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Post by S1E1 on Nov 14, 2021 20:26:53 GMT -5
So I as have undoubtedly stated several times, I don't really like Rocket Mortars. I don't like playing them (snore), I don't like getting hit by them (ouch), I don't really like the whole hide-and-stay-hidden dynamic they bring to tournament (eye roll), and I definitely don't like the fact that I still need to get them and upgrade them regardless because there are times when you just need them. But lately, and especially today with the tourney map being High Bridge, I don't like how bad I am with them. I mean I can make them work and I racked up mostly 200+ point games today playing my Guardian with RG16+RM12, which seems to be a top build for that map. But still, I can tell there are a whole set of human players who are just way better with them. I never get 300+ points with either mixed or dual RM12 builds and others certainly do. I mean they are the weapon I play the least, so I'm not going to be that good. But the thing is I don't enjoy them that much to really put the time into them, so I was wondering if folks have any advice. I already rely on the mini-map for targeting and try to shoot at enemy clusters, but still I rarely get multi-kills. And whether it is dual RM or RG+RM, I feel like I am having problems finishing bots fully off. Are there any positioning or targeting strategies folks are using to up their kill rate? Also, can you lead the target at all? I have never been clear on whether the targeting markers for RMs are strictly cosmetic or if you can angle the payload. I do feel that there are some human players who are way more accurate with them even at longer range, like maybe they have anticipated my movements. It that a thing? Anyway, my feeling is Rocket Mortars are likely the red-headed stepchild of Mech Arena. It's easy to put them down (and I have). But they still take skill and I admit it, I suck. So here's a thread where the experts can strut their stuff. Any tips?  |
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Whoopecushn
Destrier
Posts: 114
Karma: 99
Pilot name: DMF-Woop-X
Platform: iOS
League: Champion
Server Region: North America
Favorite robot: Kill Shot
MA Division: 1
MA Pilot ID: 4546208
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Post by Whoopecushn on Nov 14, 2021 21:48:00 GMT -5
I do use them but they are map specific. Todays tourny is one of those maps. I always stager launch them though. Fire one, wait 7 or 8 seconds and fire the second. That way I’ve always got one launching. You can’t really lead a target as the crosshairs will disappear if you lead too much. It takes practice but I’ve gotten fairly good with them. I can usually get a few multi kills and sometimes I can cap 3 reds if they’re low on health and bunched together. Concentrate on Mechs under 100m distance as the flight time is shorter and stager fire and you should get a few more kills. Also look for Mechs that have effects on them, such as EMP, stasis or overheat. They’ll be easier to hit and or take more damage thus easier to kill. At least it works for me.
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Post by punishingcossack on Nov 15, 2021 4:16:17 GMT -5
You actually can't lead a target w/ mortars. The "center" point, so to speak, of your volley will be where your enemy is at the moment you pull the trigger. This is regardless of whether or not your HUD crosshairs are leading them.
Close the distance to reduce the time the mortars are in the air. If you're far away enough from the enemy, even the slowest bot can back up and take 0 damage.
If you're using them in cpc, wait til your enemy is on the beacon, then fire one volley. they either move or take the damage, then fire again once they're back on the beacon.
Try not to shoot both at the same time if you can. This matters more against human players than AI
Shoot at frozen or stasis-ed targets
Levelling them up makes a big difference because they'll hit targets that are bunched together, and can land hits to the back
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Post by Koalabear on Nov 15, 2021 8:18:17 GMT -5
I use them a lot but have started to use them less due to the number of human players increasing. Most human players will reserve their sprints and most mechs can sprint out of the blast zone. I only pull out dual RM12 on my Paragon for early TDM games as there are more AI than humans and they tend to be dumber than later on in the week. I like using the Paragon cause it saves my Guardian and Panther for better weapons. Plus, the Paragon has Sprint and Rush or Super Rush.
When firing, I try to avoid shooting at targets that are close to tall buildings. The rockets tend to hit the roofs of these and I get very few hits. This was a silent nerf by Plarium because there was a time I could hit between or beside tall buildings with impunity and one day, I wasn't able to anymore. I think this was tied to the JR and RM notification buff.
I also try to look for targets with Overheat and Stasis and EMP applied as I know I have a better chance of scoring decisive hits against these. I try to avoid fast moving targets too. Oh, and don't bother trying to hit a smart human piloted Lancer. You will pull your hair out. I almost did - except I have no hair - and I eventually did kill the little flea by firing one salvo to make him jump and then another as he landed.
Try to look for targets from 46m - 90m. Anything beyond 100m is a waste as it takes the rockets too long to get to target. I also pair RM12 with SB16 on my Paragon for CPC games as this is an excellent mid - long range build. The SB16 applies Stasis pretty darn fast and once that happens, I can dump a load on top of my target. The SB16 is also a great defensive weapon, and my two sprints help me escape all but the most determined hunters.
At the end of the day, the RM12 will be replaced as I get other 12EN or greater weapons and I'll only pull them out for early TDM matches on open maps.
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Post by S1E1 on Nov 15, 2021 12:23:32 GMT -5
These are really good tips - thanks guys!! Some of this I was doing already, but getting extra detail like optimal range really helps. I wasn't really looking for effect icons though - that is probably the biggest thing I need to work on. Frankly I could probably try noticing the Overheat and Stasis icons more in general - I have a feeling the best snipers in the game are just constantly scanning for overheated bots. But with Rocket Mortars I wasn't even scanning for frozen bots yet. Partly because I play them so little but also because I always feel in a rush to get a shot off before a target disappears. I think need to slow down and take my time. Good tip too Koalabear on tall buildings helping block shots! I had noticed that a bit but wasn't really factoring it in enough. Good to remember too when dodging enemy mortars. |
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Post by punishingcossack on Nov 15, 2021 13:07:40 GMT -5
These are really good tips - thanks guys!! Some of this I was doing already, but getting extra detail like optimal range really helps. I wasn't really looking for effect icons though - that is probably the biggest thing I need to work on. Frankly I could probably try noticing the Overheat and Stasis icons more in general - I have a feeling the best snipers in the game are just constantly scanning for overheated bots. But with Rocket Mortars I wasn't even scanning for frozen bots yet. Partly because I play them so little but also because I always feel in a rush to get a shot off before a target disappears. I think need to slow down and take my time. Good tip too Koalabear on tall buildings helping block shots! I had noticed that a bit but wasn't really factoring it in enough. Good to remember too when dodging enemy mortars. you're correct that the smart players will shoot at overheated targets (especially if I'm just facing AI's) an extension of Koalabear's tip is that you should try to learn over time the maps, and know if you can lob mortars over the top of structures. mortars have a 14s reload, so it's best to not just fire them at any target willy nilly, especially in a squad battle |
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Post by S1E1 on Nov 15, 2021 13:43:26 GMT -5
These are really good tips - thanks guys!! Some of this I was doing already, but getting extra detail like optimal range really helps. I wasn't really looking for effect icons though - that is probably the biggest thing I need to work on. Frankly I could probably try noticing the Overheat and Stasis icons more in general - I have a feeling the best snipers in the game are just constantly scanning for overheated bots. But with Rocket Mortars I wasn't even scanning for frozen bots yet. Partly because I play them so little but also because I always feel in a rush to get a shot off before a target disappears. I think need to slow down and take my time. Good tip too Koalabear on tall buildings helping block shots! I had noticed that a bit but wasn't really factoring it in enough. Good to remember too when dodging enemy mortars. you're correct that the smart players will shoot at overheated targets (especially if I'm just facing AI's) an extension of Koalabear's tip is that you should try to learn over time the maps, and know if you can lob mortars over the top of structures. mortars have a 14s reload, so it's best to not just fire them at any target willy nilly, especially in a squad battle Yeah, the long reload time makes me impatient. But I feel all this will help on that. Now I've got enough things for my mind to be working on that I won't feel like I'm just standing around waiting. |
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Post by Old-Cat on Nov 15, 2021 16:19:24 GMT -5
These are really good tips - thanks guys!! Some of this I was doing already, but getting extra detail like optimal range really helps. I wasn't really looking for effect icons though - that is probably the biggest thing I need to work on. Frankly I could probably try noticing the Overheat and Stasis icons more in general - I have a feeling the best snipers in the game are just constantly scanning for overheated bots. But with Rocket Mortars I wasn't even scanning for frozen bots yet. Partly because I play them so little but also because I always feel in a rush to get a shot off before a target disappears. I think need to slow down and take my time. Good tip too Koalabear on tall buildings helping block shots! I had noticed that a bit but wasn't really factoring it in enough. Good to remember too when dodging enemy mortars. IMO, its all about shot selection. Wait and Wait. Make sure your shot has a high probability of success. Now I don't run two at a time, too boring. I typically pair one w a rail gun. A single allows you to get creative too. Example: I might find an angle and flush out a red w a mortar volley so I can snip w my railgun. |
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Post by Redfiend on Nov 16, 2021 6:50:19 GMT -5
Try to stay within the 45-75M range when using them.
Use the minimap to aim. The minimap tells you the exact location of your highlighted target. When a group is coming, aim for the head of the pack.
If a mech is retreating towards their allies, aim for their allies.
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Post by dukeofadvil on Nov 16, 2021 9:03:47 GMT -5
I find on some of the long narrow cpc maps the RM12 is great to soften up snipers. It will take a few shots. The only reason i moves my RM12 back into my hanger is to counter Duel Railguns.....but im in your boat, im not that good with them yet.
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Post by ⓣⓡⓘⓒⓚⓨ48 on Nov 16, 2021 13:14:36 GMT -5
For stationary (Frozen, EMP, etc.) targets, stand still while you shoot. Ideal targets… look for these.
For slow moving targets, wiggle your torso a little, preferable in the direction that they are headed if perpendicular to you. Most common targets… leading is hard but spreading the volley is not. Takes a few practice runs to get used to how much you need to wiggle, but wiggle you should. Range plays a factor… the further the projectiles have to travel, the more spread there will be from a small movement.
For fast moving targets… wiggle a little more. Basically you are just trying to cover the possibilities of where they will be when the RMs hit. If they are chaotic, wiggle back and forth. IF they are steadily headed in a definite direction, just turn in one direction while firing. Again, though, not huge turns… just enough to cover how far the Red will travel before the RMs get there. I would skip these targets unless they are the only ones you have open to you.
Be aware that this will limit the amount of hits you get, since a spread volley will, by definition, not be concentrated. However, it can mean more hits on targets that you would otherwise miss.
Custom Games are the Way. I practice on the current map for tourney with customs whenever I am not sure about a build. Just did this with Redox RM 12 x 2 to make sure of what I wrote in this post. It can help you get used to the map and how to employ mortars to the best effect, and from what location is it best to fire from (to avoid getting dead and hitting structures.)
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Post by S1E1 on Nov 16, 2021 13:23:21 GMT -5
For stationary (Frozen, EMP, etc.) targets, stand still while you shoot. Ideal targets… look for these. For slow moving targets, wiggle your torso a little, preferable in the direction that they are headed if perpendicular to you. Most common targets… leading is hard but spreading the volley is not. Takes a few practice runs to get used to how much you need to wiggle, but wiggle you should. Range plays a factor… the further the projectiles have to travel, the more spread there will be from a small movement. For fast moving targets… wiggle a little more. Basically you are just trying to cover the possibilities of where they will be when the RMs hit. If they are chaotic, wiggle back and forth. IF they are steadily headed in a definite direction, just turn in one direction while firing. Again, though, not huge turns… just enough to cover how far the Red will travel before the RMs get there. I would skip these targets unless they are the only ones you have open to you. Be aware that this will limit the amount of hits you get, since a spread volley will, by definition, not be concentrated. However, it can mean more hits on targets that you would otherwise miss. Custom Games are the Way. I practice on the current map for tourney with customs whenever I am not sure about a build. Just did this with Redox RM 12 x 2 to make sure of what I wrote in this post. It can help you get used to the map and how to employ mortars to the best effect, and from what location is it best to fire from (to avoid getting dead and hitting structures.) OK, now that is interesting! Man I am glad I asked about this. There is so much more nuance to RMs than I thought! |
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Post by S1E1 on Mar 20, 2022 13:15:06 GMT -5
I just gotta thank everyone again for all the tips in this thread. It has made such a difference in my games! Today on Tunnel of Fate I actually got 745 points on a 3 match game! I only got into the 500s a handful of times before this, and I definitely racked up more 500+ games today than had in all my time playing before now. Awesome, awesome tips guys, thanks so much!
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Post by Munki on Mar 21, 2022 9:50:39 GMT -5
The AOE splash increase implant is key to the effectiveness of this weapon especially when trying to hit targets that are in partial cover.
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Post by S1E1 on Mar 21, 2022 10:47:28 GMT -5
The AOE splash increase implant is key to the effectiveness of this weapon especially when trying to hit targets that are in partial cover. Yeah, the radius implant is the only epic (purple) one I have for Mortars and I've managed to up it by 4 out of 6 tiers, or a +33% increase. I had a chance to buy the legendary implant in the store and I passed on it because I was saving up my A-Coins. Knew I should have gotten it, still kinda wish I had, but overall am ok with the call I made. Hopefully if it got offered once, it'll get offered again. |
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Post by punishingcossack on Mar 21, 2022 13:19:09 GMT -5
The AOE splash increase implant is key to the effectiveness of this weapon especially when trying to hit targets that are in partial cover. Yeah, the radius implant is the only epic (purple) one I have for Mortars and I've managed to up it by 4 out of 6 tiers, or a +33% increase. I had a chance to buy the legendary implant in the store and I passed on it because I was saving up my A-Coins. Knew I should have gotten it, still kinda wish I had, but overall am ok with the call I made. Hopefully if it got offered once, it'll get offered again. perhaps in a month or so  |
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Post by Koalabear on Mar 22, 2022 7:30:57 GMT -5
S1E1 Just a thought, but have you tried pairing with SB16? Pairing with SB12 works too, but a leveled SB16 works wonders. Basically, pop your SB16 around a corner, put your target in stasis and then drop the hammer. Doesn't work that well against smart aware humans, but if you catch them off guard, its hilarious, especially when they give you the angry face! Works wonders against AI, but tends to work better in CPC for area control.
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Post by Munki on Mar 22, 2022 9:19:01 GMT -5
The AOE splash increase implant is key to the effectiveness of this weapon especially when trying to hit targets that are in partial cover. Yeah, the radius implant is the only epic (purple) one I have for Mortars and I've managed to up it by 4 out of 6 tiers, or a +33% increase. I had a chance to buy the legendary implant in the store and I passed on it because I was saving up my A-Coins. Knew I should have gotten it, still kinda wish I had, but overall am ok with the call I made. Hopefully if it got offered once, it'll get offered again. I had the legendary implant come up for RM splash in the store recently as well. Since my Epic version is already maxed out, the cost to remove it and purchase the legendary one would have been 5100 A-Coins. Considering the additional purple tokens I would need to max out the legendary implant, the overall cost was just too much for me. |
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Post by S1E1 on Mar 22, 2022 13:26:04 GMT -5
Yeah, the radius implant is the only epic (purple) one I have for Mortars and I've managed to up it by 4 out of 6 tiers, or a +33% increase. I had a chance to buy the legendary implant in the store and I passed on it because I was saving up my A-Coins. Knew I should have gotten it, still kinda wish I had, but overall am ok with the call I made. Hopefully if it got offered once, it'll get offered again. I had the legendary implant come up for RM splash in the store recently as well. Since my Epic version is already maxed out, the cost to remove it and purchase the legendary one would have been 5100 A-Coins. Considering the additional purple tokens I would need to max out the legendary implant, the overall cost was just too much for me. Yeah I am generally limiting my implants to just the 3rd and 4th tiers for that reason. Right now I am still focusing on mechs but I plan to eventually start spending my A-Coins on the implant crates to get the top versions. |
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Post by S1E1 on Mar 22, 2022 13:28:06 GMT -5
S1E1 Just a thought, but have you tried pairing with SB16? Pairing with SB12 works too, but a leveled SB16 works wonders. Basically, pop your SB16 around a corner, put your target in stasis and then drop the hammer. Doesn't work that well against smart aware humans, but if you catch them off guard, its hilarious, especially when they give you the angry face! Works wonders against AI, but tends to work better in CPC for area control. I've been caught flat by a couple folks playing that combo, but my SB16 is only 4.7 and on the backburner. I am mostly running 2xRM12 on my Killshot these days. It's a pretty brutal mortar platform. Also the ability to move around constantly makes playing the mortars a bit more fun for me. |
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Post by Koalabear on Mar 22, 2022 14:57:20 GMT -5
I just leveled my KS to R6.5. I have enough bps to go to 6.6, but need 475k credits...so maybe 3 weeks of playing and saving. But, it'll be forever to get enough bps to finally max it. I so want to run dual RM12 on the KS! Even picked up the Epic pilot just to start preparing for it.
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Post by Munki on Mar 23, 2022 10:01:46 GMT -5
I just leveled my KS to R6.5. I have enough bps to go to 6.6, but need 475k credits...so maybe 3 weeks of playing and saving. But, it'll be forever to get enough bps to finally max it. I so want to run dual RM12 on the KS! Even picked up the Epic pilot just to start preparing for it. If you can spend on this game at all, I recommend getting the season passes if you play with any regularity given there is a 500K credit pool to claim along with additional credits along the path. Really helps with the last couple of levels. |
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Post by Koalabear on Mar 23, 2022 10:46:52 GMT -5
Yeah, I bought it for the first time and the credits were a nice addition. I can probably level up the KS to 6.6 next week now. Too bad they don't have A-coins in the Seasons Pass too, otherwise, I'd probably buy it all the time. I only did it this time to get the Maverick pilot.
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Post by dukeofadvil on Mar 23, 2022 13:56:59 GMT -5
Yeah, I bought it for the first time and the credits were a nice addition. I can probably level up the KS to 6.6 next week now. Too bad they don't have A-coins in the Seasons Pass too, otherwise, I'd probably buy it all the time. I only did it this time to get the Maverick pilot. at least season pass with war robots gave us mechs and weapons. I haven't paid for the MA season pass yet. I'm not a sniper so the pilot isn't that appealing to me. |
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Post by dukeofadvil on Mar 24, 2022 8:15:53 GMT -5
Yeah, I bought it for the first time and the credits were a nice addition. I can probably level up the KS to 6.6 next week now. Too bad they don't have A-coins in the Seasons Pass too, otherwise, I'd probably buy it all the time. I only did it this time to get the Maverick pilot.  so if I get the pass i get the 500,000 credits from the stash, and about 250,000 credits from the progress path? 750,000 for 10 bucks, plus extras? |
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Post by lrob on Mar 24, 2022 8:21:45 GMT -5
Yeah, I bought it for the first time and the credits were a nice addition. I can probably level up the KS to 6.6 next week now. Too bad they don't have A-coins in the Seasons Pass too, otherwise, I'd probably buy it all the time. I only did it this time to get the Maverick pilot. so if I get the pass i get the 500,000 credits from the stash, and about 250,000 credits from the progress path? 750,000 for 10 bucks, plus extras? Yes!! That's correct. I'm a casual spender and those credits are super useful for upgrading mechs... the last levels are so expensive |
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Post by dukeofadvil on Mar 24, 2022 9:00:26 GMT -5
so if I get the pass i get the 500,000 credits from the stash, and about 250,000 credits from the progress path? 750,000 for 10 bucks, plus extras? Yes!! That's correct. I'm a casual spender and those credits are super useful for upgrading mechs... the last levels are so expensive THANKS!....casual spender here as well. I've never bought credits, just A-coins, but everything in my hanger is 6-1 and over, so the only time i need the A's is when i need prints. Back in beta we almost never took them to max, because it really didn't benefit like it does in this new economy. |
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Post by Koalabear on Mar 24, 2022 9:53:40 GMT -5
Hmm, I didn't get the 500k credits...but then it says 2d til I can claim it so... I'll definitely level my KS to 6.6 then and then just wait until I get enough to max it soon.
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Post by dukeofadvil on Mar 24, 2022 10:29:17 GMT -5
Hmm, I didn't get the 500k credits...but then it says 2d til I can claim it so... I'll definitely level my KS to 6.6 then and then just wait until I get enough to max it soon. If I get the pass my goal is a 6-6 Killy as well. I have enough prints.... After After that I will need another 700ish to max him.....plus all the credits as well. |
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Post by Redfiend on Mar 26, 2022 23:00:45 GMT -5
Hmm, I didn't get the 500k credits...but then it says 2d til I can claim it so... I'll definitely level my KS to 6.6 then and then just wait until I get enough to max it soon. The credit caches are always rewarded after the full time of the season has expired. It's one of the reasons I say it's the best money/resource ratio. Like the Derby events, everyone has until the moment it ends to actually get everything offered. That, and the skins are added to the fortune vaults during the next season, so getting all of the season pass skins is pretty important for getting decent resources from keys long term. |
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