Guide [Issue 27] What To Mount On: Viking

[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 of 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 fourth in the series; I'll be taking a look at Viking. in order to see which weapons suit this famously reliable hull best.

Viking/Smoky.


A decent defensive combination, which can also be useful in midfield positions.

It seems at first glance, this isn't a bad combination at all. Viking has a good amount of stability and health for coping with Smoky's recoil and fast reload, making this a fairly sturdy combination. However, Smoky's versatility, mainly caused by its relatively fast reload and its critical hits, can't be used as effectively here in my opinion. Whilst Smoky can be used at all ranges, using Viking limits this ability to a medium ranged style of playing, in my opinion. For example, this wouldn't be the best hull to use when using Smoky on the offensive. And as those critical hits can be so crippling at key moments in the battle, I personally think that Smoky is suited to either medium or heavy hulls, where it would have a strong advantage in either speed or health. Hence, I don't think the full potential of the weapon is realized when used with Viking, simply because Viking is more of a balanced choice.

Overall effectiveness: 7/10

Viking/Firebird.


A strong combination if you can reach your enemies before they escape.

On paper, this combination looks pretty balanced. The increased health of Viking as compared with the lighter hulls allows this combination to withstand a few more hits than it otherwise might have done, and Firebird's damage-per-second is second to none once the afterburn kicks in. But in practice, it's a different story. Many players make use of the lighter hulls nowadays, which would make this combination less useful in an offensive role. Whilst it would still be an effective defender, it does, therefore, suffer in terms of its speed. A Firebird isn't so deadly if you can take it down at range after all. This, to me, limits the effectiveness of Firebird, which can be such a strong offensive weapon. Nevertheless, this combination should not be overlooked; it can still be highly dangerous if you're unfortunate enough to fall within its range.

Overall effectiveness: 7/10

Viking/Twins.


Solid, sturdy, and versatile.

So far in this series, Twins haven't exactly been given glowing reviews in terms of the lighter hulls. However, this is where the true nature of Twins as a pretty deadly weapon starts to shine through. Firstly, there's the point about its infinite reload; just hold down your spacebar, and you're good to go! Therefore, this is a great weapon for 1 on 1 situations in the open, where health is important. On the other hand, its slightly limited range means that its projectiles can't quite reach from one end to the other of, say, a crowded Highland DM. That's where Viking comes in. It has a considerable amount of health, allowing it to withstand more than just a few Thunder shots (which is a popular DM weapon), or, for that matter, more than just a few shots from any weapon, especially with a good protective paint. Additionally, Viking's good speed allows this combination to be used to charge down opponents, navigating from one side of a map to another without missing out on the action. Hence, this is definitely a powerful combination, and is not to be underestimated.

Overall effectiveness: 8/10

Viking/Railgun.


An effective Light Format defender; but what about a more diverse battlefield?

We've certainly seen this combination come to light a bit more recently, what with its fairly regular use as a flag defender in Starladder tournaments between the top clans. It's interesting to see how some of those aspects of this combination can be transferred over to a normal combat situation, too. This, I would say, makes for a very effective camper. It can be used to reach strong sniping positions in a DM without being blasted to pieces in the process, and with the help of a couple of mines and a Double Power, this could become every tanker's most hated enemy within a matter of minutes. In addition to this, we've already seen it's key role in clan tournament CTF's, and it certainly can play a good part in a defensive role in any CTF battle, too, where it might be able to advance to midfield positions as appropriate. However, I'd point out that Viking's lack of speed as compared with the light hulls does have its limitations; the hit-and-run tactics which have become so common through Railgun-only battles nowadays would be rendered far less practical with this combination, which does detract from Railgun as a strong midfielders' choice, in my opinion.

Overall effectiveness: 7.5/10

Viking/Isida.


You might have trouble keeping up with your teammates, let alone your opponents, with this combination!

Isida. A real vampire of a weapon, and hard to escape if you're backed into a corner with your health being rapidly leeched away. The problem here is, with Viking's lower speed, I guess it'd be harder to take advantage of Isida's abilities, especially due to its short range. Putting the fact that it might be outrun by enemies aside, I have used this combination in the past, and I recall finding it difficult to keep up with fellow teammates in order to heal them. Clearly, therefore, Viking's slower speed proves to be a major issue in a battle situation, where an Isida may struggle to both damage opponents and to aid his/her team. Though I am sure this would be a much more powerful combination when used with supplies due to the increased speed offered by Nitro, I'd think that Isida really does require the higher speed of being used with a lighter hull, so this combination would not be that effective overall.

Overall effectiveness: 6.5/10

Viking/Thunder.


An exceptionally powerful combination.

There's a good reason why this combination forms the basis of the Medium M2 kit which can dominate every battle up to Colonel and sometimes beyond. For starters, even the names of the components of this combination seem to match; y'know, what with the Vikings being linked to their all-powerful god Thor, who just happened to be associated with Thunder, amongst other things. The actual combination itself just seems to work very effectively in many situations. The fact that Viking has a good balance of speed and health using, one could argue, a slight focus on the health over the speed seems to suit Thunder very well. It allows the weapon to be used as part of more intensive gameplay, where high damage may be both dealt and received, whilst still retaining enough speed to make this combination particularly versatile. This combination can also withstand fighting at close quarters, as Viking can withstand some self-damage caused as a result of Thunder's splash damage ability, though this is admittedly where users of this combination have to be more careful. Overall, there doesn't seem to be much wrong with this combination, and there's a lot that's right about it. Its consistent, strong performance in DMs testify to that.

Overall effectiveness: 8.5/10

Viking/Freeze.


A reliable combination which can play a strong defensive role.

Traditionally, this was quite a popular combination, especially before the game was 'rebalanced' over a year ago. Viking was known to be a trustworthy hull in many midfield positions, and Freeze's special freezing ability was notoriously dangerous. Nowadays, both parts of this combination are relatively weaker in the eyes of most, but this doesn't prevent this combination from continuing to prove its worth. As I've mentioned numerous times (since it's a key characteristic of the hull), Viking possesses a good amount of health and a decent speed. This health allows the combination to act as an effective defender, especially with Freeze's special ability and good short-ranged damage, whilst its speed means that despite this combination being less good for all-out attacks, it can still be utilized in a midfield position. However, that does mean that this combination is limited to an extent, so it can only really be very effective if used in a defensive manner. Nevertheless, it's still a pretty steadfast combination.

Overall effectiveness: 7.5/10

Viking/Ricochet.


A sturdy combination which can be used in a variety of positions.

Viking/Ricochet is generally quite a solid combination. Ricochet has a strong recoil and is notoriously hard to aim with, so Viking's stability would be helpful to any player looking for a good amount of contol with the weapon. This could be an effective midfield combination, and would probably be able to be used up and down the battlefield, alternating between supporting an assault and falling back to reinforce a defence, and Viking's decent speed would allow for this. However, I'd think that Ricochet might be able to use its full potential more with a little more speed, and that the extra health of Viking doesn't really make up for this downside (hence my higher rating for Hunter/Ricochet in the previous article of this series). Even so, this is surely a combination which can be relied upon in many situations, and Ricochet's good damage would balance well with Viking's own properties.

Overall effectiveness: 7.5/10

Viking/Shaft.


This definitely can be dangerous in the right hands.

A personal favourite of mine whenever I use Shaft, this combination is particularly effective in my opinion due to the qualities that Viking possesses. Shaft is often seen used with medium and heavy hulls, yet hulls like Mammoth arguably lack the speed needed to efficiently transfer from one camping position to another. Viking is also well built for dealing with the knockback of this weapon, and its stability/health are considerable enough to make this combination effective in a camping position. Not to mention that the decent speed of Viking can actually be used to escape opponents if they attempt to attack your camping spot, as well as allowing Shaft to be used pretty well without the scope mode to finish damaged opponents off. Overall, this is a great combination with a laudable balance of characteristics and features, with Viking allowing the long-ranged nature of Shaft to reach its full potential.

Overall effectiveness: 8/10

Overall rankings:
Viking/Firebird - 7/10
Viking/Isida - 6.5/10
Viking/Freeze - 7.5/10
Viking/Twins - 8/10
Viking/Ricochet - 7.5/10
Viking/Smoky - 7/10
Viking/Thunder - 8.5/10
Viking/Railgun - 7.5/10
Viking/Shaft - 8/10

So there you have it, my educated opinions on each of the combinations involving Viking, from the perspective of the hull itself. You can see why Viking is known to be a strong medium hull. It fits well with a variety of different weapons in a variety of different scenarios. Next up will be Dictator, so make sure you look out for that article. 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 battles!

Edited July 31, 2017 by Hexed

[lordmostafa 3,821]

I have been playing with Viking Smoky for quite a long time now, and I think it is great, smoky's knockback makes Rails, Shafts, Other smokies and Thunder's shots practically useless, and the critical hit is just too much, and with DP You can two shot EVERYTHING with a crit and another shot, also with Viking's heath it deserve more than 7 out of 10, this is just my opinion, hope you take it into consideration.

You gave Thunder 8,5/10, while Smoky is more worthy of it, Smoky's crit is much more useful and powerful than Thunder's splash damage, also Thunder has Slower reload and can deal self damage when at close rang, and if you have drugs on, it can get really annoying at some maps, not the case with smoky....

 

I don't know if these ratings are going to change, but this is just some help with it :)

Edited September 23, 2014 by lordmostafa

[dragonite7 20]

I love rico vik, so I'd have liked to see it with a higher ranking -_-  Nonetheless good article, its pretty good :D Shows how vik can fit good in pretty much everything

[aperaiderpistol 459]

I don't use Viking, but I do agree that it goes best with Thunder. I know this because I use this combo on one of my alternative accounts (for trying out equipment I don't use) and I have used it on the test server, as well. It has definitely proved it's worth.

 

Overall, a brilliant article.

[Lord-of-the-Snipers 1,620]

Viking with Thunder combined is indeed awesome!

 

For a long time I used Thunder with Hornet, because I preferred the fast speed of the Hornet,

but lately I "rediscovered" the Viking/Thunder combo.

 

No need to say more:

 

"The fact that Viking has a good balance of speed and health using, one could argue, a slight focus on the health over the speed seems to suit Thunder very well. It allows the weapon to be used as part of more intensive gameplay, where high damage may be both dealt and received, whilst still retaining enough speed to make this combination particularly versatile."

 

You nailed it again... ;)

 

(I do agree with lordmostafa. Viking/Smoky is a 7.5 IMO considering the 8 the Hunter/Smoky combo received)

[GoldRock 6,165]

Thank you all for the feedback!
 

(I do agree with lordmostafa. Viking/Smoky is a 7.5 IMO considering the 8 the Hunter/Smoky combo received)

As per what I've seen through my own assessments, Hunter/Smoky is significantly more effective than Viking/Smoky. I agree that Viking/Smoky could have got away with a 7.5, but I don't think that'd do justice to the deserved rating I gave to the weapon when used with Hunter.  

[Lord-of-the-Snipers 1,620]

Thank you all for the feedback!

 

As per what I've seen through my own assessments, Hunter/Smoky is significantly more effective than Viking/Smoky. I agree that Viking/Smoky could have got away with a 7.5, but I don't think that'd do justice to the deserved rating I gave to the weapon when used with Hunter.  

Sorry, I only had the time to read the green part... :P

 

So yep: agreed! ;)

[donut70 97]

you need to stop pasteing that "so here's the 2nd in the series"

[Lord-of-the-Snipers 1,620]

you need to stop pasteing that "so here's the 2nd in the series"

keen eye...it should be fourth indeed

[GoldRock 6,165]

you need to stop pasteing that "so here's the 2nd in the series"

Thanks for pointing that out... Looks like it got past both myself and our proofreaders somehow, lol. Fixed.

[Thekillerpenguin 1,731]

Great article! I don't have Viking, but I think a lot of the ratings here could apply to its older brother, Dictator, which I do have.

[Lord-of-the-Snipers 1,620]

Thanks for pointing that out... Looks like it got past both myself and our proofreaders somehow, lol. Fixed.

correction: it got paste both myself... :D

[Alklines 1,751]

Great article, I thoroughly enjoyed it, and learned some new things, as I don't have Viking.

[Guest]

thunder is the best with both viking and rail

[Lankbouv 6,347]

Isida/viking drugging used to be the best combo ever.  But not now.  Can I ask, did you write this with smart cooldowns in mind?

[GoldRock 6,165]

Isida/viking drugging used to be the best combo ever. But not now. Can I ask, did you write this with smart cooldowns in mind?

I wrote this assuming that I was rating the combinations without being used with supplies, anyway. Though at the time of writing, Smart Cooldowns hadn't been released yet.

[Truthteller 4,204]

I disagree with viking+railgun getting 7.5 it should get lesser

[GoldRock 6,165]

I disagree with viking+railgun getting 7.5 it should get lesser

Thanks for the feedback. Do you have any arguments with which you wish to back your statement up?

[RicoGod 1,832]

Viking/Rico is 10/10 :3

[Thekillerpenguin 1,731]

Hmm, the average rating here is 7.5. Hunter's average rating was also 7.5. loominati confirmed

 

For Hornet, it was about 7. And for Wasp, it was about 6.6. I guess you could say that Hunter and Viking are more versatile than the light hulls.

Edited October 5, 2014 by Thekillerpenguin

[lordmostafa 3,821]

As per what I've seen through my own assessments, Hunter/Smoky is significantly more effective than Viking/Smoky. I agree that Viking/Smoky could have got away with a 7.5, but I don't think that'd do justice to the deserved rating I gave to the weapon when used with Hunter.  

I disagree, why is it significantly better? Viking has more health, it is more stable, looks better (=P), why is Hunter better while they have almost the same characteristics? I can't see why people would prefer speed over health or weight over maneuverability.

 

I hope that you don't misunderstand this as an argument, I am just trying to help and to tell my point of view :)

Edited October 5, 2014 by lordmostafa

[Thekillerpenguin 1,731]

 I can't see why people would prefer speed over health or weight over maneuverability.

Hunter is reasonably stable already; unless you're doing some crazy jump, Smoky's recoil isn't a problem. Hunter's extra speed also lets you pursue targets if you haven't managed to destroy them yet. It's important since Smoky isn't the most reliable weapon around.

 

Also, just FYI, M2 Hunter has both more weight and more turning speed than M2 Viking. Check the wiki, I'm not kidding.

[donut70 97]

Oddly enough, quoting doesn't work on my computer. This is in response to lordmostafa and The killerpenguin: I am a m2 smoky/hunter specialist, (though I am learning smoky/hornet for light format wars). I will take the speed of hunter over the hp of Viking any day. Here are the reasons for that.

 

I can keep up with, and kill, the little hornets running away with my flag when my team's dedicated defenders cannot react quickly enough, as I too often find to be the case.

                                                                          (  ^ and v are the 2 most important)

I often find myself in close combat situations without support and, whether against close range turrets or otherwise, I find that I need the speed, (and the smoky impact) to dodge, outrun, and slip past the fire of enemies. (you should see me outmaneuvering m3 isida/hornets that don't turn their turrets fast enough ^_^ :ph34r:)

 

My *digital paint can give me just as much survivability as Viking, except against thunder**.  *{42% vs rail (survives DPed m3s), 15%smoky, 10%shaft} **(Viking takes 3 DPed thunder shots to my 2).

 

Every second spent running to cover, your flag, the enemy flag, or targets of opportunity, is precious,( and I don't want to give the snipers a target for any longer than I have to.)

 

Take a look at the hp differences at m3 between Viking and Hunter, 7 hp means absolutely nothing the way I fight, but 1 mps certainly does. :D

 

I can probably think of more when pressed, but for now this is why I think hunter is the best choice with smoky.

 

P.S. The close turning speed keeps my smoky on target when I HAVE to turn my tank and fire accurately at the same time.

Edited October 5, 2014 by donut70

[r_Quick.Silver0 103]

GOOD JOB (AS USUAL)!

[lukey0 27,543]

Viking/Rico is 10/10 :3

Agreed with that combo I can reach over a 3 D/L for most of the game. To bad I don't use this combo much.  :D