A few days ago I bought the Atlas AS7-D-DC. I put an AC/20 and 3 SRM6's on it. As well as some lasers. They told me it was a brawling build, so I had to patiently stand behind cover until things get close and personal. Then I was supposed to engage and obliterate enemy mechs left and right while taking outstanding amounts of damage.
In theory, it looked great. But in the actual game it sucked ***.
The only assault I'd played consistently at that time was the Warhawk with the 2 LL's, 3 MLs and a Gauss. It wrecked *** at long range, medium range and short range. It could tank enough damage to get me trough the match with my aggressive style of play.
So, if THAT is tanky, I thought, the Atlas is gonna be absolutely indestructible! How wrong I was.
In reality, the atlas proved to be far more fragile than the lightest of mechs.
As I found out, it was due to its enormous size (and huge hitboxes) and its incredibly slow speed of 48km/h.
Why the Atlas is the absolute worst mech in my opinion:
1). You have to stand for a long time behind cover before you can engage. You're an assault, you're supposed to spearhead the offence. Instead, you don't participate until later in the game.
And if your team has lost the long range/mid range phase of the battle, there's nothing you can do, once you get surrounded by enemy mechs.
2).Huge size means huge side torsos and generally body parts. Extremely easy to hit. And this, combined with 3, leads to some horrible survivability:
3).Extremely slow speed Huge hitboxes + slow speed = walking coffin. As I found out, speed is extremely important not only for midrange, but also for short range engagements. Speed is what lets you quickly hide behind cover if things get ugly, reposition and strike at the enemy. Speed is what lets you chase an enemy, kill them and return back to safety.
4).You can't just put on a couple of large lasers and snipe while you wait for the brawling phase. Your towering body will be spotted and shot at long before you can get you arms above the hill in oder to shoot. Corner peaking is also not an option with a torso as huge as the atlas'. A LRM launcher won't cut it too, since it cripples your alpha damage.
I am not the most experienced player, (I am actually a noob!), yet with the Warhawk Im easily doing 500-900 damage in a lot of my matches, for example. And I usually manage to kill 1 or 2 guys.
P.S.
The same can be said about the Ebon Jaguar vs Marauder. Fitted with the same weapons as the EBJ (2 LL, 2ML, 1 Gauss) the MAD is able to do far less dmg and dies faster.
In the world of heavy mechs and assaults, it seems, speed is king. Not tankiness or firepower.
Your thoughts, gentlemen? I personally am sick of googling about atlas and reading how good it is. It's simply not the case.
Edited by M3560 35003663, 15 October 2016 - 05:52 AM.
Recreate your build, save& share, copy the link to a post here so we can see your build and determine if the problem is your build or your playstyle. Keep in mind that not all players click with every mech. The Hunchback, for example, is known to be a good mech, but I can't do s*** with them. I don't know why, I just can't.
Recreate your build, save& share, copy the link to a post here so we can see your build and determine if the problem is your build or your playstyle. Keep in mind that not all players click with every mech. The Hunchback, for example, is known to be a good mech, but I can't do s*** with them. I don't know why, I just can't.
I don't remember exactly. You could say it was the default build for that chassis. Except that sometimes I would swap the AC/20 for 2 LB-10's.
Recreate your build, save& share, copy the link to a post here so we can see your build and determine if the problem is your build or your playstyle. Keep in mind that not all players click with every mech. The Hunchback, for example, is known to be a good mech, but I can't do s*** with them. I don't know why, I just can't.
Some can Atlas, some can't, but it most assuredly is devastating if played right, nothing makes you go "are you f**kin kiddin me!" like a surprise Atlas.
I could type a bunch of stuff, but really, there's only two things you need to know to start Atlasing.
You need a bigger engine. An STD355 at least. 48kph is pathetic. Not only will this allow for better movement, but now torso twisting is possible (At STD300, you might as well not even bother).
Don't just wade in. Pick your moment and own it. Most importantly, try to find a place to advance where half their team can't aim, because everyone who can shoot at you probably will shoot at you.
Everything else will generally fall into place if you can do those two. Even I can make an Atlas work, and I'm trash.
Yeah, it's definitely hard to use. Particularly in the solo queue, because you sometimes find yourself without teammates nearby and then you have to retreat. Which is impossible to do in an Atlas, basically.
Like you say, it's very hard to spearhead attacks with the Atlas in the solo queue. Basically, not even the super structure quirks of the Atlas are enough to keep it alive against the massed firepower of Banshees, King Crabs, Dire Wolves, Kodiaks, etc. So you end up standing around and waiting a lot of the time, because it's boring to keep charging in and hoping that your potato teammates will join the charge.
It's not terrible, it's just very situational. And unfortunately, you run the risk of running into Kodiaks that brawl better than you anyway.
Yea, I forgot to mention: I know how to torso twist. While I'm not particularly good at it I do it all the time. Doesn't help that much. Its a must-do, of course, but I doubt even perfect torso twisting will turn atlast into a good mech.
Im even thinking of rebuying it - just for the sake of trying to master something that is so terrible, and that i'm so terrible at.
Edited by M3560 35003663, 15 October 2016 - 06:08 AM.
What everyone has said is good advice. It's a VERY hard assault mech to pilot. And like Bombast said you have to know when and where to put your Atlas. And another thing...dont stop moving.... if your team stops... either flank the opposite of the enemy and get them by surprise. An AC20 Atlas backed with 3 srm6 and a few lasers is enough to crush anyone who isn't paying attention to their hit indicator. Being a DDC your ecm is your biggest advantage if no one has spotted you.
Keep trying. And keep moving. Let team members you are on the move and get at least 2 ppl to follow. If no one follows don't be afraid to use your gut instinct. I sucked as an Atlas pilot. Sucked and still suck. But I choose to make my Atlas a walking death machine. I make sure I take 2 or 3 with me before I go down. Dont give up my friend. It's a tough mech. Just remember...ppl see Atlas....and everyone turns and goes boom boom boom. 1v1 with other mechs 80t and above in most cases you'll come out on top of you play your cards right.
LocationStill doing ungodly amount of damage, but with more accuracy.
Posted 15 October 2016 - 06:16 AM
M3560 35003663, on 15 October 2016 - 06:06 AM, said:
Yea, I forgot to mention: I know how to torso twist. While I'm not particularly good at it I do it all the time. Doesn't help that much. Its a must-do, of course, but I doubt even perfect torso twisting will turn atlast into a good mech.
Im even thinking of rebuying it - just for the sake of trying to master something that is so terrible, and that i'm so terrible at.
Nah, Atlas--especially the D-DC is a good buy. Keep it. Unless Assaults are really not your thing.
M3560 35003663, on 15 October 2016 - 05:55 AM, said:
I don't remember exactly. You could say it was the default build for that chassis. Except that sometimes I would swap the AC/20 for 2 LB-10's.
Start with a 350 standard engine and an endo steel upgrade slap on 14 or 15 DHS Keep armor at the default level but front load it keeping around 10 armor on the rear torsos. The ECM is a must have for the DDC otherwise you should be driving an Atlas S.
Weapon loadout is AC20 2 medium lasers (or flamers) 3 SRM6s or 3 Artemis SRM4s. Fill ammo as desired.
61 KPH is respectable speed from a 100 ton mech (speed tweaked) and honestly 61 is fast enough.
Learn to torso twist to spread damage the atlas is blessed with bulky arms and big fat heavily armored legs.
Closing range is much easier with a DDC than any non ECM equiped assault or heavy if you learn how to be sneaky.Use cover that blocks your progress and try to find the edge of a battle line to reduce enemy fire once you engage.
Use your comms and communicate your taking a flank and want some buddies and have them hug your ECM. a well timed flank push from an Atlas DDC + 1 or 2 other mechs can break the enemy.
i would swap the ac20 for 2 uac5's to be fair and get rid of the lasers. they produce way too much heat on it. with the uac5/s you got an incredible punch if they dont jam which OFC can happen... but it might be worth a try for you.
other than that, you really gotta learn to use the maps itself and how the enemy is normally moving on those maps. it helps alot on predicting where mechs will be and where you should not be as brawl assault.
Geetings my fellow pilots! I would like to make new players aware how to help or assist a Assault (In this case i own only Atlas) during battle! Many times as i pilot a Assault myself i feel that some players don't understand or know how to assist a Assault. I see it too many times happening and i can't say it enough. I only play Atlas since Beta and i own about 10 of this Mech. (Updated January 2015.)
Yes yes, its my favorite chassis. Since every mech desire different playstyles the tips here are written for assisting a Atlas. Any new, cool,and other tips from other (experienced or not) different Assault or Atlas pilots are wantend and much appreciated!
I even write my own tips to other Assault pilots. Maybe even veterans like me can learn any tips here and find them useful. My apologies if there is a excisting thread about this. Allright here it goes!
"Before you go a few words for Atlas pilots" Credits: William Slayer
To put the shoe on the other foot, here what every Atlas driver should be prepared to do:
Give the team an idea of what your plan is: LRM's and ECM
FAST RUSH
SNEAKY FLANK
AMBUSH
PUSH
Extra Notes
Example a spearhead formation.
(ECM coverage)(right or left)
Lights drawing the enemy to the Assaults for a squashing is an example
Let the team know when you are going to PUSH about 5-10 seconds ahead of time so we can prepare (recycle weps and heat)
Stick with the group! An Atlas is a Hero/God on the field... until it wanders away from its support. :-)
Introduce yourself to the team. People are much more aware of what you are doing when you take the time to type a few words at the beginning of a match.
Doing so in a relaxed way is more likely to get you support and is more fun for your teammates; because in the end, we all play for fun (although the exact definition of 'fun' varies individually obviously).
Example:'Fatlas reporting for duty', 'brawler here. call the targets and i will bring the pain!', 'the pain train is coming!', 'escort me to E6 so i can bring some BOOM and SWOOSH and pewpew and *cough* ... ok, i need a tissue now :D'
"Make your moves known beforehand if you need specific assist."
Example: about to push through a pass or tunnel:
'Get ready to push in 15''don't stop. go left, right alternating and focus the closest target on your side''ready?''go' *leads the push* Example: advancing through an open area: 'taking D5, pls cover me from the hill on the right'Example: securing a pass or tunnel Exit: 'securing tunnel, need 2-3 with me'
"I think something else that needs to be added or metioned..." Credits: Cord78
The team needs to think about the terrain/path they are going to be taking. The Atlas do not handle hills very well as they tend to get stuck on little pebbles easily.
Case in point, the Alpine Peaks Map. Team always wants to go up the backside of the mountain to get to the saddle. The Atlas can do it but it is slow going and usually has issues at the narrow path at the top.
Find me targets
Stay out of my way
Stick close and follow my lead
I need information to position myself to really ruin their day. When I have to rely on my own sensors, I will not see **** hitting the fan to get there in time, and I may stumble into instagib situations.
I am slow, I may well die from "just" stopping to break your tiny legs. I have huge firepower which needs to hurt the enemy, not stare at your tiny ***. Pay attention, and make a bit of room so I can live longer and fire constantly.
Stick close and follow my lead. No, I can not "catch up". If you engage without me, well, goodbye. Conversely, if I go, you go. I have the armor, I make that decision. ******* lose. Credits: Modo44
Lights also aren't very good at killing lights. It'll often be a slugfest, chasing each other around for a while, both parties taking significant damage.The winner isn't generally going to last too much longer.
Mediums however, are far better Light Killers. Light enough to move and turn fast enough to track the lights, but heavy enough and well armed enough to be able to kill them without taking too much damage.
DO NOT jump in front of assault mechs in tight quarters, since you will just get yourselves killed, and most likely the assault mech whose line of sight you just blocked, leaving you both exposed and subject to heavy return enemy fire.
-- "The push. Please work with me!"Credits: Sarlic, Evil Ed and Joshua McEvedy
When a Atlas pushes forwards, make sure that you follow a little bit behind and try to focus fire on the same target.
Assaults are deadly in a Lance. Assaults are mostly weak and exposed on their own.
When the atlas push lights can try to run past him and through the enemy blob. This will cause confusion and hopefully some enemies will turn around for the squirrel exposing their backs to the atlas' huge close range alpha. When pushing forward, particularly on maps with lots of chokepoints and bottlenecks like Mordor and the Bog, DO NOT stop and back up when you take fire. Isee this happen time and again, and it always causes big traffic jams, as the following mechs have no where to go themselves except backwards into their own ranks, creating a pile up and sparking frustration and confusion. Once you decide to push, then keep moving FORWARD no matter what happens.
-- "Hey i am a LRM boat or long range damage dealer"Credits: Sarlic
When a Atlas is fitted long-range, (think about LRM etc), any medium nearby should keep an eye on him. Lights can distract or pick the Atlas off. For Atlas pilots: Assaults with this equipment / loadout should not stay too far behind the team. Keep moving.
-- "This is getting dizzy"Credits: Sarlic
Please help the Atlas when he or she is under attack by a Light mech. Although as a Assault, the Atlas can push the back against a wall but can't match up the speed from that Light. Try to -leg- the Light mech. (others words: blow one of his legs off.
-- "Stay within 180 90 metres!"Credits: Sarlic
If a Atlas has ECM (D-DC and others.) please stay within ECM range. DO NOT run off as you will reveal his position and make him potentially a target. The Atlas is already slow enough
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