95 replies to this topic

[Tor Gungnir]

I'm getting closer to the 10 mil C-bills mark and I'm sorta torn between the different Atlas variation. Searching both here on the forums and the Intertubes gives mixed results as to which one is preferable... halp!

[FrDrake]

The K is by far the weakest.

For the rest it depends on what you want to do and how you play.

AS7-D - good all around mech, the 2 energy slots in CT limit you to close range lasers there. Can fit AC/20, a Gauss, or 2 UAC/5 in it's ballistic shoulder

AS7-DDC - some would argue this is the dominant Atlas since it can mount ECM and has the most missile hardpoints. It has two less laser slots in the CT but keeps 2 in the arms, while having the ballistic slot that can fit anything again. A build I like is 2 LL, ac/20, 3 SRM/6 (you can use 3 streaks here if you want to be mroe effective against lights), make sure to put your ECM on

AS7-RS - this has turned into the sniping Atlas because of 4 energy slots in the arms, a common build nowadays on this one is 4 PPC, 1 Gauss and then go sniping

Unless you plan on playing very long range, don't put in an XL in any atlas, the shoulders are often taken off first since those are much weaker than the CT

If you want my flat recommendation as a new player you should pick up the DDC, easiest mode of the Atlai. Toss on your ECM, do 2 LL, ac/20 or gauss, 3 SSRM2 and then go wreck folks with near max armor, get DHS on it as well when you can afford it.

[Lan]

Tjena!

I have to help a countryman and MWOer out.

The most loved is the DC for the ECM and hardpoint setup. Second is the RS for the four energy points in the arms, third the D for the zombie durability and last the K for the poor total number of hardpoints.

I favor the D actually, I like that the best. If you want a long read, here's my views on the Atlas (a full guide): http://www.mechspecs...hp?topic=1586.0

Good luck

[Tor Gungnir]

The K is the weakest? Ironic since it is a good few millions more expensive than the rest!

[Moku]

Atlas D is better for new players to experiment and play with. The DDC may be more difficult for new players since it has less laser slots and have to rely on the missile slots for more punch. They usually go wtf this is a piece of sh#t unless they go research some competitive builds. ECM won't be that much of a benefit if you're not effective and end up being a huge target when you're spotted anyways.

[FrDrake]

Tor Gungnir, on 26 June 2013 - 05:47 AM, said:

The K is the weakest? Ironic since it is a good few millions more expensive than the rest!

The K comes stock with an XL 300, that's a very good engine, but a bad choice for an Atlas. An XL 300 costs 4 million cbills if you were to just buy it off the shelf, which jacks up the price of the K.

[Tor Gungnir]

Oh right, so it does... Also, when I look at the Atlases.,... Atlasii? in the shop they have this cool red paintjob (as do the trial one) but in game they are all green.

What gives?

[Modo44]

I bought the K specifically for the engine, which I promptly put in my Dragon. It is a fun Atlas (make it fast, treat it like a heavy), but I would not recommend it as the starter chassis. The DDC is the way to go.

BTW, the plural of Atlas is A s s e s.

Edited by Modo44, 26 June 2013 - 06:07 AM.

[Lan]

Tor Gungnir, on 26 June 2013 - 06:04 AM, said:

Oh right, so it does... Also, when I look at the Atlases.,... Atlasii? in the shop they have this cool red paintjob (as do the trial one) but in game they are all green.

What gives?

All standard mechs come by default in green, PGI has made some paints (very few, basic, dull colors) available for CB but all others cost MC.

[Aym]

Tor Gungnir, on 26 June 2013 - 06:04 AM, said:

Oh right, so it does... Also, when I look at the Atlases.,... Atlasii? in the shop they have this cool red paintjob (as do the trial one) but in game they are all green.

What gives?

Atlai... And all the mechs show their old paint scheme from back in closed beta, which were glorious and we miss them very much. Catapults were a dusty yellow, Atlai were a frightening Red, and Centurions were a drab grey showing their enduring resiliance as zombie mechs. Oh man do we miss those colors!

[scJazz]

FrDrake, on 26 June 2013 - 05:41 AM, said:

If you want my flat recommendation as a new player you should pick up the DDC, easiest mode of the Atlai. Toss on your ECM, do 2 LL, ac/20 or gauss, 3 SSRM2 and then go wreck folks with near max armor, get DHS on it as well when you can afford it.

I see this build or some variation on the theme quite a bit. Whatever you do don't go strapping lots of LRMs on it and expect things to go well for you.

[FrDrake]

scJazz, on 26 June 2013 - 06:44 AM, said:

I see this build or some variation on the theme quite a bit. Whatever you do don't go strapping lots of LRMs on it and expect things to go well for you.

Yea, contrary to popular belief, I don't find LRMs very much a straight "easy mode" weapon. You have to pack your own TAG, you have to be good at manuvering and position, and when things close on you if you panic you're dead, you have to maintain really good fire control and have a plan to work yourself to 190m.

[Spheroid]

I would recommend the DC as it will keep you alive longer.

[oldradagast]

Probably the D or DDC. The RS is good, but tends to run hotter because of the use of lots of large energy weapons in the arms. The K is rather weak since it is short on hardpoints. The XL engine is nice, but doesn't belong on an Atlas, IMHO.

[Tor Gungnir]

Hmm. Stuck between the D or DDC....

Edited by Tor Gungnir, 26 June 2013 - 10:09 AM.

[Moku]

The main difference is ECM and the small energy slots in the ct. If you can do magic with 2 med lasers or MPL's even after you've lost both torsos then you should choose the D. Otherwise go with the DDC and ECM. Also you can watch Koreanese's D build.

[I C Wiener]

I would always recommend the RS for new players. You can play it with 4 large lasers in the arms and maybe 2 SRM's in the torso.

The big advantage of this build is that it is very easy to play but still capable of doing huge damage. The arms move quickly and lasers are the easiest weapon to use imo.

You got flexible range an don't need to worry about ammuniton and lots of different weapon groups.

Just put the lasers to chainfire (Backspace by default) and alpha strike when you have not to worry about heat.

My friends an I often did over a thousand damage with this build.

Edited by I C Wiener, 26 June 2013 - 10:33 AM.

[POOTYTANGASAUR]

Buy the D-DC and RS then when you want to elit/master get the D as those are the best by far variants. I actually like the D more than the D-DC because i like energy and ballistics but without ECM mechs you are gimped.

EDIT: I C WIENER i ran 4ll and a gauss for a very long time, std engine, huge alpha and strong range. I eventually swapped to 4erll gauss and an xl 360 for a few extra dhs.

Edited by POOTYTANGASAUR, 26 June 2013 - 10:45 AM.

[FrDrake]

Tor Gungnir, on 26 June 2013 - 10:09 AM, said:

Hmm. Stuck between the D or DDC....

Isn't it tough when all the decisions sound like a good time

[Selfish]

Their eyes used to glow, too. Check out 1:15ish in this video for an up close look at the old Atlas model. They were pretty wicked.