9 replies to this topic

[Valder]

Hey all, here's an article I wrote on how to pick your hunchbacks, especially geared towards new players who aren't sure what mech to start with. Hunchbacks are especially appropriate to new player, as they don't need XL engines to shine which can easily double the price of a mech. They also are very good for learning fundamentals in. I'd just transcribe the article to here, but due to formatting and image issues on this site, I thought it better to just link it.

[Felicitatem Parco]

This seems appropriate for the "BattleMech Guides" section of the forums. Moving thread now

[WolvesX]

http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/mechlab#i=22& l=f68af3b012218dbbcac42c798db8d958dee0fc ec

Thats the mech I reccomend all my cadets.

[Ravennus]

Great stuff, especially regarding the 4SP and 4P.


I would argue that a well-built 4H does everything a 4G does, but better. The Hunch is slightly smaller too.
My personal favourite is a 2 arm MLAS/3 SLAS/AC20 build.

HBK-4H "Boomer"

Don't underestimate those 3 SLAS... they do the same damage as a Large Laser up close, and fire much faster and cooler.

I've tried to build a proper 4G, but I just can't find a practical* build that does anything better than the 4H does.
*Yes, you can do interesting things with 2 UAC5s or 3 AC2s... but I wouldn't call it practical.


Also, the 4J is still good to teach proper use of LRMs.
2 LRM10s will come out of those missile slots all at once, which is better.
There is also a lot of room for Artemis, a TAG (essential now for proper LRM play), and backup lasers.

This is a good build for that.... HBK-4J "Crossbow"

Edited by Ravennus, 14 February 2013 - 05:37 PM.

[1453 R]

I've been telling every rookie with a fresh cadet bonus I run across to buy a 4SP ever since I found out much I regretted not buying a 4SP myself with said cadet bonus. Yeah, if every newbie around starts buying 4SPs we'll be seeing a lot of them on the field, but you know what? There just isn't a better 'Mech in this game to learn with, especially considering the fact that the 4SP will never be a bad 'Mech, either. A skilled pilot in a 4SP is just as capable of killing you as he is in anything else.

[Valder]

Yeah, the more I think about it, the more I am steering toward linking the 4H as more practical than then 4G. Because like you said, it can do everything practical that the G can. 3xAC2's are better left to the dragon chassis, and even dual UAC5's are a heavy burden for the 4G, taking away the practical use of the 3 ballistic points. But if you're a founder, the 4G is handy to grind cbills in. When I get some time, the article will be updated accordingly. =D

[Krazy Kat]

Ravennus, on 14 February 2013 - 05:17 PM, said:

Also, the 4J is still good to teach proper use of LRMs.
2 LRM10s will come out of those missile slots all at once, which is better.
There is also a lot of room for Artemis, a TAG (essential now for proper LRM play), and backup lasers.

This is a good build for that.... HBK-4J "Crossbow"

Thx for the build.
I sold my 4J after ECM came out. But after thinking about adding artemis and tag, I wondered if I made a mistake. I might wait to see what the trebuchet can do. But my 4J is at Master already. . .

As for the 4G/4H issue. They say there will be changes to critical damage in the future. If so, then picture the 4G with one big gun and 2 machine guns. Hmm.

Edited by Krazy Kat, 14 February 2013 - 06:04 PM.

[Ravennus]

Krazy Kat, on 14 February 2013 - 06:01 PM, said:

Thx for the build.
I sold my 4J after ECM came out. But after thinking about adding artemis and tag, I wondered if I made a mistake. I might wait to see what the trebuchet can do. But my 4J is at Master already. . .

As for the 4G/4H issue. They say there will be changes to critical damage in the future. If so, then picture the 4G with one big gun and 2 machine guns. Hmm.

No prob!

I'm also going to revisit the 4G when Machine Guns are buffed.

The Trebuchet looks interesting though... can't wait to see what I can do with it.

Valder, on 14 February 2013 - 05:49 PM, said:

Yeah, the more I think about it, the more I am steering toward linking the 4H as more practical than then 4G. Because like you said, it can do everything practical that the G can. 3xAC2's are better left to the dragon chassis, and even dual UAC5's are a heavy burden for the 4G, taking away the practical use of the 3 ballistic points. But if you're a founder, the 4G is handy to grind cbills in. When I get some time, the article will be updated accordingly. =D

Awesome, I'm glad I could help!

I'm a new player since December.... I missed out on the founders, unfortunately.

Edited by Ravennus, 14 February 2013 - 06:31 PM.

[fl4sh222]

fl4sh222, on 07 February 2013 - 04:30 AM, said:

Thats my actual Hunchy SP build:

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...ad84b180f66fe69

It has great firepower and you can spam all the time without running hot. Before I tryed SRM6 and Artemis too, but it feels like that the SRM4 don´t spread that much and have already a very small impact area.
It´s fast enough to run around bigger enemys, alpha like a scalpel and cut arms off or shredd through special spots. The TAG is more for making some more money. Sometimes I switch for AMS, less leg armor or some more SRM-ammo, but normally it´s enough.

Only problem is when I can´t wait to hunt Assaults and get caught by a bunch of small Mechs. It´s a great variety after playing my DDC.

It´s still in use to make fast money. If you like you can switch to SRM6, but I like it to spam alpha´s and never ever run hot. This was my main problem when I started to play.
That´s why I prefer SRM4 without using Artemis:
http://mwomercs.com/...ithout-artemis/
It saves ammo and heat and is still very effectiv.

Here is another link that helped me a lot:
http://mwomercs.com/...e/page__st__120

Edited by fl4sh222, 15 February 2013 - 01:05 AM.

[Valder]

The article has been updated to reflect the 4H being more well-rounded in hardpoints than the 4G. Thanks for the feedback =)