HAWKEN servers are up and our latest minor update is live!
Forgot Password? SUPPORT REDEEM CODE

Jump to content


How to: Play the predator good and not be dead weight


  • Please log in to reply
107 replies to this topic

#1 space_

space_

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 347 posts
  • LocationIt came from space

Posted November 01 2013 - 05:35 AM

Ok so I finally got some time to play the predator.. It showed up in my garage after a couple matches yesterday and I've been able to play against some good pilots and seen way more terrible ones so I decided to write up this tip guide so if u feel like u have to play predator you maybe won't suck so bad.

Before we get into anything let me first point out if u r sniping with the predator stop. You're doing it wrong. Just stop it.

K first thing and most important with pred is to understand the sbility.  Basically the way I understand it is once u activate it if u do not deactivate it it will auto reactivate when available.  This seems to be a key part in using the mech.

Here is how to truly live up to the predator name:

Important equipment: max tune hydrolics, adv reconstructor, repair, anything else you want that will make the pred walk read not boost faster, radar tune at least half, mk3 detonator, repair kit of choice

Ok so get nearish to battle and engage special, Use radar and heat vision to track targets while keeping them in a position they cannot see u, approach targets from the rear using environment to make it harder to see u, ie stand in darker areas or close to walls all this makes camo much more effective.

Position yourself in a high traffic repair area for the enemy and sit there in camo in an area rarley used when normally moving around the map, charge your railgun and wait, when injured enemies show up close the distance and fuzzy bunny them, your should be able to hit your first charged rail from cloak close the distance and finish off with mines via direct hits before the enemy even has time to react depending on how damaged they are.  This will probably leave you within close proximity of a second enemy which you can use your det rail and mines to dispatch easily as well.  Remember these guys have just come from battle to repair and probably are waiting on their det cool downs.

This is basically the use of the predator.. It is highly positional and should be use to swiftly pickoff the weak.  A key to playing it well is staying in stealth as much as possible and picking your fights with the guys who you can kill quickly with the weapons you have and not engaging everyone that comes near you.

Providing position reports for your team would also be a big role for this mech if we ever get to play with VoIP again lawl but sine you get about one match in ten with VoIP this role is diminished for now.
"Good, Bad, I'm the guy with the Gun."

"THREE!"

#2 DDwarrior

DDwarrior

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 293 posts
  • LocationUS

Posted November 01 2013 - 05:46 AM

Haven't fought a predator yet.  Just reading about it I get the sense the mech isn't to be used in a similar manner as other mechs so I wouldn't be surprised if it threw people off.  At least for the moment I'm just going on theory due to lack of experience so far.
When I've launched onto the battlefield, torn my enemies to shreds.  I stride through the field and listen, I see a ping.  I quietly take my time moving into position, it pings.  I see him...but he doesn't see me.  That feeling of making someone feel defenseless in that moment.  It is glorious!


"I5-2400 3.3Ghz, 16GB Corsair 1600Mhz, MSI 2GD5/OC GeForce GTX 660Ti, COOLER MASTER HAF 912, GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UD3H, LSP 750 PRO,  500GB Sata 6GB"

#3 space_

space_

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 347 posts
  • LocationIt came from space

Posted November 01 2013 - 05:53 AM

Ya to use it well it really must be played with patience.. It is not a great 1v1 mech like the infiltrator is so u have to know your are going to deliver a lot of damage before your opponent can react and target selection is a huge factor.. You cannot just run around and try and fight people head up and you really relly can't snipe it truly is a hunting mech and that's really all it can be used for
"Good, Bad, I'm the guy with the Gun."

"THREE!"

#4 EnergyFlameD

EnergyFlameD

    Advanced Member

  • Full Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 240 posts
  • LocationNorway/Thailand

Posted November 01 2013 - 05:54 AM

I haven't got the Pred now since it isn't in my garage yet ( I have maxed out the scout) :(  

But thanks for the Tips and tricks :D
[font=tahoma, geneva, sans-serif]A FLAME CAN GIVE LIFE AND HEAT, BUT IT CAN BE VERY
LETHAL IN THE WRONG HANDS[/font]

#5 HideyoshiYaoi

HideyoshiYaoi

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 612 posts
  • LocationSTL

Posted November 01 2013 - 06:04 AM

I found that the t32 and the EOC-P have nearly the same reload times, so clicking both of them at the same time yields pretty high burst damage if you can land the puck on them too

#6 space_

space_

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 347 posts
  • LocationIt came from space

Posted November 01 2013 - 06:14 AM

Ya u can use all the weapon combinations to play the pred in this manner, as an up close and personal unexpected ambush mech, then u dissapear and get resituated for the next ambush while your health refills
"Good, Bad, I'm the guy with the Gun."

"THREE!"

#7 Shogun60

Shogun60

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 112 posts
  • LocationNew Zealand

Posted November 01 2013 - 06:18 AM

That's the way I have got nearly all my kills with My Predator and its slower than zooming round the map chasing or dodging and locking missiles etc.. & engaging front on, but it does work so it just learning a different way to play than any other mech, thanks for the added tips and HideyoshiYaoi's idea of the T32 & EOC-P sounds good plus I'd add the Det-MkIII as an alpha strike for Me to be sure. Trial coming up B)
Posted Image

Looking for an organised HAWKEN clan? visit http://TAW.net


#8 zaepp

zaepp

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 230 posts
  • LocationGet to da AA!

Posted November 01 2013 - 06:37 AM

I think this strongly depends on team-composition and game-mode. As long as there is a strong CQC-train in your team and not like one Zillion Predators in the opposing team, one could play like this. This Assassination-style suits pretty good but also a more defensive approach (preparing choke-points) can be viable. Just my2cents.

It's just the trees Johnny, just the trees ... (Unknown pilot after his first TDM on Last Eco)

Adapt or GTFO! (Unknown pilot after Steam FUBAR)


Enlist for competitive FarmVille today!  


#9 TheHound

TheHound

    Member

  • Members
  • PipPip
  • 12 posts
  • LocationKansas City

Posted November 01 2013 - 06:57 AM

Would the Predator be any good at disrupting caps?  I realize that it's not designed for CQC and frontal engagements, but I would think with it's stealth ability it could easily sit within the capture zone of a Missile Turret and possibly disrupt the cap.  In fact, I could potentially see laying some mines around a corner just out of the capture zone so that if the Pred is spotted it could retreat...then bam...mines go off.  There are some good areas to hide in Last Eco that might work with this play style.

I realize it's highly situational and since I haven't played it yet I could be way off.

#10 JudgeGrey

JudgeGrey

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 167 posts
  • LocationFDL WIsconsin

Posted November 01 2013 - 07:05 AM

I am an hour 1 Predator (rank 4 atm) and do agree with the tactics for the most part; I do feel that I need to say (and get flamed for it) that the EOC-P is a straight shooter. In the right pilots hands the EOC-P can hit its target with decent accuracy on the flanks in the heat of battle much like the reaper; I have a 62% hit with it right now, and know that it depends on the player as I have my maxed Reaper since pre-accession and like the SS. the key for the shooting is to aim for where they will be not where they are, as so many new pilots tend to do. While the tactic listed by OP is workable in TDM and MA it can ruin a Seige when there are not enough pilots taking the AA. T-32 is the way to keep yourself in the fight when you have to be and I have tried the breacher extensively and can only say that if that is the weapon of choice for a new pilot then follow OP's advise.
Finally a warning to all new Predator Pilots...Do not rush in...if you see a scout coming then write your will because he knows where you are...and play defensibly so you can help your team from medium range.

P.S. Environmental awareness is also key when your trying to stay hidden and sneak up, as OP said stay in the shadows and near walls that may cause a potential hunter to walk by so you can then Detonate into their backside giving you an edge.
P.P.S. The best maps I have found for the Predators strengths are Origin and Last Eco as they have lots of edges and bumps where you can lay your traps effectively; you get them below the Line of sight or in the upper parts of the tunnels where Zerkers like to fly.

Tekel": You have been weighed on the scales and found wanting"

Edited by JudgeGrey, November 01 2013 - 07:11 AM.

It's the jakes that make the job. It's the Jake behind the wheel.
It's the Jake that rides beside 'em whose nerves are edged with steel.
It's the jakes that ride behind them when the truck rolls to a call.
The sirens blare and we say a prayer 'til they're home safe one and all.

#11 WastingTime

WastingTime

    Advanced Member

  • Full Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 116 posts

Posted November 01 2013 - 07:15 AM

Played 2 TDM rounds this morning & found out how NOT to play it. Can't wait to give it another go

#12 PartyTime

PartyTime

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 250 posts
  • Locationeast coast north america

Posted November 01 2013 - 07:59 AM

infiltrator? good at 1v1's? i thought that was scout territory.

also, the notion of 1v1's in a class based, role based game is a silly one, unless you're comparing identical mechs. This is a team game first and foremost, with only one solo game mode out of how many team based ones.

so you want to be good at hawken? while not missing is a given, Firstly you need common sense. Second, you need to consider your strengths to find your weaknesses. Third, you need to figure out how to use your teammates as spackle for your own weaknesses, how to present opportunities for them to take advantage of, and how to use the situations they place themselves in to your benefit.

however if you do not have common sense, you must make some. take some time aside and retrospect your life, find your failures or mistakes and meditate on what could be done in the future to avoid them. In this fashion you can take experience and create a framework toolset for practical thinking.  I find the best place to do this is on the toilet, because is there any other point in your life where you get complete solitude than when you're evacuating the white house?

Edited by PartyTime, November 01 2013 - 08:02 AM.


#13 Beefsweat

Beefsweat

    Advanced Member

  • Full Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 2,845 posts
  • Locationsan diego, usa

Posted November 01 2013 - 08:05 AM

I feel like putting points in Radar is just redundant for any player worth their metaphorical salt.
Posted Image

#14 ArccBR

ArccBR

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 316 posts
  • LocationBrazil (-3 GMT)

Posted November 01 2013 - 08:06 AM

-Breacher is too stronk. Seriously, you can take out an A mech with 3 hits. Self experience. The Pred wasn't made for 1x1 engagements, but it can handle itself pretty well, the Flak mode deal descent damage, and the reload ain't big (at least with weapons loader), making it pretty  good for skimishes if need be.

-Although you aren't invisble, standing still, while out of sight can be pretty effective against the untrained eye, a bunch of people will just pass you by with this, giving you plenty of time to just pick them by surprise, giving you the upper.

-ISM is pretty useful against C mechs, as they get blinded, giving you plenty of time to blend in the environment, and engage when you have the opportunity.

-The best way to move out in the Pred is to move by the edges of the map. As you can find a lot of wounded enemies/reapers/ss stationary there. Enjoy your alpha.

-My loadout of choice is:

Internals:
Shock Coil: No fall damage, with this, there is no need to hover before falling, not breaking the Stalker ability.
Basic Extractor: Now you see me healing, now you don't.
Deflectors: Must have, dodging/boosting/hover damage reduction, priceless.
Failsafe: If they get you with the pants down, you have no need to worry about blowing your EOC P mines close to self.

Items:
ISM MK-I: Because no sunglasses.
Emp MK-I: Every single second counts.
Det MK-I: Dat alpha.

Tunning:
Weapons Loader: More piw piw.
Armor: Balls of steel.
Hydraulics: Boosting on the Pred is risky, enjoy the walk, while walking faster.
Generator: Help you out on the fuel management, while dodging, boosting, or whatever.

Well, this is my 2cent in the Pred yet. Hope you guys enjoy it, or make some suggestions. Cya.

Posted Image

Digital Revolution Clan Member [.:DRev:.]

Join the Revolution HERE!


#15 TheHound

TheHound

    Member

  • Members
  • PipPip
  • 12 posts
  • LocationKansas City

Posted November 01 2013 - 08:11 AM

 Beefsweat, on November 01 2013 - 08:05 AM, said:

I feel like putting points in Radar is just redundant for any player worth their metaphorical salt.

Wouldn't a longer radar range help against the mechs you can't see via the stealth vision?
Additionally...would a portable scanner be advantageous at all?  Assuming that you place it somewhere close by but not where you are located?

#16 angryhampster

angryhampster

    Advanced Member

  • Full Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 3,349 posts
  • Location

Posted November 01 2013 - 08:22 AM

play it like how you play a SLUG reaper, but instead of using the sabot.   place mines are varios choke points.

Edited by angryhampster, November 01 2013 - 08:48 AM.

    --[font=arial, sans-serif](◕_◕)    [/font]
Posted Image

#17 JudgeGrey

JudgeGrey

    Advanced Member

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 167 posts
  • LocationFDL WIsconsin

Posted November 01 2013 - 08:46 AM

 TheHound, on November 01 2013 - 08:11 AM, said:

 Beefsweat, on November 01 2013 - 08:05 AM, said:

I feel like putting points in Radar is just redundant for any player worth their metaphorical salt.

Wouldn't a longer radar range help against the mechs you can't see via the stealth vision?
Additionally...would a portable scanner be advantageous at all?  Assuming that you place it somewhere close by but not where you are located?

if they are out of radar range then they are not what you should be focused on when you are properly hidden

Edited by JudgeGrey, November 01 2013 - 08:46 AM.

It's the jakes that make the job. It's the Jake behind the wheel.
It's the Jake that rides beside 'em whose nerves are edged with steel.
It's the jakes that ride behind them when the truck rolls to a call.
The sirens blare and we say a prayer 'til they're home safe one and all.

#18 flimsy

flimsy

    Advanced Member

  • Full Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 565 posts

Posted November 01 2013 - 10:10 AM

Played the predator a bunch last night. I think I've got a handle on it. The primary thing you want to do is figure out how to use the breacher, because it is crazy good. The uncharged shot hits like a truck. I got a lot of mileage by going around the side in TDM, and either fuzzy bunny people up with mines and the charged breacher, or creeping up and smacking someone in the face.

#19 DreamedArtist

DreamedArtist

    Advanced Member

  • Full Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 512 posts
  • LocationToronto, Ontario, Canada

Posted November 01 2013 - 10:13 AM

 HideyoshiYaoi, on November 01 2013 - 06:04 AM, said:

I found that the t32 and the EOC-P have nearly the same reload times, so clicking both of them at the same time yields pretty high burst damage if you can land the puck on them too
Yeah this I agree on found out 2 days ago it's a good combo if hits are landed.
Practice good sportsmanship, You were a noob once too

Posted Image

#20 Wasabi_Wei

Wasabi_Wei

    Advanced Member

  • Full Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 942 posts
  • LocationMadison, Wisconsin, USA, Earth

Posted November 01 2013 - 10:40 AM

So the key to playing the Predator is to lurk around taking ones sweet time engaging while your team loses battle momentum? Seems about right.
Wake up to find out that you are the eyes of the world. - Grateful Dead lyric, but really true.

Just Saying: "If an officer of the law expects to be treated as such, then they had better act as one and uphold our laws and Rights in the pursuit of Justice."




1 user(s) are reading this topic

0 members, 1 guests, 0 anonymous users