The Operations Tree is focused around two things: keeping your mech cool, and requiring you to waste nodes to do so. In order to unlock nodes like Cool Run and Heat Containment, you must spend some of your nodes on some mix of Improved Gyros (reduces screen shake from being shot), Speed Retention (increases your maximum speed when legged), and Hill Climb (decreases the amount you’re slowed down while climbing slopes). These are (and were before the Skill Tree was introduced) the absolute worst things to invest in, and shouldn’t have even been included in the final product.
But let’s put together some paths based on the type of mech you’re piloting anyways, because Cool Run and Heat Containment are actually useful. I recommend sticking to Budget Paths, though, as they’re the most efficient node-wise.
Jumper or Light
- Goal nodes: Cool Run, Heat Containment
- High-Priority nodes: Quick Ignition
- Low-Priority nodes: Improved Gyros, Speed Retention
Budget Path (9 nodes) | Middling Path (15 nodes) | All-In Path (20 nodes) | Super-All-In Path (22 nodes) |
Ground-Pounder
- Goal nodes: Cool Run, Heat Containment
- High-Priority nodes: Quick Ignition
- Low-Priority nodes: Improved Gyros, Hill Climb
Budget Path (9 nodes) | Middling Path (15 nodes) | All-In Path (20 nodes) | Super-All-In-Path (22 nodes) |