So with the Fafnir coming up, I was wondering which gauss/laser set up do you prefer for Annihilators? Short range - heavy gauss and mediums Medium - LPL, ERML and regular gauss Long - ERLL and regular gauss Really Long - light gauss? Other?
I don't think the ANH has the speed to be in proper position for long range combat. And not having the armor up front hurts your team. I wouldn't use any but the Heavy Gauss
6xER (or standard) ML + 2xHeavy Gauss or 3xERLL + 2xGauss I would use ERML+L(P)L only if there are not enough available hardpoints. Hardpoints on the Fafnir looks pretty good, it could be a decent sniper if quirks are not garbage.
I haven't purchased an Anni-1X yet, so I can't say I've tried any. But I do have a question: Does anyone consistently use MPLs with their Heavy Gauss? I know there are a couple builds posted to that effect, but am curious if anyone finds it any more efficient than simply running standard (or ER) MLs. I'm assuming the added weight of the MPLs generally wouldn't be worth it, since that can mean losing armor, ammo, speed (minor issue but still), DHS, etc.
Exactly: IMHO ERML and ML are the best lasers to pair up with heavy gausses, because you need the additional tons for something else (engine / speed, armor, ammo, additional heat dissipation if you can fit more than 4 lasers...). Also, ML and ERML have longer reach, which does actually pair quite well when you are forced to shoot over HGauss optimal range... This, coupled with -10% heat generation reduction for ERML and ML makes them both more reliable and versatile. EDIT: MPL builds are valid, but they are more "niche" and situational compared to ML and ERML.
Thanks for the replies. Only picked up one Annihilator and never spent much time on it with gauss builds.
I can see a very dangerous misconception here. It's only a "yes" regarding the Heavy Gauss' optimal range for full damage. BUT did anybody of you check it's maximum range already? Contrary to other ballistics the Heavy Gauss' maximum range is 4x it's optimal range with a linear loss of damage beyond the optimal range. This is something I only discovered about 3 weeks ago myself, but I am still astonished by this. What an awesome weapon!
It was 5x at introduction with 180m optimal range. The 5 shots per ton make it kinda waste of damage/ton if you fire too far beyond optimal range (regular gauss deals more damage after 500ish meters)
