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The Best Shadowhawk 2D2 Brawler

Excellent Shadowhawk 2D2 Brawler Guide

MWO Shadowhawk 2D2 Build Guide.

It is now widely accepted (but not proven) that the Shadowhawk is the most versatile and viable of all the Project Phoenix Mechs. This build is another extremely good argument why this claims are probably true. A Shadowhawk 2D2 equipped with all the 270m range goodness (AC/20, Medium Lasers, StreakSRM2) will make you a fearsome brawler. Speed, firepower, agility, and armor are very nicely balanced making this an absolute bad boy on the battlefield. Smegmw from HBA is one of the first to come up with this build and many have copied it since. I have started to use it myself, and although I am a sh1tty Medium pilot, I melt faces with this thing, doing 400-600 damage without any basic upgrades. If you have ordered a Project Phoenix package which includes the Shadowhawk, I definitely recommend checking this build out. It is also very cheap to build c-bill wise.

View Shadowhawk 2D2  Build Online at mwo.smurfy-net.de

The armor distribution on the Smurfy link is close to optimal. Depending on your play style you might want to shift a few armor points from the legs to the arms. However, this won’t probably make too much of a difference. Also note that this build is very cheap c-bill wise. Assuming you have none of the parts you will only need 4.6M c-bills. You might want to add Artemis, as well, in order to improve StreakSRM2 lock-on times.


MWO Shadowhawk 2D2 hints, tricks and playstyle

  • Use your arms to absorb incoming fire if you can’t hide fast enough. If you lose one of your Medium Lasers, you are still more than fine.
  • Your main damage is coming from your AC/20. Make sure every hit counts and avoid firing it over great distances. Shoulders aka side torsos of your enemies are prime targets.
  • If you are running high on heat, stop firing your StreakSRM2s. If you are still on high heat, stop firing your Medium Lasers, as well. Focus solely on placing a couple good AC/20 hits.
  • Do not fire while turning with your keyboard. Instead, adjust your Mech first, then use your mouse to place precise shots.
  • Use your jump jets! They are not only for easier cliff climbing or poptarting. When engaging enemies, use them to look over small ledges and other obstacles which block your line of fire. You will most certainly get a couple of hits in before you are even there.
  • Always soften your falls with Jump Jets in order to avoid unneccessary damage to your legs. Some of your most important components are in your legs.

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Battlemaster BLR-1G (P) Devastator Build

Battlemaster 1G (Phoenix Hero Variant) Pubstomper Guide

MWO Battlemaster 1G Sniper Brawler Build Guide

Project Phoenix has arrived, and people have already come up with decent builds for Shadowhawks and Locusts. However, good Battlemaster builds are much harder to come by. The build presented here is a big mile stone in the development of the Battlemaster. It has everything you need: Long range high pinpoint damage, close quarter punch, and above average survivability. Two AC/5s and a single PPC provide excellent sniping and fire support capabilities. Six (6!) Medium Lasers allow you to dish out insane damage at close range. You can also continue to fire your double AC/5s while brawling. Finally, the Battlemaster is an Assault Mech and this build utilises a standard engine making it very durable. Let’s take a look at the build.

View Battlermaster 1G (P) Build Online at mwo.smurfy-net.de

There are a few minor adjustments possible, depending on your preferred play style. For example, if you are more comfortable having all sniper weapons on your arms for increased precision, you can swap the PPC to your right arm and move the Medium Laser to the torso. While this is more comfortable, it is also less effective. Sniping around corners becomes more difficult and you will lose more important weapons when using your right arm as a shield arm. Addition of AMS is also possible, just remove any of the Medium Lasers, AC/5 ammo, or DHS to free up the tonnage. However, do not remove armor from your head. The cockpit is really easy to hit at the moment and you need every point of armor on it.

MWO Battlemaster Sniper Build Playstyle and Hints

  • PPCs have a minimum range of 90ms. Do not fire them beyond that range ever. You will overheat and die miserably.
  • In high heat situations stop firing your PPCs immediately. You will always do more damage, if you do not overheat and use your AC/5s exclusively.
  • AC/5s reload much faster than PPCs. Try working in at least one additional AC/5s salvo in between PPC recycle times when engaged at longer ranges.
  • Use your right arm as a shield. One of your most vulnerable spots is you center torso. Try to protect it at all times.
  • The Battlermaster’s upper torso twisting angle is very crappy. Keep this in mind when crossing through open spaces. Try to back up against a wall when engaged in close quarters.
  • If you are playing in an organised group it is highly recommended allocating almost every point of armor in the front. If you are playing random games without a group, 10-25 rear armor are probably the better choice.
  • Weapon grouping advice: 1) PPC and both AC/5s 2) All Medium Lasers 3) Both AC/5s only
  • For modules use Cool Shot 9 by 9, Advanced Sensor Range, and Advanced Seismic Sensor. You can play around with the Advanced Zoom Module in exchange for the Advanced Seismic Sensor.

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If you know of an excellent build, resource, or guide, submit it and maybe it will be featured on mwo-builds.net and seen by thousands of players. You can submit builds by sending us an e-mail, post it in the official looking-for-builds thread, or send us a private message via the official forums. You can also submit guides and builds via Facebook or Twitter (see below). Join hundreds of other Mechwarrior enthusiasts and like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Receive the latest guides and the best MWO builds directly to your favourite social platform!

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What is the Best PPC/Gauss Sniper Build?

What is the best, most optimized, polished, and efficient PPC/Gauss sniper build in Mechwarrior Online?

Short Answer: this one!

Long Answer

PPCs and Gauss Rifles form a unique and powerful combination. High pin-point damage combined with an excellent range. Every chassis which has 2 energy hardpoints and which can equip a Gauss Rifle is theoretically able to use such a sniper build. However, if your Mech is not agile it can’t utilize the weapons. If you have low armor and/or an xl-engine, you will have no chance to withstand counter-sniper fire and LRM salvos. Using an assault Mech seems reasonable and all assault chassis (except the Awesome) have at least one variant which can realize such a sniper build. You don’t want to go too heavy though since you would be wasting tonnage which could be additional speed and manoeuvrability.

The Highlander 733C really is the best variant to build this thing. 40 Gauss Ammo to last you exactly as long as a 12vs12 match. Insanely high heat dissipation allowing you to fire constantly for 10 or more times. Other Mechs will overheat after their 3rd salvo, and you will be the grinning a*shole still blasting their shoulders, legs, and weapons apart. A single jump jet allows you to cross a chasm on Canyon Network and pop-tart effectively. Survivability is extremely high, as well, since you are rocking over 450 armor and using a standard engine. Most other sniper builds will use an xl-engine making them easy prey for you. All weapons are parked on one side of your Mech, allowing you to sneak around corners and using your naked arm as a simple shield. Together with the jump jets you should be able to spread the damage across your whole chassis very easily, allowing you to live more than twice as long as your opponents.

The 733C Highlander Sniper build is used by multiple top tier players, amongst which is the infamous Kaffeangst of Hell’s Black Aces. He scored a first place in all but one tournament so far. Check out his twitch.tv stream and see this build live in action.

If you do not own a Highlander 733C, you can still work with the following builds. They are not that much worse. They are just not as perfect as the 733C. There are also several other variants which can be used to build sniper builds, for example the Cataphract 3D. Here are three more builds for comparison and reference: Dragon Slayer, Misery, and Highlander 732.

The Dragon Slayer sacrifices heat efficiency for mobility. The Victor Hero Mech is much more fragile and uses an xl-engine, making your Mech susceptible to carefully placed shots at your shoulders. If you are looking for a decent Dragon Slayer build, this one is not recommended, since it does not use both ballistic hard points. There are other more powerful builds out there which utilise AC/5s and other auto cannon calibre sizes to be more effective in competitive gaming. This build is just here for demonstrative reasons. After all, it is an effective PPC/Gauss Sniper Build.

Misery, Stalker Hero Mech, suffered a lot from the introduction of ghost heat. The Stalker has no jump jets and is not as agile as, for example, the Highlander. Although, the load-out is almost identical, the play-style is very different. You will have to move slower and more cautiously, acting from behind the front lines. Choose your positions and battles wisely, since you can not easily back out, once you have been spotted or overwhelmed. A good Misery sniper is always shooting, but never eating return fire.

The same load-out with a stronger engine and on a 732. This version of the sniper build plays very similar to the 733C, however, it is not as heat efficient. This build is just here to illustrate a similar load-out, which trades heat efficiency for slightly increased agility. Of course, one can also turn the Heavy Metal, Highlander Hero Mech, into such a sniper. If you own multiple Highlanders or are thinking about getting a new variant, I definitely recommend the 733C.

Conclusion

After all is said and done, the 733C comes out at the top as the sole winner in the contest for the best PPC/Gauss sniper build in Mechwarrior Online. Especially, if you are a skilled pilot and know how to pop-tart, the proposed version here does not hinder you and let’s you do all the nasty stuff you always dreamt about.

Be sure to check out Kaffeangst’s Stream. He plays almost daily in small groups and a lot of 12vs12.

If you would like to read more about the mechanics behind these builds check out the Alpha Strike, Firepower, and DPS Guide or the excellent guide on the new ghost heat system (explained without any math!).


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If you know of an excellent build, resource, or guide, submit it and maybe it will be featured on mwo-builds.net and seen by thousands of players. You can submit builds by sending us an e-mail, post it in the official looking-for-builds thread, or send us a private message via the official forums. You can also submit guides and builds via Facebook or Twitter (see below). Join hundreds of other Mechwarrior enthusiasts and like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Receive the latest guides and the best MWO builds directly to your favourite social platform!

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Hunchback 4G and 4H AC/20 Brawler

Hunchback 4G/4H AC/20 Working Brawler Guide

MWO Hunbchback 4G 4H AC/20 Brawler Guides

The Hunchback is a very cool chassis. However, many people don’t like it (or struggle while playing), because the hunch, the Hunchback’s signature side torso is such a vulnerable part. The hunch usually holds most of the important weapons and will always be focused down by enemies. This Hunchback brawler guide will show you how to make your hunch less vulnerable enabling a skilled pilot to dish out unseen amounts of damage. The build is centered around an AC/20 and is complemented by lasers. The Hunchback brawler load-out is brought to you by Reslin and was posted in the mwo-builds.net looking-for-builds thread in the official forums. Reslin also wrote a more in-depth guide about several Hunchback variants. Check them out and give him a thumbs up.

MWO Hunchback

View Hunchback 4G 4H Brawler Builds Online at mwo.smurfy-net.de

Because it is one of the most crucial things about this Hunchback brawler build, I want to point it out first: Pay close attention to the armor allocation on the builds! The hunch has only 2 rear armor and everything else on the front side. Such a distribution will greatly increase your effectiveness on the battlefield. The hunch’s rear torso will almost never get hit, thus, most points of armor should be at the front.

A similar load-out can be done with the HBK-4H, as well. This particular version of the Hunchback brawler build utilises the additional energy slots in the hunch. If you don’t like the reduced range of the small lasers, just go with the 4G build above. However, the small lasers increase the maximum possible alpha strike slightly.

Misery Hybrid Build Playstyle and Hints

  • Pay close attention to the armor allocation on the load-outs. If you are off by only a few points, it will greatly diminish your survivability on the battlefield.
  • Always stay in motion. If you stand still or overheat, you are toast.
  • If you are eating damage and can’t easily return fire, turn your upper torso to protect it and head for cover.
  • Your AC/20 is your main weapon. Try to always hit perfect shots on cooldown. If you are unsure that you can place your shot, don’t shoot.
  • Try to focus all lasers on the same component to incapacitate and down enemies fast.
  • Weapon grouping hints for first load-out: 1) AC/20 2) All Lasers.
  • Weapon grouping hints for second load-out: 1) AC/20 2) All Medium Lasers 3) All Lasers.
  • Do not use arm-lock with this build. It might help newer players to optimise pinpoint damage, but you are wasting a lot of the Hunchbacks’s excellent agility and run-by abilities.

Link to original Author

 

The builds in this Hunchback guide were kindly provided by Reslin. He also wrote a more in-depth guide about the Hunchback chassis. Check it out and drop him a like.


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If you know of an excellent build, resource, or guide, submit it and maybe it will be featured on mwo-builds.net and seen by thousands of players. You can submit builds by sending us an e-mail, post it in the official looking-for-builds thread, or send us a private message via the official forums. You can also submit guides and builds via Facebook or Twitter (see below). Join hundreds of other Mechwarrior enthusiasts and like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Receive the latest guides and the best MWO builds directly to your favourite social platform!

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Misery Heavy Sniper/Fire Support Hybrid Builds

Misery (Stalker Hero Mech) Sniper/Fire Support Hybrid Guide

MWO Misery (Stalker Hero Mech) Sniper/Fire Support Hybrid Builds

In my long search for finding a good Misery all-round build, I suffered many setbacks. After consulting with several high-level players from the Hell’s Black Aces merc-corp, I finally developed a build which is worthy of this web page. A sniper/fire support hybrid build utilizing a pair of Large Lasers, a single ERPPC, and a Gauss Rifle. All of this while still being reasonably heat efficient and using a standard engine. The only downside, in comparison to other Stalker builds, is its relatively low movement speed. This guide will showcase several variations of the same build. Each build has a slightly different focus. Choose the one whichever suits your play-style and needs best.

View Misery Sniper/Fire Support Hybrid Build Online at mwo.smurfy-net.de

The first version of the Misery sniper hybrid build trades leg armor and heat efficiency for more utility. ER Large Lasers replace the regular Large Lasers for additional range. The increased effective range will greatly improve your damage dealt values. ER Large Lasers also received a buff in the recent patch. The original version uses two tons of Gauss Rifle ammo. If you are engaged in drawn out fights (which is more likely since 12 vs 12 hit the servers), 20 shots will be expended very quickly. This version uses the additional space and tonnage to fit in a third ton of ammo. The addition of an AMS rounds the package. This version runs very hot, and you will most likely not be able to carry a cool-shot consumable since the Stalker chassis only allows for two module slots (which are most likely taken by Adv Seismic Sensor and Increased Sensor Range).

The following load-out reflects the original version of the build. It has a lesser range, fewer ammo, and no AMS. However, it runs significantly cooler, allowing a skilled pilot to continuously fire for a long time. This version is recommended for more experienced as it requires more skill to dish out the same amounts of damage of the course of a battle. However, it has the potential to be more deadly in the long run.

Misery Hybrid Build Playstyle and Hints

  • Since you are not very fast and lack jump-jets, positioning is key. Only expose yourself from cover to fire one alpha strike. If enemies have spotted you and are returning fire, double back behind cover and find a different spot to peak out from.
  • Weapon grouping advice: 1] Gauss Rifle + ERPPC 2] Both (ER) Large Lasers. Be sure to bind the Gauss Rifle and ERPPC to a single weapon group as well. There are situations when you’ll want to fire only one of them.
  • Try to stay on target while firing the Large Lasers. If you manage to hit the same component for the majority of the duration, you will notice a significant increase in efficiency. Large Lasers do a lot of damage, but over a duration. Remember: Lasers in MWO are no light sabres!
  • Enabling Arm-Lock is not recommended for this build. However, whenever you can, try to match both crosshairs before firing a sniper shoot (ERPPC + Gauss Rifle) for maximum pin-point damage.
  • If you are running on high heat, get behind cover and cool down for a few seconds. If that is not possible, place one or two well aimed shots with your Gauss Rifle. Then finish the exposed target with an alpha strike.

MWO Misery Sniper Hybrid Build Screenshots

Here are some end-of-round screenshots. They are not the best, but I wanted to include some 12vs12 action!

Misery Hybrid Screenshot1Misery Hybrid Screenshot 2


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If you know of an excellent build, resource, or guide, submit it and maybe it will be featured on mwo-builds.net and seen by thousands of players. You can submit builds by sending us an e-mail, post it in the official looking-for-builds thread, or send us a private message via the official forums. You can also submit guides and builds via Facebook or Twitter (see below). Join hundreds of other Mechwarrior enthusiasts and like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Receive the latest guides and the best MWO builds directly to your favourite social platform!

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Atlas D-DC SRM Close Quarter Carnage Builds

How to Build the most efficient Atlas D-DC SRM + AC/20 Brawler Loadouts

MWO Best Atlas DDC Close Quarter Build Foreword

Everybody enjoys the Atlas D-DC. Everybody loves SRMs! Everybody craves for AC/20s. Everybody likes to have an ECM installed. Everybody wants to be on top of the score board. Well, maybe not everybody but most players will admit that most of these things are excellent toys to have fun with in Mechwarrior Online. I have a fair share of Atlas piloting experience myself and tried various builds. I also receive regular input from clan mates and real-life friends who pilot D-DCs themselves.

For a regular full guide, the author would rant on about how you must balance ammo position and tonnage. Armor on legs and engine size, etc etc. Not here. We played Atlas AS7-D-DCs for weeks and have come up with two of the most excellent builds. These builds are focussed on head-on close quarter combat. Long range weapons and PPCs are for sissies. Real pilots bring an AC/20 to the SRM brawl. 100t of death will ensure you eternal glory on the battlefield and the death curses of your enemies in the weeks to come.

View Atlas DDC Brawler Build Online at mwo.smurfy-net.de

We have come up with two very similar builds. The first one is faster, has more armor and an AMS installed. The second one skips on the defensive part in order to utilise bigger SRMs with more heat sinks. Thus, the second build runs a little bit slower and is more vulnerable, but has a slightly higher alpha strike and more sustained dps. Which of the two builds you’ll use is completely up to you. If you are a new to the game or the assault chassis in general, I personally recommend going with version #1. If you are already an experienced MWO player and know how to play, go with version #2.

Atlas D-DC Build version #1 – More Armor, better engine, and AMS

Atlas D-DC Build version #2 – Higher alpha strike, more sustained DPS.


If you want a more all-round build with more ranged weapons, but still stick with the D-DC and what makes it so strong, check out the Atlas D-DC juggernaut build guide.

Atlas DDC SRM Brawler Build Playstyle and Hints

  • Your side-torsos are your most vulnerable part. You won’t die if you take some hits, but there is a high chance your most valuable weapons will be critted and destroyed. If you can not shoot, but are being shot at, turn your upper torso sideways. Your arms are sturdy as hell, and you won’t miss them once they are gone.
  • If you are engaged in a brawl and running very hot, stop firing the medium lasers. Focus on perfectly hitting your AC/20 shots only. If the heat permits it, continue firing your SRMs.
  • Weapon grouping tips: 1) AC/20 2) Medium Lasers 3) SRM6s 4) All weapons. This is one possible way to configure your weapon groups. However, do not bother with chain firing or other combinations. The loadout is pretty straight forward, and you should have these four intuitive groups set for maximum efficiency in hectic situations.
  • Do not waste your SRM ammo on light Mechs. You will not hit them enough to make it worthwhile. Instead, use your medium lasers against their legs and fire AC/20 shots in their faces if you are sure you will hit them.

MWO Atlas DDC SRM Brawler Build Screenshots

MWO Atlas D-DC SRM4 BuildMWO Atlas D-DC SRM6 Build


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Highlander 732/733C PPC Sniper Build (updated for Alpha Patch July 2013)


Updated Version of this Highlander 732/33C Sniper Guide is available!

Note: An updated version (September 2013) of this Highlander PPC/Gauss Sniper build guide is available. Click here to view it.


The Highlander 732/733C PPC Sniper Build (updated for Alpha Patch July 2013)

MWO Best Highlander 732 Sniper Build Foreword

The Highlander is one of the best assault chassis and quickly became a favourite of my own. Sniper builds are everywhere, and no match goes by without countless PPCs fired at you. It is time to strike back. Obviously, some variants are better suited for the job than others. If you like a sturdy armor and heavy armor, but don’t want to slack on the mobility side: Congratulations! You just found one of the best PPC sniper builds currently known to the Mechwarrior Online community. This Highlander 732 PPC sniper build combines the unmatched armor and firepower of assault chassis’ with excellent mobility.

View Highlander 732 Sniper Build Build Online at mwo.smurfy-net.de

Note: this exact same build can be built on the 733C as well.


The recent Mechwarrior Online Patch made PPC boats very ineffective. However, you can use the following build until July 20th 2013. After that you will have to rely on the above build.

Warning: the following builds are not very effective any more! You must use chain fire or multiple weapon groups in order to still use them. It is highly recommended switching to the a fore mentioned builds.


The 3 PPCs and the Gauss Rifle will grant you with unmatched firepower. Alpha strikes of 45 damage at a reasonable heat dissipation will tear enemies to shreds with only a few shots. Light Mechs will die instantly most of the time.

Since LRMs are making a huge comeback you may want to add an AMS to your build. Here is a slight variation on the above build which includes an Anti-Missile-System. This will reduce your damage only very slightly, but the increased survivability is often worth the small cost. This Mech is using an XL-engine after all.


Highlander PPC Sniper Playstyle and Hints

  • For maximum efficiency, group your weapons as follows: 1 Gauss Rifle 2 All three PPCs 3 Gauss Rifle plus one PPC (when high on heat) 4 All three PPCs in chain fire (for test shots and disabling ECM).
  • All your PPCs and the Gauss Rifle are on one side of your Mech. Whenever you are under heavy fire or LRMs are inbound, turn your upper torso so the other side of your Mech faces the enemy.
  • Use jump jets to look over cliffs. Often times you will be able to even shoot Mechs will falling back down.
  • Be careful not to harm your legs from excessive jump jet usage. Rule of thumb: when using more than 75% of your jump jet energy, you will take damage to your legs upon landing. Try to reserve some fuel to soften your landing.
  • When close to overheating, keep firing your Gauss Rifle plus a single PPC. This will cause very little heat and allows you to continue damaging the enemy with roughly 60% of your firepower. This is always better than overheating or not firing at all.

MWO Highlander 732 Sniper Build Screenshots

Highlander 732 Sniper Build Good Game ScreenshotHighlander 732 Sniper Build Good Game Screenshot

 

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