STK-5M "The Scalpel" (5 LLas + 2 SSRM Build)

[Wildhound]

I am a little reluctant to share this one because I find it so effective that I hate the idea of coming up against it. But here goes.



On the surface, this looks like a terrible build. When I first tried it, that's exactly what I expected. However, it is super effective.

While the alpha is low, you can fire all of the large lasers twice on any map before you need to worry about overheating. Hold fire briefly, and it cools down enough for another blast before you know it.

The SSRMs are backup weapons for use against lights, or to pour a bit more damage out whilst you cool down. The star of the show here though, is the 45 damage from those large lasers, pinpointed on one component. This build absolutely tears slow 'Mechs apart whilst allowing you to keep your distance and stay out of the brawls.

The key with this 'Mech is to pretty much only fire when you know you can keep your lasers on one component for the duration of the beam, and to fire all five at once. I do bind my left and right lasers to separate fire groups to alternate them when running hot (and you will run hot) or to fire on light 'Mechs, which you do not want to waste an alpha on for fear of missing.

It's called "The Scalpel" for a reason, you can shave any component you choose off of an enemy 'Mech in record time. In a duel, you're in trouble then as you need to cool off, but that's okay because you should have eliminated a good chunk of your opponent's fire-power. If you're doing it right and keeping yourself out of the brawls, your ability to cut the enemy's fire-power in an instant can really swing an engagement in your team-mates' favour.

Piloting style with this build is absolutely everything. It happens to suit me down to the ground, but may not be for everyone.

Highlights: This build absolutely eats Awesomes. Two laser volleys to the CT and they are gone. It's a big CT, and two volleys happen very quickly. Shaving the ears off Catapults. That never stops being fun.

[Marukeru]

I've seen 5LL Stalkers before, and they are indeed very dangerous. Though, I think I may fear the dreaded 6PPC build a bit more, just for the total fear and confusion is causes when it brings down a 'mech in the blink of an eye.

I do like your build though. It's quick, for an Assault, has solid armor and the name is very fitting. I would hate to fight against it, but I'd LOVE to have one on my team :)

[Wildhound]

Just thought I'd report back having played with this some more. Maybe I have suddenly gotten a lot better at the game or the matchmaker is being really kind to me, but I am not a particularly good player and I am topping the table almost every game with this build.

It feels like God mode. There is not a single 'Mech on the battlefield that I fear. If you have a 5M, I strongly recommend giving this a try.

[Scaarz Fodder]

It feels like God mode. There is not a single 'Mech on the battlefield that I fear. If you have a 5M, I strongly recommend giving this a try.

I find this with Stalkers in general. No one plays them but they seem better equipped to kill that any other class including the over-hyped Atlas (and have amazing longevity).