You know I love the dakka. You also know I like heat-efficient builds - I tried 3x AC/2, it was too hot. So I came with this build, trading one AC/2 with one AC/5. This mech is build with the same idea behind my "Angry Lobster" Cataphract (2x AC/5 + 2x AC/2). /!\ ACHTUNG /!\ DAKKA THEORY! /!\ In mixed AC/2-AC/5 weapon systems, I think AC/2 as the main system and AC/5 as an heat-efficient alternative. The idea is: if I need two or more DHS to cooldown my additional AC/2, I might consider trading it for an AC/5, for the same weight or lower (AC/5 = AC/2 + 2DHS). You lose DPS but it gives you a "cool" weapon to fire even in overheating situations. Of course you need to share the ammo tonnage (that may lead to an higher tonnage since you need to load the full ton). Since you're forced to have at least 10 DHS to run the mech, and that those DHS are perfectly able to dissipate the heat for 2 AC/2s, a mixed system with only one AC/2 is not optimal tonnage wise (*). The good combo is then 2 AC/2 + n AC/5. (*) let's say for example you use 12 DHS for 3 AC/2s; it weights 20 tons (3*6+2) plus the engine and ammo. If you decide to trade one AC/2 for an AC/5 you can remove 2 DHS; it still weights 20 tons (2*6+8). But if you want to trade a second AC/2 for AC/5, you cant remove more DHS; thus it weights more, 22 tons (6+2*8). That's interesting, but how does it feel to pilot your awesome and sexy mech? It's a DPS build, the jets are then mostly used for mobility (jump buildings or canyons, etc). You can poptart occasionally, but if it's your main playstyle it's not the build you need. Just like on the Hunchback, the high weapon position makes it good to fight over a ridge with minimum exposure. But beware of exposing your "hunch" too much (if it's the only part you're exposing, it means it's the only part that's hit). The need to keep aiming at your target (DPS weapon) prevents you to torso twist between shots, thus easier for your opponent to hit that vulnerable location. Yet, so far I feel the XL engine is viable (afterall you won't be that useful with only one ML left). But it still would be wise to find a meat shield. Just be worthy of his sacrifice and be sure to deal damage while he's tanking. Pros: - dakka dakka! => high dps; - good weapon placement; - fast enough, one JJ for basic mobility; - looks badass with its three canons on the side. Cons: - ammo dependent. Ammo efficient variant (255XL): PS: similar builds of interest: - SHD-2H 'I got more dakka than you' (3x AC2, 1x MLas, XL295) - SHD-2H Vedrfolnir (1x AC2, 2x AC5, 1x JJ, XL265)
that build shows excellent what the SH was build for! TriDakka ^^ LOVE IT, and the Damage i drive with it can meet up with an D-DC! i swear! And when u are focused on target, u dont even see the Flare of ur guns (at least i dont do)
Works good, but seems to run out of ammo a little too quickly when compared to x2 AC/5 and x1 AC/2 IMO.
AC/2 ammo run out a little faster than AC/5, but since both deal the same damage per ton of ammo I'm happy to burn my ammo faster. If you feel you run out of ammo to much, try the XL255 variant, and/or to trade the ML for ammo.
I was skeptical, but the XL255 version is plenty fast enough. I got 518 damage and a kill on my first match. I was leading the pack and only suffered minor damage... not bad... I should add that the ammo and cooling felt just right.
I like the design a lot and plan on using it myself. A Question I have on the design is if the Medium Laser is really necessary? Or if you strip off the laser, would it make a difference in more ammo to the guns? I just bought my ShadowHawk with cadet funds, so don't have the money to do the upgrade to a dakka version, so it has the basic ac/5, took out the lrm's and the srm's, and added a streak and medium pulse to it, for an all around load. I do ok in it, but it's definitely basic. Am I better off still using Trial Mechs to try to earn more money, or should I use my build to get used to it and add xp to that type?
Yes. There's no point on using a sub-optimal build: it will be less effective, you'll have less fun and earn less money and xp. About the design: - the MLas is not mandatory, but I don't see why not mount one. - more important, all I wrote about the AC/2+AC/5 combo was made somehow obsolete by the AC/2 nerf few months ago. The rate of fire was hugely reduced, thus the heat, and there is no need for excessive heat dissipation anymore. So I recommend you make a triple AC/2 build and use the 2 freed tons to upgrade the engine. or
