FupDup, on 15 February 2021 - 01:27 PM, said:
We can already demo your version of 2x LAC/5 by using the CAC/10, which is an okay weapon but isn't a good choice for low-tonnage mechs (also 2x LAC/5 needs more tonnage for ammo and generates a bit more heat, has less range). It works fine on things with high pod space like the Hunch IIC, but mechs like that already have a lot of options.
Well that's what the quirks are for, also backup lasers. Besides, that's LAC5 for IS, while CACs are for Clans, they have a different set of equipment.
After that's all said and done, you can't reasonably expect lights to pull in the same numbers as mediums do, hell even to be competitive or just as near as an MPL Wolfhound. And if you really need ballstics to be relevant for lights, again that's what the quirks are for. Ballistic CD and Ammo/Ton Quirk all around.
FupDup, on 15 February 2021 - 01:27 PM, said:
If the goal we're aiming for is only being "doable" then that means we don't need any new ballistic weapons at all. You can already put in an AC/2 or AC/5. Pack it up guys, we've got em.
I don't know what to tell you, the "doable" standard that you made use of Cinder, Adder, and Kitfox doing Ultra AC20 is much different than putting an AC2 or AC5 to IS mechs that couldn't at most effective capacity.
Giving them access to basically almost an Ultra AC10 for merely 10 tons is quite a massive departure from where we are now. And in fact, if they can already put those weapons such as an AC5, having a 2x LAC2 would probably be a better option, which fulfills the intended spirit.
FupDup, on 15 February 2021 - 01:27 PM, said:
The goal is to make them better than they are now because the lack of low-tonnage ballistics presents a large hole in the weapons sandbox. I admit that a LAC/PAC light mech is unlikely to be completely and truly equal to something like an MPL Wolfhound even with the most generous implementation, but the gap needs to get a lot smaller at least. Otherwise there's no compelling reason to clamor for their inclusion, if they don't open up new niches.
Sure, but they are going to be already better by the stats I have given, they will be able to do what otherwise joke builds do poorly. The fact that they can mount a set of ballistics in serious capacity changes that. Any shortcomings must only be addressed with quirks, because that's what we always had been doing.
On an Urbie I had to use either an XL145 or XL125 with more ammo for an AC10 with 2x ERML. Having to use 2x LAC5 in place instead would allow me to get to a higher engine, add more armor, and a laser or extra ammunition since it's almost an Ultra AC10 for IS. Realistically it's going to only feel like an Ultra-ACs. Anything else, the Mech Rifle would probably fill in the alpha better.
The Clans, well, I don't think I can expect much for 25s and 20 tonners to put on a bit of dakka. The 30 to 35 tonners can already mount the good dakka, and having more options would be better. The Cinder that could bring 2x UAC5 instead bring 4 PAC4s for a burst of 16 damage every 1.88s and not jam -- that's already a massive plus. Or if not, maybe combination PAC2s and PAC4s that can feel totally like a pint-sized 2x UAC2 + 2x UAC5 or 2x UAC10 + 2x UAC5 but for kids, also PAC4 + PAC8s that will feel like 2x UAC10 + UAC20.
FupDup, on 15 February 2021 - 01:27 PM, said:
I wouldn't go below a 170 engine because you have to downgrade so many ratings before there's a tonnage difference (150 weighs as much as 170) but then you have to spend more slots on external DHS, meaning you may need to swap your armor to a heavier type, which eats up that tonnage you just freed up.
145 and 125 are workable, one's 78 KPH, other's 67, and those are heavy speeds. You won't be easily flanking, but you won't be left behind.
FupDup, on 15 February 2021 - 01:27 PM, said:
This also makes me wonder how ammo quirks as a percentage would work, if the game knows to round them down or if we'd get decimal ammo values.
Listing them as % would certainly make the Magazine Capacity and Missile Rack skills cause far less clutter in the UI...
Same as Skill Tree ammo-nodes. Don't overthink it.
FupDup, on 15 February 2021 - 01:27 PM, said:
Side note, just did some SSW experimenting and found that an Urbie with XXL180 and XL Gyro (Endo structure and STD armor) would have 14.5 tons to play with (and 2 JJs). Or, if we're in a YOLO mood, Composite Structure with FF armor gives you 15 tons.
A 35-tonner with the same specs (Composite + FF + 210 XXL + XL Gyro) would get 18 tons...actually might be viable for dakka.
Urbie should have been a 35-tonner.
Edited by The6thMessenger, 15 February 2021 - 05:29 PM.