6 replies to this topic

[OmegaNull]

So, as many of you know, the shield is an awesome item, but it use to be broken as hell. Now, it takes some practice to use.

So, just how do you use this dome of impenetrability?

Protection
Trap
Avoidance


Being a scout pilot, you have to use EVERYTHING you can to win. It doesn't matter what it is. Personally, I love using shields. They are awesome and give you a wide range of uses.

Protection:

The simplest way to use a shield is to just drop it and use it for cover. This is great if you are trying to avoid incoming fire, act as cover in the open or against other opponents, block a nasty barrage of hellfire, hold a point for longer, or just to buy time before the inevitable. Now, this can all be tied into using it for... other less honorable ways.

Trap:

So, you put down a shield because your low on health, huh_ The enemy is pushing in for the kill and you have very few places to go. There is no cover. If you try to escape and go across an open area, you will likely die. If stay and try to fight in the shield, you will likely die. What do you do_ You lay a trap.

Most enemies will try to boost, jump, yolo dive, dodge, or walk into the shield or walk into and immediately start with guns blazing, going after you. As you try to escape from the shield, they will own it and then own you. So, you wait toward the back of the shield and as they come in, you will see the shield deform around them. Literally, as soon as part of their mech is in, fire a secondary + primary combo (Tow + Flak) and immediately afterward dodge out. They are now in the shield with face full of damage and you are outside of it, safe and sound... mostly. If they enemy is still charging for you, then there are other options you can do. Try to lure them out of the shield after you, avoiding damage, and immediately get back into the shield. As you are going back into the should and as they are coming out, pull the same trick you just did! Depending on how much health they have left, you may be able to do the next best thing.

SURPRISE!

This works really well with the flak scout, but works fine for other mechs. If any enemy is just outside the shield or coming in toward you (they must be outside the shield). You can quickly boost forward and jump. When you jump just after a boost, there is a delay of .55 seconds for your weapons to be ready. If you time it right you can have your weapons ready as you come out of the shield. You can attempt an alpha with a dive bomb down into them or as you are in the air (and have air compressors)do a quick dodge. Then open fire with both your primary and secondary weapon at the same time. Most of the time the enemy will be caught off guard and if you have enough health, you may be able to tank through the splash damage, deal massive damage to your enemy, and even kill them before they know what happened. Or you can play it safe and not do that but still land some nice shots. If not, you may be able to do a quick dodge and followup with another shot from your flak or TOW (if it is ready). If you are up in the air hovering, you can do an air 180 back in the shield 



Another option involves something even more devious: EMP.
If you thrown down a shield, the cool down passes, the enemy is still in the shield, and you have an EMP at your disposal, then you can lob one into the should, blowing it away, disabling your enemy's weapons and HUD. Oh how wonderful this is. Now, have fun. Oh, did I mention that this works very well even if you are low on health_

One last one. Patience.
If you are low on health or trying to gain the advantage of someone, you can always sit toward the back of the shield or inside of it. As soon as you see even a piece of the enemy come through the shield, shoot it. You will do damage.


Avoidance:

If you are being chased and you have a shield, throw it down and just keep running. Nothing like using it as another form of cover! 

Hope this helps. Have fun and play nice. >: D 

[KOS_Baconman]

I do what you said about using it as cover while being chased, that way they have to go through both sides before they can shoot me again

[Guns_N_Rozer]

I am coming with my EMP to destroy your bubble
home :) noice tips .

[cassini08]

Super sweet tips!

But, can we talk about countering said method? 

I can't say i've ever tried throwing and emp at one yet, strangely that scenario has never presented.

Even if the physical part of emp doesnt penetrate, does the charge? resulting in hud down, shield down..

[OmegaNull]

If you hit a shield with an EMP and if the person is not in the very back of the shield, it will hit them with the EMP. That, and take out the shield. 

[Flifang]

If you're in the shield and you bounce the EMP on the ground and dodge out it gives you more time to get out. Plus it just makes you look like a badass.

[n3onfx]

If you're in the shield and you bounce the EMP on the ground and dodge out it gives you more time to get out. Plus it just makes you look like a badass.

 

Also is hilarious against the people that expect you to use an emp and just wait behind the shield. Enter it, they think they are golden because you don't have an emp and advance to get back in the shield or just closer to engage in shield fight. Then you just lolbounce the emp on the ground into their face and dodge out to blast them when it goes down.

 

Especially funny when playing A class against a B or C or while being low on health, people get even bolder when they think you don't have an emp.