MechAssault® 2: Lone Wolf is a game primarily about the city-flattening antics of towering engines of war—BattleMechs like the infamous 100-ton Atlas, which sports heavy armor, pulse lasers, long-range missiles, and a punishing autocannons.
Against such a behemoth, what chance does the tiny BattleArmor stand, with light armor, one laser, and a mortar? You might be surprised! The BattleArmor is quite effective when used properly. It's worth getting to know how to maximize your effectiveness in it, since you'll be suited up in BattleArmor a fair amount in both single- and multiplayer gameplay.
Maneuvers BattleArmor has even less armor than the smallest scout 'Mech, but it makes up for it with amazing mobility. You won't be outrunning any of the other vehicles in the game—though you aren't much slower than an Assault-class 'Mech on foot—but you have two unique modes of movement that give you an edge: Jump Jets and climbing.
It's true that many other 'Mechs have Jump Jets, but these jets are vastly more effective on the lightweight BattleArmor. Jump Jets on a 'Mech are really only good for getting over difficult terrain; they aren't powerful enough to let you dodge in battle. In fact, they can make you into a nice, slow target if you aren't careful!
Dodge with your Jump Jets.
BattleArmor, on the other hand, can really zip around on Jump Jets. A boost straight up is much quicker than the same maneuver on any 'Mech. Plus, with Jump Jets you can dodge laterally in a way that no 'Mech can. As an added bonus, the BattleArmor's Jump Jets recharge quickly, too.
Complementing the Jump Jets is the BattleArmor's unique claw. One claw swipe (press the A button) lets the driver latch on to nearly any structure in the game, providing an easy way to get an elevated observation point. Once you're attached to the side of a building, push up on the left thumbstick to engage the automatic climbing mode, which alternates between the Jump Jets and the claw grab and allows the pilot to quickly reach the top of the structure.
While it is possible to improvise a sniper perch in this way, stationary BattleArmor stuck to a wall is still an easy target. The grab-and-climb trick is often more useful as a way to escape an enemy 'Mech, by climbing over a wall that the enemy will need to walk around.
NeuroHack But, the BattleArmor's claw is good for more than just latching onto buildings. It also contains circuitry that can, in the hands of a skilled operator, take over the systems of an enemy 'Mech. Don't fight that enemy Atlas—NeuroHack it and make it yours!
A successful NeuroHack, a new ride for you!
To NeuroHack, use your Jump Jets to get near the enemy 'Mech's head. Press the A button, as if you were trying to latch on to a building. If you're in the sweet spot, and if the enemy doesn't have shields up, you'll latch on and a NeuroHack contest will begin. Each pilot will be shown a series of buttons to press, and the pilot that is quicker and more accurate wins the contest. If the BattleArmor wins, the 'Mech pilot is ejected and killed—though it is not scored as a kill in multiplayer—and the 'Mech can be boarded. And, if the 'Mech pilot bucks the BattleArmor off? The BattleArmor loses some of its armor rating, which may or may not prove lethal, depending on how low the rating was to begin with.
Friendly 'Mechs cannot be NeuroHacked, but BattleArmor can hitch a ride to the front lines by hitting the A button in similar fashion. The Vertical Take-off Landing craft (VTOL) can also carry a BattleArmor trooper.
More Tips One of the most important BattleArmor tips is also one of the most simple: Never pass up a power-up. Dead vehicles leave behind salvage, such as armor and weapon upgrades. BattleArmor pilots need to claim all the salvage they can get. If you keep that armor in good repair and your weapons juiced up, you'll have a mucheasier time.
It's also important to become proficient with the mortar. No other vehicle in the game has an indirect fire weapon such as this. A powered-up mortar under the control of a skilled pilot is a terrifying thing! Not only can it fire over obstacles, it has substantial splash damage that makes it truly unique.
The mortar: Good range, indirect fire, splash damage.
Lastly, always remember that there is strength in numbers. A lone trooper in BattleArmor can make a good showing for himself, but just remember that your BattleArmor isn't designed to take on 'Mechs solo. There's no shame in falling back and looking for reinforcements. Stick close to friendly units, if you can. Support them with your mortar, and use your outstanding mobility to look for a good NeuroHack opportunity.
