After playing about 20 matches with the new patch, I noticed that the spider was severely lacking in its ability to deal effectively with other lights. Part of the problem was that even with directed energy weapons, you end up spraying the damage over several parts of the target mech. To resolve this, I decided that an ER PPC would work best. After playing a few more games, I have noticed a *dramatic* improvement. My overall damage at the end of the match has stayed about the same but I have been able to very quickly engage and destroy other light mechs. The PPC also lends itself well to shots of opportunity (even from great distance) and strafing runs. The damage is slightly lower than other builds but I believe that the numbers are misleading when you consider putting all that damage into one spot compared to spreading it all over your target. You have to sacrifice some of your jumping ability but again, I haven't noticed too significant of an impact as most of my previous jumps typically only used a portion of my jump ability. Finally, you don't give up any of your scouting ability as you still have your ECM and TAG equipped. Forgot to mention the heat. I have had NO PROBLEMS with the heat on this thing. Even firing the ER PPC off as fast as it can recharge, I have yet to get a heat warning. Typically there are almost always a few seconds between shots so your heat will basically be back to 0 by the time you fire again. TAG is in the center torso so that even if your arm gets knocked off you can still help your team.
Just had a perfect match with this build. 2 Atlas kills (both from full health) 1 Cataphract kill 473 damage Comment from somebody during the match : "Huh, a spider with a PPC, thats funny"
I will try this build out, I think I might actually use the 12 Jump Jet Variant though...Alpine and cities in Mind. Thanks, my current SDR-5D's are kind of cookie cutter-ish. I'll let you know how I make out. I will test after I have Mastered the Trebuchet. Mythweaver.
I decided not to wait; one of my regular team mates was having exceptional success with this build. The overall damage is lower, as you say, but I am regularily destroying 4x my weight (+) in enemy 'Mechs. I much prefer kill shots over high damage output anyway. Thanks, Myth.:wink:
My experience with this has been mixed. It is great at range and against heavies, but I find lasers better against lights. I personally like the ER Large (in my build in my other thread), because A) it saves 2 tons, and B) the damage spread means I usually get some on the other lights. That said, nothing kills lights like a Raven 3L with counter-ECM and a couple of streaks.
I am using this build in my SDR-5D and found out that I can score 400+ with a single ER PPC and a tag for sniping. Sometimes I also add ECM from the armors of the left arm (shield) let's say the left arm=6 armor pts(shield) right arm=18-20armor pts cockpit=10 armor pts... after all, who can hit a spider head? but still important in impulse damage Legs(both)=28 armor pts Overall Torso (left,right,center,rears)=FULL True...10 HS from 137 kph Engine is enough, ER PPC won't take heat that big +ECM hear:
