Analysis: Rhino

The Rhino is a very unique robot. It is a heavy robot that has an optional physical shield that is among the stronger shields out there. It has blazing speed with the shield, but that ability is offset by complete inability to maneuver sideways or backwards with the shield on. Mind you, it's not as bad as Raijin and Fujin, who are immobilized by their shield, but the Rhino shield does block the medium weapons. It has a steep learning curve. Many experienced players love their Rhino, and Rhinos can be seen even in high leagues, but OTOH many new players are disappointed after giving it a spin. And this comes often from using the Rhino wrong. Of course, there is the occasional Taran Ancilot that you can catch unaware and "ram", i.e. charge so close that you are within its Ancile, drop the shield and fire. But if you try to make it a habit, you'll lose your Rhino more often than you'll drop the Ancilot. 

Many players will look at the big shield and the speed, think "ahhhh, ramming speed!" and charge right into their opponents. And this is a big mistake (well, in most cases - see below), for several reasons: (a) Nothing is more predictable than a Rhino with a shield. No problem to aim your rockets, no problem at all. And that's why the Rhino is so vulnerable to rockets. (b) You'll have to drop your shield to use your medium weapons. (c) You may get close, but all red players know that you can't get out again.  (d) If you think about beacon capping on large maps like Springfield, you should also know that your shield will hardly ever be pointed towards the enemy snipers that are always out there.  (5) There are some weapons out there that can melt your shield. You might charge a Tempest Punisher Natasha, but you'll be in for a nasty surprise if you need more than 4 seconds to get in range.

So, if these are the mistakes, how should a Rhino be piloted? There are excellent Rhino tutorials out there (and I will link them at the bottom of the article, once I dig them out), so let's make it short: The really good Rhino pilots will turn up where you don't expect them, coming from your flank or your back. They have learned - undoubtedly from many, many games where they learned the hard way about the dos and donts of a Rhino - when to use the speed, when to use the shield for protection, and when to drop the shield.  Because Rhino isn't really the brawler that it appears to be, it's more a flanking/finesse robot.  

Best Setups: The Rhino has the same setup as the Griffin (2x light. 2x medium). So, have a look at my Griffin analysis for some thoughts about damage potential and DPS values. 

• Orkan Pinata ("DB" or "Death button"). Orkans are my favorite for the Rhino by far, because you need to expose yourself without your shield for only a very short time to do full damage. The damage potential is exactly the same as a DB Griffin.
  This is a setup where you can "ram" an enemy robot (typically an Ancilot) and fire the rockets inside their shield. But make sure that you will reach your target, that is, few red rocket builds that think "ahhh, free silver". Don't try this with a DB Griffin, Orkan Haechi/Bulgasari or any other Orkan build. 
• Orkan Punisher. Orkans have a higher DPS values than Pinatas, a pair of Punishers can churn out 200k damage. So you can use the Punishers to drop an Ancile from 500m-350m (with your shield on), get within 300m and unload your Orkans. Very efficient against Ancilots, Carnages, Fujins. The drawback is that you don't have enough splash damage to drop a shielded robot like a Lance in one go.
• Orkan Magnum ("Hellfire"). This was a very popular build, but as rockets have received some buffs recently it is used somewhat less. The Magnums give you a bit more consistent damage and can penetrate Anciles. Helpful if you're up against the popular Taran Ancilots or PDB Griffins, as you can do some damage while using your shield.
• Tulumbas Pin ("RDB" or "Russian Death Button"). This is a very popular Griffin build, and can be used by the Rhino too. Even though the Rino can't jump and aim missiles over obstacles, it can protect itself against snipers or Zeus builds with its shield while getting within 500m.
  
  Tulumbas Punisher. Same advantages as Orkan Punisher.
• Gust Storm. Much like a Thunder Carnage, a Gust Storm setup needs to surprise an enemy at point blank range. And if you can get within 150m of the enemy, your shield usually allows you to get close enough. Again, use extreme caution not to be picked up by rockets on your way. 
  
• Punisher (x4). A variant of the Punisher Griffin, the Rhino lacks the attacking jump but is able to close the distance to a slower player, getting close enough for the Punishers to wreak havoc.

Suggested reading: Wiki Rhino guide, An idiot's guide to the Rhino, Rhino: how do u use what kind, for beacon rush games?, 

You will find my other analysis threads linked here.

Edit: Updated to 3.9.