13 replies to this topic

[Palutena]

Which Cataphract should I get for my 3rd?

I tend to like ranged builds.

Have a sniper 2 ER PPC+ Gaus 3D and the fun 3 UAC5 + 3 med laser Ilya right now.

Debating
1x with 4 large lasers. Back when there was repair and rearm I ran the 3 large lasers Founders Catapult and it was quite good

2x with gaus, er ppc, 2 srm 4, 2 med

4x with 4 ac 2s. Ilya with 3 ultra ac5s is probably better then this. I tried the 3 ac2 hunchback 4g and didn't like it very much after the ac2 shakey nerf. Ran out of ammo fast or got focused down.

[Hex Pallett]

COME OVER HERE BRO!

If 4xLL is what you're after then I'd say you're better off with 3D. Jumpjets, you know.

I'd recommend 4X+quadAC2 just for the dakka dakka though.

[toxx1790]

I really didn't like the 4X -- the smaller engine size means it is very slow compared to other variants.

I like the 1X and switching between two builds:

Std 300
AC 20
5 MLAS

or

XL 300
5 Large Lasers

I have a friend who swears by this 2X build:

Std 300
Ac 20
3 MLAS
2 SRM 6

Edit: Somehow my smurfy-net links are borked. Replaced with description of builds.

Edited by toxx1790, 18 February 2013 - 02:12 PM.

[darkkterror]

In my stables, I have the Ilya, 1X, and 3D. I didn't like the idea of the 4X simply because of the engine size. I do find myself preferring to be more on the fast side of Mechs and the 4X doesn't cut it there. I didn't run my 1X as a sniper, though. I ran it with an AC20 and 5 MLs.

[OneEyed Jack]

For the 4X I prefer 2xUAC/2xAC2. Higher burst DPS than 4xAC2, asnd higher sustainable DPS if you can manage the cooldowns right, or use a macro, as well as a higher alpha. Here's my build, I'd link it, but I'm getting an error on Smurfy.

[Edit: got Smurfy working, so here's the link: CTF-4X w/ 2xUAC/2xAC2]

You could, of course drop the Streak for 2xML or some more ammo, but it's my preference to ensure I have a back-up weapon that can chase off lights, since the ACs have a hard time focusing enough damage, and the low HS count can make using MLs a little hazardous

It doesn't have the sustainability of the 2xAC2 for holding-down-the-button dakka, but I like the effectiveness. It plays much like a slightly slower Ilya, but with slightly more sustained DPS, slighty less burst, and some of it will never jam.

Edited by OneEyed Jack, 18 February 2013 - 02:51 PM.

[Eisenhorne]

The Mini-atlas 2x (AC/20, 3x ML, 2x SRM6) is a very fun loadout, and packs a lot more punch than people expect from a 70 ton mech. Its also pretty hard to use, because its a lot of different weapons groups to aim.


The Gaussaphract is also very fun... I run mine with 2x Gauss and 2x MPL, and a max sized XL engine. Not too slow (65 w/ speed tweak) and it packs enough ammo to fire forever. Very fun.

[Beefer]

Currently running a 2x with 3xLPL and 2xSRM6. It's fantastic to brawl with, just not so hot from range. I've also run it 3xERPPC and 2xSSRM2, which is better from range, but runs hot even with +3 DHS.

I know, I know, Cataphract with no ballistics is verboten.

[Zoccola]

I second the mini-Atlas 2X. Here is my build.

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...ff9c0b2d56c4454

If you want more range and a bit more speed you can drop the AC20 and swap in an XL engine.

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...067607066445b96
(I know I left the AC20 ammo in it, too lazy to swap.) The alpha is much less powerful, dropping from 65 to 49, but it is much much more heat efficient, and operates well at 450 meters (well with the exception of the SRMs which you can save for brawling.) Works quite well. (I find there is not enough love for the AC10.)

[John MatriX82]

In my books it is 1X>2X>4X.

I find myself comfortable with the 1X (I own too a 3D and the Ilya); 2X isn't that bad either. If you've got the Ilya then you can already do things that a 4X can do and even better, since you can mount larger engines and be faster.

[Snowcrow]

I own both the 1x and the 4x.
On the 4x I run 2 ultra ac/5 and 2 ac/5.
it's a lot of fun.
On the 1x I run 5 medium lasers and an ac/20 with an xl 320 engine.
Iove this build. I always to a ton of damage.
The 1x is the best choice in my opinion.

Edited by Snowcrow, 19 February 2013 - 12:21 PM.

[SC1P1O]

The 4x with the above build, 2uac5 2 ac5, is a very effective anti heavy/ assault mech. But you need to be behind someone big.

[TheStrider]

2x: 320/325XL Engine with 3ML, Gauss and 2 SRM6. Wrecks things.

[Palutena]

Thank you. Leaning towards the 2x. Have to save up enough Cbills.

[Snowcrow]

After the new patch, I'm testing a new build on the 4x.
2x ac/10 2x mg and 2x ml. Standard 255 engine.

Edited by Snowcrow, 20 February 2013 - 09:04 AM.