Guide [Issue 24] What to mount on: Wasp

[GoldRock 6,165]

Welcome, readers! Many times in the past, the newspaper has focused on the weapons which make our game so dynamic and versatile. But what about the other half to these weapons? Yes, hulls - without the right hull, many weapons can be rendered useless. But if you can find that right combination, regardless of whether it's extremely popular or hardly seen, you can be sure to dominate all of your battles. So, here's the first in the series; I'll be taking a look at Wasp, and what weapons can work best on this deceptively undersized hull.
 

Wasp/Smoky.
 

Powerful in the right hands.

Now here's a combination that looks simple, but can be pretty effective. This combination shouldn't be overlooked - especially since as a result of the previous balancing of hulls and turrets, Smoky is now more of a close-range weapon. Charge into the battlefield, circle your enemies and pound them with a series of rapid shots; or just hide behind cover, knocking out enemies from greater distance. Though hard to use, this combination really can work well. Plus, though this is just my own opinion, its looks are just classic... and that speed... and those critical hits...
 

Overall effectiveness: 7.5/10

Wasp/Firebird.
 

A true serial killer.
 

Well, let me start by pointing out that this can be amazingly effective, especially with Firebird's recently-increased burn time. The best way to use this sounds easy - set your enemies ablaze whilst avoiding as many of their shots as possible, and then make use of a quick escape. In practice, this is actually harder than it sounds. There are also limitations: this combination can be taken down from distance, and players would need to consider tactics more when using this. But these issues can realistically be overcome by those players with more experience, making this combination extremely deadly indeed.

 

Overall effectiveness: 8.5/10

 

Wasp/Twins.


Maybe this isn't quite a match made in heaven.

Well, this combination leaves a lot to be desired. Put simply, it doesn't work. Twins' high knock back really proves more problematic for a user of this combination than it does for any enemies. Not to mention the fact that many players would find this combinations a rather comical sight if seen roaming around a battlefield. Twins isn't made for Wasp, unfortunately; whilst it could be fun to mess around with this combination, it probably won't be very effective.

Overall effectiveness: 3/10
 

Wasp/Railgun.
 

It's difficult to ignore this challenge to Hornet's superiority.

This combination is becoming increasingly popular - it has its own game mode, for example. Whilst not quite as popular as XP battles, it certainly does make for some skilled gameplay. And there would be some experts which this combination out there who would argue this is amongst the best combinations there is - and their skill with this combination would probably speak volumes for that claim. Though this is hard to use (and it's easy to flip), it can be very effective if used by a clever and experienced player.

Overall effectiveness: 8/10

 

Wasp/Isida.
 

High speed and short range; a no brainer, really.
 

I would personally argue that these two are made for each other. Wasp's high speed makes up for Isida's very short range, with Isida's health-stealing ability making up for Wasp's low health when in the heat of the battle. Plus, Wasp's speed means you can always keep up with friendly attackers and heal them as they get away with flags. Surprisingly, despite this reasoning, there aren't so many of these wandering the battlefield, with Hornet/Isida more popular at lower ranks.

Overall effectiveness: 8/10
 

Wasp/Thunder.
 

It can work, but not always that well.
 

Actually, this can be an effective combination. I've played against players who used this, and they were pretty dangerous at the time. One problem - the recent balancing of turrets and hulls means that Thunder is decidedly better used at a longer range, since it is now outclassed by some of the shorter ranged midfield weapons. Therefore, this combination really doesn't reflect that change. Not to mention, it's extremely rare, considering many Thunder users find that the turret can work better with more health.
 

Overall effectiveness: 6/10
 

Wasp/Freeze.
 

A solid combination, though now overshadowed.
 

Once upon a time, this was a more desirable combination. The first (and previous) Light M3 kit consisted of Wasp and Freeze, and with good reason - Freeze M0 was known to be able to compete with M3s, let alone it's ultimate modification, due to its infamously frustrating freezing effect and a generous reload time. However, it's recently been out shined by the new kid on the block:  the new and improved Firebird, and its after burn effect. As many experienced clan players know, how can you compete with that level of effectiveness? So, for now, Freeze is best used with other hulls.
 

Overall effectiveness: 7/10
 

Wasp/Ricochet.
 

Just for parkour? Not necessarily...
 

A particularly uncommon combination, Wasp/Ricochet is well known (and well used) as a parkour combination, but not many have given it a go in actual battle situations. So, how does it stack up? Well, this can actually be fairly dangerous, especially if you keep on moving and firing, taking advantage of Ricochet's rebound effect. However, it's definitely not straightforward to use, and Ricochet does have a pretty strong recoil; which can prove troublesome when trying to keep this speedy combination level and under control.
 

Overall effectiveness: 6.5/10

Wasp/Shaft.


There isn't much logic behind this one, I'm afraid.

Now, this combination can work very well, if you can find good camping spots in the maps you usually play. However, for me, this raises the question: if you're planning on using this for camping, why sacrifice health for speed? Of course, the speed may be useful in getting out of sticky situations, and for finding new sniping places from which to pick off enemies - but let's be honest, you won't be rushing into battle any time soon. Whilst some speed is necessary for Shaft to be effective, this combination just doesn't seem to be that balanced.
 

Overall effectiveness: 5/10
 

Overall rankings:
Wasp/Firebird - 8.5/10

Wasp/Isida - 8/10
Wasp/Freeze - 7/10

Wasp/Twins - 3/10

Wasp/Ricochet - 6.5/10

Wasp/Smoky - 7.5/10
Wasp/Thunder - 6/10

Wasp/Railgun - 8/10
Wasp/Shaft - 5/10

 

So there you have it - my educated opinions on each of the combinations involving Wasp, from the perspective of the hull itself. Next up will be Hornet, just to ruin the suspense for those of you who hadn't already guessed.  :P Thanks for reading! Feel free to let me know your feedback below, or to share your own thoughts' it's all appreciated!

 

See you in the battle!

[FaaiqBilal1 795]

A well written review, good job, I thought it would be more of a tutorial but it's an excellent review. Good job!

[Guest Maserati]

excellent report - now i know what to bring with a wasp in future

[hogree 4,179]

Quite brilliantly done. Attractive, Simple, and Useful. GJ.

[SSLegend99 9]

Thank you for the great review, I'm sure this will help many players now and in the future!

[austlee 56]

Good job. I think I'll stick with my railgun and wasp.

[canadarules 1,938]

i use wasp twins sometimes....good for wars if you not got a meduim hull

[WarMonkey51Austin 68]

A fantastic review. Though I disagree with the wasp-shaft situation. You see, wasp is able to get into hiding spots where heavy and medium hulls cannot. And after the rebalance shaft is able to fire without losing all of the energy bar, and wasp is fast, so you can actually pursue your enemies. And I have a point to add for Firebird-wasp: when your modifications of weapons are lower than others, you can always suicide attack and let the after burn do the job for you.

[blackopspaul 753]

Well written goldrock! 

[GoldRock 6,165]

A fantastic review. Though I disagree with the wasp-shaft situation. You see, wasp is able to get into hiding spots where heavy and medium hulls cannot. And after the rebalance shaft is able to fire without losing all of the energy bar, and wasp is fast, so you can actually pursue your enemies. And I have a point to add for Firebird-wasp: when your modifications of weapons are lower than others, you can always suicide attack and let the after burn do the job for you.

Thanks! I knew someone would point that out - my general point was that it doesn't really work in the majority of battle situations, for that's what I was considering here. But yeah - Wasp/Shaft works well in a Polygon DM to get to a sniping position, for example. But generally, the combination isn't that effective, especially from the perspective of a team game.

 

As for the suicide attack point, that isn't the best way to use Firebird, IMO; more often that not, your kills would just be stolen. Firebird at lower modifications is dangerous enough - the best way to use it is therefore in a situation where you sustain as little damage as possible, especially if you have a lower modification of Wasp and so lower health.

 

Thanks for the feedback ^_^

[SportsKing700 153]

Nice Work! I use Wasp all the time and all the 8's and up i always use anything below the 8 one in a blue moon i use them xD

[JubbLa178 1]

im a thunder wasper

[moldocj 0]

Although I do not use a wasp much, my second common combination is M1 wasp and M1 isida. My most comman combination though is M1 Viking and M1 Richocet.

[Reckoning 178]

A very fair and unbiased observation. however i have to disagree on shaft a little bit. it can be annoying sometimes.

[r_Krish030 0]

of course its smoky cause it started with those two together being balanced and fast 

:) 

[abdullahtss 5]

my main wep is hornet waiting for it's guide

[killer_the_best48 0]

good i love this contest :wub: .....

 

[souljaboy_cg 0]

maybe firebird but it wasp doesnt have that much strength for short range im thinking ricochet but im low rank so i dont know much

[Lt.Tank-Marshall 32]

Because of low armor and high damage, and size and speed, I consider Wasp/Thunder and Wasp/Shaft field artillery.

[Pathfinder 1,690]

Great article!

[lukey0 27,543]

Nice good information.

[teradada 2]

Nice

[EatYourMeat 27]

Good to see u back buddy! awsome job.

[RAG1NG 4]

As for the suicide attack point, that isn't the best way to use Firebird, IMO; more often that not, your kills would just be stolen. Firebird at lower modifications is dangerous enough - the best way to use it is therefore in a situation where you sustain as little damage as possible, especially if you have a lower modification of Wasp and so lower health.

pretty sure what he meant was that, if a firebird user can't burn anyone else other than the one about to kill him, the firebird user should just go rush the guy (so his tank stays within firing range) and do as much damage as possible so that the burn effect would (hopefully) kill him - if the firebird user attempted an escape, the burn effect may not be enough.

[Vettefan22 145]

Thanks for this amazing article GoldRock. No extreme, unfair views. If you've seen me at all on the forum, you know I'm very, erm, defensive of the Wasp :D. Didn't really find anything wrong with this article, great job! I'm glad there was no hate towards this hull at all in this article. 

 

ThunderWasp- My main, best, and favorite combo. IMO, this combination got even batter after the 2nd Rebalance. Thunder got reduced self-damage, and with the much improved range, you don't have to put your vulnerable Wasp in dangerous situations. It can now be used almost like a Railgun. I think, this combo deserves an 8 :D but thanks for the fair review!

 

I loved it!