19 replies to this topic

[PhantomVector]

So for better or worse I've picked up my first hero mech after a long absence from MWO. With that said I could use some advice with builds for it.

I'm running only a slightly altered build as compared to the stock.

6 M-Pulses
AC10
SRM6

I'm not in a place where I can check but it's pretty close to the above. Obviously it's designed to be a brawler, and I've found that it's, it's not fragile but I get core'd pretty easily under sustained fire.

So if someone could suggest or point out alternate weapon loadouts, and if it would be feasible to downgrade to a smaller std engine.

Edited by PhantomVector, 18 August 2014 - 05:42 AM.

[Dawnstealer]

The BH is a weird, weird mech. You almost never want to run an XL in an Atlas, because you're a big target as it is and most everyone knows the thing runs XLs so everyone goes for the easy kill.

As for builds, I think I played around with a LOT of builds before I finally settled on something that seemed to work. My theory on it is that you use all six arm energy hardpoints or you might as well get a D or DDC and call it good. Of course, that means it's going to run really hot.

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...7a974db8bc3fffd

The problem is that the Atlas is supposed to be a brawler, right in the middle of things sucking up damage. This one doesn't have the alpha of your build, but it's faster than people expect from a STD engine and holds its own. For myself, I like to be able to stab at a distance and a pair of ERLL are pretty good at that.

The MPLs are good at dealing with little guys looking to take out your (non-existent) XL and the big STD engine will enable you to twist faster. For weapon groups, I put the left arm MPLs on group 1, right arm group 2, and then the ERLLs on group 3. Keeps the heat manageable.

[PhantomVector]

Hmm an interesting build, I was hoping to keep the ac10 or even upgrade it to an ac20. Mostly since I like to have some variations in weapon types, since in really hot maps running an energy only build can be as dangerous as enemy mechs. Specially since I'm a little trigger happy in brawls :3

[Dawnstealer]

I'm the same way, honestly. Running an Atlas without stuffing an AC20 (or a pair of LB10s) just feels wrong, somehow. Like I said: BH is a weird mech.

The 6MPLs is waaaaaay too hot, though, as is just about anything else on this mech. I have had people I drop run theirs with 6 LLs and gobs of DHS. They seem to have success.

I think you just have to keep playing (and playing, and playing, and...) until you find something that works for you.

[PhantomVector]

At the very least I'm dropping the XL engine, it's nice running at 64 KPH but I like being able to take more damage lol. Yeah I need to play more, but playing pug games raise my blood pressure sometimes. Sometimes it's nice, but sometimes people are too defensive or just charge in alone lol. I need to find a group to join or something.

[Dawnstealer]

You need thick skin to drop PUGs, but it's good for practice. It doesn't really matter, so you can try things you normally wouldn't. I found an incredibly effective Commando build that way.

Anyways: yes - for the BH, unless you're running an extremely long-range build (and with the introduction of the Clans, even that's out the window), drop the XL and go for a smaller alpha.

[PhantomVector]

Haha yeah all I've played against is kit foxes spamming LRMs. So with the groups are all they do are ranked matches? Or do they do Unranked play?

[Yelland]

This is pretty much what I settled into for Boar's Head -

STD 360 (64.2 KPH Mastered)
6xML
AC/20
BAP/AMS

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...186656f38b8a832

Group 1: left ML on chain (heat management and pressure)
Group 2: AC/20 and right ML linked (35 damage punch)

Not complex, not too hot, and definitely a short range brawler. It hurts and sustains intimidation.

[PhantomVector]

Hmm thanks I'll check that out later, maybe I can strip a 360 off another mech. Lol took me a second to figure out what a BAP was.

[R A V 3 N]

My current BH build:
http://mwo.smurfy-ne...8ac88da1bcb8601

Edited by Raven II, 18 August 2014 - 09:54 AM.

[Dawnstealer]

Yelland, on 18 August 2014 - 08:00 AM, said:

This is pretty much what I settled into for Boar's Head -

STD 360 (64.2 KPH Mastered)
6xML
AC/20
BAP/AMS

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...186656f38b8a832

Group 1: left ML on chain (heat management and pressure)
Group 2: AC/20 and right ML linked (35 damage punch)

Not complex, not too hot, and definitely a short range brawler. It hurts and sustains intimidation.

I like that one, but I hate to leave tonnage on the table. Drop a 1/2 ton of AC20 ammo, drop the armor on your legs, and you can slap a bigger engine in there:

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...ad28f8b39152445

Edited by Dawnstealer, 18 August 2014 - 10:03 AM.

[Cion]

I like 2LPL and 4ML with an ac 10 and some missle.

Just know this, you have 2 routes to take on builds. 1)XL and hit alpha and hide to cooloff or 2) STD engine and stay in brawls.

2 is like any other Atlas basically, so I run my BH on 1.

Have fun.

[HlynkaCG]

My suggestion would be to downgrade the MPLs to MLs and upgrade to DHS.

6 ML, AC 20, LRM 20, STD 350 Engine
http://mwo.smurfy-ne...ec806018ee880e0

Alternately if you feel that you're running too hot you can drop the LRM or AC back down to a 10 and use the tonnage to bring more heat-sinks or ammo.

Edited by HlynkaCG, 18 August 2014 - 11:25 AM.

[Void Angel]

The Atlas isn't always "supposed" to be a brawler - the Atlas needs to provide combat presence on the field. For better or worse it's a distinctive chassis, and both enemy and friendly players will react to what it does. The Boar's Head is also an odd duck among Atlases, in that it can actually load up a big enough XL to alter its playing style.

So you can really go a few routes with the Boar's Head - you can play him as a traditional Atlas brawler with an unavoidably hot setup like This One. Or, you can go for broke with the only 100-ton chassis in the game that can break 70kph, and play a Clean-Up Brawler who uses LRM harassment to bully people during the early and middle game. Alternatively, you can even Mix It Up a little. These are only sample builds - which ones, if any, you find useful will depend on your playstyle, skill, and Elo range (due to the responses of your team and opponents.)

It does bear mentioning that if you go XL on the Boar's Head, it's going to be a really tight build - Atlases are already more limited by hardpoints and space than by tonnage, and adding an XL to the mix really limits you to a couple-three general builds. However, if you can get your Boar's Head into position when the enemy doesn't expect it, you can wreak havok while being able to avoid all but the fastest Assaults and Heavies on the counter-attack.

PS: unfortunately the Medium Pulse Laser is simply too hot to fit into a good brawling setup in most cases. The Coolest Build I Can Think of Offhand would still overheat in 15 seconds of close combat.

[Argent Tnega]

I think on mine, I went with the 300 engine dropping me to standard Atlas speed. 2 ER Large Lasers, 4 Med Pulse Lasers, AC/20 and SRM-6 with Artemis. Max(ish) armor, double heat sinks.

Works pretty well for me.

[UndeadEdd]

I've been experimenting with this mech for a loooong time (around 350 matches...), never getting that "this build is awesome" feeling. I came to realize that one of the BH's greatest issues is the huge distance between his arms (like with all Atlas mechs), which means that sometimes the shots from one of the arms will hit an obstacle, instead of the intended target, unless you fight in the open and completely expose yourself to enemy fire. Eventually I came up with this build, which has been working really well:
BOAR'S HEAD, STD300, 2xPPC, 3xMPL, AC/20, LRM20+A
How to use:
At long range you have LRM20+A and twin PPC. Being on the same arm, the PPC's have a better chance of hitting the target together, especially if you're shooting at a moving target and need to "lead" it.
At medium range you can add the AC/20 into the mix.
At short range you switch from the PPC's to the MPL's, gaining a much better damage/heat ratio.
This build is lethal at all ranges. Really fun to use. Just need to pay attention to your heat and remember to switch from PPC's to MPL's.

[Mauadib]

I've been running a build that was linked in another thread a long while back. I don't remember who linked it but the basic behind this build is that it's a closeish range brawler with the biggest STD engine you can slap on with the guns on it. The PPCs aren't supposed to stop firing ever. Obviously you stop using them if they get within the PPC min range but you have other stuff to cover that.

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...37a21d7c941cd72

This is the first build I really enjoyed I think. I have tried these as well.

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...3aca96bfc26c361

There was also a version of the above link with reg LLas and one with a Gauss instead of the AC20.

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...589ed0bb14ee1fc

Didn't much care for them though the second of the two wasn't bad.

[Roachbugg]

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...3cc83be2098f0bc Pumba all it needs is a war horn that plays this

[The Trumpet of Gabriel]

I run 2 LL, 4 ML, an AC20 and a std 360. Seems to work well so far.

[Toiletbrush]

its too dang hot
you should have gone with victor or heavymetal or even misery if you prefer assaults
i find atlas rs more competitive
4xML, 1xac10 2xsrm6 standard 360