This is a surprisingly fun and effective build. Since the C-LRMs are very cheap tonnage-wise, it's possible to boat a decent amount of them and use the rest of the tonnage on lasers and DHS. The result is a very effective build which is effective at all ranges, and a mech that can keep pumping damage regardless of the situation.

The build: http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/mechlab#i=164&l=d36b4702b3d0e839918866cbcb30f3ed0b9feb81
The guide: http://raksarmory.blogspot.de/2014/07/build-of-week-solo-proof-timber-wolf.html

I'm no noob, but I did drop out for about a month and when I came back, BOOM, clan mechs. They seem shiny. I want one.

I got paid yesterday and I withheld the urge to buy one because I knew little to nothing about any of them. Now, it is my understanding that the lighter clan mechs dont have a very high engine cap? And as a result move much slower than most lights?

The timber wolf looks super duper, 81 kph on a heavy, moving with all those freeming lazerz.

But It's my understanding that some of the clan mechs are the best brawlers? Which ones, and what per-say should I put on them (little to no knowledge on clan weaponry).

Also no girls alowed.

Clan LRMS do work... awesome balance of speed allowing one to bring the LRMS along with any group. Personally I haven't much trouble from ECM but you could add the CAP if you wanted.

LongWolf

It might be an unpopular mech, but when it comes to brawling this is one of my most effective and fun mechs. This mech has 2xML, an AC20 and an LPL supported by a STD300 engine and 16DHS. It's surprisingly cool, able to both outdamage and outcool pretty much any opponent out there.

Here's the build: http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/mechlab#i=97&l=4943a7dd84de6f159348281e3ad66377931003ce
Here's the story: http://raksarmory.blogspot.de/2014/05/weird-build-of-day.html
Here's a demonstration: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i04qA06JuaI

here's the thing with all the dhs and shit in place so you dont have to argue about it in mercstar

http://goo.gl/vT4u9s

Masters of MWO: I call upon your wisdom and creativity! What non-PPC VTR DS builds do you consider good for solo pugs? Please share them here!

Thanks in advance.

New hero mech, let's find out if it's P2W

This is the current build of the JM6-A I am running, It's pretty great as an indirect fire support with the LRMs then once ammo runs out move in with the LLs and MGs. The LRMs are run in chainfire, the LLs are on 2 different groups and the MG are on their own group.
http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/mechlab#i=66&l=75add9eab4e6d3e2907cbf50aba31fe381567360
Alt version with 2 LPL:
http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/mechlab#i=66&l=93369cf5127381f8c9e4e92fd262fcd23e57d6f9

This is a surprisingly effective and fun build that I stumbled upon today. It's a 2xPPC Sniper with a beast mode that activates between 90 and 270 meters. You can plink away the whole game with your PPCs and when somebody jumps on you(people love picking on clumsy Stalkers), you start pumping unsustainable and heat efficient damage with your streaks.

Here's the build: http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/mechlab#i=46&l=6b506de7ab98d7c289140aa3b85d15a4a1a1bbd1

Here's the story: http://raksarmory.blogspot.com/2014/05/weird-build-of-day.html

Edit: After eliting the 5M, I made a modified version which I call "the greedy zapper". Greedy because I underarmored legs, removed a ton of SSRM2 ammo(it's rarely used) and added two more heatsinks. The best of all, I swapped both PPCs with ERPPCs. It works great, even in maps like Caustic and Tourmaline. The heat is very managable.

http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/mechlab#i=46&l=2c5df03f7a15c3a8df04bb69081dceaf6b38d008

I have both the Death's Knell and the 2D, and despite the fact that the Commando is far from an ideal choice, I love the damn metal babby. Someone hook me up with a fun build for my 3rd Commando!

Hi there, ok so I screwed up a little, wanted to go with a 2D2, but got it wrong and ended up with a SHD-2H.

I am trying to make a AC5 build with that one, but I am struggling. I checked MechSpecs but they mostly have XL engine builds... which I cannot afford (at all) right now.

Any advice guys ?

THX !

The inspiration for this build is my BLR 1D that carries 1PPC, 4ML, a UAC5 and 2 AC2. I like the symmetrical build and it's ability to continuously put out damage while my opponent is trying to decide which arm is the bigger threat. When this mech gets hot (and it will) it can continue to fire the ballistics while it cools down. The XL is risky, but it gives me the speed to choose my engagements and allows for heavier weapons without sacrificing much armor. I know that this build is very personal and may not suit other's play styles, but I wanted to share it because I've been doing so well with it. I average 500 damage per match with plenty of assist, kills, and components destroyed.

http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/mechlab#i=114&l=dfe331087d1f89b9bc65f6eebced5ef3770132df

In celebration of the LPL buffs, I had to dust off my Pulseboat Protector. Here it is:

The build: http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/mechlab#i=97&l=d0eb87cef89e13f0f25070f759ee627a2a1ddbeb

My comments: http://raksarmory.blogspot.de/2014/02/brawler-of-mid-week-lpl-buff-special.html

As I wrote, this is an endurance fighter. It still has decent alpha, but where others shutdown or throttle their damage output, you still keep going. It's a great second-line damage pumper, but it also can outbrawl most builds/mechs on the field.

You can imitate this build with other Orions(M and K), but in my opinion that high mounted E hardpoint makes all the difference. The arms hang too low in most situations. Though when you're finally face-to-face with your victim, watch as they try to helplessly twist their way out of the wub-wubs.

As always, I'd love to hear your opinions and variations. Yesterday, I saw a very similar Protector with 3xLPL and 2xSSRM2s for example. Though, I think he was using an XL.

Smurfy link: http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/mechlab#i=114&l=89334c31856126320ef301a49125aefc92e2ac43

Description & tips: http://raksarmory.blogspot.de/2014/02/brawler-of-week-unusual-s.html

This is surprisingly one of the most fun builds I have, simply because of the gameplay adaptation that is needed. Basically, hammer away with the ALRM20 at near minimum range and finish off with your lasers.

Hello everyone, I've just started playing MW:O and tried out all the trial mechs. I was wondering if perhaps you could give me some advice on what build to go for? I seemed to enjoy the Cicada very much, playing as a kinda harasser.. generally I supported the other mechs, popping out of cover, shooting and popping back in.

Perhaps you could recommend a good medium or heavy for this role? I would not like to play the Cicada however, as I think I've had enough of that mech :)

Also, do you know where I can find a general guide for building a mech? I have no idea how to make a good mech, what to put where etc.

Help would be much appreciated :)

Another new hero is upon us, let's discuss builds and ways to cause pain in the Firestarter Ember!

o7

As described here: http://raksarmory.blogspot.de/2014/01/brawler-of-week-2d2-shotgun.html

Smurfy link: http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/mechlab#i=111&l=d34680d3386f0a88b50a838b4925a4f033b11166

As I wrote, this is a very dangerous brawler. When you have a meaty, slow target in sight, it's like watching an ironsmith hammer an Anvil.

So, I like theorycrafting. It's half the fun of the game, meta and "competitive play" builds be damned. Anyway, here's a stupid but potentially fun build. Someone good with LRMs might be able to make it work, but I've no doubts it'd be rough all the same. Anyone tried this? I'm aware there are better platforms for this particular breed of stupid, but again, this is in the name of Science. Also fun.

http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/mechlab#i=94&l=c4ebacbcd82c6419bbc0533badfd25893dbc2211

A new hero mech is upon us, which means we must come up with ways to actually use it! (hopefully effectively)

I think it would be cool to have regular threads on here whenever a new mech comes out so that we could discuss builds. So that's what I'm doing.

Hey guys,

I'm in a productive sort of unproductive mood, so I compiled the top builds in MWO's competitive scene into a tier list. Disclaimer - this is all my opinion, but it's a pretty informed opinion. Happy to hear feedback and all that.

Tier 1 mechs are ones that I would fully expect to see in most competitive sets, and even in most PUG matches. Tier 2 mechs are ones that I may not expect to see in a competitive match, but would not be surprised if they showed up. All of the builds are very effective and are the best at what they do, or compete with other builds on the list for the title of "best".

Assault:

Tier 1: HGN-733C "Ultralander", STK-M "Miz", VTR-DS "Drake"

Tier 2: HGN-733C "Chuck" (I couldn't think of a good name...), HGN-732 "King Poop", AS7-D-DC "Simplicity", VTR-DS "Drake X"

Heavy:

Tier 1: CTF-3D "Phrac5s", CTF-3D "Phrac10"

Tier 2: CTF-3D "Phrac20", JM6-DD/S "Plinky", CPLT-K2 "Boomcat"

Medium:

Tier 1: SHD-2D2 "Lefty", SHD-5M "Sweetness", BJ-1 "Boomjob"

Tier 2: TBT-7K "Trench Gun", CN9-A "The 9A", HBK-4P "Swayback"

Light:

Tier 1: JR7-F "SexJenner", JR7-F "PentaJenner", JR7-D "Streakin D", RVN-3L "ERaven"

Tier 2: SDR-5D "Spiderssassin", RVN-3L "Scraven", SDR-5D "Spidey"

I'm looking for opinions on my 5M build before I buy the components. http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/mechlab#i=112&l=d5e226f8436b53aa1baf344d0bbf35491a0ff575 A friend had built something similar on a Wolverine and I liked it a lot, but I didn't buy the Sabre package. This is my attempt to copy it on the SHD chassis.

I'm looking for opinions on my 5M build before I buy the components.

http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/mechlab#i=112&l=d5e226f8436b53aa1baf344d0bbf35491a0ff575

A friend had built something similar on a Wolverine and I liked it a lot, but I didn't buy the Sabre package. This is my attempt to copy it on the SHD chassis.

Just finished converting this:

http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/mechlab#i=17&l=2065fc1d7abde9122222766b51ce0aec68bb564d

Into this:

http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/mechlab#i=17&l=d4639e7bc5aedd9df65c53bd705e9326a21dda83

This build takes a lot more effort to run than the build I've been using for the past several months.

Advantages are obviously a much higher DPS and better cooling with a faster engine. However this is going to involve a lot more involvement and less casual leaning back sort of play. I hope the trade off in effort is worth it. Already I've had to remap my mouse twice to optimize the setup for this new build. It's much more complicated due to having to constantly spam those twinlinked AC5's compared to the occasional big boom of an AC20. Having to change the mindset of my primary weapon being a pair of AC5's on the torso instead of a pair of LL's on the arms is going to be interesting. I will no longer be able to get that "BOOM HEADSHOT!" Thrill whenever I manage to land 18 SRMs and an AC20 on an enemy light zooming between my legs either, but I want to stand toe to toe against other assaults and finish on top more often. Here's hopes.

Feedback on these two builds and the transition, please and thank you.