situation in the first place. Stick to your TEAM so there are allies nearby to help you kill the light. Lasers work wonders, I find large lasers equally suited to killing heavy mechs as they are for killing light mechs.

[T0rmented]

so they circle u right? anticiapte them circling! they spend half their time in front of u!

[Bleys295]

Not really. Most of my issues stem from them being able to keep my back once I try to turn to lead them. The suggestion of getting my back to a wall is nice though. Are lights generally the counter to mediocre fire-support?

[Corvus Antaka]

Back up.

[Corison]

FYI a K2 can 1 shot most lights, or at least stop them dead. Their legs don't have a lot of armor and a dual Gauss/Ac20 will take them out. You just have to practice leading the target.

If you have lasers, they make a good way to learn.. Fire and watch how far you have to lead the target to start scoring hits, then hit them hard. The K2 with Gauss can easily hold M(p)L's and perhaps a Tag unit. Either can be used to practice your aim and help drump up some fire support.

Putting a building or large structure behind you helps.. Or hit reverse and counter turn. You can at least get one volley off every 5-6 seconds.

A single light should never be a threat to a heavier mech... Now when you go up against a pre-made group of 4 ECM ravens that changes. In a small group they pack enough firepower to core even the best assault in moments.

Edited by Corison, 01 February 2013 - 08:41 PM.

[Redshift2k5]

Bleys295, on 01 February 2013 - 08:32 PM, said:

Are lights generally the counter to mediocre fire-support?

Yes.

long-range fire mechs standing in the back are easy pickings for light mechs who have flanked around your main force. move with your team, don't stay in the back with no backup from your team.

[Moldycrow]

focuspark, on 01 February 2013 - 05:06 PM, said:

Medium Lasers or Medium Pulse Lasers.

Don't panic, they can smell fear.

Try to back into something to make it hard to circle.

Swing your torso around early in anticipation of their circle, this way you can keep a bead on them longer.

We really can smell fear. Once you start panicking, most people make stupid mistakes. Stay calm.

When a light is circling you, don't always circle with him. It just gives the light one piece of armor to chip away at, and he can out turn you anyways. I find that occasionally turning against the Light helps much better, especially in a light v. light dogfight. At the very least, it presents fresher armor.

And do not ever exclusively use LRMs or PPCs, Once a light gets within minimum range, you're pretty much dead. Have some short range weapon.

Edited by Moldycrow, 02 February 2013 - 05:18 AM.

[Draxa]

I have trouble hitting them with PPC's myself, but my 3LL/2ssrm cat chews up lights pretty good. Im the squirrel hunter of my group usually. And the 3LL do a pretty decent number on pretty much anything.

EDIT: MLs and MPLs are pretty nice on lights too. I generally equip at least 3 on any mech, just for dealing with lights.

Edited by Draxa, 02 February 2013 - 05:22 AM.

[Flapdrol]

Just turn and twist in the opposite direction of the light and you'll get plenty of chances to shoot them.

Even stalkers with a 250 engine can get hits on a light this way.

[Sadistic Savior]

Bleys295, on 01 February 2013 - 05:03 PM, said:

So I've been playing for three days now, using a Catapult K2 for direct fire support. The going is rocky however because I cannot deal with light mechs. Any time a scout s my location they start circling, even with the catapults crazy twist I cannot get a solid hit before I get cored from behind. Any advice?

Use Lasers (anything without a minimum range) and just aim carefully. Streak weapons work well too. I often try to hit them with AC/20s anyway (I can't help myself...it often only takes 1 AC/20 hit to kill them and it is so much fun when it works).

They are not very durable, so even medium lasers are dangerous to them. Large Lasers have no minimum range and are the best against them IMO.

Do not try to circle strafe with them. They will usually outrun you. Turn the other direction instead...or lower your speed. You can turn much faster at low speed.

[KageRyuu]

You can freely ignore the advice of people who don't bother to actually read your posts, but yes, best way to deal with a good light pilot in a solo situation is to put your back against a wall, or if friendlies aren't far away to v line it to them and hope they're better at taking them out then you are. Regardless, don't ever forget to torso twist, it'll save your life as they can't kill you if they can't hit the same spot consecutively..

Edited by KageRyuu, 02 February 2013 - 07:21 AM.

[mailin]

As a light pilot, one of my favorite things to do when circling an enemy, is, if given the opportunity, fire my weapons only when they are going to hit his back. If an enemy backs against a solid structure I will typically scamper off with my tail between my legs. If you get caught in the open, don't try to chase the squirrel. Instead, start backing up and as try to predict where he will be when you press the fire button. Lights can be taken out by heavies, you just need to stay calm and learn from your mistakes.

[Bobzilla]

Walk in reverse, it makes them unable to stay behind you. So they circle you. When they are in front, shoot em. When they start to go behind, anticipate the circle and turn the other way. Maximize the time they are in front of you and minimze the time they are behind you. Once you get used to this its easy to get good shots on them, and they will find easier targets.