Theory crafting with a friend on Reddit last night for a build for his first "Elite" mech. (He had just unlocked Pinpoint as his final "Elite" skill earning double basics) We ran through the Quirks for the HBK-4P and agreed you can't go wrong with 9x MLas. However, he is of the same mind as I am and wanted LPLs for duration, firepower, HPS and Range issues. So... we crafted. Finally, after much discussion, I suggested SPL instead of MLas for secondary weapons to keep the heat down a little bit... He looked it over, built it, and LOW AND BEHOLD! Hooooooly shit! 50pt alpha, can alpha twice for 100pts of pinpoint Pulse damage and keep chaining the SPLs to finish off the enemy! Hell, if you really want to setup the weapon groups or a macro, you can fire the SPLs 3 and 3 and still never overheat after two alphas! His first time out (mind you, he is also only about a month into playing the game) he scored over 900 damage and 3 kills. His best game yet! You don't get the MLas quirks, however, on all your Pulsey goodness, you still receive; Energy Weapon Cooldown 7.5% Energy Weapon Heat Generation -10% Laser Duration -7.5% Anyone here who knows me knows I'm not a Hunchie pilot, however, this looks like a very promising build and my friend demonstrated a great possibility. Might be worth a look to some of you HBK guys.
lol. Forgot about Hunchies! I adjusted the armor for how I'd run... (guard that right shoulder) Can you tell I'm not a Notre Dame fan?
Like Vergere I'm not sure on the XL... seams risky, especially when you need to get close for your SPLas. Did you try standard small lasers? It easily allows for a standard engine. Sure, not the same punch. Anyway, one thing I would do is to mount the large pulses on the two higher hardpoints of the hunch, so you can poke over ridges with your stronger and longer ranged weapon without exposing yourself to much.
Good point on the LPLs, @epikt! When discussing how to build with my friend, he was looking for the speed and recovery from Pulse Lasers. He wanted all pulses - Large for distance, and smalls for brawls. (lol - "smalls for brawls") I have run a Blackjack this way (2x LPL, 6x SPL, XL255, 12DHS) and while it is a risk to get in close for your SPLs, the damage output is phenomenal! Use cover and peek for your LPL shots and support your larger mechs, then, when someone bigger comes, NUKE 'EM! Seriously, it feels damn good to cut a fresh Atlas down in 5 seconds!
