TL:DR Raider is underpowered because of the KLA-MIRV modes difficulty of use along with the modes poor stats. Reflak and EOC/KLA-SLUG are both pretty good choices. I would stay away from T-32 raider for now.
So as others have said the raider is definitely lacking. In my opinion it is not because of its health. The reload time is very long for the KLA-MIRV (horizontal mode), that is the source of the problems. The KLA-MIRV is the most punishing secondary to miss, the fight is pretty much over if a raider misses a KLA-MIRV shot (or doesn't get a near full it). It is also the most awkward secondary to fire with a weird projectile speed that causes an odd delay between firing and doing damage at certain ranges. Coupled with the rapidly increasing spread even at short ranges this thing is insanely unforgiving compared to other mechs secondaries. Given the amount of damage it does, and the amount of skill it takes to effectively hit with it, I feel the reload time should be shortened a fair amount. If the reload stays how it is, then it should be hit scan. If they want to keep reload time, spread and projectiles then it should do more damage. Maybe even a combination of small changes to those stats. Just my take on it.
/rant
Now with that out of the way. I recommend reflak and eoc. They are both very good weapons and each excels at situations the other fails at. EOC is very good on vertical maps (origin, uptown) and can be good on almost any map for siege. Reflak is good on any map, especially if you aren't going to have a lot of high ground advantage or if you are going against flying mechs. It has enough flexibility to be good in almost any situation, besides long range of course.
EOC raider is all about positioning and having high ground. You have to be able to maintain space and be able create time. Create space and time_ Yes, you need space because you will get slaughtered cqc against more than one mech, you need to create time because your most effective moment is when you have your EOC charged and slug grenade ready to go (highest burst potential). You will wreck A-classes no problem, and B-classes will melt quickly. C-class teams with techs you could struggle against depending on your team composition. Really relies on your map awareness, knowing where all the good high ground spots are. Really shines in siege mode. Focus on picking off A and B classes and area denial. Better off keeping KLA in slug grenade mode (vertical mode). EOC takes some getting used to don't just give up after a few games.
Reflak raider is all about timing and having an avenue for escape. Generally stick with your team and harrass the enemy at mid range with KLA-SLUG(vertical mode). Poke at the flanks some, don't dedicate to a flank unless you know you can end the battle or get a kill, or two, before the rest of the team collapses on you. Focus on chipping down the enemy teams health while minimizing damage to yourself. Reflak raider excels at taking out damaged enemies. Use your teammates as cover, take those opportunity kills. Use your reflak and slug to reduce the enemies health from a distance and use your speed reflak and KLA-MIRV to finish off weakened foes in cqc.
T-32 is a bit weak right now against A classes, especially flying ones. It is pretty much impossible to hit a high tier a class pilot with the t-32, add the difficulty of the Raider's secondary and you have a hopeless fight on your hands. So I generally would stay away from it, if you are facing a C-class heavy team and you aren't having any luck with the EOC then you should try the t-32 out. It may do some good against bigger targets.
A note on the KLA-MIRV: I would never recommend leading a fight with KLA-MIRV unless you are very close and are 100% certain you will get almost a full hit. Beware, it can cause self damage if you are too close.
/book
Edited by CounterlogicMan, February 23 2014 - 07:33 AM.
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Meraple, on February 14 2014 - 05:11 AM, said:
