8 replies to this topic

[Cannibal Cat]

Okay as of the most recent patch, the NARC beacon cuts through a single ECM (in the mech hit) for up to 35 damage.
Until the last patch it was for 20 seconds.

So now is it until 35 damage, regardless of how long it takes.
Or
Is it until 35 damage OR 20 seconds, whichever comes first?

[nksharp]

ECM also cancels it out afaik, making it basically as useless as always.

[Rakashan]

ECM still cancels it definitely.

I didn't work with NARC last night but the text seems to indicate that NARC works for as long as it takes for the enemy mech to take 35 points of damage. Note that this is not missile damage, but just damage. 35 points is more than the alpha of most scout mechs but is not enough to allow multiple missile volleys from a boat.

[Tarman]

Confirmation of NARC still being a waste of tonnage.

[Cannibal Cat]

Okay so if NARC still doesn't penetrate ECM and I was never hit by a PPC or a TAG, how was ti I was locked onto and tracked by enemy LRM's from over 900m out? They launched as soon as we broke the 1000m mark and I double checked my ECM to confirm I was in Disrupt mode.

I assumed somehow they sent a light mech to NARC us then run away and their light mech either didn't have TAG or had it deactivated (not to mention it was busy fighting on the other side of a mountain with our own light mech). The LRM's even tracked me when I moved around the other side of a mountain (I assume adv. target decay could do that provided they had a lock in the first place).

[One Medic Army]

Cannibal Cat, on 21 February 2013 - 12:50 AM, said:

Okay so if NARC still doesn't penetrate ECM and I was never hit by a PPC or a TAG, how was ti I was locked onto and tracked by enemy LRM's from over 900m out? They launched as soon as we broke the 1000m mark and I double checked my ECM to confirm I was in Disrupt mode.

I assumed somehow they sent a light mech to NARC us then run away and their light mech either didn't have TAG or had it deactivated (not to mention it was busy fighting on the other side of a mountain with our own light mech). The LRM's even tracked me when I moved around the other side of a mountain (I assume adv. target decay could do that provided they had a lock in the first place).

Sounds like you got TAG'd, possibly by someone behind you?

[Cannibal Cat]

Nope, no enemy mechs near. I asked my teammates if I was being tagged and they said no. Tag leaves a visible laser beam that you can follow between source and target. They saw nothing and I saw nothing in Thermal when I spun my torso around. I wasn't being countered and none of us were experiencing Low Signal, so I don;t see how else they could have locked on me unless NARC counters ECM and they somehow NARC'd me.

Edited by Cannibal Cat, 21 February 2013 - 01:11 AM.

[Selfish]

I had this happen tonight. Nobody watching, but missiles fired ahead of when I'd be visible. I was recording when it happened. It's sped up a bit since it wasn't the part I was focused on, but it's just plain weird. Nobody I came into contact with had a NARC, and the LRM boats shooting at me were in no way near me at any time. I wouldn't say I didn't get NARC'd; I just have no evidence I got hit by one.

I'd like it to be true. Maybe NARC could have a use as a fire/forget missile system to keep tabs on scouts that will de-agro. Otherwise it's still a waste of tonnage and there's a bug.

[Cannibal Cat]

Quote

Hello Cat,
NARC uses both timers and will disable/fall off after 20 seconds or after 35 damage, whichever comes first.
If an enemy Mech had closed the distance and set their ECM to Counter then this could have revealed your position.
For the first volley of missiles, it is entirely possible that they were blind-fired without a lock. The missiles will track to the location aimed at. The second volley you mention, where they turned the corner, following a lock, should only have occurred if your ECM had been switched to Counter or if it was countered by an enemy ECM or PPC hit.
Combining the Target Decay with Target Info Gathering modules can be a great boon to holding a lock.
Any time you have been hit with a NARC beacon or a TAG laser you should see the notification in your HUD.
I hope that helps.
Regards,
Magius
GameMaster
MechWarrior® Online™

Edited by Cannibal Cat, 21 February 2013 - 11:45 AM.