8 replies to this topic

[MPhoenix]

So I have an Atlas, a BIG Atlas.

I'm not much in to Assaults yet but it looks fun, except one problem. I have no idea how to equip this thing!

I've tried putting together different builds but they all seem to be either to over-engineered (too many different weapon systems that aren't complimentary) or seriously under-gunned. I can't find a build that seems to fit the mech and me.
This thing's hard points are really weird.

What has everyone else done with theirs? I'm not necessarily looking to copy a build but I'm hoping to find inspiration from other builds.

[ScrapIron Prime]

I did an MRM and large laser build with it. It functions.
https://mwo.nav-alph...5b1f0112_AS7-K3

[martian]

MPhoenix, on 10 December 2021 - 01:31 PM, said:

So I have an Atlas, a BIG Atlas.

I have no idea how to equip this thing!

I'm not necessarily looking to copy a build but I'm hoping to find inspiration from other builds.

Check this section of the forums for Atlas builds:

Assault Mech Builds

Maybe you will find something what catches your eye (with some adjustments, of course).

[w0qj]

So which one is better Atlas, the ECM AS7-D-DC, or this new loyalty AS7-K3(L)?

I do wish that this new AS7-K3 has 2 or 3 Missile hardpoints in its Left Torso (it has only 1x in LT right now).

But thus far I find that unfortunately the regular ECM Atlas AS7-D-DC with 3x Missile hardpoints in LT opens up much more (better) build options, such as Ballastic + 3x SRM builds.

The loyalty ECM AS7-K3(L) almost force you to add energy weapons into your arms, again due to this 1x Missile hardpoint in LT issue.

Anyways, I do appreciate the JumpJet option of the new Loyalty Atlas AS7-K3(L), opening new tactical options (Mining Collective, etc.)!

Edited by w0qj, 11 December 2021 - 12:53 AM.

[Mochyn Pupur]

The other problem with the iconic Atlas, is that everyone knows how to halve/neuter them very easily in taking out the ballistic torso first, this is where reasoned use of MRM/SRM will keep you going a little longer, but nowhere near as effective as an assault should be able to.

Persevere, I've found that 2 or 3 snub nose ppcs with a ballistic or 2 x ppc with a lpl and ballistic works reasonably well and due to the weapons' cooldown timers, tends to run a little cooler than spamming srms plus your main loadout.

For all the Atlas has received support via structure/armour buffs and torso speeds, its still a huge, easy to target piece of metal that is quickly focused on. The Atlas is probably one of only a handful of true "tank" mechs able to absorb more than its fair share of damage, but the series of weapons overhauls has meant it has become more vulnerable than it used to. Play defensive and most loadouts will work.

[Mark Yore]

MPhoenix, on 10 December 2021 - 01:31 PM, said:

So I have an Atlas, a BIG Atlas.

I'm not much in to Assaults yet but it looks fun, except one problem. I have no idea how to equip this thing!

I've tried putting together different builds but they all seem to be either to over-engineered (too many different weapon systems that aren't complimentary) or seriously under-gunned. I can't find a build that seems to fit the mech and me.
This thing's hard points are really weird.

What has everyone else done with theirs? I'm not necessarily looking to copy a build but I'm hoping to find inspiration from other builds.

Atlas, because of it's hardpoints, should have huge weapons but not many of them.

For instance, my Kraken has an AC20 and 2 MRM30s. But I get at least one kill every game with it now that it's skilled up.

My 7D is running a RAC2, RAC5, MRM10 and MRM30. Guns on one button and missiles on the other. Fire the missiles while the RACs are spinning up and just pulverise the enemy face to face. Because the weapons are all different they get out of sync very quickly, so it just becomes one continuous barrage.

Still working on the loyalty Atlas but at the moment it has a RAC2, LB10X and MRM30. Plus stealth, but no jump jets.

There are some weapons (streaks, gauss and ATMs) that I can't work properly or there are alternatives that are more effective. But that's for me - I've died at the hands of people who know how to use them.

Depending on your model, don't be afraid to try a mix of weapons until you find one that works for you.

[Escef]

https://mwo.nav-alph...f4ea2e6_AS7-K3L

The people that eschew arm mounted weapons make me wonder sometimes. I mean, sure, they are a little easier to knock out, and are generally low mounted. But I've had far too many fast movers come up on me and try to get an angle on me to simply discount the extra lateral range of most arm mounted weapons. Hell, I've used big engined assaults and heavies to pick apart slow moving assaults before, I'll tell you right now that there are few things quite as sad or ugly as an Atlas getting circle-strafed by a Battlemaster. (Though this is significantly harder to do these days, what with the engine-desync and LFEs making sub-325 engine Atlases a rarity. The lack of agility bonuses from a huge engine and the proliferation of those slightly faster Atlases is enough to make what once was a niche application all but disappear.)

Anyway, the new Loyalty AS7-K3 has a lot of tricks available to it, being both ECM and jump jet capable and having a 400 engine cap... Unfortunately, you just aren't going to be able to exploit all the possibilities without some seriously questionable compromises. If you want to use an engine bigger/heavier than a 350LFE than you may as well forget about jets. ECM is just so good that using it is a no-brainer; but as questionable Stealth Armor is on the D-DC, it is even more so on the K3. Stealth Armor is so many crit slots that it will likely preclude endo steel, which in turn means you have to look for weight savings elsewhere... At which point, the jets are probably going to be sacrificed, and if you go that route you may as well use a D-DC instead.

As for my build at the top of this post, I've found from experience that it is reliable and fairly consistent, though not really exceptional. The UAC10 and MRM30 just don't bring the pain that bigger cannons and larger racks do. It's a build that does well as part of a group effort, hanging at mid-range for the UAC and MRMs while providing ECM cover, and if things go bad using its combination of almost not horrible speed and jets opens up defensive options that other Atlas variants just can't match. The quad MPLs are enough to dissuade most light jocks, knock down UAVs, and squeeze out a little more DPS up close (especially useful when the UAC jams, because the damned things will always jam when you most need them not to).

[Ekson Valdez]

This thread has been moved to Assault Mech Builds

[VeeOt Dragon]

i'm been running mine as follows (its sort of a sandblaster but it works)

AS7-K3(L)-- 4 MLs, 1 LBX-10 (2t ammo), 1 MRM-40 (2 1/2t ammo), 1 AMS (1t ammo), running an LE-350 with 6 DHS, LFF full armor -2pts each leg and of course the ECM and a single JJ for getting over those little obstacles that stop ya.

its likely not meta but i don't care about that ****.