Yes, I have killed people with the small lasers. I'm thinking of ditching the LRMs for something else, perhaps SRMs. Discuss. Here's what I am planning with SRMs: Or ditch missiles altogether and just have a larger engine and more heat sinks:
Well, first off, all these builds have an Anti-Missile System, but, not AMS Ammo. So, I'd drop one DHS in each to add in the AMS Ammo. Moreover, I think you're better off with your last build if you want to keep the six smalls. I have run Small Lasers on plenty of builds and yes, they can be quite effective. People underestimate them. However, I've also always run them on much quicker mechs so I can close the distance better. The main focus of this build should be the AC/5 and PPC combo. One of my favorite ranged combos in the game. They have the closest matched projectile speed for any Energy/Ballistic combo, similar ranges (with ERPPC) and once the extremely hot PPC heats up, you can keep firing those AC/5s all day and never build up a lick more heat. That said, I'd sneak in another ton of AC/5 ammo to keep that ranged DPS advantage. Possibly drop the AMS and ammo to add armor and AC/5 ammo. Without AMS and with hot long range weapons, I would definitely advise staying far back from the main fight and keeping up your fire on targets already engaged with your friendlies. Moreover, without AMS, you'll need to always be mindful of what cover you can get to quickly to A) Break line of sight from Missile Boats, and, B) Block the damned rain! All in all, with focus, this can be a very effective build. Also, with 6x Small Lasers, you're getting the same close defense as 3x MLas with less heat. Very effective inside your PPC's min-range.
Your a sinner for putting Small Lasers on this mech in the firstplace. HEX@!!@! All kidding aside, you couldn't put an XL engine in this bad boy to fit 6ML>?
The Battlemaster is very XL friendly even as an assault mech, so I decided to stuff some more heatsinks and speed in there (hate sluggish assault mechs). 19 DHS does well when things get close, but the ammo is a little low. You could trade 1 DHS for a ton of ammo.
As much as I love the PPC and AC/5 combo, on something like the Battlemaster, I prefer something that really surprise and punish people who walk right by me within 300m within a single alpha. And you really don't need an XL to fit in 6 Medium Lasers. Just remember its an Assault mech. You don't have an obligation to move fast. 60-ish with Speed Tweak with the firepower and armor to boot would be more welcome.
