Problem with the NB is that it has a ridiculously large skill window.
By comparison the NB counters have a much smaller skill window.
Once the NB pilot passes that skill ceiling of its counters then it's God mode time.
At what NB pilot skill level do you balance the counters around? If you balance around ace pilots then the other 99% of pilots won't stand a chance. If you balance around just good pilots then the ace pilots are unkillable.
I'd support NB nerfs, but those nerfs would have to be targeted only against the ace pilots.
@AngrySquid270For example make Liz more agile? Ace pilots can farm and ruin the server. Sad that DICE doesnt do anything to the vehicle-ground meta when it comes to the NB.
Except defacto slightly passively buffing the NB, since they're also taking away sundance anti-armor grenade.
I dont see how adding the FLAK cannon to the transports will deal with Ace pilots, as they usually stay out of FLAK and RAO range while attacking.
T1 Whirly Bird guy here - Yes, it can be super powerful and the feeling of slapping the bottom right out from under a tank with a backhand chop from God is unlike anything else... HOWEVER, I think it's balanced by the fact the hull is essentially made out of paper, basically the entire front of made out of glass you can shoot through (unlike the new Bolte), and it's parts can get damaged fairly easy.
Next patch will bring in stationary AA so there is an added layer of defense for ground troops as well
It's hardly paper armor. It shares the same damage profile as the jets, but with a far smaller hitbox. And it doesn't matter what the armor is if the shots miss. Adding zeros indefinitely still results in a sum of zero. Which brings us to the comical maneuverability. Crank the sens to max and you can easily dodge many of the vehicle based lock missiles not to mention make yourself an extraordinarily difficult target for your enemies all without compromising your aim. And even if you do get hit you can have two players repairing you and then aren't doing they they can augment your offensive capabilities with rockets and laser designation.
The Nightbird should be returned to its original intended role of being a scrappy low profile insertion transport/scout that can perform hit and run and light air support. Right now it's got the best of all worlds. Fast, highly agile, small hitbox, infantry support, spotting, potent offensive weaponry. Something's gotta give. I suggest:
That still leaves it with plenty of power to make an impact but the focus will go back to stealthy infantry insertions and ground support.
@Wargame_Enj0yer wrote:@AngrySquid270For example make Liz more agile?
@Wargame_Enj0yer Restoring Liz's rocket agility would certainly help against ace NB pilots, but it'd also affect every other vehicle and every other skill level. I think the ace NB problem needs a more targeted solution.
I'd experiment with tradeoffs in the defensive loadout:
Ace Package: Unlimited flares, reduced maneuverability
Frequent Flyer Package: Limit of 10(?) flares, +50% health as unrepairable armor
Noob Package: Limit of 5(?) flares, +100%health as unrepairable armor, otherwise status quo
