Patch #21, v1.4.302

Lan · Jul 2, 2014

http://mwomercs.com/game/patch-notes

PATCH #21

Patch Number: 1.4.302
Change Log

UPDATE

Greetings MechWarriors!

Today we are pleased to introduce our most stable and dynamic matchmaking system yet. This new system not only improves the overall wait-time for players, it also allows us to modify major matchmaking variables on the fly whenever needed as well as introduces more in-depth monitoring tools for us to observe the behavior of the matchmaker. More info about this system will be coming soon to the Command Chair for those with technical curiosities; The average player benefits out of all this with shorter wait-times, more fair matches, and the re-introduction of Groups of 5-10.

Being one of our most complex backend systems, the road to improving the matchmaking has been long with several twists and turns. We are grateful to those players who have both expressed patience and support in our past attempts to improve this system, as well as those who took part in last week's Public Test to help us test and offer feedback on this current system.

We are also introducing several gameplay features to this patch: Fall Damage is now scalar based on the weight and structure health of your Mech. A case study as well as values and variables can be found below which will offer a better idea of how this will affect your 'Mechs on the field. We are now also introducing functionality to the Clan Targeting Computers and IS Command Console

That's not all folks! We also have a bevy of Front End Interface improvements and weapon tunings to direct your attention towards.

Please check out the notes below for more details on these changes, bug fixes, and other improvements mentioned.

See you on the Battlefield!

NEW MATCH MAKER DESCRIPTION

The new matchmaker is designed to provide a fun, balanced match as quickly as possible. It does this by constructing team compositions with 3 of each weight class as well as a fair ELO rating for the teams.

Solo Players: Solo players are matched in the Solo queue and can select their preferred game mode. Players can also use the matchmaking queue status for each weight class to reduce wait times. There can also be one group of 2 to 4 per team.

Groups of 2 to 4: Groups of 2 to 4 will be matched up in the Solo players queue or the group queue. When they are placed in a Solo queue there will be a group of 2 to 4 on the opposing team. When matched in the Group queue they will be playing with groups of various compositions. Keeping an eye on the matchmaking queue status for each weight class will reduce wait times

Groups 5 to 10 and 12: Larger groups now will be dropping in the group queue (formerly the 12 player queue). Teams will need to respect the 4x3 weight composition in order to launch and will be matched against other grouped players. The group UI has added information and functionality to help players configure their team composition and refill consumables after a match.

There are two types of matchmaking requests, determined by group size:
Solo players up to groups of four are considered valid candidates for Solo queue games.
Groups of 2 to 12 â€“ 11 are considered valid candidates for â€˜Groupâ€™ games.
The matchmaker will attempt to match based on both Elo and weight class composition (3â€™s)
Over time, the matchmaker will relax both Elo and weight class composition constraints. In the case of weight class composition, the matchmaker guarantees both teams end up matching.
Here are some hard guarantees the matchmaker makes with default configs. Currently:
A solo player should never be put into a game with a group of 5+
A solo player should never be put into a game that has more than one premade on a team
Both teams must have the same mix of lights / mediums / heavies / assaults to launch
Both teams must be full to launch
A group of 11 is never allowed into the queue, the matchmaker must refuse the request
Teams must conform to the 3â€™s rule, otherwise the matchmaker must refuse the request

FRONT END

UI Improvements:

Moved the Search Cancel button to the center of the screen
"Select 'Mech" now goes to the "'Mech Select" instead of MechLab
User can now ready up within a group even if they are inside MechLab as long as their 'Mech is saved
After a match, user will return to MechLab instead of the "Home" tab.
Improved "sorting" of the Owned filter in MechLab
Sort by weight, then alphabetical if same weight
Heroes and Champions no longer at the top of the list
Add sorting options to items in the MechLab:
All items can be sorted by name, price, tons, and slots.
Scrolling and State Resets:
Removed auto scroll on friend status update
Retain weight class selection when switching between owned and purchasable
The social window now have two tabs, one for friends list and one for messages
After every 'Mech purchase, the newly purchased 'Mech will be automatically selected
Check Out button improvements:
Removed View button
Increased Checkout button size
Renamed Checkout to Save
Button pulse when changes require saving
Universally made the [ESC] button functions as Back (within a logically hierarchy)
User can also press the [ESC] button to back out of the social screen now.
New turret icon in-game

GAMEPLAY

How Fall Damage Triggers:

In order for fall damage to trigger, the following conditions must be true:

The 'Mech has been airborne for 1 second minimum.
The 'Mech has a vertical fall rate of at least 30 ft/s.

How much damage is determined by it's fall velocity and the weight class of the falling 'Mech.

Light 'Mechs = (Internal Structure Health * 1.9) * 0.04
Medium 'Mechs = (Internal Structure Health * 1.9) * 0.03
Heavy 'Mechs = (Internal Structure Health * 1.9) * 0.035
Assault 'Mechs = (Internal Structure Health * 1.9) * 0.04

Case Study: Spider-5K

Internal Structure Health of a Spider's leg is 14.7 (Remember, we doubled internal structure from tabletop rules (7) and recently we gave all Light 'Mechs a 5% leg health boost (0.7))

Let's say the Spider falls and hits the ground at 30ft/s. This is the minimum speed at which damage is triggered.

Spider Base Damage = (14.7 * 1.9) * 0.04 = 1.12

The faster the Spider hits the ground, a scalar multiplier is added to this base damage. This scaling happens, for Light 'Mechs at 38 ft/s. So any impact speeds of 30-38ft/s will do 1.12 damage to each of the Spider's legs.

By default, the Spider-5K has 28 leg armor. This combined with the internal structure health brings each leg to a total of 42.7 health. The spider would have to fall 38.125 times at 30-38ft/s in order for the legs to be destroyed.

Speeds you're going to want to get used to:

30ft/s - Minimum speed of all 'Mechs to take fall damage.

38ft/s - Speed at which fall damage ramps up for Light Mechs.
35ft/s - Speed at which fall damage ramps up for Medium Mechs.
35ft/s - Speed at which fall damage ramps up for Heavy Mechs.
33ft/s - Speed at which fall damage ramps up for Assault Mechs.

Each weight class has a different rate at which fall damage ramps up at (scalar multipliers).

It will take a bit to get used to the new mechanic and the need of a vertical speedometer is now needed. What we've done is add the new speed indicator to the HUD and it will show you your impact speed on landing from jumps/falls. It will also tell you if you're taking low damage or high damage. See image below:

'SHOCK ABSORBANCE' BALANCING:

With the new fall damage system in place the Shock Absorbance module received a new balancing. The numbers are now:

Light 'Mechs: 35% fall damage reduction
Medium 'Mechs: 30% fall damage reduction
Heavy 'Mechs: 25% fall damage reduction
Assault 'Mechs: 20% fall damage reduction

WEAPONS TUNING:

Clan LRM launchers heat scales set to 3.1 up from 2.8

Clan LB2 spread set to 0.45, down from 1.3

Clan LB5 spread to 0.85, down from 1.3

Clan LB2, AC2, UAC2 and IS AC2 cooldown set to 0.72 down from 0.8
Clan ER Small Laser damage reduced from 5.0 to 4.0
Clan ER Small Laser range increased from 180m/360m to 200m/400m
Clan Small Pulse Laser damage increased from 3.4 to 4.4
Clan Medium Pulse Laser damage increase from 7.0 to 7.4
Clan Medium Pulse Laser heat increased from 5.0 to 5.5
Clan Medium Pulse Laser duration reduced from 1.1 to 0.9
Clan SRM/2 and SRM/6 impulse value reduced from 0.192 to 0.11

Zoom levels:

Players will notice that the standard zoom level values displayed on the HUD have changed. However the visual zoom levels have not changed. This was due to the HUD displaying hard coded values. Here are the previous and New displayed values.

Standard view = 1.0x is still 1.0x
First level zoom was 1.5x still 1.5x
Second level zoom was 3.0x now displays 2.0 x
Advance Zoom Module displayed a Value of 4.0 x now displays 4.4x

Please note these have not affected the actual zoom level, the value displayed is now accurate to the in-game value.

This is important because the Targeting computer and Command Console can now directly affect the zoom levels with an [X] percentage increase.

The Targeting computer Mark VII (15% zoom level) would modify the stock and Advance zoom values in the following way

Standard view â€“ No effect
First level zoom: without targeting computer 1.5x, with the targeting computer 1.725x zoom
First level zoom: without targeting computer 2.0x, with the targeting computer 2.3x zoom
Advanced zoom module: without targeting computer 4.4x, with the targeting computer 5.06x zoom

Read on for the full functionality of the Targeting Computers and the Command module.

TARGETING COMPUTERS AND COMMAND CONSOLE:

Equipment:
Targeting Computers - Clan 'Mechs only
Targeting computer Mk I:
Weight: 1 Ton
Slots: 1 Slot
Zoom distance increases by 4.5%
Sensor range increases by 2.25%
Time to gather target info decreases by 22.5%
Projectile weapon projectile speed increases by 4.5%
Beam weapon long range increases by 2.25%
Beam weapon max range increases by 2.25%
Critical chance for projectile and beam weapons increases by 7.25%
Targeting computer Mk II:
Weight: 2 Ton
Slots: 2 Slot
Zoom distance increases by 6.5%
Sensor range increases by 6.5%
Time to gather target info decreases by 32.5%
Projectile weapon projectile speed increases by 6.5%
Beam weapon long range increases by 3.25%
Beam weapon max range increases by 3.25%
Critical chance for projectile and beam weapons increases by 8.25%
Targeting computer Mk III:
Weight: 3 Ton
Slots: 3 Slot
Zoom distance increases by 8.5%
Sensor range increases by 4.25%
Time to gather target info decreases by 42.5%
Projectile weapon projectile speed increases by 8.5%
Beam weapon long range increases by 4.25%
Beam weapon max range increases by 4.25%
Critical chance for projectile and beam weapons increases by 9.25%
Targeting computer Mk IV:
Weight: 4 Ton
Slots: 4 Slot
Zoom distance increases by 10.5%
Sensor range increases by 5.25%
Time to gather target info decreases by 52.5%
Projectile weapon projectile speed increases by 10.5%
Beam weapon long range increases by 5.25%
Beam weapon max range increases by 5.25%
Critical chance for projectile and beam weapons increases by 10.25%
Targeting computer Mk V:
Weight: 5 Ton
Slots: 5 Slot
Zoom distance increases by 12.0%
Sensor range increases by 6.0%
Time to gather target info decreases by 60.0%
Projectile weapon projectile speed increases by 12.0%
Beam weapon long range increases by 6.0%
Beam weapon max range increases by 6.0%
Critical chance for projectile and beam weapons increases by 11.0%
Targeting computer Mk VI:
Weight: 6 Ton
Slots: 6 Slot
Zoom distance increases by 13.5%
Sensor range increases by 6.75%
Time to gather target info decreases by 67.5%
Projectile weapon projectile speed increases by 13.5%
Beam weapon long range increases by 6.75%
Beam weapon max range increases by 6.75%
Critical chance for projectile and beam weapons increases by 11.75%
Targeting computer Mk VII:
Weight: 7 Ton
Slots: 7 Slot
Zoom distance increases by 15.0%
Sensor range increases by 7.5%
Time to gather target info decreases by 75.0%
Projectile weapon projectile speed increases by 15.0%
Beam weapon long range increases by 7.5%
Beam weapon max range increases by 7.5%
Critical chance for projectile and beam weapons increases by 12.50%
Command Console
Inner Sphere Heavy and Assault 'Mechs only
Equippable in the Head component
Weight: 3 Tons
Slot: 1 Slot
Zoom distance increases by 12.0%
Sensor range increases by 6.0%
Time to gather target info decreases by 42.5%

BUG FIXES

Gameplay

All Ultra AC's will now continue to fire after cooldown completes when holding the assigned button
Fixed an issue where, rarely, Ultra AC's could jam upon firing successive off-cooldown shots.

'MechLab

Fixed an issue where Ferro-Fibrous and Endo-Steel both appear as Dynamic Structure Slot in MechLab
Fixed an issue where the Purchasable filter doesn't update the quantity after selling a 'Mech
Fixed an issue where the scroll wheel is not functional in certain areas in the 'Mech drop down windows
Fixed an issue where the red play button for the tutorial video does not function if the user clicks on the Boosters tab first.
The description of the Shock Absorbance module not longer appears cut off in the Mech Select screen
Purchasable mugs now updated with the original Clan logos

'Mechs

The Gatling Horn no longer clips through a monitor in the Warhawk Prime Gold 'Mech

Summoner SMN-B's missiles now properly line up with the weapon pods as they are fired
VFX for Clan Missile's fired from the Kit Fox Right Arm no longer appear outside the component
Clan LRM's VFX no longer misaligned if equipped within the Summoner left arm slots
Fixed an issue where user can look up in the Adder's cockpit to see through parts of the Mech
Fixed an issue where the Direwolf snaps to a previous position when turning on point in third person view
Fixed an issue where a texture is flickering on the front of the Right Arm on the Dire Wolf DWF-PRIME (I) when viewed in Low graphic settings
Fixed an issue where the Summoner and Warhawk displays excessive smoke VFX when shot with channeled weapons
Direwolf CT Hitbox has been slightly reduced

We thank you for your patience and we look forward to seeing you on the battlefield!

- The MechWarriorÂ® Onlineâ„¢ Team
Click to expand...

Lan · Jul 2, 2014

So, who will do tests on the TC's?

A lot of builds will be redone to accomodate a TC or IS CC now.

Some good fixes allround, even the mechlab but they still haven't hired Smurfy. Shame.

Oh, and the DWF's CT has been slightly reduced.

Azakael · Jul 2, 2014

Holy wall of patch notes!:

Front End -
- Still don't have functional "Smurfy's" style mechlab, but I *do* like the changes.
- ESC usable to back out of menus now?
- Still not sure on filtering, if it filters trials when looking at owned to be out of my way...
- Checkout changed to Save? About time! And the button is bigger? And gives you feedback when you need to save? Woot!

Fall Damage -
- Not sure on feelings yet. Need to run with this.

Everything else -
- Ehhh... Clantech. I do like that the Command Console has utility and fits to any Heavy or Assault mechs. I am not entirely sure if it is worth it still.

Remarius · Jul 2, 2014

Ok my brain isn't working after a long day but what does this mean:

Clan SRM/2 and SRM/6 impulse value reduced from 0.192 to 0.11

They're a lot slower?

Skel · Jul 2, 2014

How does an IS mech get the Command Console?

Remarius · Jul 2, 2014

Buy it or take it off the Atlas that has it.

Skel · Jul 2, 2014

I sold it off my DDC and I don't see an option to buy it back

CX 1237 · Jul 2, 2014

Interesting. Good thing Command consoles actually have a use! Fall damage will also be interesting to see.

rjbass3 · Jul 2, 2014

So how long do these bigger patches usually take? I'm not normally online when they do this.

Lan · Jul 2, 2014

Remarius said: ↑

Ok my brain isn't working after a long day but what does this mean:

Clan SRM/2 and SRM/6 impulse value reduced from 0.192 to 0.11

They're a lot slower?
Click to expand...

The shake, rattle and roll factor is less.

[quote author=rjbass3 link=topic=7279.msg47353#msg47353 date=1404324270]
So how long do these bigger patches usually take? I'm not normally online when they do this.
[/quote]

Depends on the patch, this is not a small one with the matchmaker changes. Some small go for 30 minutes, larger ones cpl of hours. I'd guess 1-2h for this one.

Motörhead · Jul 2, 2014

I don't like the change with clan SLAS, damage was better, it needs more competition vs the clan MLAS, and ofc it can't on the range side, 5 damage was better.

Will need to test fall damage...and ofc let's hope the new matchmaker works this time !

cs_kami · Jul 2, 2014

For a change... i am very impressed with the patch and they are doing.. Shocked even that it reads so good, like they are finally getting the memos.

Lan · Jul 2, 2014

Servers are live again.

epikt · Jul 2, 2014

Skel said: ↑

I don't see an option to buy it back
Click to expand...

Don't quote me on this, but iirc it only can be installed on the head so you must be on the head to see it on the list.

tfun90 · Jul 2, 2014

Now if they could just get to that list of features that should be in the game in the first place... (http://mwomercs.com/forums/topic/161934-feature-request-poll/)

enileph · Jul 2, 2014

I love the UAC fixes. This would make them much more reasonable again. It does help for them to fire automatically, even though it is without the double mode. Makes mid range firefights much more easier to the fingers (short range you are going to slam those buttons for rapid fire anyways).

Clan LBX/AC/UAC2 upgrades are much welcomed. Interesting to see that the IS version got it as well.
The cLBX2/5 upgrade would be great, I was testing those couple days ago and they can't hit the broad side of a barn door.
cERSL range for damage trade is a good thing I guess.
Not sure what to feel about the cMPL, heat increase, do we need that? really?

Fall damage, meh, not big on it. It is good I guess. Just don't try to apply impact damage to mp next time or I will start to rage. This is not a flipping driving test.

TC and CC are nice it seem, once again, deminishing returns for things above TC4. CC seems interesting, but really heavy. Not sure if worth the 3 tons, esp when some function being available in modules. Should at least include things like 360 target retension on it.

FUCK, according to previous matchmaker changes, that means we are not playing the game today, yet again. I rather have 3-5 unbalanced games than having to line up for like forever to get one 3/3/3/3. I just want to be in my mechs shooting other peep.
PGI should really know that if we get to only play one game per hour or so with the rest of the time waiting then many of us will not play/pay.

Skel · Jul 2, 2014

epikt said: ↑

Don't quote me on this, but iirc it only can be installed on the head so you must be on the head to see it on the list.
Click to expand...

I'm trying to try it from work with LogmeIn but it's not working. I tried this before and the equipment option wasn't there for it.

enileph · Jul 2, 2014

tfun90 said: ↑

Now if they could just get to that list of features that should be in the game in the first place... (http://mwomercs.com/forums/topic/161934-feature-request-poll/)
Click to expand...

Basically the frontend UI design team sucks giant donkey balls, and we know this already from day one I think. I don't think they have figured out a way to do comsumable restock yet, and they are not doing the much needed reordering of item either.

I am sure next tiem they would just add things like "mouse wheel function" and tell us that they ahve fufilled some much requested features!

Personally I don't care much about consumable restock (especially MC ones, only doinks would use them) but I do want the build item reordering ALOT. Either that or just let us choose the barrel for our guns. AMS on/off would be nice as well.

Lan · Jul 2, 2014

Skel said: ↑

I'm trying to try it from work with LogmeIn but it's not working. I tried this before and the equipment option wasn't there for it.
Click to expand...

I checked, you can buy it in the DC. It's 1 million c-bills though.

All, check the range increase on the cSLAS. Even if they took it down to 4 from 5 damage, we got 200/400 in range with that thing. The Nova cSLAS 12 version just jumped the usefullness scale for sure.

Remarius · Jul 2, 2014

fx8230 said: ↑

I don't like the change with clan SLAS, damage was better, it needs more competition vs the clan MLAS, and ofc it can't on the range side, 5 damage was better.

Will need to test fall damage...and ofc let's hope the new matchmaker works this time !
Click to expand...

Clan ER Small Laser damage reduced from 5.0 to 4.0
Clan ER Small Laser range increased from 180m/360m to 200m/400m
Clan Small Pulse Laser damage increased from 3.4 to 4.4

It made no sense though that the ER did more damage and had more range than the pulse. There was essentially no reason to ever take the pulse as for the same weight you could get the ERML. Personally I think they went soft to deflect tears and increased range. Really didn't need it imo.

Sadly my 12 ERSL+4MG Nova may need a rebuild.

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Patch #21, v1.4.302

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