I bought the DC last week and started using one of the heat efficient brawler builds listed here. While I enjoyed playing it as a brawler, I found that it was very dependent on team support, which as a pug player varies a lot from match to match. So I created this build as an answer to that problem- you can be effective at almost any range, run cool even before having the basics unlocked (especially if you chain fire the ERLLas), and still provide the group support of ECM/BAP/AMS. An added benefit is not having exploding ammo crammed all over the mech. I included the Case with the Gauss as well, although I'm not positive that it functions the same way with gauss rifle explosions as it does with ammo, but since its there I put the AMS ammo with it.
Welcome to mechspecs, prepare to be spanked. There is no point for the BAP. 20% to your targeting range is not worth 1.5 tons, as you have no LRMS. There is no point for A+ Not for only 2 SRM6's. You want MORE fire power, not less. It's the shot gun of this mech, and it works better as a spread shot. Your speed is lower than any Atlas ever. Use at least a STD 300, but a STD320 is becoming my standard to keep up with other Assaults. While your build is very cool, your main weapons to use while you cool are ammo based, so 16 DHS for me is too much. I like to get to 85% heat, and then turn and take damage in my arms, not my CT. when I cool down, I turn back and hit them again. Try a faster engine, at the very least. but see what works best for you, as this is my opinion, and I want to provide as much information I have learned over 10 months with this game. Good luck, as I do like this build a fair bit. I just like my improvements better.
This is designed for people who like me were looking for a build because they just got the mech. That means no 2x basic, or likely even basics at all. That's the reason for the cooling, and probably not needed later. The engine I actually stepped down in size twice- I really didn't like the idea of going below a 300 either. Normally I love to be a fast as possible, but in this case I feel its worth it. I can keep up with the group just by staying on the throttle and knowing were I'm going, the 4 or 5 KPH difference from a 300 hasn't had any real impact. In a pug, which is the only way I play, I can count on this and still probably be near the front lines. The BAP helps me know who's were and get target info so I can make choices on were to engage. Its not for everyone, and not the best for a mastered mech by far, but its been twice as effective in my situation than most of the highly rated builds listed here. I went from 350-500 damage range to 750-850 in a good match, while still fulfilling the mechs role.
Hey and welcome to MechSpecs, Ixion! First off, having a STD 275 engine means not only that you have a slow walking speed but also a slow turning speed. You have trouble enough with turning to fight off lights using a 325 or even a 350. The Atlas needs all the maneuvering ability it can get. Never go lower then a 300. I have to disagree a bit with Vergere on the BAP and Artemis. BAP does give you more sensor range but it also gives you target data faster. Which is important to anyone, knowing the weak spots and focusing there can give you a edge and save you loss of your own armor while you hammer through a CT unnecessarily. A trio SRM6 is a shotgun without artemis and versus lights, that is good. Versus other assaults? I'd say no. If you are a good shot and play with a premade lance, take the artemis. If you PUG only, don't take artemis cause you will be able to protect yourself better vs speedy mechs. Hope you can survive the onslaught of advice, in the end, it's your mech build and if you do well in it, kudos. Sometimes a build just works.
here is the thing, I take Target Gathering Info and Advance Sensor if I want the same benifits of BAP without any weight used (minus destroying any ECM), that, and that is the entire point of ECM, it to provide, and counter.
And I take both Target Gathering Info and BAP for even faster acquisition. It's all a matter of choice and there are no absolutes, Vergere is very right that BAP take 1,5t and 2 slots which are sorely needed. BAP is one of the first things I sacrifice rather then weapons, armor and engine size.
thanks for the welcomes, and the advice and critiquing. With the artemis, I took it on this mech because almost all my missile using mechs have it, I'm used to the way they fire and perform statistically better with it than without. Like a lot of things it really seems to be situational. Like some others said, I use BAP, adv. seismic, and adv. sensor range. I don't have voice comms, rarely have any scouts, and when I do its one word gems like "water" or "left". the tonnage and slots seems well worth it for me for any info I can get. What light mechs are doing and turning speed don't concern me much honestly. If I can't trust someone with a more appropriate mech to handle that I'm in trouble anyway. And if there is one thing I can trust my fellow pugs to do, it's chase lights. I play this build with momentum and consistency. Start moving before the targeting cursors up and don't stop, you have plenty of time while the other pugs run in circles playing with their lasers. Start firing the ER's at max range, its free and you can do it all day even in the middle of terra terma. The constant damage makes most opponents start looking for a way out after a few seconds, and if they call your bluff, leave them for your group and go to the next target, they probably will be focused more on saving themselves than hurting you. Even torn in half you are still deadly. It doesn't always work of course, but in playing it I've found that playing this way with controlled aggression can give a pug team a better chance at a win.
I suppose I've been focused on builds that work with 4 mans, as that is what I run in on a daily basis. If it works well for you, PROVE it to me with a screen shot, or even a video
that was my first match after posting the build. It wasn't a fair match, the other team had 2 trials and a DC, but still shows potential. that was my second. A weird match, the first time I've ever had 1000+ and still lost. I stopped taking screenshots after that one, I'm confident that could have been my first 1100+ game in any mech but I made some poor choices. These matches, and the other top damage matches I've had today, were all with the basic skills maxed. I can't afford the other 2 variants yet to open elite.
