Shadow Cat Roles?

Among the Clan Wave 3 mechs, on paper I thought the Shadow Cat had the most potential, but I've tried a few builds now, and I can't seem to find one that makes sense for me.

I think most of the builds I come up with feel bad by comparison to other mechs. For example, (I am not into CW, so IS vs Clan mechs doesn't matter to me) it seems like a lot of the ECM sniper roles are better in some way (cooler, better secondary weps, more ammo, etc) in something like a CDA-3M -- lighter and less armor. The SRM+ML type brawler roles seem stronger in a Hunchback because of quirks -- a little heavier, slower, more armor.

Before someone gives me guff for overlooking crazy jump jetting or any other specific differences, I'm not trying to do a detailed comparison of these mechs. The point of me bringing this up isn't for me to say that X mech is better than Y overall. I'm just saying, for ME, I feel like the builds I have on the SHC -- I feel like I'm trying to get the SHC to perform a role that I am better with, personally, in another mech. Some builds just feel right in certain mechs, and I haven't found that with the SHC yet. I don't think it's the mech. I feel like it's more of a "you're doing it wrong" and just can't figure out what doing it "right" is for this guy.

Does anyone feel like they've found a niche role for the Shadow Cat that makes it stand out? What role does this guy do that makes you select this one over another one before you mash the play button?

Thanks,
Jay

 

I'm working on an experimental build that combines poking with high sustained DPS. It can't work on any other mech because the shadowcat's speed and jumps are going to make that poke work, and it's extra pod space compared to other fast harassers is going to allow me to bring in the DPS.

The idea is to drop the ECM, and strip the armor off of the arms. Then you equip an ERPPC and UAC/10 to the STs. Trim the armor a little more and equip it with 2.5 tons of ammo.

Still needs testing but it seemed to work well in the short time I spent with it. Well my shift is about to start. I'll test it more tonight.

 

An update on that build. After some more testing it definitely feels unique whereas the rest of the Shadowcat builds feel rather generic like you said.

When I pilot a mech, I like to feel like I'm doing something that no other mech can do. Definitely feeling that now.

Build is on the forums under the name "Armless-Cat".

 

Woulcd keep ecm, and put ac10 on arm. ecm is too good to drop.
even then both ppc and ac10 is too heavy for this mech.

 

lol, you've just answered for yourself why putting it in the arm doesn't work. Being able to hide your signature is nice, but for this build to work, and it does work, you have to drop ECM. I suppose you could put the UAC in your right arm and strip the whole left side of armor instead, but you still won't have the tonnage left for ECM.

That's precisely why it's fun. By stripping the arms, you can bring a weapon system that would normally be too heavy for the mech to use. You'll surprise your opponent and bring more firepower than PGI intended for the shadowcat to have.

 

2x cERPPC, ECM, and 14 DHS fills a pretty unique role for an ECM Poptart. However, I tend to agree. Most things this mech can do, another mech can do better. It's only real advantage is throwing ECM onto every build...

 

Yeah, I used to run the double PPC build, but there's just something that bothers me about being totally screwed once the enemy closes the gap. Even as a sniper i like builds to have some close range sting. That's why I went for the UAC/10 PPC combo.

 

Probably an UAC5 would work better, that way you have more armor.
That, and a nova can probably do a better job if you don't use ECM. More armor and more DHS.

 

I owe you my sincerest apologies, friend. You were right, the UAC/10 does work better in the right arm with ECM equipped. I find myself stupefied with how little armor i can get away with on my ECM torso. All I had to do was shift 21 points of armor from the left torso to the right arm, trim the armor in places that needed it the least, add ECM and voila. It's Perfect.

 

Maybe you're right in hindsight, but that ECM really completes it. Besides, this is how a UAC/10 Nova should be built.

 

Thanks for sharing, guys. The more I think about it, the more I think you're right that most suitable roles involve ECM poptarting (or otherwise just jumping to perches that are difficult to reach).

It would also explain why I haven't found THE build I like -- never cared for the poptart game. Though, I have enjoyed sitting on rooftops that folks aren't used to being cautious of.

 

Actually you can treat it as a super agile light-medium, like cicada-blackjack mix. Use MASC for accel/decel and turn and you can run around in circles without over-masc.

Things I have tried and found fun to play with, all have ecm:
3x cERLL: quite effective
2x cLPL: fun, cool
3x cSRM6+A & laser: by far the best close range fun. 3x cSRM4 is ok too.
3x cSSRM6 & laser backup: ok actually, if you want streaks.
3x cMPL & cSRM4: another fun thing, if you don't mind the heat.
2x cUAC2 & laser: better than I would think.

 

My best results have come from UAC10 (2.5 tons), ECM, and 2x ER Mediums in the Prime. Nothing overwhelming, but it does OK damage in a hit and run role, and can push DPS once in a while assuming the autocannon doesn't jam (it usually does).

Haven't found an all-energy build that works for me yet (3x ER LL has failed me spectacularly thus far) but some of the SRM/SSRM builds show promise. My biggest issue with them is that the missile builds don't really allow you to work solo (especially if you go with streaks... overlapping enemy ECM ends your day). They can be good as part of a pack, but I like the solo hit and run gameplay and the UAC10 build seems to do it better.

ER PPC, 2x ER Medium, 2x SRM4 has been proposed to me and I want to give it a try. Seems like a decent hybrid to me if you avoid the alpha strike. Overlapping the long and short range weapons too much will just lead to overheat.

 

This mech is a riot to play!

My fave so far is 2x LPL + ECM. Broke 1k a few times on that build. (or flip out the LPLs for PPCs if you enjoy overheating)
Really great fun as a harasser. It's basically a Blackjack with ECM.

Also having a load of fun with twin ERML + twin LRM15, but that's just when I'm too durnk to aim porperly.

This may be my favorite mech of my entire stable.
(That honor used to belong to the Jester)

And yes, ECM is the whole reason this mech exists. Without it, other mechs do it better.

 

Try going without the ECM, 2 x cLPLAS & 6 x cMG is a hoot too. Basically a clan Arrow build.

I've had great fun as a support mech vs lights, using streaks and medium pulselasers. The best build though is twin large pulse so far. Very nice and cool.

 

*Dredging up thread*

I'll admit to playing meta for my 3 Shadow Cats. Currently running 3xERLL, 3xSRM6+A - 2xSPL, and 2xLPL builds. When I'm bored I'll play my LB5X+MG build but it doesn't work too well for me unless I survive to the bitter end against nothing but cored enemies.

It's super flexible, though, from running escort to solo harasser to ambush mech, and for that, I love it.

A build that I do find myself falling back on fairly often if I want to change things up is this;



And I find that it suits a solo-harassment role while being quick enough to jump into a hot situation if needed.

One thing I rarely use is more than one PPC. I feel like it would be great for an end game where you can hide and potshot weakened reds but I lack the tactical awareness to utilize it without running into everything at close range.