Mechwarrior
Mechwarrior 3 Game Guide Mechwarrior 3 Game Guide
Mechwarrior 3 Game Guide

Get the Downloadable Guide!
Top
introduction
Gameplay Strategies
Movement & Combat Strategies
Mission Walk-throughs
Contents
Bottom

Chapter Two - Movement and Combat Strategies

It's impossible to avoid combat situations in Mechwarrior 3. Not long into the campaign, you'll battle against Mechs much larger than your own and often against two or even three at once. In this section you'll learn the importance of long-range sniping and survival techniques for up-close-and-personal combat. Study how each Mech moves and how each weapon system works at close and long range, then practice these techniques in the training exercises and the instant action mode before hitting the campaign game or online battlefields.


Movement Strategies

Firing off dozens of missile salvos or energy blasts isn't the only thing to concern yourself with during a combat situation. How you accelerate, decelerate, twist and turn your Mech can play an equal or greater role in coming out of a confrontation alive. Study the techniques below and implement these movement strategies in the solo campaign as well as in online wars against human adversaries.

Knowing When Not to Stand Still
When sniping, standing still is a must if you are to get off accurate shots. But as an enemy Mech begins to approach, remaining in one spot will usually only get you killed. A problem that players new to "giant robot games" often have is that they seem to forget that you are indeed inside a giant Mech - therefore, you're a huge target. Standing still in Mechwarrior 3 is usually a good way to get yourself killed. A moving target, even a giant robot, is more difficult to hit. Furthermore, standing makes it easy for your enemy to target specific areas of your Mech. The limbs and cockpit area usually possess far less armor than the torso. Once your arms start blowing off, it's not long before the rest of your Mech falls down in a heap of worthless metal.

Inside more mobile Mechs like the Puma, Madcat or Vulture, some of the only ways to survive against larger opposition is to use your speed. There are lots of scenery and obstacles to use in Mechwarrior 3. Duck behind a building or rock to get out of sight of an oncoming Mech. Use the river or pond to cool down your Mech as you rip into the enemy with high-powered energy weapons.

Next: More movement strategiesNEXT