19 replies to this topic

[Nuke85]

So after getting the AS7-S I decided to play around with it. I kinda wanted to get a D-DC so this helped the Idea along.. Problem is i cant seem to do very well. If i dont get creamed by my team going off and doing their own thing or go around a corner while my team hides behind the same building and die, I can hit 3-500.

I guess my real question is how do I roll this armored behemoth, not get owned and up the damage numbers? I think i have been torso twisting ok, been down to my center torso med lasers a couple times.

Any links to videos of an Atlas bringing the pain? Especially on maps like tourmaline and that BIG arctic one..

Thanks, heres my current build FWIW..

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...f240230f0d3a7a1

[CaptainDeez]

The problem with the Atlas is it's only powerful if your team ignores it... And everyone knows that.

[Ace Selin]

Stay with the other 2 assualts and form a blockade against any trouble that comes along, that way you have massed fire and alternate fire cycles, for more power, enough to back of all but the whole enemy team.

[The Basilisk]

Three basic rules for pugging in an Atlas

-- Don't try to be fast, an Atlas simply can't. Every diggit over 300 engine rating costs lots of tonnage and won't make you significantly more maneuverable.

-- An Atlas can mount incredible amounts of firepower but you have to be patient to use it at the right time and in the right way.

-- Don't give a dime about ppl bragging about you beeing slow or staying back
If you lead a fight from the first encounter you will meet enemys with fresh plating who won't flinsh at just facing you and focus you down.
Take your time getting where it hurts most

Atlas S

Atlas DDC

Atlas K ( you can do the same build like the S but without 4 missle slots 2nd AMS is something you will notice in pug games )

Atlas RS

For S DDC and RS I used maxed LLaser range and cool down module.
You can virtualy chainfire 3 LLasers forever. If you fire your Gauss or AC after 2 (3) Lasers and then starting anew most enemys will think twice or think you can't do that forever and they are faster anyway.
1st you can, 2nd they aren't.
Don't try to fire Lasers with your SRMs.

Edited by The Basilisk, 03 November 2014 - 05:03 AM.

[UrsusMorologus]

Everybody shoots the atlas. Either use ECM (your own or a buddy's), or use weapons that can work around corners from ~500m

[Redshift2k5]

A lone Atlas is always a high priority target- you want to make sure you are not the only target facing the enemy. Playing pugs, this is easier said than done! You need to communicate to them when are where you are going to push, and you need to have a good idea of when to advance and when to hold back.

If your whole team is hiding behind a rock and won't listen to the text chat, you can't go out alone because you're too slow to get yourself out of trouble. The DDC has more freedom to move out by itself because a DDC that sneaks up on the enemy from behind can be devastating, but it will take a lot of practice to get to that point.

The Atlas is terrible for pushing over hills and ramps because it is very tall and it's weapons quite low; 90` corners with high cover/buildings are more favourable to the Atlas, as well as tunnels and caves. You want to push around structures and not across open spaces, and ideally into the side or rear of the enemy formation.

You need to work with your team, so try using the text chat to coordinate people.

[Dawnstealer]

Hmm...right away, you're running slow. With any Atlas, but especially the DDC, you'll be THE prime target for the enemy. You have to be able to use that, but also understand it. One way to do that is act as kind of a "shepherd." Stay near the middle of your team, pay close attention to keeping as many covered by the ECM bubble as possible. When the push comes, you can lead the charge, but with the DDC, you're a little more confined in your role.

Okay, speed-wise? You want to be moving at 60kph or so - 57 with speed tweak is too slow and you'll get left behind, usually to the delight of enemy Light-packs. I run mine like this:

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...2b7e57e220c6dc1

So with the new dynamics, you might want to switch out the Streaks for SRM4s, but I still like streaks to scare off the little guys and speedier Mediums - when your shots absolutely don't miss, that's not a bad thing, but you lack the accuracy of the SRMs (since streaks hit wherever).

Use your LLs together (you can flip these out for ERLL, but that build runs hotter and you really don't want to be that exposed - the Atlas is a brawler, with low-slung weapons). When someone gets close, I'll switch between the lasers and the knock-out punch of the AC20. If I'm feeling saucy, I'll switch between the AC20 and Streaks.

Torso twisting with this bigger engine is easier, but remember most people will aim square for that LT to take out the ECM (another reason not to fill it with SRM6s since you most likely WILL lose it). This way, most of your punch is still left when you lose a side.

[StalaggtIKE]

The Basilisk, on 03 November 2014 - 04:46 AM, said:

-- Don't try to be fast, an Atlas simply can't. Every diggit over 300 engine rating costs lots of tonnage and won't make you significantly more maneuverable.

Completely disagree. Building a slow Atlas is a constant mistake. What's the point of building a "Direwolf" with less weapons? Bigger engines grants faster torso twisting. I suggest stuffing a STD350. Though not as fast, once elited it is as maneuverable as a Heavy.

Edited by StalaggtIKE, 03 November 2014 - 08:05 AM.

[Spheroid]

I feel the defining characteristic of the S is the four missile hardpoints. I recommend dropping down to ASRM4s to max them out. Also you have more than enough armor on the legs you could easily do some shaving there.

Is this your only Atlas? Eliting makes a big difference.

Edited by Spheroid, 03 November 2014 - 05:37 PM.

[Nuke85]

Thanks for all the replys. Need to play around with some builds and try and apply this advice..

[oldradagast]

The Atlas is an anvil, not the hammer.

Your job, as I see it, is to be the anchor in the sea of chaos. The moving wall against which the enemy must break.

You're not there to blindly charge over a hill and get focused down by 4+ mechs, alone.

You're not there to hide behind a ridge at 500+ meters and take occasional pot-shots.

You're there to be the moving mountain in the mob. When that grand melee breaks out and mechs are racing around each other in a storm of steel and blood, you wade in. At that point, they can't safely focus fire you, and your armor will hold, giving you enough time to massacre them.

You're also there to be key part of the charge. All the mechs should push together (barring snipers and flanking lights), thus forcing the melee mess described above.

You're not the first one over the hill, but you are the last thing the enemy sees before they die.

[ImperialKnight]

Nuke85, on 03 November 2014 - 12:16 AM, said:

So after getting the AS7-S I decided to play around with it. I kinda wanted to get a D-DC so this helped the Idea along.. Problem is i cant seem to do very well. If i dont get creamed by my team going off and doing their own thing or go around a corner while my team hides behind the same building and die, I can hit 3-500.

I guess my real question is how do I roll this armored behemoth, not get owned and up the damage numbers? I think i have been torso twisting ok, been down to my center torso med lasers a couple times.

Any links to videos of an Atlas bringing the pain? Especially on maps like tourmaline and that BIG arctic one..

Thanks, heres my current build FWIW..

http://mwo.smurfy-ne...f240230f0d3a7a1

Go big or go home

In solo queue, hang out with other big boys especially a Direwolf. People nowadays will either run away from it or start shooting it first, ignoring the Atlas.

I also recommend finding a good unit to play with. Solo pugging almost made me quit the game. It's an entirely different dynamics when you make a push, and you know your guys will be there to back you back

[STEF_]

UrsusMorologus, on 03 November 2014 - 07:23 AM, said:

Everybody shoots the atlas. Either use ECM (your own or a buddy's), or use weapons that can work around corners from ~500m

This post has a big truth in it.
Everytime I mount the same brawler loadout in S and DDC, DDC does far better.

The surprise ECM gives is a plus.

So my optimal builds are: DDC as a brawler and enough speed (340), S as a mid/long range and a 300 can be good enough.

[IllCaesar]

Once I started putting STD 350s in mine, I never looked back. The faster you can run down an enemy and get into range with your SRMs and AC20, the better, and the faster torso twisting is great as well. Makes you significantly more mobile than nearly all Dire Wolves you'll encounter as very few of all the ones out there, at least of those in Pubs, have Speed Tweak.

In my S, I pack four ASRM4s, a Gauss Rifle (with CASE), and two MLs. The Gauss Rifle almost sounds treasonous, but its significantly cooler than the AC20, allowing for longer engagements going guns blazing without overheating and leaving yourself exposed. Might switch over to the AC20 though, sometimes its just not worth it.

[Takashi Uchida]

I second the use of the Gauss in the S. If you are using SRM16+ and 2-4 medium lasers, stuff can get hot really quick. If you can get the firing mechanic down, it's a pretty good weapon in the Atlas (gives you some range too to plink at things far away if you want).

[theta123]

I had great succes with both my slower tanked atlases then with my faster ones.

But the firepower advantage dissappeared with the arrival of the direwolf..

[purplewasabi]

theta123, on 06 November 2014 - 02:16 AM, said:

I had great succes with both my slower tanked atlases then with my faster ones.

But the firepower advantage dissappeared with the arrival of the direwolf..

I disagree, the direwolf does carry more firepower but they can't dished them out all at once, especially the dakkawolf. That's why in terms of weapons, quoting knightsljx above, go big or go home because you main role is to take out other big mechs like direwolves and warhawks. You'd want to do it as fast as possible, ideally within 2 alphastrike(?). Specialise your weapons and make sure they complement each other.

In terms of mobility, at least 60kph. It isn't very fast but you'll be able to torso twist reasonably. Also use coolshots, and uav modules to peek around corners or alerting your team mates to come to your aid. Its been a while since the OP. Hope your Atlas struggles are over

Edited by purplewasabi, 20 November 2014 - 01:46 AM.

[Colonel Jaime Wolf]

I'm an Atlas player who has been doing it with the Founder's model since it came out.



I'm with the guy who puts a lot of Streak SRM2s on his ATLAS-S

My variant uses 3 medium lasers (2 ct and 1 left arm), 1 Large laser (right arm), an AC20, 3 Streak SRM2s, and 1 LRM 15.

I love this weapon mix!

I make it a point to stay with a lance of assaults. the Warhawk or Dire Wolves in my group get shot at a lot more than I do. I enjoy the reach of the LRM15 and large laser and use these first from afar. when fast movers come in, the rest of my weapons come into play and they're pretty good at hurting lights. watch them scoot when they see how many streaks and lasers burning their legs.

this really is an anvil mech. I can contribute fire support and participate in a strong push when the time comes. having lots of armor and the variety of weapons sure helps survive a messy brawl.

This variant made me play the Atlas a lot more now since deviating into mastering the Ravens, Locusts, Jenners, Kintaros, and Centurions.

[General Solo]

When someone tells me to tank in my Atlas I say:

I will as soon as you strap yourself into the co-pilots seat.

I go for longer range direct fire builds.

For Example 3 x ER Large Lasers and Gauss Rifle.

Peek a boo and when the crap hits the fan support from the back, and once the damage is done, close in.

(Because how may times has the fight already started when you are still making your way to the flash point because your so slow, This way you don't need to be close to help)

If you go pure brawler your guns are silent most of the time until you get close. When you do get close assuming one on one the enemies armour will be fresh (cuz your short range).

With a long range build you may kill them before you get close or they will be damaged some what, making it easier to deal with. Plus close combat is the most dangerous kind of combat and your not fast enough to run away.

Edited by OZHomerOZ, 27 November 2014 - 02:34 AM.

[kilgor]

On my D-DC, I tend to run a STD 300, 2 ERLL, LB10-X, and 3 SRM-4. While it may seem inferior to the 2 ML, AC/20, 3 x SRM combo, I am hitting other Atlases before they can hit me and when going toe-to-toe, the other 100 tonner usually loses.