Which mech should I store if I get my heavy?

[Senkoau]

My current lance is a Shadowhawk 2H, a Shadowhawk 2D, a Blackjack BJ1 and a Centurion C9-A with a comando 2d and vindicator ? as reserves for faster convoy intercept. I've a good chance of getting an Orion K variant tonight so I'm just wondering which mech to send to storage to make room for it. I'm thinking one of the Shadowhawks as I've 2 but I'm not sure which variant is better. Anyone got any suggestions? Currently the Centurion is my LRM boat (2 LRM 10 and a LRM 15) while the BJ is unmodified. The 2H has an AC 5, M Laser, SRM 4 and LRM 5 while the 2D has AC5, 2 M lasers an SRM 4 and SRM 6 but less heat/armour capability.

[Kaerius]

Up to you, for me it would be the commando.

[Senkoau]

Later game I'll need too right now though I'm only on the first real story mission wanted a heavy before getting the Argo and right now the commandos useful for running down and stepping on convoy trucks.

[Mudpony]

Commando, followed by the Vindicator.

[Grey Buddhist]

Commando - useless light (yes, even for convoy intercepts. There are mediums/heavies that can do that job and do more)

Then store Vindicator next (other mediums/heavies do the jobs better)

Your lance (after you get one Heavy...the Orion) should be:

Orion
Centurion (I would do an AC20 build with good armor, no JJs, 2xmed lasers and 1xSRM4...but that is just me)
Shadowhawk
Shadowhawk

Blackjack should be replaced asap (either armor is too low with decent weapons...or weapons too weak with decent armor)

Once you get more Heavies, replace Shadowhawks first.

[ZS Maeklos]

I'd stow the Blackjack. While, on paper, it seems to have a nice damage output (150 damage if all 4 MLas and both AC-2's hit), in reality, those hits get splattered all over the enemy 'mechs. This means you're doing a little damage to a lot of surface area. Shadowhawks have good maneuverability (moving faster than most Medium 'mechs, as well have having JJ capability), the Centurion is a beast in melee for early 'mechs, and the Vindicator's PPC and other mix of weaponry makes for decent ranged damage early on.

That is, if you really like the Commando. Optionally, if you can find one, I'd swap the Commando out for a Jenner. Those four MLas and swarm of SRMs are a good upgrade, and it's still a Light 'mech for those shoot 'n scoot efforts.

[Steppenrazor]

as other mentioned.. id like get drop the commandos first.. theyll be the.. weak link in harder missions.

[evilauthor]

Get rid of the Commando. If you need a mobile mech in the future, a fast Medium will usually suffice.

In my first playthrough, I kept a Shadow Hawk out as my go to mobile mech. I only needed it once, and it performed fine.

Generally speaking, the 55 ton trio (Shadow Hawk, Griffin, Wolverine) are plenty fast for convoy interception duty and jobs requiring speed, and have the tonnage for enough fire power to actually matter. The Blackjack, Centurion, and Vindicator are all lighter than the 55 ton trio, but they're also SLOWER than them.

If you really want a light for fast interception duties though, salvage a Jenner. Heavier than a Spider, nearly as fast, and can carry way more firepower.

[Unbearable]

as fast as you can sell and trade out your scout mechs when almost anythign better comes along. Spiders are trash but the computer keeps tossing bits to you as free salage along with locusts so assemble and sell them when you can. almost anythign 40-60 ton works well for a good while depending on your play style.

[Senkoau]

I see, I will consider your advice on other matters thanks. I think I have a Jenner in storage (too little armour for my taste) and possibly a wolverine as well. Don't think I have a Griffin though.

As for my original question guess I'm sending that commando to storage then.

[orcaa]

I would swap out the commando first and then the Blackjack next as better mechs are available.

[Takoita]

Orion K is good for LRMs, in my experience at least. But Centurion can switch to another role, if needed, so not necessarily need to can it right away.

[Tytalus]

Just ditch the light. But mostly, get the Argo and expand your mech bay.

[DROPbear]

start ditching the lighter mechs once you have better heavier mechs. maybe stick mechs that roll with the meta like catapult/lrm boat meta

the game doesnt penalized players for using heavier mechs unlike prior MW or MC games.

[Grey Buddhist]

An option for when you get an Orion (forgot which one this is):

some JJ
good armor
AC10 (with sufficient ammo)
LRM15 (with 2 tons ammo...this is good for when you have enemies in visual range of someone, but can't shoot them with non-LRM weapons yet, also for finishing off weakened ones)
2xMedLasers
Enough heat sinks to have preferably 4 heat bars showing on left of screen (in the Refit screen)

Works well for me, hopefully it works for you also.

[David]

Commando, BJ-1, V1N-DR