MWLL Basics Guide - Revision history

Warlord Kentax: /* Basics of Combat */

2023-09-06T00:44:52Z

‎Basics of Combat

Warlord Kentax: /* Buying the Mech */

2023-09-05T22:55:27Z

‎Buying the Mech

Warlord Kentax: /* Common problems */

2022-08-25T21:21:32Z

‎Common problems

Warlord Kentax: /* Common problems */

2022-08-25T21:16:13Z

‎Common problems

Warlord Kentax: /* See Also */

2022-08-25T17:21:18Z

‎See Also

Warlord Kentax: /* Spawning */

2022-08-25T15:45:23Z

‎Spawning

Warlord Kentax: /* Common problems */

2022-08-24T17:47:27Z

‎Common problems

Warlord Kentax: /* Buying the Mech */

2021-12-20T18:40:30Z

‎Buying the Mech

Warlord Kentax: /* Buying the Mech */

2021-11-24T06:22:06Z

‎Buying the Mech

Warlord Kentax: /* Spawning */

2021-08-24T00:08:57Z

‎Spawning

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 ==Basics of Combat==
-[[File:Critical.jpg|300px|right|thumb|Hint: If a destroyed Mech starts to glow - run away! It will explode, damaging everyone nearby!]]
+ [[File:Critical.jpg|300px|right|thumb|Hint: If a destroyed Mech starts to glow - run away! It will explode, damaging everyone nearby!]]
-Mechwarrior: Living Legends is built around the [[Combined Arms]] doctrine - this means that coordinated strikes of various kinds of units is required to achieve victory, or in another way: a single, powerful unit without the support of other complementary forces is not nearly as effective as it could be. One team of experienced but disorganized players can be defeated through coordinated attacks by newer players working together. So it is very essential to stay close to your teammates, escort heavier Mechs, and use teamchat ( '''[u]''' ) for better coordination - you may read more about this more in the [[Teamwork Guide]].
+* Mechwarrior: Living Legends is built around [[Combined Arms]], this means [[teamwork]] and multiple [[asset|asset types]] are required to achieve victory. A team that focuses on only a single type of asset may struggle to deal with a diversely equipped enemy team. Use teamchat ( '''[u]''' ) and stay close to allies for better coordination.
-While engaging enemy units you have to target an enemy ('''[e]''' for nearest opponent, '''[t]''' to cycle through enemy contacts visible on radar, and '''[q]''' to target the asset that's in your crosshairs) in order to see its armor status on the lower left area of your HUD. If you have visual contact and are in range (the actual range will depend on ECM suites operating and are in effect over both units), the display will be updated, otherwise ''Unknown'' or ''Outdated'' will be shown. From there, you can '''try to destroy one of its components''' (like an arm on a Mech, or a tank's turret) to earn credits. Destroying a Mech's center torso is one of the fastest way to earn a lot of money, as that will completely destroy the Mech, which also earns you bonus credits. At the same time, assisting a friendly player in taking an opponent out will give you plenty of CBills as well. You should also note that most direct-fire weapons - like [[AutoCannon|ACs]], [[PPC]]s or [[Gauss]] - may require some lead when firing at a moving target due to projectile travel time. Leading your shots generally makes it difficult to hit a specific, desired component on an enemy unit.
+* Target an enemies ('''[e]''' for nearest opponent, '''[t]''' to cycle through enemy contacts visible on radar, and '''[q]''' to target the asset that's in your crosshairs). This will give you armor status on the lower left area of your HUD. If you have visual contact and are in range (the actual range will depend on [[electronic warfare]]). The display will be updated or will otherwise be shown as ''Unknown'' or ''Outdated''.
-Other than shooting at single part of an enemy unit instead of spreading damage all over, it is also essential to stay mobile. While moving you are a far more difficult target for everyone around, and you increase the chances of getting behind an enemy Mech. '''A Mech's back armor is very fragile''': it has about three times less armor than the front, so destroying an enemy mech by shooting it in the back is a very fast and efficient way to take down an opponent. In addition, an opponent that sustains heavy back damage will have their speed and heat dissipation reduced significantly as a result of engine damage, severely crippling their ability to fight back.
+* There are multiple ways to kill or disable a target. See the [[armor]] page for detailed information, but generally, the simplest way to kill a target is by shooting their [[center torso]], [[body]], or [[turret]].
-For more details about combat, check out the [[Combat Guide]]. For more information about damage modelling in the game, see the [[Armor]] article.
+* Some [[weapons]] require the player to [[lead]] their target, like [[SRM|Short Range Missiles]], [[AutoCannon|Auto Cannons]], [[PPC]]s or [[Gauss]]. These weapons require more aiming skill than [[lasers]], but are often rewarded with extra damage or [[heat|heat efficiency]].
 {{clear}}

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 # Timer - Displays the amount of time left in the current match.
 # Buy Indicator - When it's visible, you can access the buy menu with the '''[,]''' ''(comma)'' key.
-# Buy Menu - After pressing '''[,]''' ''(comma)'', the buy menu will appear on the right-hand side of your screen. From here, you will be able to buy Mechs, Vehicles and BA Equipment using [[C-Bills]]. You can also buy Aerospace Fighters or VTOLs if you've spawned at an airbase. At the top of the buy menu are tabs which indicate what type of unit or equipment is available for purchase. Within each tab, items you can afford will be highlighted, while items you cannot afford will be faded; mousing over an item will show further details about it in the "Selected Asset" box to the left. To purchase any item, simply click on it once. For the purposes of this guide, we're going to buy an [[Osiris#Prime|Osiris Prime]].
+# Buy Menu - After pressing '''[,]''' ''(comma)'', the buy menu will appear on the right-hand side of your screen. From here, you will be able to buy Mechs, Vehicles and BA Equipment using [[C-Bills]]. You can also buy Aerospace Fighters or VTOLs if you've spawned at an airbase. At the top of the buy menu are tabs which indicate what type of unit or equipment is available for purchase. Within each tab, items you can afford will be highlighted, while items you cannot afford will be faded, on most servers, after joining, you will only be able to afford [[starters]]; mousing over an item will show further details about it in the "Selected Asset" box to the left. To purchase any item, simply click on it once. For the purposes of this guide, we're going to buy an [[Osiris#Prime|Osiris Prime]].
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 * You are missing an arm, even after [[repairing]] - this is normal, some repairs are impossible. You can [[sell]] your mech in a [[Structures|build bay]] if you need to, but it won't be worth as much.
 * Your tank is stuck - Map the '''Suspension Kick''' weapon to a weapon group (See [[MWLL_Basics_Guide#Inside_the_Mech|Inside the Mech 3.1]]) and fire that weapon group. If you are upside down, try looking straight down with the tank's turret and waggle it around. The Suspension Kick can be fired approximately once every six seconds. The kick will send you away from whatever direction you are looking.
-* Your [[asset]] is stuck in a hole, fallen off the map, or has had its [[leg|legs]] destroyed - Press '''[m]''' to bring up the [[map menu]], and left click the '''[suicide]''' button. If you are playing a [[game mode]] that uses [[tickets]] and you are in a [[BA]] when you suicide, your team will lose two tickets. If you are in any other asset, your team will not lose any tickets. (Unless your old asset is somehow destroyed afterward). Note: pressing the suicide button while your asset is powered on will cause it to fire weapon group 1. If you aren't moving, you can power down with '''[p]'''.
+* Your [[asset]] is stuck in a hole, fallen off the map, or has had its [[leg|legs]] destroyed - Press '''[m]''' to bring up the [[map menu]], and left click the '''[suicide]''' button. If you are playing a [[game mode]] that uses [[tickets]] and you a [[BA]] when you suicide, your team will lose two tickets. If you are in any other asset, your team will not lose any tickets from clicking the '''[suicide]''' button. Don't [[eject]] then click '''[suicide]'''. Just click '''[suicide]''' or die in your [[asset]]. Note: pressing the suicide button while your asset is powered on, will cause it to fire [[weapon group]] number one. If you aren't moving, you can power down with '''[p]'''.
 ==Useful keys==

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 * You are missing an arm, even after [[repairing]] - this is normal, some repairs are impossible. You can [[sell]] your mech in a [[Structures|build bay]] if you need to, but it won't be worth as much.
 * Your tank is stuck - Map the '''Suspension Kick''' weapon to a weapon group (See [[MWLL_Basics_Guide#Inside_the_Mech|Inside the Mech 3.1]]) and fire that weapon group. If you are upside down, try looking straight down with the tank's turret and waggle it around. The Suspension Kick can be fired approximately once every six seconds. The kick will send you away from whatever direction you are looking.
-* Your [[asset]] is stuck in a hole, fallen off the map, or has had its [[leg|legs]] destroyed - Press '''[m]''' to bring up the [[map menu]], and left click the '''[suicide]''' button. If you are playing a game mode that uses [[tickets]] and you are in a [[BA]] when you suicide, your team will lose two tickets. If you are in any other asset, your team will not lose any tickets. (Unless your old asset is somehow destroyed afterward). Note: pressing the suicide button while your asset is powered on will cause it to fire weapon group 1. If you aren't moving, you can power down with '''[p]'''.
+* Your [[asset]] is stuck in a hole, fallen off the map, or has had its [[leg|legs]] destroyed - Press '''[m]''' to bring up the [[map menu]], and left click the '''[suicide]''' button. If you are playing a [[game mode]] that uses [[tickets]] and you are in a [[BA]] when you suicide, your team will lose two tickets. If you are in any other asset, your team will not lose any tickets. (Unless your old asset is somehow destroyed afterward). Note: pressing the suicide button while your asset is powered on will cause it to fire weapon group 1. If you aren't moving, you can power down with '''[p]'''.
 ==Useful keys==

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 This guide led you through basics of the user interface and some pointers about combat. To explore other aspects of the game, continue browsing the Wiki or read some of the articles listed below.
-* The [[MWLL Asset Bible]] covers basic asset categories and the things to keep in mind when choosing your next purchase.
+* The [[Asset Roles]] article describes the primary categories that different [[assets]] fit into and can help decide what is needed for a given situation.
 * The [[Terrain Control Guide]], which outlines the way [[Terrain Control]] matches play out and is very helpful for learning the ropes of [[MWLL]]'s most popular game type.
 * The [[Air Combat Guide]] focuses on how to fly aircraft and how to use them against targets on the ground and in the air.

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 After you have joined a server from the server menu, press the '''[m]''' key to bring up the team joining menu. You can hold '''[tab]''' to see which players are on which team. After releasing '''[tab]''', click on the team you wish to join, preferably the team with the fewest players or the team that is currently losing if the player numbers are the same.
-After joining a team, the strategic map of the current [[map]] should be on the screen. If not, press '''[m]''' to bring up the map. Click on the [[base]] you wish to [[spawn]]/enter the game at. Only friendly blue bases may be selected to spawn at. Click the '''[Done]''' button or anywhere else on the screen to spawn at that location. If you were successful, a timer will appear on the screen and you will spawn once it reaches 0. Bases with a mech icon typically indicate that [[BA Weapons|weapons]], mechs, and other [[assets]] may be purchased there. Bases with an airplane icon typically indicate that [[BA Weapons]] and [[aircraft]] may be purchased there.
+After joining a team, the strategic map representation of the current [[map]] should be on the screen. If not, press '''[m]''' to bring up the strategic map. Click on the [[base]] or ''"Spawn Point"'' you wish to [[spawn]]/enter the game at. Only friendly blue bases may be selected to spawn at. Click the '''[Done]''' button or anywhere else on the screen to spawn at that location. If you were successful, a timer will appear on the screen and you will spawn once it reaches 0. Bases with a mech icon typically indicate that [[BA Weapons|weapons]], mechs, and other [[assets]] may be purchased there. Bases with an airplane icon typically indicate that [[BA Weapons]] and [[aircraft]] may be purchased there.
 Note: Whatever base you have highlighted in the minimap will be the one that you spawn at only if your team still controls it at the end of the timer. Also, usefully, whatever base you have highlighted will show up in your HUD.

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 {{clear}}
-After purchasing the Mech, there will be an audible confirmation message, as well as a brief text prompt that will appear in the upper-left corner on your HUD; this prompt will indicate that your ordered Mech is on the way. This process takes 10 seconds of build time (45 seconds for [[aerospace]]). Once it is built, it will tell you which bay your new Mech is in. You'll have to move out of the spawn area and down into the hangar proper to access the various Mech Bays. When your Mech is completed, an indicator will appear on your HUD, directing you to it; to enter the Mech, press '''[F]''' while you're close to and level with its cockpit - you can accomplish this either by running off the catwalk behind it or jumping toward it (tap or hold '''[space]''' to use Jump Jets).
+After purchasing the Mech, there will be an audible confirmation message, a brief text prompt that will appear in the upper-left corner on your HUD, and a flashing build indicator in the lower-left corner of your HUD; this prompt will indicate that your ordered Mech is on the way. This process takes 10 seconds of build time (25 seconds for [[VTOL]]s  and 45 seconds for [[aerospace]]). Once it is built, it will tell you which bay your new Mech is in. You'll have to move out of the spawn area and down into the hangar to access the various Mech Bays. When your Mech is completed, an indicator will appear on your HUD, directing you to it; to enter the Mech, press '''[F]''' while you're close to and level with its cockpit - you can accomplish this either by running off the catwalk behind it or jumping toward it (tap or hold '''[space]''' to use Jump Jets).
 ==Inside the Mech==

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 </div>
 <div style="width:152px; background-color:#4c4c4c; border: 1px solid #6c6c6c; border-radius:2px; padding:3px 3px 8px 3px; float:right; margin-left:5px; margin-top:5px;">
-[[File:Spawn Map.png|150px|center|]]<div class="center" style="width:auto; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto;">Map</div>
+[[File:Spawn Map.png|150px|center|]]<div class="center" style="width:auto; margin-left:auto; margin-right:auto;">Strategic Map</div>
 </div>
 After you have joined a server from the server menu, press the '''[m]''' key to bring up the team joining menu. You can hold '''[tab]''' to see which players are on which team. After releasing '''[tab]''', click on the team you wish to join, preferably the team with the fewest players or the team that is currently losing if the player numbers are the same.
-After joining a team, the [[map]] should be on the screen. If not, press '''[m]''' to bring up the map. Click on the [[base]] you wish to [[spawn]]/enter the game at. Only friendly blue bases may be selected to spawn at. Click the '''[Done]''' button or anywhere else on the screen to spawn at that location. If you were successful, a timer will appear on the screen and you will spawn once it reaches 0. Bases with a mech icon typically indicate that [[BA Weapons|weapons]], mechs, and other [[assets]] may be purchased there. Bases with an airplane icon typically indicate that [[BA Weapons]] and [[aircraft]] may be purchased there.
+After joining a team, the strategic map of the current [[map]] should be on the screen. If not, press '''[m]''' to bring up the map. Click on the [[base]] you wish to [[spawn]]/enter the game at. Only friendly blue bases may be selected to spawn at. Click the '''[Done]''' button or anywhere else on the screen to spawn at that location. If you were successful, a timer will appear on the screen and you will spawn once it reaches 0. Bases with a mech icon typically indicate that [[BA Weapons|weapons]], mechs, and other [[assets]] may be purchased there. Bases with an airplane icon typically indicate that [[BA Weapons]] and [[aircraft]] may be purchased there.
 Note: Whatever base you have highlighted in the minimap will be the one that you spawn at only if your team still controls it at the end of the timer. Also, usefully, whatever base you have highlighted will show up in your HUD.