6 replies to this topic

[Indoorsman]

Here is a good long range build which can hold its own in a brawl as well. Both torso are equipped for long range, but only the right can do much inside 180m. Standard 325 engine with ECM let's you keep up with your team and give them protection/support.

[wintersborn]

I had fun with this build on my DC. I kind of settled on this build AS7-D-DC that is similar to yours.

I did have fun with a LRM Boat DC as well but its not as solid of a build AS7-D-DC. Its a risky long range support boat.

The twin TAG's are not a mistake, I loose arms and thus need a spare.

I found it humorous when people yell at you in chat for not rushing head first to your death.

[oldradagast]

There is nothing wrong with LRM's on an Atlas.

I've since added the LRM 20 (with Artemis) back on mine while keeping 4 medium lasers and an AC20 for close in work. The result is impressive. The LRM's allow me to keep the pressure on at a distance while closing - or hit targets that are faster and who refuse to venture within the "kill zone" around the Atlas. If a target does close, after facing the LRM's he then faces the rest of the weapons, which are respectable. I'm surviving more matches and winning more since I ditched the idea of close-in only Atlas's or even ones that needed to expose most of the mech to fire off AC5 rounds - the LRM's give the ability to reach out and hit things without exposing the mech, unlike every other weapon system on an Atlas.

Now, I'm not fond of Atlas LRM boats... they often fold like a house cards when you get close since they lack any real firepower, but to each their own, of course.

[Alaskan Nobody]

oldradagast, on 16 January 2014 - 06:26 PM, said:

I've since added the LRM 20 (with Artemis) back on mine while keeping 4 medium lasers and an AC20 for close in work.

The stock loadout on the Atlas is actually pretty darn good - and nothing in the game has really changed that.
Other builds may have been at times 'better' for a given value of better - but that does not necessarily make the stock loadout bad in and of itself.

All depending on how you play it of course.

[dtgamemaster]

Putting 2 large lasers on the arms of a D-DC is a good starting point for an Atlas (who has to be able to deal with all kinds of threats).

1) Ultra AC/5s is really not reliable. AC/5s might be a better replacement.
2) AMS is not needed. Free up the space for a BAP instead (you can help detect mechs furthur out).
3) Way too much rear armour on yr Atlas. You should be absorbing most of the damage in front, especially in a standoff facing towards your enemy.
4) Ever considered using ER large lasers instead of large lasers? Might be worth a try
5) Without endosteel, but fitting in a standard 300 Engine, you can squeeze in some more DHS. Can also consider shaving down the armour of yr atlas legs to the 40s

Edited by dtgamemaster, 16 January 2014 - 08:23 PM.

[Alaskan Nobody]

dtgamemaster, on 16 January 2014 - 08:22 PM, said:

Putting 2 large lasers on the arms of a D-DC is a good starting point for an Atlas (who has to be able to deal with all kinds of threats).

1) Ultra AC/5s is really not reliable. AC/5s might be a better replacement.
2) AMS is not needed. Free up the space for a BAP instead (you can help detect mechs furthur out).
3) Way too much rear armour on yr Atlas. You should be absorbing most of the damage in front, especially in a standoff facing towards your enemy.
4) Ever considered using ER large lasers instead of large lasers? Might be worth a try
5) Without endosteel, but fitting in a standard 300 Engine, you can squeeze in some more DHS. Can also consider shaving down the armour of yr atlas legs to the 40s

Counter arguments (not because you are outright wrong)
1) IF you have even semi-reliable teammates/ terrain what have you (for cover when they jam) - ultras can kick out CRAZY amounts of damage in a very short time - some feel they are worth it - others do not
2) This one I can comment on personally - AMS keeps my Atlas alive!.... but I also mount a Beagle.
3) Most likely - but if he finds he needs it - then he needs it (armor allocation is something that only practice can perfect for you)
4) May be worth the heat - or the AC/LRM may cover the range for you (personally I use Meds - but I mostly use the lasers to chase off cowardly lights)
5) Most people seem to feel that a 325 is the bare minimum for perfected Atlas builds - I use the 300 that it came with for mine though All depends on what you find comfortable: tried the 340 from my Battlemaster -and whilst the extra ~10kph was nice, the lost weight was NOT.

Should be interesting if I ever see you on the field whilst we are both carrying our Atlas/lai/eses/whatever-pluralization-you-prefer.

[Indoorsman]

dtgamemaster, on 16 January 2014 - 08:22 PM, said:

Putting 2 large lasers on the arms of a D-DC is a good starting point for an Atlas (who has to be able to deal with all kinds of threats).

1) Ultra AC/5s is really not reliable. AC/5s might be a better replacement.
2) AMS is not needed. Free up the space for a BAP instead (you can help detect mechs furthur out).
3) Way too much rear armour on yr Atlas. You should be absorbing most of the damage in front, especially in a standoff facing towards your enemy.
4) Ever considered using ER large lasers instead of large lasers? Might be worth a try
5) Without endosteel, but fitting in a standard 300 Engine, you can squeeze in some more DHS. Can also consider shaving down the armour of yr atlas legs to the 40s

This isn't a hot running build so downgrading to a 300 just for more DHS wouldn't be worth it IMO. If you prefer ER LL then maybe you'd want more DHS. I run 10-15 rear armor on my atlas, I missed that in the smurfy link. You mention the benefit of front loaded armor and that's partly why I have the AMS. If I remove it I have 2 spaces free and there isn't an ammo problem. So I can put 1.5 tons armor back on the legs, but like being shot in the back I hardly get shot in the legs. So the AMS in this case is like getting even more armor in an already capped component. Give it a try, works good if you have 0 slots free with AMS