JC Daxion, on 16 February 2014 - 12:35 PM, said:
Get my atlas going,, this thing needs a bigger engine as the std 300 is just way to slow for me, Was wondering what people use for typical engines in the DDC, I was thinking like a 340? 350? Was thinking Lasers, an AC, and streaks with Bap/guardian any idea on what size engine is worth using in an atlas? Id like to stay away from an XL too.
If you like what you have, you don't need to really work on anything else, though I must tell you that there are a lot of fun 'mechs out there. The Thunderbolt is the toughest thing I own short of my Atlas - its ability to spread damage is simply insane, so it can brawl where the Dragon cannot. It's got good hardpoints for PPC sniping or brawling, and the speed to be quite versatile. In short the Thunderbolt is an excellent workhorse 'mech, and you would not be sorry to have bought it. But if you're having fun, keep on working on your current 'mechs and refining your builds. Mastering the 'mechs you enjoy playing is an excellent way to grind out more c-bills withoutthinking about it, and the module slot is well worth the time in its own right. You should not buy any new chassis until you have the money to buy
at least Double Heat Sinks and Endo-Steel for it.
That being said, I do recommend that you master at least one of every class that you enjoy, and the Raven is an excellent light - its hit boxes spread damage very well, and the 3L in particular can carry fairly heavy anti-light armaments. The other variants are seldom used for a reason, however; they are much more difficult to build effectively, and are generally regarded as a chore to level up. The 3L is worth the effort, however, so if you've already got the Raven, level away.
The Atlas is another fun 'mech, but be warned that it requires patience and experience to use it will in random matches. You are correct that a 300-rated engine is too slow - not because of the max speed so much as the slow torso twist rate. You'll want a 325 engine at the slowest, and I'd recommend a 350 STD engine AC/20-SRM6 brawler build to level up - the Atlas' low weapon hardpoints, gigantic height, low number of missile tubes, and unavoidably slow speed makes it a poor long-range 'mech on the modern battlefield. Try an LRM boat, and my incandescent rage will light your computer on fire over the internet. =)
In essence, you've got two fun 'mechs already in your stable - drag them out and take them for a spin every so often, and you'll find the rewards worth the time.
PS: The Hunchback 4P is a bit different from the other hunchbacks, because it is so ungodly hot. I recommend the linked build, if you're interested in learning it - use the hunch/head and arms on separate weapon groups to avoid the heat scale penalties. Using a hide-and peek strategy in concert with a brawler or sniper on your team (preferably an assault) will allow you to use your amazing alpha (40-points is not bad, even with lasers) to punish people who are trying to flank your team while allowing you to cool down when needed by hiding behind the assault (just don't actually block his movement.)
Edited by Void Angel, 17 February 2014 - 11:48 PM.
2
