Can't decide on 3D, 4X, and Ilya builds

My first rule of variants is that they must vary. Even if I can do the same template on two different mechs, I want a variety of playstyles available. So I've pretty much decided that my 1X is going to be a LL boat and my 2X is going to be an AC/20+2SRM4+2ML brawler. It was a close call between the LL boat and the ML boat with AC/20 on my 1X, but I couldn't find another build for the 2X so that's my AC/20 brawler. My 3D is likely going to be a sniper (even if it isn't a poptart in this motion sickness world).

On the 3D, I know I want to go sniper. I'm considering a dual gauss + MLs build or the popular guass + 2xPPC build. If I go Gauss+PPC, then this opens up dual-gauss for my others. Now is where it gets tough, because the 4X and Ilya both have a lot of ballistic hardpoints I'd like to make use of.

There are a few options I'm considering.

• Dual gauss (if not chosen for 3D) would work on both Ilya and 4X. On the Ilya I'd have the option of doing both arms or both on the same side torso. Even if I go with the PPC option on the 3D, though, my 3D is going to be my primary sniper, so I'm not 100% sold on doing this.
• Rapid-fire builds would work differently on the two. On the Ilya, it would be the 3xUAC 3xML chainsaw build, and on the 4X it would either be an 2AC/5 2AC/2 2ML tenderizer or the 2UAC/5 2AC/5 howler builds. The chainsaw and tenderizer offer good DPS and can sustain after going out of ammo, while the Howler is amazing DPS with a point after which DPS is 0.
• Last are the shotgun builds, including a 3xLB10 build on the Ilya or a 2xLB10 + SRM4 build on the 4X (both with medium lasers).

Essentially I am trying to decide between a pinpoint alpha long-range build, a high DPS build, and a point-blank scattergun.

 

Honestly? Try the this for your first 3D before you start sticking Gauss in there and trying to shoe horn things in.



Simple, effective and no ammo requirements. You can swap out ERPPC or PPC as you see fit.

Hell even an AMS variant only drops your HE down by 2%.

 

Comparing the Grimm Sniper to this, I see the following:

Alpha : Max DPS : Sustained DPS: Speed

Guass + 2 ER PPC: 35 : 8.75 : 3.59 : 71.3
3 PPC: 30 : 7.50 : 3.75 : 86.6

The build might be a bit slower and a bit less efficient, but it bursts higher and is effective at all ranges. I know my 3D will have a Gauss, the question is whether it has another Gauss and MLs or just 2xER PPC in addition to the first Gauss. Remember, Metagame isn't just about how many PPCs you can fit on, it's about how many PPCs+Gauss you can fit on For about double the weight of PPCs (factoring in DHS to make them not overheat you), you get 50% more firepower with virtually no heat requirement. It's a nice balance.

My friend runs a dual gauss Ilya, which is why I was thinking it would work as a good alternate, although the PPCs offer me a nice balance for ammo conservation. You know, I think I will stick with the Grimm sniper on my 3D.

That still leaves 3 options available for 2 chassis. I'm leaning toward dual gauss or howler on 4X, but any of the three options on my Ilya.

 

You mean this one? http://www.mechspecs.com/showthread.php?593-CTF-3D-Sniper-(2x-ERPPC-2x-MLAS-Dakadaka2-JJ-BAP)

 

No, the one that says Grimm in the title:
http://www.mechspecs.com/showthread.php?765-CTF-3D-Grimm-Sniper-Build-(2x-ER-PCC-1x-Gauss-JJ)

 

doh, my bad... Yeah that one is pretty effective. I wish I could go and vote on my own builds I would downgrade that one I posted with the AC/2... Good for grinding, useless for competitive play.

People can change their own votes on builds but not vote on their own builds. The new system will make that more apparent (voting up and down).

 

Well, I've been watching a lot of Star Trek lately, so I guess I'll follow the Vulcan's advice and do the only logical thing...play all the variants I'm thinking of for the 4X and Ilya and then settle on which one I like best for each.

 

I really liked the 4 AC/5 build on the 4X. As for the 3D I use either the 3 PPC on Micheal linked, or a 4 LL one using the same engine type, it just adds the AMS and some ammo. I don't currently own a Ilya.

 

I haven't gotten any of the others yet, but I got the Ilya and played around with it. 7/8 basic and I still haven't settled on a build.

3xLBX is brutal! Granted, 3 tons more for the weapons than dual Gauss with the same alpha, but if something is cored and I shoot it, it dies. DPS is higher, and if I'm just using the cannons, it's heat neutral. Problem is I have to sacrifice armor and speed (from the other builds) to get it on there.

Dual Gauss is really nice. I might stick with it. I've tried both on the arms (possible on 4X) and all on the right side (puts them VERY close together). I think having them both on the right side is actually really nice. I did a Gauss+2xERPPC build and loved it, that is definitely going on my 3D when I get it.

I did the Chainsaw build and found it to be...well, I like the UAC on my dragons when it's one of my many weapons, but I found it a bit more difficult to use with 3 of them. With one, it jams, you know it jams, and you either focus on other weapons or maneuvering. With 3, when it jams, well...if just one or two jam you're still shooting. I'll give it another go, but I'm not sure yet.

After looking at the discussion on chain-firing UACs, I decided to try 3xAC/5 and it worked pretty well. I can easily see that being my preferred option on the 4X if I don't go dual gauss. Although I'm pretty certain I'm going dual gauss on one of them.

---

Long story short, I'm definitely doing the Gauss+2xERPPC build on my 3D. While I will give the Chainsaw build another try, I've narrowed my options down to (in order of most likely to least likely):
A) 2xGauss on Ilya and 4xAC5 on 4X
B) 3xLBX on Ilya and 2xGauss on 4X
C) 3xLBX on Ilya and 4xAC5 on 4X

 

Well, after thinking all the compromises I made to fit 3xLBx might not be worth it (loss of armor, no AMS, slow) and watching the playtest video of the Chainsaw build, I've narrowed it down to 2xGuass on the Ilya and 4xAC5 on 4X or Chainsaw on Ilya and dual Gauss on 4X.

 

I like the improved speed (and backup lasers) on the Gaussmets compared to the 4x, even though you have to sacrifice some ammo.

Also, the 4X mounts 4x AC/5s better than any other 'mech in the game, IMHO.

 

CTF-3D is the worst variant I've used in the game thus far. I thought it'd be as effective as my Ilya and holy flipping balls was I wrong. I've accumulated an embarrassing 2 wins, 15 losses with this pile of complete crap so far.


Every other mech I have had has a positive win ratio and the Ilya the highest so I don't get what the deal is. Wish I could get my cbills back for this pos

 

Also, the 4X mounts 4x AC/5s better than any other 'mech in the game, IMHO.
thats true you also can check this in 1k dmg topic
http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/mechlab#i=44&l=3ee7eb689ebb986026f080a556eb00d36e07129d
and this shit lieing cos with skills maxed you have 13.3 dmg for 2 mins that s enough to use all your ammo
was on 82% heat only once on vulcan map

 

Funny that 3D, 4X, and Ilya
are exactly the 'practs I buy and keep!
All of them are good.

3D is versatile as a jumpy variant for both energy and ballistic weaponary, as well as a jump sniper if needed be. I like this more than 1x really.

4X can carry firepower on par with many assaults. 4x AC5 is no joke. You can also variants with both AC5 and UAC5. That having said, the beam weaponary is lacking, and not much you can do about that.

Ilya is a powerful nightmare! This mech is open to so many different builds, and is friendly with many different Ballistic+Energy mix. Other than the obvious 3x UAC5 chainsaw there are many things to play with, from triple shotguns to a mix of LLas/PPC and ballistics. This mech is also nice with Gauss if needed be, although the JJ is lacking when compared to 3D.

 

3D



4X. Running any other build is just wasting the only chasis in the game that can comfortably run 4xAC5s.



Muromets



The Muromets is a lot more versatile.

The problem with the 3D is that the ballistic hardpoints don't line up. Which means the rounds don't converge properly running dual AC builds. Dual LBX works cause the rounds go everywhere anyway.

Muromets at least has 2 arm ballistics that line up. So it can run Dual Gauss, Dual AC10 builds with good convergence.

 

So uh...I'm back. And relatively in the same conundrum!

Ilya is an AC10 gunship that's gotten me some good kills.
I have again decided on the 2X being AC20 + MLs + SRM4s.
3D will be using the same build I used before.
Havent pinned down a 1X build but leaning toward a pulse brawler one I saw (2xLPL + 3xMPL).

Trouble is really on 4X. The problem is I really like both the Shotgun Sunrise (2x LBX and 2x MG with lasers and possibly SRM4) and the Master Shake (3X AC5 and AC2) builds. I may just get a pair of 4Xs...

 

Why that over the 2 builds I mentioned?