22 replies to this topic

[Omnicide Incarnate]

Hey guys, I just started playing and am still playing around with different mechs but i was wondering if anyone had any good fits for the spider?

I like the idea of a fast mech full of jump jets running around but I dont really know what im doing...

The only light mechs i ever remember using in the previous games are the nova and jenner

Any help would be greatly appreciated

[Wrenchfarm]

Which type of Spider do you have?

Also, I might not recommend that mech for a beginner (or anybody), it is a particularly hard chassis to get good results out of.

If you like lights, the Raven-3L is the "best". If you really want to use jumpjets (can't blame you there) the Jenner can mount them well and use much better loadouts than any Spider - but it lacks ECM.

If you MUST get a Spider, take the 5D and something like this. It has ECM and 3 MLAS, which is about as good as you're gonna get on the Spider sad to say. You will need to buy an XL250 engine which is expensive.

Again, maybe don't get the Spider?

Edited by Wrenchfarm, 17 February 2013 - 01:52 PM.

[Omnicide Incarnate]

i have the 5v but the 5k looks like it might be more fun if theres a way to up the jump jets, think i like ballistics more than lasers... yeah, i was getting smashed in it and when i did survive i was just taking pot shots with the lasers, didnt feel like i was accomplishing anything...

I switched to a centurion last night, but thought the spider would be fun if i could find a good loadout for it

[Wrenchfarm]

Omnicide Incarnate, on 17 February 2013 - 01:52 PM, said:

i have the 5v but the 5k looks like it might be more fun if theres a way to up the jump jets, think i like ballistics more than lasers... yeah, i was getting smashed in it and when i did survive i was just taking pot shots with the lasers, didnt feel like i was accomplishing anything...

I switched to a centurion last night, but thought the spider would be fun if i could find a good loadout for it

Yeah I'm sorry man. That is a rough introduction to the game. Did you spend most of the cadet money on it? You can always start another account and regain that bonus if you aren't too heavily invested in this one yet.

The Spider is a lot of fun to jump around in, but the limited mounting options really hamstring it. Shame.

The Cent is a fun mech and there are a lot of threads open about it around. I'm sure you can find a good build for any variant.

[Phoenix Gray]

For a good Spider load-out I recommend any of a wide variety of quality paintball guns currently available, loaded with a wide selection of amusingly-colored ammunition. If you splice it into the mech's pressurized coolant system you can get some surprisingly impressive ranges and velocities.

"Oh, this thing can't scratch a Tiger. I just looking at the pretty colors, man." - Donald "Oddball" Sutherland, Kelly's Heroes

[Omnicide Incarnate]

Yeah ive been using this build i found in a thread, minus the xl engine, cant afford it yet http://mwo.smurfy-ne...122f692d8885fd3

i didnt think i even had any bonus money to begin with lol, just kept trying the trial mechs till i could afford the spider, then played that a while and got the cent

ouch phoenix, ouch

Edited by Omnicide Incarnate, 17 February 2013 - 02:08 PM.

[Stringburka]

Well, spider is one of the harder 'mechs since it has so little damage potential, and the 5v is arguably the hardest one, 5k being in the middle and 5d being the "easy" one (I'm learning it right now).

My suggestion for 5v and 5k is focus on the body laser. 5k can nearly only mount machine guns which are currently irrelevant (you can mount an AC-2 but you lose a lot of speed and jumpjets by doing it).


The thing is, to build an even useful spider will require some cash (namely an XL engine).

I would honestly start out with a raven 3-L or hunchback 4SP for good beginner 'mechs (the 4SP being cheaper and more robust, the 3L being light and nimble but a bit expensive).

If you're deadset on spider 5-V, I suggest something like this:
SDR-5V

Alternatively, for a safer build, swap the LPL for an ERLL, some armor and an extra jumpjet or two.

Basically your job is to annoy the opposition and go for opportunity attacks. Fly around a lot, get a hang of maneuvering (there's a current thread on that in general guides named "how to deal with assaults as a light" or something like that) and skate turning.

EDIT: For a 5K I suggest practically the same build. If you get the 5D, drop some armor and a few jump jets to build it like ECM + 2xML + LL.
Just make sure to always have maximum engine unless you know EXACTLY what you're doing.

EDIT2: That said, the 5D can be quite effective. I score a little over one kill per death, am usually among the last to go down, and can often help a lot with capping etc. I'm a decent pilot but not excellent and haven't gotten the hang of jumpjets yet - if you have talent or train a lot, the spider 5D can probably be VERY effective for you. The others are harder, as their maximum firepower is around 10 rather than 19.

EDITfiftyeleven: If you're deadset on ballistics, something like this _might_ work. Stay away and snipe.
5K

Edited by Stringburka, 17 February 2013 - 02:25 PM.

[Regrets]

+1 Wrench.

You will be best off with an ECM light while you learn. Non-ECM lights are a deathtrap for beginners. Com-2D is an option too while you learn that will be cheaper than the Raven. I'd say the Com-2D is probably 10-20% more effective than the ECM spider, due to streaks. There are even some advantages to the 2D over the 3L Raven. The 3L is the king of lights at the moment, but the costs are pretty high for a beginner.

Machine guns are not really viable right now. I'm sorry to say it, but your 5K is basically worthless for the time being. Don't sell it yet if you are dead set on the spider. You will need to get all of the basic upgrades before you sell it. You need 3 all basic upgrades to get the next level of pilot upgrades for your ECM spider. Level it to 8/8 basic pilot upgrades and then sell it.

[Ravennus]

The more successful 5D's I've seen use something like this... SDR-5D

Don't buy a 250xl. Get a 255xl. They are the same weight. (better yet, save up for a Stalker 5S and get one included at a substantial savings.... plus a fancy new Assault mech!)

Pulse Lasers are better on faster mechs. They don't seem like it on paper, but in practice you do a lot more damage because you don't need to hold the laser on target as long.... perfect for strafing runs.
Once I tried them on my Raven 3L, I never looked back.

You also don't need the max 8 JJs. Especially since the recent buff, you just need the initial height to get over obstacles and increase your maneuverability. 6 should be good.
Jump Jetting really high to get away never works. It just makes you an easier target. Use cover and normally impassable terrain to your advantage.

If you ever get in a team, you can swap the chest MPLAS for a TAG and spot for friendly LRM boats.
You can do this solo as well, but most people don't take advantage of it.

Heat should still be ok. Just don't stick around and circle. You are too squishy.
Watch out for enemy Lights with Streaks.... the best bet is to get away using obstacles that you can jump over but your opponent can't.


But yes... it's not a good starter mech and is very expensive.


I always recommend a Medium chassis as your first mech.
Hunchbacks are my favourite, as it is the most balanced with 4/5 variants all having their specialties and each teaching your how to use the different weapons in MWO.
4SP (Lasers and SRMs and no vulnerable hunch)
4P (Laser "Boat")
4H (Ballistics and Lasers)
4J (LRMs and Lasers)

Avoid the 4G like the plague, as the 4H does it better.

Use a MINIMUM of a 250 STANDARD engine in all your Hunchback builds. You can buy one engine, and swap between them.
Your first upgrade should always be Double Heat Sinks.

Look around here for various builds.... it's probably one of the best starter mech chassis in the game.


The Cent can also be good, but doesn't have the variety of the Hunchback and is a bit trickier to learn.
Also, once you Elite 3 Hunchback variants to unlock Master, you don't need to Elite 3 Centurions (or other Medium Mechs like the Cicada or upcoming Trebuchet). You just need to get full Basic on 3, then you can take 1 all the way up to Master without having to Elite the other two.


Happy hunting and welcome to MWO!

Edited by Ravennus, 17 February 2013 - 02:24 PM.

[Omnicide Incarnate]

i was looking at the hunchback 4sp specifically before i found the build for this centurion, seems to be similar to a hellbringer from mechwarrior 2

I always liked mechs like the hellbringer, warhammer, rifleman sad so few mechs are in game yet

[Ravennus]

Omnicide Incarnate, on 17 February 2013 - 02:07 PM, said:

Yeah ive been using this build i found in a thread, minus the xl engine, cant afford it yet http://mwo.smurfy-ne...122f692d8885fd3

i didnt think i even had any bonus money to begin with lol, just kept trying the trial mechs till i could afford the spider, then played that a while and got the cent

ouch phoenix, ouch

Oh god, don't waste money on an XL engine for a Centurion, especially the CN9-A.

Centurions have a reputation of taking a beating, and being a deadly "Zombie" mech. Essentially, you can take out both their arms and even side torsos and they are still a threat.
XL engines make you a lot less durable, because if you lose a side torso it's GAME OVER.
Whereas with a Standard engine, you can only be "cored" by taking out the centre torso.

The only Centurion I might use an XL engine in is the CN9-D, because it can take a much higher rated engine and go a lot faster. You are squishier, but the extra speed can make up for it if you are a good pilot.


A really fun CN9-A build doesn't even use the ballistic arm.
Just pack in 3 SRM6s in the side torso and 2 MLAS in the CT, with lots of ammo in the legs and head, and you pack a MEAN punch up close and are very durable.

[Ravennus]

Omnicide Incarnate, on 17 February 2013 - 02:28 PM, said:

i was looking at the hunchback 4sp specifically before i found the build for this centurion, seems to be similar to a hellbringer from mechwarrior 2

I always liked mechs like the hellbringer, warhammer, rifleman sad so few mechs are in game yet

Most of those mechs you mentioned are "Unseen". MWO will likely never get them.
Why? Well, the short version is... "Unseen" mechs were actually designs "borrowed" from the Japanese Robotech series (and some other anime as well; Macross?).
Technically, the Battletech license doesn't include the rights to use those designs, as they were never owned by FASA (original designers of Battletech) or anyone else that the Battletech IP has passed down to.

At least, that's roughly how I understand it.

Edited by Ravennus, 17 February 2013 - 02:36 PM.

[Omnicide Incarnate]

now im sad

Dont wanna just spam the forums with threads like these... so could one of you guys link me to a good fit for a dragon 1n as well?

Looks like that might be what i try next

Edited by Omnicide Incarnate, 17 February 2013 - 05:03 PM.

[Amsro]

I have been using Spiders for a while now, there isn't much variety in them. I'll post my loadouts on all 3 variants. XL255 for all variants, your dead in a spider without speed.

SDR-5D (with Endo Steel and Double Heatsink upgrades) 15 Alpha
-3xMed Laser
-8x JJ
-Guardian ECM
-1x Double Heatsink
-As much armor I can fit (208)

SDR-5V (wish Endo Steel and Double Heatsink upgrades) 12 Alpha
-2xMed Pulse Laser
-12 JJ
-As much armor I can fit (192)

SDR-5K (with Endo Steel and Double Heatsink upgrades) 17 Alpha
-1xERLarge Laser
-4xMachine Gun
-2 Tonnes Ammo in legs
-1 JJ (just for quick turns)
-As much armor I can fit (144)

They all have a little bit different playing style and I seem to do well as a scout/support/diversion mech. Hope you can get some use out of the spider.

Edit 4 slots of ammo not tonnes as I originally wrote.

Edited by Amsro, 17 February 2013 - 07:29 PM.

[Stringburka]

4 machineguns aren't 8 points of alpha. They're 1.6 points alpha, if you fire a full second (same as the LL). Just sayin'.

[Wrenchfarm]

Amsro, on 17 February 2013 - 05:23 PM, said:

SDR-5K (with Endo Steel and Double Heatsink upgrades) 17 Alpha
-1xERLarge Laser
-4xMachine Gun
-4 tonnes Ammo in legs
-1 JJ (just for quick turns)
-As much armor I can fit (144)

lol, why 4 tons of MG ammo! Surely you can't use that much. Why not drop 2 or 3 tons and put in a few more jumpjets? Let you snipe a bit with that ERLLAS.

[Tybo]

http://www.youtube.c...d&v=vnjShiG-Zkc

[Ravennus]

Until MGs are buffed, I just don't see the point. That is a lot of tonnage and crit space to just annoy a couple people (who will likely know better than to be distracted by you... hopefully).

For a 5K, I would just max out everything and put a Large Pulse Laser in the CT. Still not ideal, but atm there isn't much you can do with that variant.

I'm kind of annoyed how so many Chassis seem to have very subpar variants that you are required to grind out just to level the mech you actually want (and is worth piloting).

The Hunchback is the exception, with 4 out of 5 variants being usable, as I said before... but that 4G! Argh!


The lights seem to have it really bad. Who prefers a Raven 2X or 4X over a 3L? Really, other than to just be contrary?
Same with the Commando and Spider. Ugh.

[Omnicide Incarnate]

omg lol that video of the sniper spiders looks like itd be a lot of fun even if i dont think theyd be too good all the time

[Nathan Hawk]

This is my Spider-5D loadout, pretty nippy mech, best at taking out medium+ mechs, not so great against other lights sadly, unless your a good aim and are in a decent possition to snipe

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...f4fa6b355ef4044