Vindicator Variants: VND-1R VS. VND-1AA Pro/Cons

[RetroACE135]

I figured I would buy one of the Vindicators variants (VND-1AA) while they are on sale, but was wondering if it would be a better option for customization compared to the VND-1R.

I ended up settling on the 1AA, since it allows for a larger engine if I wanted to swap it out later on when I get rich, but loosing an energy hardpoint for AMS kinda stinks.

I'm thinking of making a build that feels like a more "aggressive" Centurion (my first mech), that can run circles and jump around, out flanking larger and slower assualt mechs. Sort of like a heavy scout that can make use of PPCs and LRMs to harass distant enemies.

I just wanted to see if any other Vindy pilots were on here, and if they could offer some insight on which of the two would be a better option to use for a build like that.

[spartanspud]

How did it go?

[RetroACE135]

Originally posted by spartanspud:

How did it go?

So, after playing with the stock configuration a bit, the VND-1AA is pretty decent. The 5 Jumps it comes with are great for getting to high locations.

So, naturally, I figured I would jump right into upgrading it a bit. Despite almost suffering a heart attack at seeing the total upgrade cost (around 3 mil C-bills, and I paid about 1.6 mil for the mech itself), I'm loving it.

The 300 XL engine I managed to stuff into the frame works wonders for mobility. The top speed of 108 kph helps a bunch when trying to outflank other mechs, and the 5 Jump jets that the VND-1AA comes standard with takes them off guard when I rush past and engage them. By the time they turn around to see what hit them, I'm at a height advantage.

With the added mobility, it feels like a "Heavy" scout. It's just as nimble as a Commando, but tanky enough to rectify botched flanking attempts. Great for drawing attention away from harder hitting mechs, since the last few matches I played, I was usually the one who was drawing fire despite not actively trying to. It's speed and JJs really helped out in that case.

I'm still bummed that the VND-1AA looses the extra energy point that the VND-1R has for an AMS slot that I'm probably not going to use (1 should be enough?), but at least I can still have the possibility of dual PPCs on at least one arm. Messing with weapons loadouts is going to be the next thing I'm going to do.

I may try to swap the LRMs out for something more medium-close range (MRMs or SRMs with Artemis to avoid dumb firing), and the PPC out for a snub variant so it can be used at long and short range.

[Tritol]

If you want LRM then 1aa would be better, velocity is god stat for lrms. You could slap 20artemis or maybe 10thunderbolt on it and support it with lasers or ppcs, but yeah its still LRMs ..

That 1R I would probably go with some kind of ppc + srm for some short range shotgun build.

[spartanspud]

I think it sounds decent. But yeah, if you want to use it that way, maybe the snubs and dumbfire missiles are better. If you put a couple snubs or ERPPCs and an MRM maybe that could be a bit better. I think a single ASRM isn't too useful.