Also XL engines allow you to die when you lose a Left Torso, Center Torso or Right Torso. If you want to survive it is best till you learn to not equip XL engines. Standard engine death only occurs when you Center Torso is destroyed. I personally NEVER use XL if I am going to brawl up close. XL can work fine in fast moving scouts and a few other mechs though. Wrap them in Armor if you use em! LRM can tear through a light Mech back left and right torso quick and end you with an XL equiped.
For durability use a big (Fast) standard engine, max armor and then weapons you can stil fit.
If your a Assault you can try moving some Armor up front but be carefull to not expose your back.
Never drop back Armor below 16. I've found this to be a sweet spot that can handle LRM spread damage, a single guass hit and even a dual hit with some chance of internal damage. Dropping it this low is still risky though as some pesky light mech might notice your weak there and tear you up. If you use this stratagey always back into something to fend off any scouts trying to exploit your back and ask for team help to get him off you.
If you have to trade off Armor for more heatsinks or what ever do it in the legs as none really target those anymore, but don't make em chicken legs either cause someone will notice and leg you!!!
Edited by Xeven, 30 October 2012 - 03:09 AM.