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Don't look for it.So Cataphract is, until Jagermech comes out, probably the best ballistic platform among all announced IS 'Mechs. Four of the variants have a ballistic hardpoint in side torso (AC20 FK YEAH), three of which have them in arms and two of them have ballistics in BOTH arms. Not mentioning that most variants have energy hardpoints VERY high up on their side torsos, allowing you to install LLas/PPC over there and peekaboo from cover.
Also it is borderland impossible to headshot a CTF.
In short, Cataphracts is ideal for long-range direct-fire support, sniping AND brawling, whichever you prefer.
That doesn't mena Cataphracts are flawless. Their pancake torsos are quite handy for soaking LRMs, and the low ballistic positions means you'll have to expose yourself greatly in order to hit the target. Though pancakes are quite slim when looked from the sides, but still, try to stay close to cover, or teammates. And don't go alltheway when brawling. You can't beat an Atlas face to face.
Let's get down to the builds. Note that I don't have 2X and 3D, and those builds are purely theoretical. But I have elite on most other variants so my theories are practical, so don't judge me.
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CTF-1X: XL335, 20DHS, Endo, 2xLL, 1xERPPC, 2xML
Embrace the blasphemy! A Cataphract without any Autocannon. But hey, remember what I said about shoulder lasers? This is it. The two LLas are perfect for early-game cover-popping, plus the best all-range falcon punch in the left hand and the best CQB dagger in the right hand. And TWENTY DHS! A very smooth, agile and comfortable build, ideal for long-range fire support.
But, you may ask: it has an XL which means you'll die fast when your side torsos are shot. And my answer would be: you know what else dies fast? A slow chunk of steel.
And of course you could try the more conventional AC20 brawler: STD300, 15DHS, Endo, 1xAC20(3ton), 5xML. Not a slow build by any stretch of imagination, and not something to be ignored when this thing Alpha strikes.
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CTF-2X: STD300, 13DHS, Endo, 1xAC20(3ton), 2xSSRM2(1ton), 2xML, TAG
Same idea with the conventional 1X, slightly better for finishing off Lights. Also TAG may bring you bonus moneh!
Wait, what did you...no, no no NO. Don't you dare mentioning LRM on a Cataphract. Just don't. Don't. DON'T.
Oh, you mean a pair of SRM4. That's a good idea, but then you'll have to downgrade the engine to free up more weight. You'll be better off doing that on an Atlas.
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CTF-3D: XL340, 18DHS, Endo, 3xJJ, 4xLL
3D in itself is not a good variant, mostly because the stock XL engine and the JumpJet capability doesn't really judge the price. Which is why I skipped this variant in my Mechbay. But nonetheless, this is a fun build simply because an LL has a 4-second firing cycle, meaning that with some practice you can constantly chainfire the four LLas all the time, until you need to cool down. And with the 18 DHS of yours, you can keep firing for quite a while.
And you can jump around
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CTF-4X: XL255, 15DHS, Endo, 4xAC2(6ton), 2xMPL
My ABSOLUTE favorite ballistic 'Mech. Long-range direct fire support to the perfection. An AC2 has a 4 DPS, and by comparison an AC20 has 5 DPS, and AC5 is something around 2.8.
And you have four of this.
I've done so many ridiculous things with this build. Once I was facing another 4X boating quad AC5 who's pilot obviously thought he could argue with numbers. We just stood there and shot at each other. I won, because I sided with numbers. Oh, and I've cored quite a few Assaults who obviously believe their CT armor are good enough to tank the damage while charging me head on.
Unfortunately the engine is capped at 255, making it as slow as an Assault and quite vulnerable against brawlers and Light 'Mechs. Remember to position away from the frontline, but try not to stay too far from your comrades.
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Muromet: XL300, 10DHS(engine), Endo, 2xGauss(5ton), 2xML
The perfect sniper. Highly mobile considering the firepower, admirable range, beautiful burst damage and never overheats - unlike those PPCboat-trollcannon. If you're paranoid about Gauss exploding (in case you don't know, all ammo explode with the exception of Gauss rifle, which the weapon ITSELF explode. search "ammo explosion" for more info), simply take off a ton of ammo and install two CASEs, and you'll still land around 600 damage if you're a good shot. Speaking of Gauss explosion...LOL Gausspult LOLOLOL
Of course you can utilize the side torso ballistic hardpoint and boat triple-UAC5, but you know, UAC jams. I prefer striking deep and hard, instead of short and fast but having to stop halfway to...answer telephone, which totally breaks the mood.
(Gawd I'm awful at these jokes.)
Just in case, if you b*tch about how expensive a Hero 'Mech is, open your f[beep]ing eyes and look around at how much contents the devs are giving you for F[beep]ing FREE.
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And that pretty much covers most important things about Cataphracts. It's still one man's work so we'll be grateful if you're a constructive critic. Feel free to check our my most-viewed Hunchback guide and not-much-loved Awesome guide and this and that and pots and pans. I bid you good day, ladies.
Edited by Helmstif, 17 February 2013 - 08:24 PM.
