Re: Rethinking the Clark RDX

**LordKelvin** · 05-15-2009, 08:19 PM

Well, but... if EVERY support carries an IDS... then it's a fair bet to say a vast majority of the map will be IDS-ed or UAV-ed all the time (this is assuming competent players all around).

That also means that a few people DONT need to bring one, and as long as it doesn't become a reverse trend, you get to bring more utility and firepower without really detracting from the team. I'm not saying every support should drop his IDS slot for the Clark RDX... but maybe one or two of them should. Or barring that... switch out the EMP nades for it. Killing people is more effective than causing them to see pretty colors.

EDIT: I forgot to add that this write-up was more a discussion on HOW to use the Clark RDX, rather than why it is better... but because it gets so much -rep I felt the need to defend that too. Either way, everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I just want people to pick the weapon up every once in a while and see if they can make it work for them.

**machowner** · 05-15-2009, 08:28 PM

Never enough IDS. Many times I've hear SL's ask where is our ids??

**pred011586** · 05-15-2009, 09:19 PM

I find the best times for me to use the Clark RDX is when I'm assaulting a Titan. I understand we don't play Titan here, but that's besides the point.

Like Crux said, on maps with armor, IDS/Emp is too useful. The argument was made that if every support packs an IDS then the map will be full of IDSes... If you have THAT many supports, you should probably be assault kit anyways.

I really feel the Clark RDX Shotgun shines in Titan assault. Earlier in the thread I mentioned how it blows up RDX and APMs. If a corridor is being defended by an RDX recon, shoot the Clark in, wait for it to blow, then start to charge the console. The recon will have lost his initial RDX which will give you and your squad a foothold in the console, advance from there.

Besides that, if you're on a map with little armor (CB, OpShingle, CampGib, etc), you're moving alot, you're packing the support kit, and the enemy has RDX/APM/MMs all over the place, then this is a nice unlock to take with you. Assaulting a flag that's covered with RDX? No problem! Blow the RDX up first, then move on the flag.

The unlock certainly has it's uses, the reason it's not so highly used on our servers is because the situations in which it's actually useful are never seen on our main server (mainly Titan mode).

The uses you listed, Kelvin, are great reasons to use the Clark RDX shotgun. But unfortunately you only have 2 kit spots in your set up. IDS will always be one, the other will most often be either EMP or Sentry.

I agree that the gun has it's uses, just that they're too few and far between on our CQ server to make a huge effect on the game.

**Crux** · 05-16-2009, 06:52 PM

Originally Posted by LordKelvin

Well, but... if EVERY support carries an IDS... then it's a fair bet to say a vast majority of the map will be IDS-ed or UAV-ed all the time

You say that like it would be a bad thing

**Razcsak** · 05-16-2009, 07:13 PM

Originally Posted by LordKelvin

Well, but... if EVERY support carries an IDS... then it's a fair bet to say a vast majority of the map will be IDS-ed or UAV-ed all the time (this is assuming competent players all around).

And yet, this does not happen as often as we'd like. On Tunis, maybe. Everywhere else, not so much.

**jazy2** · 05-16-2009, 10:13 PM

IDS and EMP 'nades all the time for me

IDS for the intel and EMPS even against infantry! It breaks cohesion, robs proper sights and causes the odd teamkill

**Berlancic** · 05-17-2009, 02:49 AM

It's a fun weapon for sure, I've had the fun experience of looking at my enemy and seeing him look at the globs, 1 second before they blew up in his face.

**Berlancic** · 05-17-2009, 02:51 AM

Originally Posted by machowner

Never enough IDS. Many times I've hear SL's ask where is our ids??

2 reasons:

*Not equipped into support loadout

*Player has not unlocked (has used all availible unlocks without NS, I know you can still get it without having NS but if you use your 40 unlock credits, then you're boned).

Sorry for double post.

**MDFubar** · 05-17-2009, 11:51 AM

Good thread, I love the Clark RDX but also believe the it is situational. I use it as a medium to long range weapon. Used properly I can gain more kills from the CRDX than the Sentry. When you are assaulting or defending on Camp G and Cerbere Landing especially this weapon is very useful.
You have enemies entrenched in groups behind cover, the sentry will not hurt them. Lobbing the RDX over walls, fences, etc. and dropping them into packs of players will generate kills and force them to move. Those who ignore it will usually die from it. If you can accurately drop them on range consistently then you will be effective.
Stick them to the ceilings when soldiers are firing from corridors, you can do this without losing your cover...it takes practice.
Every weapon has it's place, while I do not think that it is a better weapon than a grenade....I do think that is has a different use that will contribute when used properly.
Yes, EMP grenades do disorient players, but in a standoff situation..is that really helpful?
My usual load out is IDS and either sentry or clark depending on the objective and map. I do carry EMPs if we are going to encounter Armor.
The main reason people do not know it is coming is that the battle makes so much noise when they are grouped up, they actually can not hear it fusing. Also, if used properly....you can airburst the rdx.

**LordKelvin** · 05-17-2009, 05:54 PM

Airbursting is another thing entirely... That takes significant feel for the weapon and a great amount of timing and skill, as well as usually firing in immensely tall arcs.

I posted this thread though because I wanted to encourage others to try using it as a closer range weapon, situationally, of course, but to highlight its utility besides mortaring with it.

Of course, FUBAR's approach isn't necessarily wrong either if it it works

**SuperDudeBT** · 05-17-2009, 06:08 PM

I've been wanting to use this weapon effectively. This thread may have just helped me do that. I'm going to give it a try next time I'm on! Thanks!

**FredWest66** · 05-17-2009, 06:24 PM

I was on top on Command Center once on Carebear Landing and people were trying to use the clark rdx to get us off the roof top but it failed. Badly. You could see the globs coming up and landing, plus, when they blew, I wasnt getting much damage. Im not saying they're crap or anything, just in that case, useless.

I appreciate this thread aint about IDS. It is useful. If you need it! I run squads with no mention of IDS.(maybe that's what makes me stupid?) I played BF2 a lot, where you only had a UAV, the rest of the time you had to use your own intuition. I think, compared to BF2, we all rely on IDS too much.

**LogicalHarm** · 05-17-2009, 06:49 PM

Originally Posted by FredWest66

I played BF2 a lot, where you only had a UAV, the rest of the time you had to use your own intuition. I think, compared to BF2, we all rely on IDS too much.

Indeed I've been hoping to run a themed night with no NS unlocks to get rid of IDS's and see how people cope.

**MrTango** · 05-17-2009, 07:03 PM

I rarely equip the Clark RDX, but when I do I find it to be a very effective situational weapon. I rarely use it expecting a kill. Rather, I use it to control where the enemy goes. e.g. - a few weeks ago on Cabrere, I was able to force an entire squad to come up that middle road ramp between South town and Roadblock by shooting the stickies onto the ground behind them and onto the stairs. It was either move where I want them, or get blown up by the globs. They were promptly mowed down by the rest of my waiting squad. Sweet.

Originally Posted by FredWest66

I was on top on Command Center once on Carebear Landing and people were trying to use the clark rdx to get us off the roof top but it failed. Badly. You could see the globs coming up and landing, plus, when they blew, I wasnt getting much damage. Im not saying they're crap or anything, just in that case, useless.

A reverse option is to shoot them OFF of command to trap those squads that come up the narrow defile between the wall and the mountainside. its quite funny actually to see them try to retreat from your assault's rocketfire only to see glowing stickies right behind them. BOOM either way they go!

**machowner** · 05-17-2009, 10:18 PM

Originally Posted by LogicalHarm

Indeed I've been hoping to run a themed night with no NS unlocks to get rid of IDS's and see how people cope.

The 8th sponsored a game like this once before. We did no rockets or ids from what I can remember. I think overall everyone enjoyed. I would like to see another game or two like that.

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