I have mastered STTAD1 which became the signature element of my play-style.
I finally have all 18 mechs (G2 Raider was my last purchase at 194 hours of playtime).
I still haven't unlocked all weapons that I want to have (need to grind XP for Vulcan on the Grenadier and AR for the Bruiser).
I spent 30$ so far, mostly on cosmetics, smaller portion on HC/XP boost.
I met some good folks on the battlefield.
After the first 200 hours I don't feel that I got even to the half of the things that can be learned in the current state of Hawken. Still, I think I will play less frequently because I played too much in the last few months.
I play in low to mid-tier pub matches. My MMR is ~1700.
Take my opinions from this perspective.
My impressions on the different mechs, in the order of the time of purchase. Note that the new prices are uniformly 9923 HC:
CR-T/Assault � free (Assault with 'LOADEDASSAULT' promo code)
Spoiler
If you want to win, pick the Assault. If you want to have fun, pick something else. It doesn' mean that I didn't enjoy playing my Fred or Salt, they were excellent starter mechs.
The fact that you get the most versatile, all-powerful mech with a full items/internals loadout as the starter mech for free, proves clearly that Hawken is not pay-to-win.
My K/D on CRT/Assault doesn't underline these statements but it's because they were my training mechs and I used to have 0.3 K/D in the first couple of weeks.
G2 Assault � 12816 HC
Spoiler
After having maxed out the Assault I felt like I need to get this thing.
I had good use of it in TDM on Bunker and Facility, and it is good in general for Siege and Missile Assault for making space around the AA/Silo. It is not for frontal assault but for flanking. It has good air speed and jumping in the air is useful sometimes to maintain line of sight. Stay in the open, avoid places where the enemy can play peek-a-boo. If you started a fight, apply tunnel-vision, keep pushing both mouse buttons until the enemy is ded. Favourite weapons loadout? Hmm...how about Vulcan-XT ?
Raider � 7689 HC
Spoiler
Raider was my second purchase and it made me very disappointed. It became even worse when I unlocked the T-32. I died a lot in the Raider.
Today I like it and I feel that getting a kill in a Raider is much more satisfying (and also more difficult) than in an Assault.
I mainly use the Raider in Siege as an EU-runner and for chasing enemy EU runners, with T-32 and EOC. After having the EU collected, I defend AA with the Raider until it dies, then I switch to some fatty C-Class.
Scout � 12816 HC
Spoiler
I got stomped by Scouts quite a lot, but now! I have the HC, I'll get a Scout and it is my turn to crush my enemies, see them driven before me and hear the lamentations of their women! Aha, NO.
Small fuel tank, weak armor, a wrong move leads to death. Maybe I'll try to play Scout again later.
Not recommended as first A-Class.
Berserker � 12816 HC
Spoiler
Ok, I failed as a scout pilot, let's try the Berserker. I am familiar with it's weapons, just need to get used to the smaller health pool and more speed, compared to the Assault. This thing can fly! Also has killer ability. Sweet! My preferred primary on this mighty spacebar-warrior is SMC. It's a very effective mech, but I enjoy playing the Infiltrator more, which is now my favourite A-Class. You say that playing the Zerk when the server has hit-reg/teleporting issues (hello, Frankfurt) is just flat out abusing the lag? I don't fully disagree.
Infiltrator � 12816 HC
Spoiler
Hang with your team loosely, cause some WTF moments to the enemy and then get lost around the corner. It's so much fun! Due to the large fuel tank, lots of boosting can be done, but be careful when using cloak as it drains fuel. I can't handle the Heat Cannon, EOC is super fun but I'm most efficient with the AR. I use the Infiltrator in TDM on Prosk and on Last Eco.
Brawler � 3844 HC
Spoiler
It's time to get my first heavy mech. I already took the Vanguard for a test-drive, it's very neat but plays too similarly to the Assault. Also costs double compared to the Brawler. Wait, the Brawler is only 3844 HC? And due to the different weapons loadouts, it's practically a 3-in-one mech? What's the catch? Give it to me.
Keeping up with the team is not that simple. 'Wait for me, guys! Enemies, enemies everywhere. How can a thing that has 800 HPs die so quickly? I should have saved up the HC for the Vanguard.'
After the first waves of frustration, I started to like my Brawler. Crawl with the Flak Brawler up to the enemy, peek out from the corner and say 'BOO!', then 'where are you running, I want to play with you!'. I dressed up my Brawler to a lovable-huggable Teddy bear to be less scary to people but I'm afraid it was wasted MC. :P
Have an extractor, repair kit, armor fusor, drop a shield on the orb that remained from the poor guy you were hugging one second ago, then press F, you are invincible (until someone has EMP).
I use the flak Brawler in TDM on Wreckage and Uptown, and in Siege on Origin and Front Line.
I seldom play SA-Hawkins Brawler, not because it's bad but I usually play Sharpshooter instead.
Vulcan Brawler is a growling grizzly.
Sharpshooter � 12816 HC
Spoiler
It is EZ mode on Bunker and Bazaar to the extent that I almost feel bad when I play SS on those maps. I found this mech effective also on Facility, Last Eco, Front Line and Origin.
A good mouse with a thumb button is a must.
I use this mech with SA-Hawkins and air compressor and tend to not run away but go aggressive when it looks like it's gonna be CQC.
Predator � 12816 HC
Spoiler
Best PANG for your buck! And also FFTAAUWWWWW�!! Kudos to Prosk industries' engineers.
What? It was not in the Breacher's design specification that it must not be heard on the neighboring servers when charging the weapon? OK, it's not your fault then.
Otherwise the Breacher is a good weapon. Although it has a slow rate of fire, it is versatile as it has range when charged, the spread can be controlled by charging partially and it outputs quite some burst damage. It just feels like the primary weapon was the secondary.
I should play the predator more as it gives the most fun factor for me (besides the G2 Raider).
I'm really a beginner and am bad with this mech but I see the potential in it. Especially when I keep falling prey to decent predators.
I run it with air compressor and use it with the Breacher, in TDM on Wreckage and Uptown, in Missile Assault on any map, sometimes with the EOC-repeater.
Incinerator � 12816 6408 HC (with 50% discount)
Spoiler
I got the Incinerator for half price. That's the only positive thing that I can say about it. This mech is not for me.
BBY: No, thanks.
PPA: It's all about wakawakaBOOM-wakawakaBOOM-wakawakaBOOM_BOOM
MMA: I don't think I want to unlock this.
Rocketeer � 12816 HC
Spoiler
First time I took the Rocketeer to test-drive I didn't like it.
But it's Rocketeer test-drive time again. It's not all that bad. Please park it in my garage.
It's good for annoying people to death. Just don't let anyone close. Air compressor is a must. Also the advanced armor fusor because of the tons of assists.
I haven't played it too much to form an opinion but I think this mech is worth putting some hours in.
Technician � 7689 HC
Spoiler
A pesky pest when on the enemy team but a blessing when on our team.
It is said to be easy to play but I can't play it ( I tried it only a few times). One of the worst things in life is being dominated by a Technician. It is also annoying when a Tech is draining your HP with the Helix on a lag-infected server and you can't hit him.
Vanguard � 7689 HC
Spoiler
An all-rounder provided you don't need too much range. Decent speed, decent armor, easy to handle. It's a crossover between B and C Class, with a powerful turret mode. I wish I could decide more wisely when to enter turret mode.
Reaper � 9923 HC (hey! It used to be 3844 HC!)
Spoiler
Ok, it's time to get the Reaper. New mech pricing? Very good. Just couldn't be started a day later?
I played only a few matches with the reaper. Although I feel that I am more efficient with the Sharpshooter, this mech is worth playing. I will get the Hawkins-RPR because I don't like the smoke that AM-SAR produces and I am also afraid that too much clicking will kill my beautiful Logitech G400 mouse before it's time.
Grenadier � 9923 HC (it used to be 7689 HC)
Spoiler
I feel like a winner again due to the new mech pricing (no).
Rev-GL, how to use this thing? Aha, it needs some practice.
Heat cannon? Tried it once, back to Rev-GL.
I can't wait to level this mech up to unlock the Vulcan.
Bruiser � 9923 HC
Spoiler
This is the first time when the new mech pricing was advantageous for me as it used to cost 12816 HC.
I played just 2 matches with the Bruiser and some botsTDM. It's fun to play.
Maybe the Hellfires are not suitable in high tier, but in low tier the Bruiser can be very efficient. Although it is not difficult to dodge the HF missiles, you can always find enough victims who don't do that. Like myself used to eat quite some rockets not too long ago.
People are talking about how to buff HF, I like the idea of the rapid dumb-fire option of the individual missiles.
I have yet to unlock the AR.
G2 Raider � 9923 HC
Spoiler
I just maxed out the Raider and finally I can get my hands on the G2 Raider!
It is instant fun.
This is how I play it:
1. Approaching the enemy
2. Approaching the enemy
3. Almost there
4. Ok, i'm in position. Hit F, then go like 'HA! Take this, puny mortals, you pathetic forms of existence! I smell fear.'
5. Then 'Aie, ran out of fuel. Guys, wait, nonono, NOPLEEEZ. Ohh, my garage is such a dark and boring place. I wish I could buy some props to make it more friendly.'
Seriously, this mech is super cool and I plan to play it extensively. It needs a buff, though. Everyone is mentioning that blitz-walking shouldn't make it appear on radar, I agree with this. Also would be nice if boosting was not canceling the charging of the T-32 XT as in it's current state it is by far inferior to the Flak cannon. Maybe a tiny bit shorter reload time on the Corsair-KLA XT would be good.
My impressions on game modes:
Spoiler
Co-op bot destruction:
I played this for maybe 3 times.
Bots-TDM:
A very good game mode for practicing. The bots could be tougher. I know that their AI level is adapted to the players' MMR but they are too easy to defeat even if a high MMR player is on the server.
TDM:
I play this when there is no Siege game in my MMR bracket. Which happens most of the time.
Yeah, the equation is simple, we all know that.
DM:
I rarely play this mode, my knowledge goes as far as this:
Be a sneaky bastard, look for fights that are already going on, attack one from behind, then finish the survivor and try to not die in this procedure. Repair and repeat. This works when max. 4 people play. Which is often.
Siege:
The queen of all game modes. It can give the most pleasure but can also wreck my nerves.
Too bad that it is rare to have a good game in Siege. Either my team has one or more guys who do stupid things or the enemy team has them. Sometimes they are on both teams, in this case the game is more balanced. I mean things like launching ships when enemy controls the AA, collecting EU when a ship is in the air while the full enemy team is having a BBQ party on AA, having a good time, singing songs, dominating the only one or two guys that desperately want to capture AA. Late joiners also often ruin a game that started as a good one.
Missile Assault:
It's similar to TDM, except that it needs more co-ordination. Don't bother with the silo that is nearest to the enemy spawning point and focus on the other two. At least that's what I figured out, maybe there is more advanced tactics. I chose this game mode when I feel like fooling around with the Predator. Too bad that there are usually few MA games available on the Frankfurt server. I tried some NA servers few times but I got at least 220 ping. MA is very bad when there are just a few players in the match. Unfortunately, I don't use a microphone, which in this game mode would come in handy for sure.
Closing thoughts:
The remedy for most problems in Hawken is simply to have a larger player base.
In order to achieve this, the most important things are to:
Separate beginners from all other players (bootcamp-servers that are restricted to max. 1500 MMR and pilot lvl 16)
Apply fast MMR adjustment in the first few pilot levels.
This would put smurfs/skilled new players away quickly from the bootcamp-servers. I'm not saying that having an alt account or two is a bad thing per se. But I often see players that have a 20 minutes playtime and move on Origin like lizardninja Ninja Lizard with the power of Chuck Norris� so are obviously smoking new smurf accounts, with 1250 MMR which is in reality >2000.
I'm sorry because I spam these two things on the forum all the time but I won't stop doing so until it happens.
If you have read this wall of text all the way, you should finally start doing something useful.
_________________________________
1The art of 'Stick To Terrain And Die'. It can be performed on any map, but it works best on Last Eco and Wreckage.
The problem with joining a league is that I can't do any kind of commitment because of family/work.
I play when I have finished my duties and everyone is sleeping (late night hours). For the same reason I can't use a microphone.
Well prepare yourself for the soon to come, OCEANIC LEAGUEEEEEEE
Since you play on the Frankfurt server, that to my knowledge is some meat from Europe. Yum
But in the Oceanic League (soon to come), you can play at like 3am in the morning with us when we play! By then, you'll have finished all of your family things and work stuff right? I mean, you already do play at night when everyone is sleeping. But obviously while playing at 3am, people will probably be in the deep sleep, the REM sleep. They won't wake if you use a mic.
We wanna hear you scream and shout your frustration as our 8 ping crushes you and your 350 ping. We wanna hear you complain about the lag. We wanna hear you complain about the mean Australian veterans who think its funny to crush you to death as you struggle with your turn rate.
Keep working on those Rev GL skills. Before long you will be smacking scouts in the face with it! The Gren is the most rewarding mech IMHO. The best advise I got in Hawken is to gradually turn down my mouse resolution for accuracy. Most people's mice are too sensitive and there is a turn rate cap anyhow. After a while, you will be "hackused" of cheating because you will have such a high hit percentage on your weapons. I swear I look at my radar more than at the rest of the screen.
Hey HHJFTRU, i used to be a siege only player too, but it limited my play for a very long time. When I started playing TDM and deathmatch more often my movement and gameplay improved greatly.
Jelooboi and HHJFTRU like this
Come on Crafty, you have been officially called out on your lies. Your online reputation is at stake here, this is just like an old school street race running for pink slips. Its run what you brung and hope its enough. Put up or shut the fuzzy bunny up.
That's actually some pretty good analysis, a lot of what of what you say is also what players who have played this game since alpha or beta say about the different mechs and playstyles coming with them.
This guy, woah. "If you want to win, pick the Assault." He hit the problem with these perfectly combined words so precise that even iDim would be impressed.
"If you want to have fun, play something else."
And he even hit it twice.
Well prepare yourself for the soon to come, OCEANIC LEAGUEEEEEEE
Since you play on the Frankfurt server, that to my knowledge is some meat from Europe. Yum
But in the Oceanic League (soon to come), you can play at like 3am in the morning with us when we play! By then, you'll have finished all of your family things and work stuff right? I mean, you already do play at night when everyone is sleeping. But obviously while playing at 3am, people will probably be in the deep sleep, the REM sleep. They won't wake if you use a mic.
We wanna hear you scream and shout your frustration as our 8 ping crushes you and your 350 ping. We wanna hear you complain about the lag. We wanna hear you complain about the mean Australian veterans who think its funny to crush you to death as you struggle with your turn rate.
But then again, our MMRs are too high D:
So many issues with this statement, Lioot, that I have no clue where to start.
1. no about the MMRs - on average our MMRs are low but we can still crush people with high MMRs. Our 1850 = US 2000+
2: I get 100 ping on average so no about the ping as well.
3. Players from US get less then 350 ping (on average) because US has better internet than Australia.
So many issues with this statement, Lioot, that I have no clue where to start.
1. no about the MMRs - on average our MMRs are low but we can still crush people with high MMRs. Our 1850 = US 2000+
Beyond that, skill variation ranges wildly even for identical mmrs in the same region. MMR isn't a perfect statistic, though I do think your assessment of US to AU mmr is correct.
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I'm at your same position regarding the Grenadier. Still grinding to get Vulcan.
