So, I have seen several different spins on the ERPPC sniper Shadowcat, some with double PPCs, some with UAC/5s, and even one with a UAC/5 and a LL. Across all of these designs, I noticed one thing, there was a lack of sustained DPS. Now for a sniper, this isn't really a big deal most of the time, but I personally like to be able to pump that DPS when I really need it. So this is my contribution to the ERPPC sniper meta. So the idea is to strip the armor off of the left arm and torso so that you can bring a bigger payload on your right side. You wanna leave about 8 or 9 points on the left torso, but no more than that; you can drop the arm down to 0 armor if you want, but I'm OCD so i set it to 1. You will be mounting ECM but you'll be surprised how little damage gets focused into that LT if your playing smart. Once that armor comes off, the ERPPC and UAC/10 go in. Most people don't think of the UAC/10 as a sniper weapon, and in truth it isn't but after it's latest buff it makes for one hell of a poking weapon. Why it works: -You have a front loaded 20 damage poke that you can throw over hills like a stalker. -You have a weapon that, provided it doesn't jam, can put out over 5 sustained damage a second by itself. -You have a hard hitting backup weapon that does not jam, in case your first one does. -You have a Jesus box to keep aggro off you if you play smart. It'll more than make up for the armor it cost to equip. -To the places that matter, your skimpy 5 tons of armor provides roughly the same protection as the shadowcat's stock armor. It's okay if you lose your ECM halfway through the match, it's better than losing your guns. ECM is most important at the beginning of a match when you have a whole team of enemies to potentially aggro. The ECM omnipod also comes with significant armor and structure buff so don't fret too much about it. Piloting Tips: -When shooting slow moving targets at medium range, hold off on the double tap and try to fire both weapons simultaneously, as if you were shooting double PPCs. While the two weapons do have different velocities, they are close enough together that you can alpha assault and heavies at a distance with no problem. Once your your heat gauge fills up, lay off the PPC and start double tapping the UAC to compensate for the damage loss. -At longer ranges, just stick to the ERPPC. -If you end up in a brawl, double tap your UAC/10 until it jams, then use the ERPPC as backup. To deal with lights do the opposite, try to use the ERPPC until they slow down, then hammer them with the UAC/10. -Stay on your toes, shadowcats aren't the most durable things to begin with, and the Prowler lacks armor in some of the less essential places. I've done all I can with armor distribution, and it should provide ample protection if you play it safe. Module Advice Mech: I recommend advanced zoom for landing your shots accurately at long range. Weapon 1: I'd bring UAC/10 Range first, it'll help keep the UAC/10 in line with the ERPPC's range for pokes. Weapon 2: I'd bring ERPPC cool down, just because the UAC/10 doesn't need a cooldown buff, and the ERPPC doesn't need a range buff. Master Slot: I'm a fan of Seismic sensors, but this one's really up to you. Consumable 1: I recommend a 9x9 coolant flush for situations in which your UAC is jammed and you need to land one or two more ERPPC shots. Consumable 2: as always, this one is completely up to you folks! That's all folks, hope you enjoy~
SHC-B LT gives 17 extra points between structure and armor... Still worrisome to lose not only ECM so easily, but the effects of losing a side torso of a clan mech with a hot build. (meaning losing 2 of your internal DHS) Not a HUGE deal, but, still a bit to be concerned of... I think the no arm, ST mounts may have been better even without the ECM - as much as that pains me to say. In general, I feel if a mech can equip ECM, it always should. So, every SHC should have ECM. However, in the case of your original build, I think you were truly better off. My 2¢
I would be inclined to agree on paper, but testing has been telling me otherwise. Temporary ECM has served me better than the extra 2 DHS.
