The Centurion is a very popular medium 'Mech, especially among pilots from the Federated Suns. The most notable example of this 'Mech is the Yen-Lo-Wang, which used to win the Solaris championship twice. Most Centurion variants feature missile hardpoints in their left torso and a pair of medium lasers mounted in the center torso, with either a ballistic weapon or additional energy hardpoints in the right arm depending on model. The 'mech's left arm has armor plating resembling a small shield, and as none of the Centurion models have any weapon hardpoints in this arm, many Centurion pilots master the art of torso twisting to protect themselves from incoming fire with the "shield arm." Partially due to this tactic and partially because of favorable hitboxes, the Centurion is also noted in MWO for being a very resilient 'mech, often able to absorb much more damage than one would expect for a 'mech of its size and continue fighting.
"UNSURE WHICH 'MECH BEST SUITS YOU?... THIS IS AN EXCELLENT CHOICE!"
The CN9-A carries a loadout of weapons that does increasing damage as it closes. The LRM 10 gives it long range reach and the AC/10 & Medium Lasers give it a good punch at medium and close range. Its good balance of armor, firepower, and speed make an excellent general purpose Medium mech.
The CN9-A(C) is a Champion BattleMech. It features a modified loadout when compared to the Centurion CN9-A, but it has the same hardpoints. The CN9-A(C) can only be purchased with (MC), but it does provide a 30% XP bonus. The CN9-A(C) has a 38% faster torso and arm movement speed than the regular CN9-A. It also shares the same efficiencies as the standard -A in the Pilot Lab tree.
The CN9-AH, like the CN9-YLW, forgoes the hand and lower actuator in the right arm in order to fit an AC 20. It has three ballistic hardpoints in the right arm, so it could also fit multiple smaller autocannons as well. The left torso has three missile hardpoints. Unfortunately, this variant lacks the two beloved energy hardpoints in the CT that Centurions are known for.
The CN9-AL decreases the CN9-A's dependance on ammunition by removing the unreliable AC/10. In its place is a Large Laser, which shares the same range as the AC/10, and a Small Laser. The weight saved goes toward increasing the number of heat sinks and amount of protection.
The CN9-D is the newest model of the popular Centurion. It makes use of a massive but lightweight 300 XL Engine to move the 'Mech at speeds near 100kph. The 'Mech can use this speed to close on enemies and unload the Medium Lasers and LB 10-X autocannon or stay at range and make use of the increased accuracy of the Artemis IV FCS equipped LRM 10 launcher.
This custom variant of the Centurion is named Yen-Lo-Wang for the Chinese god of death. The CN9-YLW was made famous by the victories of Justin Xiang Allard in the Solaris VII arenas. It mounts a massive Autocannon 20 in its right arm and a pair of Medium Lasers. It is unclear if the Hatchet normally found on the design will eventually be available in MechWarrior Online.
This custom variant of the Centurion is named Yen-Lo-Wang for the Chinese god of death. The CN9-YLW was made famous by the victories of Justin Xiang Allard in the Solaris VII arenas. It mounts a massive Autocannon 20 in its right arm and a pair of Medium Lasers. It is unclear if the Hatchet normally found on the design will eventually be available in MechWarrior Online.
This custom variant of the Centurion is named Yen-Lo-Wang for the Chinese god of death. The CN9-YLW was made famous by the victories of Justin Xiang Allard in the Solaris VII arenas. It mounts a massive Autocannon 20 in its right arm and a pair of Medium Lasers. It is unclear if the Hatchet normally found on the design will eventually be available in MechWarrior Online.