Orion Builds

[Siven80]

Recently got a couple of Orions (1 V and 1 K) and want some opinions on possible builds replacing a Thunderbolt 5SE ML and SRM build + a Thunderbolt 5s moving to be an LRM boat.

I have a Thunderbolt 5S acting as LRM boat, 2ML, 20LRM+++ (stb+crit, 15LRM+++(stb+crit), 2JJ, 4T ammo
Grasshopper

Orion V
2ML,
SRM6 and 1T ammo,
AC20++ (10dmg and 10 stb) and 2T Ammo,
3JJ,
3HS,
Arms 120 armor, Legs 130 Armor, 160/40 Side Torsos and 170/45 Center Torso.

Orion K
4ML,
2x SRM4+++ and 1T ammo,
AC5++ (20stb) amd 1T ammo,
4 JJ,
6HS,
Arms 120 armor, Legs 125 Armor, Side Torsos 160/40 Armor, Center Torso 180/45 armor.

Or the Orion K may go with AC10+ (5dmg), 2ML and then SRM or LRM.

Thoughts on the Orions?
They seem great as stock mostly, though i dont rate the AC10 much (tho i have a +5dmg Ac10+), and i wanted to use the AC20 from my old Centurion.
As you can see, i like my JJs, the ability to jump up cliffs and just the repositioning potential is great.

 

[Icewraith]

Orion Ks can be configured to carry load outs resembling the Marauder, Archer, and Victor for starters.

I don’t recommend running more than a couple SRMs and maybe a medium laser with an AC/20 and JJs on the Orion. In most environments the secondary weaponry is used very little as you jump around and use the AC.

4 ML 2LRM 20 Orion-K “Archer” is extremely effective even without JJ. You can also drop the ML for JJ, they don’t get used much unless it’s cold out. With the preponderance of Sure Footed pilots I recommend+damage LRMs if you can find them and Breaching Shot.

Using a Grasshopper as an up-armored Warhammer sans missiles has also been quite effective. 2 PPCs can fire for days with a multishot/Coolant Vent pilot, the 2 Small Lasers and MGs are useful to finish off crippled targets or pop mechs with CT ammo.

 

[Wanderfound]

For a non-jumper, I'm quite fond of 3xSRM6, 4xML, 2xSL, 1xAC5.

For a jumper, I'd probably go 2xPPC, 2xSL.

 

[Camicon Dachass]

ON1-V. No JJs. 2xLLs, 3xSRM6 /w/ 2 tons ammo, add armour and heat sinks to taste.

It packs a decent, accurate punch at range (especially if you use +++LLs), and 3 SRM6s are intimidating.

If you want JJs you can always downgrade the SRM6s to SRM4s, specifically to the Holly++ variant that has a hidden accuracy buff. It's a more mobile, cooler running loadout with a longer effective range, if slightly less punch.

 

[Pherdnut]

Onis are like swiss army knives. Depends on the role you need.

Oni-Vs are decent LRM boats until you get better assaults like the stalker and then the Highlander 733.

Double-LLasers + SRMs (I do JJs on anything that isn't a sniper/LRM boat) is a versatile build that works well for a pilot of any skillset/level. L Lasers are great for giving some added range beyond AC/20 /mLaser/SRM range without being harder to hit up close. And the +++ versions aren't super hard to find and boost accuracy and damage. Both Onis can do that combo.

AC/20s also pair up well with SRMs for the hole-punching + spread damage. I prefer pilots with some accuracy for AC/20s though. It's a lot of wasted tonnage when they miss. Also ideally with breach pilots.

When you get to tactics 9, it becomes a lot easier to put damage from lots of smaller weapons on smaller parts. Quad mLasers and heavy SRMs on a jumping Oni-K makes a lot of sense in that scenario. With 4 attacks alone, you've got about a 70% chance to hit a head from the front. SRMs are harder to calc but they hit heads quite regularly even after they were nerfed to make consecutive shots less likely to land on the part you want (meaning 3 SRM2s is better than 1 SRM6 if you have the slots)

 

[jj284b]

I'm usually doing 2xLL and AC/10, preferably all +++ weapons.. going for max armor, no jumpjets.

 

[LemurFromTheId]

Oni-Vs are decent LRM boats until you get better assaults

Understatement of the week.

 

[jj284b]

Understatement of the week.

Orion is probably the best mech in the game.. I usually keep them even If I have assault mechs available.. especially now when Command Cyclops can make them to be practically a light mech