3 replies to this topic

[Thorqemada]

I like to question what the goal of structure buffs is?

Many of my Mechs have gotten "Structure Buffs" - this does not mean a better protection to the equipment of a Mech - it only increases the time a useless location is kept alife as all Equipment and Weaponry is losing protection as soon as the last point of Armor is gone!!!

For example:
Atlas D gets almost ~50 points of structure all over the place - probably having the goal to make it a Brawler (i use mine as long range capable (Gauss + ERLL) indirect fire support (ALRM30) Mech with additional 2xMPL).

Atlas S gets merely ~15 points of structure aotp - probably making it a longe range LRM Mech (i use mine as short range SRM Brawler (3xSRM4 + 2xML) with long range direct support capability (Gauss, 2xERLL, additional LRM10).

But in the end both Mechs be no different bcs both Mechs have the same Armor that is gone the same time when hit by the same damage exposing my Equipment, the Weapons at the same time to enemy fire having them destroyed at the same time making the Mech useless the same time bcs Damage goes Armor -> RNG Equipment/Weapons -> Structure (an AC20 in the Atlas RT is pretty much gone the moment the Armor is gone as its multislot nature makes it almost impossible to get not hit critical).

(There is only this one exception that you use 1 ST as Sacrfice Meatshield for 1 more Alpha while you now need roughly twice the time to apply damage to your opponent and imho that is a bad deal.)

So when both Mechs with different structure become worthless the same time what are Structure Buffs worth for ???

PS: A XL-Atlas is still a very bad idea!

Edited by Thorqemada, 11 September 2015 - 06:25 PM.

[Telmasa]

I think it's pretty clear. You can absorb more damage before you die. Buying time for your team to kill things, spreading damage, letting you keep using any weapons that still remain - especially those in your arms.

If your arms are intact and your torsos have stripped armor, then that bonus structure strength means you get to hold on to those arm weapons that much longer. Use some LPLs or ERLLs instead of MLs or stripping the arms.

Edited by Telmasa, 11 September 2015 - 06:55 PM.

[Akuma]

Telmasa, on 11 September 2015 - 06:55 PM, said:

I think it's pretty clear. You can absorb more damage before you die. Buying time for your team to kill things, spreading damage, letting you keep using any weapons that still remain - especially those in your arms.

If your arms are intact and your torsos have stripped armor, then that bonus structure strength means you get to hold on to those arm weapons that much longer. Use some LPLs or ERLLs instead of MLs or stripping the arms.

An Atlas is undergunned to begin with; being alive is no use if you cannot return fire. Translating the structure quirks into armor quirks, even partially, would allow an Atlas to remain combat worthy with the same effective lifespan. If you crack the armor open, whatever is inside (weapons) will be destroyed - at that point, you rapidly lose your ability to fight back and are simply ignored as no longer a threat. My AS7-D runs max side torso armor, 74. This can be gone in typically two salvos, along with the AC20 inside. If I lose the 20, who cares how much structure I have left. If I can't fight back, I might as well be dead unless I can somehow taunt the enemy into firing on my comparatively useless mech

[Kodyn]

It's a solo queue vs group/CW thing.

Better players won't shoot at a disarmed or minimally armed, stripped mech, over it's fresher allies.

In solo queue, everyone clamors for the kill, especially on something as large and easy to hit as an Atlas, so there, they can actually continue to absorb damage.

So in one situation, it's useful, but not in CW, competitive play, or higher tiers.