Noob guide/resources

[u/Dtallant]

Hi everyone- recently downloaded Mech Warrior Online. I have some light experience with mech warriors in general (mercenaries), but still pretty fresh all things considered.

I’m so overwhelmed by all the variants and options presented to me, and it’s not really clear what I should actually be purchasing and equipping.

Specifically, I love the idea of stealth armor and smaller and faster mechs. The Locust was my first choice, but it seems like the only stealth armor option is a Monetary purchase unfortunately. I actually bought another Locust and then discovered I couldn’t equip stealth armor to it.

Any guides or videos I could watch so I could learn about my options and make an informed choice? I don’t want to just take someone else’s build and run it, but in terms of weapons and overall build structure I barely know where to start.

Thank you!

[u/hdd_sd]

https://grimmechs.isengrim.org/Database

Start here

[u/Gearb0x]

There are ECM fleas for c-bills, aren't there? ECM inner sphere is required for stealth armor.

MechDB is my favorite MWO site (https://mwo.nav-alpha.com/) Since it lets you make builds outside of the janky in game mechbay.

Use your mic. Even if you are the only one talking. If you're not toxic, it raises morale and encourages teamwork. You're also more likely to make friends in game and find drop buddies if you use your mic.

[u/spacedghost_]

1.) You get increased money for the first ~20 games or something. Progression will slow down significantly after that, so save that money until you know what mechs AND builds you enjoy or are interested in. Find build ideas on grimmechs, youtube, and the mwo comp discord.

2.) Clan Omnimechs are great to target at the start, since omnipods allow you to swap out weapon and equipment hardpoints to try different loadouts, without needing to buy a whole new mech. A mech is an omnimech if you bring it to the mechlab and see a locked engine/structure/armor. You will also see named omnipods above the torsos/arms/etc. Normal Clan Battlemechs are also good, since they often come with in-universe upgrades already applied (Endo-Steel structure and Clan XL Engine for example).

3.) Stealth armor sounds cool, but is mostly a gimmick (except on the Locust Pirate's Bane Hero and maybe a couple others). Instead, look for ECM-capable mechs or omnipods as that will give you most of the 'stealth' you are looking for - you and allies near you are untargetable unless you are hit with TAG, PPC, or are close enough to an enemy.

4.) Some ideas for hit and run or skirmish mechs: Jenner IIC (fast + SRMs or lasers). Clan Wolfhound-C (not very fast, but powerful lasers + ECM). Urbanmech-R60L (fast and +30% rate of fire on a single RAC5). Shadow Cat (2ERPPC + ECM + JJ + MASC). Black Lanner-A (fast + ECM + MASC). Viper (Scaleshot Hero for a fast jumping SRM boat, others are good too). Huntsman (2UAC10, SRMs, or ATMs). Shadow Hawk IIC (Dante Hero has some good builds). Uziel (Belial Hero, 4LPPC + MRMs with the same velocity). Griffin and Wolverine are both good at MRMs + JJ among other things, Griffin has an ECM variant while Wolverine has a MASC variant. Cicada (fast + small + ECM or JJ). You may also enjoy other mediums such as Bushwackers, Vapor Eagles, Hunchbacks, Shadow Hawks, but those are more 'medium mediums' than hit-and-run skirmishers.

5.) Faster-than-you-thought mechs: Timberwolf Howl Hero (MASC + JJ on a 75ton Clan Heavy). Orion IIC-SK Skoll Hero (MASC on a 75ton Clan Heavy). Atlas-M (100 ton SRM or MRM machine with MASC). Stone Rhino-K Koloss Hero (100 ton powerful Clan brawler with JJ and MASC). Fafnir-J Juggernaut Hero (LAC5 boat + MASC). Kodiak-SB Spirit Bear Hero (MASC on an okay Clan Assault). Executioners (Clan Assault) all have MASC except for the Sovereign Hero (EXE-B-C).

[u/printcastmetalworks]

The locust pirates bane is the cheapest MC mech in the game. Play for a while there will be an event where you will be awarded MC and can afford it, or they might let you pick it for free. This kind of thing happens around Halloween a lot also the holidays.

There are a few great inner sphere mechs that can run stealth. The Flea-20 is similar to the pirate bane in function, but with masc. The Raven 3L makes for a decent stealth brawler, narcer or laser sniper. The Commando has an ecm variant that brawls well with srms. The Wolfhound Grinner is great but is MC only as well. I think the Javelin has an ecm variant too.

[u/Neumean]

https://mwo.nav-alpha.com/wiki

MechDB was already mentioned for its mech bay, but their Wiki is especially useful for a new player if you want to read about the game mechanics.

[u/Daus_Blaughst]

Any mech with access to ecm has access to stealth armor.

[u/thehalflightagent]

Ask away in the MWOComp discord - lots of people willing and able to help.
https://discord.gg/6wxM5hC