Is there any difference besides a tonnage gain/loss? I've tried using the search to find any post of it, without any luck. My friend said that the Endo-Steel gives a small boost to the internal structure. I've looked online too, but it hasn't been updated for several months or it hasn't been added. I'm just looking to see if it's true or not. Has anyone who does use it notice a difference? or does it simply just give some extra tonnage. The question may seem insignificant, but even so, thank to all who reply. Also sorry if this is in the wrong place, please move and/or redirect me to the correct forum area
Endo-Steel is lighter than Standard Structure, so it will give you more tonnage for armor, weapons, ammo, equipment, etc. HOWEVER, Endo-Steel (as well as Ferro-Armor) take ups 14 crit slots. In other words it weights less and gives you more tonnage, but it takes up more space so it gives you less crit slots to use. Endo-Steel and Ferro-Armor do the same thing, but you get more out of Endo-Steel than Ferro-Armor. Other than saving you weight and taking up more crit slots, they don't do anything. They haven't added reflective or reactive armor into the game yet, those would change the damage resistances. Most mechs benefit from Endo-Steel with no draw-backs. Some Assault builds might require more slots, so standard structure is required. Most builds that might benefit from standard armor are those that need LOTS of double heat sinks. Other than that, it's pretty standard to get Endo-Steel. Ferro-Armor is usually only for Light mechs who cannot utilize all of their space anyway due to low hardpoint count and tonnage.
Worth mentioning is that Endo-Steel can give you enough weight savings to upgrade to a higher engine rating and put more heat sinks inside the engine. Highly beneficial for double heat sinks where slots count. Especially on XL engine builds.
