re: Titanfall 2

Yes. There are game modes that are just pilots only, but to get the full experience, play attrition (team death match with Bots and players) or something where you can do both.

You have to earn your Titan (there is a timer and getting kills and stuff helps make the timer go faster). When you call a Titan in, you don't have to use it. You can set it to follow you around or guard a certain point. The AI will operate the Titan while you run around and do whatever.