This is a topic primarily about Support 'Mechs, any for that matter. The Stalker is coming up, hopefully within the next month. From what I've read about it, it seems to be well suited as a multi-range heavy support 'mech. Often being loaded with LRMs, SRMs, and a variety of lasers, but, what do you think of this 'mech? Personally, I like the concept of bringing this beast into the game, and I love how it reminds me of a grown up Catapult, with it's slicked back ears no longer being a weakness to its support capabilities. But I wonder, how would the Longbow fair in this game? I mean, yea, it would pretty much be a dedicated support 'mech, but, that's not bad, is it? Besides, from what I can find, the Longbow has variants that actually strip its missiles and replace them with some devastating ballistic firepower, I mean, a total of 6 light AC/5?! (I understand light would likely not be quite as good as current AC/5, but imagine 6 AC/2s in this thing?!) I like them both, but, I'm just dreaming of Longbow coming in down the line maybe within a year or so. Anyone care to discuss?
At least the 6 AC/2 combination will probably not be that viable. Its hard enough to manage the heat of 4 AC/2, so i guess 6 of them will produce so much heat that your effective average DPS is dropping to 4 AC/2 niveau... It would probably only enhance your alpha-strike capability but at the cost of massive tonnage which could be used otherwise.
Well, with its available tonnage, I'm sure one could squeeze in a few extra heatsinks for the build. Heck, I ran quad AC/2 with my CTF-4X and only overheated once cause I wasn't paying attention. But 6 AC/5?! that's crazy. You'd have incredible machinegun fire if you made 2 weapon groups of 3, chained them, then slightly staggered when you started each one. The ultimate DAKKADAKKADAKKADAKKA!
of course.. there is a reason MWO currently is in 3049 .. day for day.. next up: clans 3050.. so next year..
So, should I assume that they would use 'mechs from this list and nothing more as they would have been 'mechs used in later years? And in regards to support 'mechs, I am SO stoked on the Stalker! I found my niche in Support, and it seems that this 'mech will do what I desire very well. High support firepower, moderate close firepower and lots of armor. It's just a pinch up from my current Awesome, yet better designed for being used as a Missile Boat. I have my fingers crossed for 6 missile slots so I can run 2 LRM20 with 4 SSRM for those close range fights as well as maximizing my firepower between 180m and 270m.
No this list is only part of it, there are also older mechs available from 2750 and 3025 .. but its the majority of mechs we have to expect.. also you can already go 2 lrm20 and 4 ssrm with a slowpoke catapult a1, so i hope a stalker is able to wield 4 x lrm15 and 2 ssrm or so
However that's all the A1 can do, and if it loses its ears it's done for. The stalker could do that PLUS add lasers and not lose all its punch when losing arms. Plus, Stalker would have considerably more armor I'm sure, being 20tons heavier and all.
What are thoughts on running an Atlas as a Support? Running a variant with 2 LRM 15/20 with additional firepower for close combat. I figure they have the BEST armor rating, making them mobile fortresses, and with such tonnage should be able to mount some serious firepower for long and close range. I ask this because I figure the Atlas could be used in more roles than the Stalker (though I love the Stalker), as it can be a sniper, brawler, LRM boat and maybe even more.
