With the recently added quirks, the Nova S can now have 25% AMS range and 25% AMS RoF with both AMS modules equipped. This is the config I've been using of late for it. ER PPC for sniping and staying at a safe distance, and the 6x ERSL for when things get close and personal. 7k AMS rounds to eat up missiles. This mech has no ECM, so the AMS rounds can go pretty quick if you're not under ECM cover from someone else. A heatsink can be dropped to add another ton of AMS ammo, but given how hot the mech already is, I wouldn't recommend doing that unless elited.
I don't like the weapons at all. A single PPC over a more powerful mix of beam weapons? I will not rate this yet because the pods are not out for c-bills and I can't test drive it. The triple AMS does excite me though.
I was running it with 12x ERSL but I felt the tonnage just wasn't there for enough AMS ammo. I ended up going towards the single PPC for quick pop damage, trying not to stay too exposed for long. I'm definitely open to different weapon suggestions I feel like triple AMS with the quirks it has deserves at the very least 6k rounds of ammo, and would be more comfortable with 7-8k rounds. I could be asking too much of the chassis, though. EDIT: When I was running it with 12 ERSL I could fit 5k ammo comfortably and 6k if I shaved armor off where I didn't really want to, but if I changed my mindset on having the triple AMS be for personal use only rather than a support build for the team, 12 ERSL might work out well with that in mind.
How about No need for LR weapons as you need to defend peeps that take that role. CQ fit suits the protector role better
I've run a single PPC with some Smalls, it's not the best at anything but at least it can do a lil tart sniping and still throw a bit of hitscan in a brawl. It's not that bad, then again, it's not that good either. I'm just sayin, I've ran that combo before, and I could point at a lot worse Nova builds than this. However......................... as far as working AMS into the build, I dunno, meh, whatever.
I love the idea of playing the support role (AMS, ECM, BAP, Sensor Range, Tag, NARC) but the rewards system really doesn't appropriately accommodate those players who sacrifice their own weight, crit slots, and weaponry. If you're in a 12-man and you're all supporting each other - great. If you're in a 4-man or PUG-livin'? No, thanks. I'll use my tonnage for my own load of hurt so I can at least get some of the C-Bill pile at the end. Don't get me wrong. I totally understand the purpose of this build and appreciate the concept for team-assistance. I just wish PGI would retool the rewards to give something more back to the support builds.
Appreciate all of the feedback. I'm going to try your CQ build PyckenZot and see how it goes Here's another I haven't quite had time to test out but seems alright on paper: I feel like there's so much potential to be had with the AMS quirks, but finding a weapon setup that isn't too gimped or too hot is a bit harder than I thought it would be. Glad to have a team here though - Together Everyone Accomplishes More
Trying a modified version of your suggestion PyckenZot and so far it's pretty fun! I have to get use to CQ again but the wubs are real and the AMS flows
I feel using the Prime arms is the best bet and building a laser combo of er small and mediums in combination to beat the ghost heat. I an not anti-small pulse but with so many hardpoint options why compromise?
Sadly now both ER smalls and Mediums share the same ghost heat pool. It still won't stop me from trying it Remember guys, the new omnipods are out on the 21st if memory serves. I want to see your triple AMS builds for the nova
It's hard to find the perfect balance between 3xAMS and enough Firepower in this difficult Mech for at least to defend oneself/support team attack (at safe range). Imo triple AMS is overkill in most battles, unless you are fighting a LRM Heavy Team, but that's not the usual case. Since this Mech is designed to stay back and covering the Team against Missiles, it should focus it's few Weaponslots on Range Weapons. I got the NVA-A from a WE-Contest last month, so after several build attempts i settled down to leave it by this: For triple AMS you can go for this: Proof of concept: p.s. to bump up the ttk effectiveness, replace one dhs for a TC1
Looking good Zear. It feels like a longer range version of the build here. I've ultimately went back to running 12x ERSL on my triple AMS nova. This build was fun to me, but my damage output is just overall better with the 12 ERSL.
