Some thoughts: Steiner mechs lack JJs - this is a problem, although having the fastest mech in the game (Commando), is kind of cool.
Here's how I built my deck out, although I'm open to suggestions:
COMMANDO
COM-2D
ECM, NARC, MPL, 149kph
Modules: Arty, UAV, MPL Range, Improved NARC
This one is WELL off the meta and I know that. I debated running my Death Knell, since it's one of my favorites, but I wanted the options of a true support mech that could both provide ECM and the ability to crush the enemy's ECMs (both with counter and NARC). This thing doesn't pour on the damage, but with the ability to NARC enemies, it might allow teammates with LRMs the ability to actually target and hit the enemy. Obviously this build is kind of dependent on teammates that have LRMs...
If not? I'd probably put the Knell in here.
BLACKJACK
BJ-1
2AC2s, 4MLS, AMS, 93kph
Modules: Arty, UAV, AC2 range, ML Range, ML Cooldown
Again, not a metabuild, and of course you can drop an AC20 in this thing and make it a brawler, but it's so fragile, I find this build is a lot more annoying. Again, you don't really do a lot of damage with it, but you can annoy a mech into leaving their perch or focusing their fire on you and ignoring a MUCH more dangerous teammate. Of all the mechs I drop with, this slot, with it's one mech, is the one I'm least sure about. I have an Arrow and a 1X, but this seems like it's the best for CW against the Clans. I'm open to suggestions on this.
Alternatively, you can drop some ammo and put in a Beagle, or the aforementioned AC20, etc.
ZEUS
ZEU-9S
3ERLL, 3MLs, AMS, 72kph
Modules: Arty, UAV, ERLL Range, ML Range, Seismic, Radar Derp
My new baby, the Zeus is like an upsized Tbolt and that's how I play it. This is one that I'm pretty happy with: tanky, packs a punch at range, runs relatively cool, has a shield arm. I might run my 2AC5 one, but I like this one better and it's more versatile. Hitting someone with a pinpoint 27 points of damage at huge range is pretty nice.
ATLAS RS
AS7-RS
4LL, 1 AC20, AMS, 59kph
Modules: Arty, UAV, LL Range, AC20 range, AC20 cooldown
I should probably be running my DDC here, but that "DC" stands for "Draconis Combine," and I wanted this to be a more Steiner-specific deck. Still, I really like my DDC so might flop that (or one of my Crabs) into this 100 ton slot. But for a stand-in, this build works. It runs hot, but if you're good at fire control, it's not bad and those LLs start to hurt at range. And the AC20 is a nasty shock for anyone who wants to get in close.
Still...I might go back to my 4LPL 0000 KGC at this slot, or some other mech. The Atlas is a fragile big and easy to hit from across the map. Especially when it isn't running ECM, it's even more so.
Lay into me, folks - and no - the goal is to run a Steiner-specific drop, NOT to run the latest meta 9SS or 4Ns.
Edited by Dawnstealer, 24 March 2015 - 10:39 AM.