Author Topic: What Are Your Preferred Weapons Combinations?  (Read 16588 times)

Dayton3

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 925
What Are Your Preferred Weapons Combinations?
« on: 04 May 2017, 08:48:18 »
This might've been addressed before.    I might've even started a thread a couple of years ago about it but I don't remember.

What are your preferred mech weapons combinations and for what reasons?

I've always been partial of the Gauss rifle/extended range PPC combination    Both long range.   ballistic/energy,   low heat/high heat,   thunder/lightning.     And backed up by some medium lasers for close range work.

One reason I love the load outs of the Caesar and Falconer to name just two.

And I tend to love combinations that involve the LB-10X.   In particular I've always heard that once you use the LB-10X cluster rounds to "sand off armor,  your lasers will cut right through it".    So I'm pretty fond of an array of medium lasers along with an LB-10X.

Though I've also been intriqued by the Cataphract due to the LB-10X and the Ultra AC-5.   

snewsom2997

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2187
Re: What Are Your Preferred Weapons Combinations?
« Reply #1 on: 04 May 2017, 08:57:54 »
ER-PPCs, LB-10-X, Gauss Rifles, Paired with iATM's

iATMS are silly.

For light and mediums without the tonnage for that, ER-PPCs, PPC Capacitors, and Improved Heavy Medium Lasers.

I like a Laser AMS on just about everything too.

Arkansas Warrior

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 9203
Re: What Are Your Preferred Weapons Combinations?
« Reply #2 on: 04 May 2017, 09:12:42 »
HPPC/LBX10.  Same punch in the same amounts (10/15) as Gauss/ERPPC, but you have the added bonus of shotgun shells.  Sure, it's a little shorter ranged, but it's also a little lighter.
Sunrise is Coming.

All Hail First Prince Melissa Davion, the Patron Saint of the Regimental Combat Team, who cowed Dainmar Liao, created the Model Army, and rescued Robinson!  May her light ever guide the sons of the Suns, May our daughters ever endeavour to emulate her!

Dayton3

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 925
Re: What Are Your Preferred Weapons Combinations?
« Reply #3 on: 04 May 2017, 10:30:18 »
By "HPPC" are you referring to the "Heavy PPC"?    Same damage as the Clan ER PPC?

Kovax

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2421
  • Taking over the Universe one mapsheet at a time
Re: What Are Your Preferred Weapons Combinations?
« Reply #4 on: 04 May 2017, 10:32:32 »
In 3025, it's either LRMs or a PPC plus Medium Lasers, with or without an additional specialty weapon of some sort.  The LRM or PPC give you stand-off capability, with LRMs offering indirect fire and extended range at the price of needing ammo.  The Large Laser and the AC/10 provide decent alternatives for some situations.  Once you get in closer, the ML pretty much rules in terms of overall weight/damage/heat efficiency.

Typically, I prefer to have some "specialization" to each design, where they carry a weapon (or ammo) for specific purposes, such as Machineguns, Flamers, AC/2s, Flak ammo, SRMs/Infernos, or anything else with a "niche" role.  In a company-sized force, there should be enough of those specialists to cover nearly any contingency.

Once you get into the Clan and post-invasion eras, the addition of double heatsinks and myriads of additional weapon types (Pulse lasers, Streak racks, ER, Ultra, and LBX versions of existing weapons, Plasma weapons, and so on) makes things more complicated, so you need even more variety to cover more potential situations.  Generally speaking, I normally prefer one high-heat energy weapon and one low heat ballistic weapon, with plenty of infighting weapons for backup.

Iron Mongoose

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 1473
  • Don't you know, you're all my very best friends
Re: What Are Your Preferred Weapons Combinations?
« Reply #5 on: 04 May 2017, 12:06:01 »
I like to keep mixing things up.  About 85% of weapons have some value, so I don't like to keep myself to just GRs (honestly, I've never been the biggest fan of the things since the MechWarrior 2 video game) or LRMs or MPLs or anything else. 

That said, there are a few combos that I've found that work well.

Clan MPLs and Streak SRMs are a great pairing, since they both range out to 12, MPLs punch holes well enough that the SRMs can seek crits, and being streak and pulse you can fire often and get hits without driving up the heat too bad.  Clan AC20s also range to 12 and also pair well with those weapons, but they're so heavy only specialized large close combat mechs can do that (Turkina C, Dire Wolf S, etc).

IS LRMs with medium lasers is just a pure no brainer, since the MLs hit medium range right as the LRMs hit their minimum.  Yes, its been done to death, but damn it works.

There's more, probably, but sometimes its the unexpected ones that really make you smile (I'm thinking MRMs with heavy lasers for the inaccuracy mech of the year).
"For my military knowledge, though I'm plucky and adventury,
Has only been brought down to the beginning of the century..."

Simon Landmine

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 1223
  • Enthusiastic mapmaker
Re: What Are Your Preferred Weapons Combinations?
« Reply #6 on: 04 May 2017, 12:20:16 »
There's more, probably, but sometimes its the unexpected ones that really make you smile (I'm thinking MRMs with heavy lasers for the inaccuracy mech of the year).

"And this year's award for unintentional landscape redesign goes to ..."
"That's Lieutenant Faceplant to you, Corporal!"

Things that I have learnt through clicking too fast on 'Move Done' on MegaMek: Double-check the CF of the building before jumping onto it, check artillery arrival times before standing in the neighbouring hex, and don't run across your own minefield.

"Hmm, I wonder if I can turn this into a MM map."

Arkansas Warrior

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 9203
Re: What Are Your Preferred Weapons Combinations?
« Reply #7 on: 04 May 2017, 12:32:30 »
By "HPPC" are you referring to the "Heavy PPC"?    Same damage as the Clan ER PPC?
Yes.
Sunrise is Coming.

All Hail First Prince Melissa Davion, the Patron Saint of the Regimental Combat Team, who cowed Dainmar Liao, created the Model Army, and rescued Robinson!  May her light ever guide the sons of the Suns, May our daughters ever endeavour to emulate her!

Empyrus

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 9102
Re: What Are Your Preferred Weapons Combinations?
« Reply #8 on: 04 May 2017, 12:46:52 »
Spheroids:
ER large laser and ultra AC/5. No, their range brackets don't match, but overall they have similar reach. Besides, it is much rarer combo than the vaunted (though effective certainly) (ER) PPC+LB-10X AC.

Clans:
ER large laser and LB-5X. Very well matching range brackets. Punch a hole, fill it with lead.
Ultra AC/5 and LRMs. Neatly matching brackets, fills both "more dakka" and "fire all the missiles" checkboxes.
And the the LB-10X and ER PPC combo. The Thor Prime is one my favorites after all...

Mixed:
None come to mind but i really want that that Heavy Laser+MRM combo, just because. Hilarious damage output but doesn't hit anywhere.

Sartris

  • Codex Conditor
  • BattleTech Volunteer
  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 19826
  • Kid in the puddle eating mud of CGL contributors
    • Master Unit List
Re: What Are Your Preferred Weapons Combinations?
« Reply #9 on: 04 May 2017, 12:55:35 »
I compensate for my tactical ineptitude by turning the battle into a mudwrestling match. I like Big short ranges backed up by gauss / LRM spam and fast physical attackers.

You bought the box set and are ready to expand your bt experience. Now what? | Modern Sourcebook Index | FASA Sourcebook Index | Print on Demand Index
Equipment Reference Cards | DIY Pilot Cards | PaperTech Mech and Vehicle Counters

Quote
Interviewer: Since you’ve stopped making art, how do you spend your time?
Paul Chan Breathers: Oh, I’m a breather. I’m a respirateur. Isn’t that enough?

Dayton3

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 925
Re: What Are Your Preferred Weapons Combinations?
« Reply #10 on: 04 May 2017, 12:56:36 »
What hasn't been mentioned but inspired by the Axman thread,   what do people here consider the best weapons to combine in a mech with a melee weapon (axe, hatchet)

snewsom2997

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 2187
Re: What Are Your Preferred Weapons Combinations?
« Reply #11 on: 04 May 2017, 13:23:16 »
What hasn't been mentioned but inspired by the Axman thread,   what do people here consider the best weapons to combine in a mech with a melee weapon (axe, hatchet)

You generally only have 1 hatchet, while many many mechs have 2 or ever 3 say PPCs or Large Laser variants.

Against many opponents the Axeman will get wasted before it even gets in range.

The Place I would choose an Axeman is Urban Combat, Blind Alleys, Hiding in Buildings, with ECM, the 3S specifically.

HobbesHurlbut

  • Captain
  • *
  • Posts: 3089
  • Live Free or Die Hard
Re: What Are Your Preferred Weapons Combinations?
« Reply #12 on: 04 May 2017, 13:23:34 »
Long range weapon in the arm with the axe/hatchet to save space and room. I would say....SRM-6 on one of the other locations to exploit the big punch in the armor by the axe. So, SRM to complement the axe in melee.
Clan Blood Spirit - So Bad Ass as to require Orbital Bombardments to wipe us out....it is the only way to be sure!

Don Lunardi

  • Master Sergeant
  • *
  • Posts: 268
  • Purple on Purple!
Re: What Are Your Preferred Weapons Combinations?
« Reply #13 on: 04 May 2017, 14:14:23 »
A little more unconventional, but for the 3025 period I've become a fan of the humble Large Laser instead of its bigger and more popular PPC brother.  I overlooked canon designs such as the Wolverine-M and Marauder-M for much of the two decades I've been playing on and off, but can really appreciate how the lower weight and lack of minimum range synergizes well in terms added close in defense as well as extra ML/HS/whatevs that can sometimes turn a challenging design into a much more fearsome one.  It pairs well with Medium Lasers, SRMs, and Heavier Autocannons to help give some reach that might otherwise be lacking, and it doesn't work too bad with LRM-boats that want to focus more on ranged weapons while still having a reasonably decent energy gun that can be used if the enemy gets too close.  It's not sexy, but it is versatile.
"Andurien: It's Hell with Jump Points!" - Failed Marketing Slogan for Tourism Andurien, circa 2398

Iron Mongoose

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 1473
  • Don't you know, you're all my very best friends
Re: What Are Your Preferred Weapons Combinations?
« Reply #14 on: 04 May 2017, 14:52:45 »
The Marauder M may be overlooked sometimes, but at least these parts no one will say the Wolverine M is anything but beloved.  Its a name that comes up often in "best mech of 3025" discussions, and I'm often the one to put its name forward (if I win the race to).

As to the Heavy Laser/MRM combo, most tactics that work with HLs works with MRMs and vice versa.  Park a thus armed heavy three hexes from a traditional long ranged all big gun assault, plant your feet and hold the fire button down.  A brace of heavy lasers could make a great big hole to plug 30 or 40 MRMs into.  Maybe make it a C3 spotter, let its mates rain down a bit of bonus fire. 

Somehow, I see this working really well (which is to say ridiculously, because it's crazy and the mech is crazy, which is the point) on the Hellbringer II.  Pair of HLLs and 60 or 80 MRMs?
"For my military knowledge, though I'm plucky and adventury,
Has only been brought down to the beginning of the century..."

Death by Lasers

  • Master Sergeant
  • *
  • Posts: 297
Re: What Are Your Preferred Weapons Combinations?
« Reply #15 on: 04 May 2017, 15:06:32 »
  For light mechs Medium Lasers and SRMs go together like steak and potatoes.  Medium Lasers make the holes and the SRMs find the crits.
“I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend.”

J.R.R Tolikien, The Two Towers

Dayton3

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 925
Re: What Are Your Preferred Weapons Combinations?
« Reply #16 on: 04 May 2017, 20:45:39 »
I don't want to start an entirely separate thread but I was wondering,  what is the smallest weapon you can use for a successful "head capping' attack?   That is destroying the cockpit of an opposing mech,   presumably killing the mechwarrior and allowing you to make off with a nearly intact mech for salvage and relatively easy repair.

I know people tend to think of a gauss rifle, PPC or heavy laser for such an attack,  but IIRC in one of the novels someone did it to another mech with an LRM-15.    And I've wondered if multiple medium lasers could do it.

Ruger

  • BattleTech Volunteer
  • Major
  • *
  • Posts: 5561
Re: What Are Your Preferred Weapons Combinations?
« Reply #17 on: 04 May 2017, 20:51:40 »
I don't want to start an entirely separate thread but I was wondering,  what is the smallest weapon you can use for a successful "head capping' attack?   That is destroying the cockpit of an opposing mech,   presumably killing the mechwarrior and allowing you to make off with a nearly intact mech for salvage and relatively easy repair.

I know people tend to think of a gauss rifle, PPC or heavy laser for such an attack,  but IIRC in one of the novels someone did it to another mech with an LRM-15.    And I've wondered if multiple medium lasers could do it.

You don't even need to break through the armor if you hit the head enough times with small damage hits, the pilot will die of the impacts...in one game, my side took out an Annihilator with 4 or 5 head hits at 20 hexes in one round...three or four from UAC-2's and one group of 5 LRM's...

Ruger
"If someone ever tries to kill you, you try to kill 'em right back." - Malcolm Reynolds, Firefly

"Who I am is where I stand. Where I stand is where I fall...Stand with me." - The Doctor, The Doctor Falls, Doctor Who

Empyrus

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 9102
Re: What Are Your Preferred Weapons Combinations?
« Reply #18 on: 04 May 2017, 21:54:33 »
Assuming full head armor and no specialty armors and standard sized 'Mech, at least 12 points of damage need to be dealt to remove the head with one blow.
There are two weapons that deal exactly this amount of damage:
The Binary Laser (Blazer), and Enhanced ER PPC, the prototype form of the Clan ER PPC.
All others deal 15 or more, your traditional headcappers.

Otherwise, minimum damage to destroy cockpit/head is at least 10 damage total (again, assuming full armor) and then either rolling at least 8 to cause a critical and hitting the cockpit slot, or rolling 12 causing "limb/head blown off" result. Floating critical hits rule allows doing this with just one damage if you're very lucky (roll 2 for TAC, roll 12 for true hit location, and critical result as above).

Space and water help things along with breach checks, just one point of damage is enough to cause a breach check underwater or in vacuum. Breach=dead.
« Last Edit: 04 May 2017, 21:56:36 by Empyrus »

Arkansas Warrior

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 9203
Re: What Are Your Preferred Weapons Combinations?
« Reply #19 on: 04 May 2017, 22:44:30 »
There are a few mechs (mostly really light ones with crappy armor) that can be headcapped by 10 or even fewer points of damage.  Perhaps the worst examples are the original STG-3R Stinger and WSP-1A Wasp, which can each be headcapped by a Clan ERML (4 armor, 3 IS)


Also, can an array-linked group of Heavy Machine Guns do it?
« Last Edit: 04 May 2017, 22:48:18 by Arkansas Warrior »
Sunrise is Coming.

All Hail First Prince Melissa Davion, the Patron Saint of the Regimental Combat Team, who cowed Dainmar Liao, created the Model Army, and rescued Robinson!  May her light ever guide the sons of the Suns, May our daughters ever endeavour to emulate her!

CrazyGrasshopper

  • Warrant Officer
  • *
  • Posts: 483
Re: What Are Your Preferred Weapons Combinations?
« Reply #20 on: 04 May 2017, 22:55:39 »
Many things were already mentioned. And I like Dragon Fire: why choose between Gauss Rifle, LB-10X and ER PPC combos, when you can take three of them? Though, I dislike IS ER PPC a bit: 15 heat for 10 damage...

What was not mentioned: Large Lasers/PPCs of any kind+TarComp+missiles combos. Also, Clan ER Small laser spam+TarComp.

Empyrus

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 9102
Re: What Are Your Preferred Weapons Combinations?
« Reply #21 on: 04 May 2017, 22:57:35 »
Also, can an array-linked group of Heavy Machine Guns do it?
With four HMGs, the array can deal up to 12 damage. So, yes, it could headcap. But it will deal only 9 damage on average. Of course, that is 3 pilot hits right there...

CrazyGrasshopper

  • Warrant Officer
  • *
  • Posts: 483
Re: What Are Your Preferred Weapons Combinations?
« Reply #22 on: 04 May 2017, 23:02:37 »
Also, can an array-linked group of Heavy Machine Guns do it?

Yes, though unlikely (8.3% probability). But even if it won't headcap, chances of KO are not bad, because each MG hit is treated separately.

Hellraiser

  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 13011
  • Cry Havoc and Unleash the Gods of Fiat.
Re: What Are Your Preferred Weapons Combinations?
« Reply #23 on: 04 May 2017, 23:22:19 »
I've always been partial of the Gauss rifle/extended range PPC combination    Both long range.   ballistic/energy,   low heat/high heat,   thunder/lightning.     And backed up by some medium lasers for close range work.

Great sniping combo for the SLDF/3050 era.


These are some of my favorites for 3025:
LRMs + MLs
PPCs + SRMs
MLs + MGs
PPC + Most any AC



3041: General Lance Hawkins: The Equalizers
3053: Star Colonel Rexor Kerensky: The Silver Wolves

"I don't shoot Urbanmechs, I walk up, stomp on their foot, wait for the head to pop open & drop in a hand grenade (or Elemental)" - Joel47
Against mechs, infantry have two options: Run screaming from Godzilla, or giggle under your breath as the arrogant fools blunder into your trap. - Weirdo

CrazyGrasshopper

  • Warrant Officer
  • *
  • Posts: 483
Re: What Are Your Preferred Weapons Combinations?
« Reply #24 on: 04 May 2017, 23:24:13 »
LRMs + MLs
PPCs + SRMs
MLs + MGs
PPC + Most any AC

I would add LL+AC/10

Dayton3

  • Lieutenant
  • *
  • Posts: 925
Re: What Are Your Preferred Weapons Combinations?
« Reply #25 on: 05 May 2017, 08:49:15 »
No one has mentioned a rotary autocannon.     What works best with them?    My experience with them is nil.

Kit deSummersville

  • Precentor of Lies
  • Freelance Writer
  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 10397
  • The epicness continues!
    • Insights and Complaints on Twitter
Re: What Are Your Preferred Weapons Combinations?
« Reply #26 on: 05 May 2017, 09:17:05 »
I prefer something that allows me to mess with the enemy, especially with their heat levels. Plasma weapons, infernos, even flamers. The more my opponent is unsure what he can shoot at me the better.
Looking for an official answer? Check the Catalyst Interaction Forums.

Freelancer for hire, not an official CGL or IMR representative.

Everyone else's job is easy, so tell them how to do it, everyone loves that!

Millard Fillmore's favorite BattleTech writer.

Hellraiser

  • Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 13011
  • Cry Havoc and Unleash the Gods of Fiat.
Re: What Are Your Preferred Weapons Combinations?
« Reply #27 on: 05 May 2017, 09:38:43 »
No one has mentioned a rotary autocannon.     What works best with them?    My experience with them is nil.

I would have to go ERMLs, or Plasma Rifle, or perhaps a PPC of some type
Stuff w/ similar range & no ammo to back up the boom stick.
3041: General Lance Hawkins: The Equalizers
3053: Star Colonel Rexor Kerensky: The Silver Wolves

"I don't shoot Urbanmechs, I walk up, stomp on their foot, wait for the head to pop open & drop in a hand grenade (or Elemental)" - Joel47
Against mechs, infantry have two options: Run screaming from Godzilla, or giggle under your breath as the arrogant fools blunder into your trap. - Weirdo

Empyrus

  • Lieutenant Colonel
  • *
  • Posts: 9102
Re: What Are Your Preferred Weapons Combinations?
« Reply #28 on: 05 May 2017, 10:13:05 »
(Improved) Heavy Large Laser would work very well with IS RAC/5. The HLL punches holes and the RAC exploits them. Both share range brackets.

Don Lunardi

  • Master Sergeant
  • *
  • Posts: 268
  • Purple on Purple!
Re: What Are Your Preferred Weapons Combinations?
« Reply #29 on: 05 May 2017, 12:13:17 »
There are a few mechs (mostly really light ones with crappy armor) that can be headcapped by 10 or even fewer points of damage.  Perhaps the worst examples are the original STG-3R Stinger and WSP-1A Wasp, which can each be headcapped by a Clan ERML (4 armor, 3 IS)

Of course, its arguable that if you find yourself in either 'Mech against the Clans, your problems go way beyond the threat of headcapping...
"Andurien: It's Hell with Jump Points!" - Failed Marketing Slogan for Tourism Andurien, circa 2398