The way I see it, there are 4 ways to level clan mechs. 1) Build all 3 mechs on their original omnipods and reap the 2.5% XP boost. 2) Build all 3 mechs swapping out omnipods to not spend any extra C-Bills, but get builds you want. 3) Build all 3 mechs with 3 different builds, regardless of whether you spend C-Bills on the omnipods or not. 4) Build all 3 mechs with the exact same build, because you deem it the best build for your playstyle. Currently I'm doing option #3, because it gives me a bit of variety, but I'm considering option #4, where I only work on one build across all 3 chassis. How do you guys level your clan mechs?
I always try to get the best builds I can, so I don't bother keeping stock omnipods; just not worth it in my opinion, if it means I have to take a bad build. (The Summoner-Prime is the best example of HORRIBLE stock hardpoints.) I also generally try to get a unique build for each Chassis. And by Unique, I mean: I don't want 2 different SRM builds, and say it's ok just because they are two different builds; I want an SRM-based build, a Laser-based build, and (when possible) a Ballistic-based build. When it's not possible to get a build for each weapon-type, I at least get different builds for the same type. (Pulse Lasers vs ER Lasers)
1 is out - 2.5% bonus means absolutely nothing for keeping all original omnipods. you limit yourself for almost no gain 2 is out - plenty of cbills go to around to be annoyed with swapping. They're also not expensive like an xl engine or upgrades 3 is the way to go 4 is out - there are SO MANY fun clan builds you can do why only play what amounts to 1 loadout?
I'd actually add, when you find the 3 builds you keep, unless there is a reason 1 center torso is different from another in your builds, always equip your 'favorite' as the prime since, as you'll play it the most often, might as well get the cbills for it (assuming you bought the package for the cbill bonus).
At the beginning when i haven't got the third variant, maybe #1. But #3 ist the most fun. I usually have one Dakka, one Energy and one Missile variant when lvling
I usually try to do #1 to keep things interesting. It works on most chassis, but some of them will be kind of underpowered. Yes, I am looking at you, Hellbringer (B)... After that I usually switch to #3. Not sure about keeping anything but the Prime yet, though, so I am not into spending lots of CBills on Omnipods for the other variants.
I build separate builds that I think will be effective as otherwise it would be like having to level a single chassis three times..... and I just like variety. I'm not that bothered if a couple are similar-ish as long as the playstyle is different. Its always a bad sign if I go back to having say 2 builds across three chassis, e.g. the Mist Lynx, as its me telegraphing how limited a chassis it is. I'll normally try for strong srm and laser primary boat variants as they work well on clan platforms but drop in Gauss, AC's, LRM's or PPC's instead on the third.
Generally speaking, when I get a new clan mech, I will try its stock loadout for a match or two (unless I have something special already planned like I did for the HBR), but then I will go with option 3. With VERY few exceptions, all of my clan mechs are differing loadouts, so that I can play each of them in a different style. For instance, my Summoners and Stormcrows are both laid out the same way: one SRM variant, one LRM variant, and one laserboat variant. The only exception thus far as been the MLX...I have stripped and moved the 1x ERPPC and cECM build since it's the only thing that I can get to work on that damn mech. I haven't even touched my IFR yet...
