Playing With Friends, Groups, and Teams: Team Game

''Note: Most links point back to posts that are on the MWO Forums. Some links here do not work since they point to posts that were on the Beta Forums. Each sections states whether or not the links are fixed.''

TL;DR: I am not sure what to tell you... there is too much to abbreviate... How about "There is no 'I' in Team" or "Voice Comms Rock"?''

Team Game
First, and foremost you must understand that MW:O is a team game. The developers have stated this explicitly. The game's mechanics and method of play revolve around this fact. Understanding this and playing with this in mind will help you greatly. Team work rocks, will make you a better player and better team mate, and lead to more wins and a great social experience!!

To quote the following article titled "New to MechWarrior Online’s open beta? The mistakes to avoid, and how to choose and mod your Mech" from Penny Arcade which interviews Paul Inouye, the game's Lead Designer:

Mistake #1: Thinking you’re going to “lone wolf” your way to greatness and carry your team to victory... New to MechWarrior Online’s open beta? The mistakes to avoid, and how to choose and mod your Mech

The glaring problem new players run into when starting MechWarrior Online is the run and gun mentality of other first-person shooters. This mentality will have you dead and sitting in a smoldering pile of metal within the first few minutes of a match starting.

In MechWarrior Online, it is important that players keep their teammates informed of what is happening on the changing strategic battlefield. Information sharing and strategic gamep lay are the key components to success in the game. A breakdown of information sharing will spell failure for you and your team plus a lot of cost in repairs! Remember this: YOU will NOT carry your team by getting the most kills. Doing hit and run attacks on your enemy’s flanks, not only softens them up for you and your teammates, but relays valuable intel to your whole team. Your TEAM will then carry YOU with good communication.''

This guide will cover much of what Paul is talking about.

SO REMEMBER THIS: NEVER RUSH ALONE. THERE IS ALWAYS AN AVERAGE OF 20 GUN BARRELS AGAINST YOUR 5 BARRELS. DO THE MATH.