^(Sorry for previous double post. Pasting text was doing weird things so I just deleted that and just made a new post)
I was gonna post my own thread on the D-DC but this seemed like a more appropriate place since were all talking about this version here anyways. I've been messing around with two loadouts, a dual LBX-10 build for brawling and a more refined dual U/AC5 version.
The D-DC
I came late into the game with the D-DC. I totally disregarded it as the extra 3 mill didnt seem worth my it for a command module that as of yet did nothing. But then ECM came along and totally changed the way I regarded this mech both as someone piloting and engaging it on the battlefield.
I'm not gonna get into an ECM debate on how it is or is not overpowered. However to be blunt, as it currently stands unless a very coordinated team is making a concerted effort to negate ECM with tag/narc or another ECM you're basically impervious to LRMs and until your right in front of the enemy you're almost invisible to boot. ECM makes the D-DC stealthy to some degree, which for a slow moving assault is kinda nice. You can shield your allies and sneak around the enemy to flank or counter an annoying raven trying to harass you so its pretty great. In general I've found people just try to ignore you until they are forced to deal with you since they can't get a solid lock to share with their allies and by that time its too late.
Version 1: "Alpha-Face"
Rocking two LBX-10s and three SRM6 this is basically a walking war crime. If this mech had a collar he'd probably pop it just so he could be a bigger annoyance and look like an even bigger @** when 40+ pts of armor get ripped off whatever was dumb enough to get within short range fire and die before asking "U mad bro?". If there is a troll of the battlefield this build is probably it. This Atlas enjoys long walks on the beach at a cool 48.6 Kph and exploring the nuances of rag doll physics with smaller mechs.
Loadout
Endo-Steel
2x LBx-10
3X SRM6
2X Medium lasers
ECM
STD 300 Engine
Playstyle
Very close range.
Medium lasers are the longest range weapon you have and using them at their max range only scares enemies away instead of drawing them in unless of course you're outnumbered in which case you have bigger problems.
Thoughts and Observations
This version was an interesting exercise in the psychology of what most opponents expect out of an Atlas entering close range combat. What I've observed is that most adversaries are expecting a "proper" Atlas to have more long range weaponry so what there not counting on is me packing a double barrel shotgun and then three SRM6 on top of that. Heavier mechs usually back off pretty quickly once they realize I want them to get close to me but by that time its usually too late.
As great as this loadout is I find it to be more fun than practical, especially now that stalkers are out. Also regardless of what your packing, since this is a brawler build your gonna get owned if you get outnumbered by more than 2 mechs since everyone knows to aim your your chest/ballistic slot you will destroyed relatively quickly.
Pros
- 2x LBX-10 and 3x SRM6 are great fun to use on unsuspecting enemies who don't think you can or want to take them close in 1v1 (I'm looking at you Centurion pilots!)
- You will destroy anything 1v1 and people who gaze upon you will know true fear
Cons
-Your super useless at anything but super close range
-Did I mention how useless you are when
not at close range?
-An Atlas should be versed in combat at all ranges and you are not, this means you can't soften up targets by yourself at long range.
-Stalkers are not afraid of you yet, they will walk right up and 'boop' you with their face then alpha
-Stalkers being more bulbous up front makes its harder to rip off their side mounted weapons
-You need to use the buddy system and have someone holding your hand until you get in at close range while they engage long range targets with the AC20, Gauss, or U/AC5 that you should be carrying anyways you irresponsible troll you!
Final Thoughts
-Fun but not really practical (at least in my experience)
-Introduction of stalkers, their massive amount of hard points, and observed behavior of them running right up to you (Atlas syndrome I call it) like you're some sort of long lost lover makes them harder to deal with at close range (at least for me) especially because their side mounted weapons are harder to hit than compared to a centurion or awesome.
Version 2: "A more refined monster"
So now that I've gone through my LBX-10 phase and "matured" a bit the biggest difference is the use of dual U/AC5s which is great for long range suppression and harassment. Medium lasers are also traded out for large lasers, but we still retain the 3x SRM6 except with artemis this time for a tighter close range punch.
Loadout
Endo-Steel
DHS
Artemis
2x U/AC5
3x Artemis-SRM6
2x Large Lasers
ECM
STD 300 Engine
Playstyle
You can deal with anything long range like a proper atlas should when supporting their team or spotting targets trying to flank. You can also back a really nice punch at close range with three SMR6 which very few still expect. The U/AC5s work just as well at long range as they do at close range so you're not limited there and chain firing them works great assuming you don't jam.
Thoughts and Observations
For me at least I've had more success with this build, I can hit long range and hit equally as hard at close range so it strikes a really nice balance. Because of artemis sometimes I'll run out of SRM and AC ammo but that just means I've had a really good match with at least 3 kills, a ton of assists and the lasers are there for a reason so no big deal.
Pros
-Hits targets at all ranges
-Artemis on SRMs helps with spread
-still deadly at close range but unlike lbx you don't have to get quite as close
Cons
- Because of Artimus slots you don't have as much space for ammo and sometimes you will run out. However if this happens it's usually a sign of a good match and 2+ kills
- If you're not careful you will run out of U/AC5 ammo
-Prone to overheat if you don't alternate laser fire but the same could be said for anything with a heat efficiency under 1.0
Final Thoughts
Right now I greatly favor this build, I still think dual LBX-10s are great weapons but probably better off in a faster mech that can get in and out more easily than an Atlas.
Edited by RocketmanZero, 18 September 2014 - 01:23 PM.
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