AntiKorper, on 16 February 2014 - 04:24 PM, said:
Hello my name is AntiKorper
I apologize in advance if this is in the wrong thread, I am still fairly new to the whole forum thing.
I am a long time Atlas pilot / fan I used to run up to 3 full lances of special Atlases...
When I save up I am in the market for one, but my question is the way i want to load out my Atlas seems to be too much in this game vs the older ones... long story short, I do not fully understand the ferro fibrous / Endo steel upgrades? do they really take up that many hard points? seems like they should not at all, considering one modifies the structure to a new / lighter / stronger setup, second the armor is external? besides how can you save that much on weight and have more then half of your hard points full before any weapons...
or is there something I am missing / not understanding if so could some please help me clear this up?
In advance Many thanks!
In regards to weight savings Endo Steel is flat out better then Ferro-Fibrous. Both take up precious critical slots in assault mechs. So I wouldn't recommend them unless you have no recourse.
Ferro-Fibrous takes up critical slots due to the armor attachment system. Ferro-Fibrous armor should never be on option on an assault battlemech currently because the trade off is not worth the C-bills. Always opt for Endo as you always get your moneys worth.
Also as far as upgrades go. Always get Double Heat Sinks. They are outright better then singles. Any engines past 250 you should start looking to put extra heat sinks in the torsos and arms to soak up damage. As they will allow your weapons to last longer. If space is a factor for weapons put extra heat sinks in the engine slots.
Here's my recommendations on Atlas load outs to help you ease into the game:
AS7-D - In this build use your LRM15 and dual ER Large Laser for when the enemy is 500+ meters out. Use your AC10 on enemies up to 450-500 where it's most optimal. Only use the Medium Pulse Lasers when an enemy gets within 200m of you.
AS7-D-DC - This is one of those rare Ferro builds. Still not as good as the standard set up but it'll get the job done. A better medium to close range brawler. Stick with your team and act as a missile shield. Also gives you a speed boost over regular Atlases and remember to fire those streaks on chain fire to conserve ammunition.
AS7-K - The unusual Atlas. Most people opt for the RS variant. I believe this build is effective though a bit unconventional. Use the pulse lasers in close combat. Only use the LBX when an enemy is in close range 250-350 meters and is missing armor as it's great for internal crit damage. Your only long range is the LRM10 so use it's shots sparingly to pepper the enemy before you close the distance. You must exercise proper heat management with this build. Dual AMS for missile shielding.
AS7-RS - Alternate choice to the AS7-D. Better speed and not much difference in firepower. Gives you a much bigger punch at range so you can reach out and touch someone when you need to. Your Beagle Active Probe will shut down those pesky enemy lights ECM. However the Endo Steel upgrade leaves the lasers in your arms at the mercy of the enemy. So torso twist is a must to preserve what will be your main sources of damage.
By the way. These are by no means the go to Atlas builds. These are what I would pilot and gives you some options from the cookie cutter builds.
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