6 replies to this topic

[Reinvented]

So, I got a Stalker 5S, and I love it. It does pack quite a huge punch!

However, I'm needing some extra firepower and definite room for improvements. I'm running 6x MLas, and 2x AMS. Armor is maxed out. How can I get higher armor values in the areas where I get targeted most?

Should I be looking to get FF armor and ES? I know DHS are on my list.

How do people feel about ERLL? Or are LL okay?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Regrets]

I have a 5M. The most I can fit is about 21 DSH with a 240 engine (I think) and full load. Realistically, you can go 4 LPL, but you will not be able to sink all the heat. It will take about 5 volleys of 2 LPL to max out heat. If you put on an XL engine, there go 2 heat sinks, so I generally don't recommend. Not having XL engine really turns the mech into a zombie.

Right now I'm running 2 ER PPC, 3xsrm6, 1xsrm2, 5 tons srm, 2 SPL, 1 tag. The 5S would certainly be better for this kinda build since you can fit the ERPPCs in the side torsos. I suppose you could probably barely fit 3PPCs and a few streak instead.

I think SSRM vs SRM is really a choice preference. Generally the less ways you have to deal with light mech, the less I like SRM. If you don't have few pulse lasers, then I prefer SSRM to deal with lights running to the sides. SSRM save some weight, so there maybe some configurations where you have a choice between 2/3rd the normal SRM vs full SSRM load out.

LRMs seem to be a bit more effective than ER PPC/ER Laser. The trick with them is to use TAG and stand back. I think I could fit 2xlrm15+lrm10 pretty safely. You can put pretty much as many ML with as you want with a stacked LRM loadout like this. Side note, TAG is pretty useful in a lot of situations. Just don't expect to keep lock with TAG unless someone is out in the open. Lots of times someone else will do that job for you.

Stalkers generally have a lot of ways to deal with long range opponents, so go SPL if you already have a lot of range (ER PPC/ERLL). And tend towards ML if you have a lot of SRM (the SRM are harder to aim).

I'm sure I am wrong about a few things, but thats my $0.02.

[Reinvented]

Thanks for the reply.

I actually canned my XL engine, as it made me such a huge target. The weight isn't an issue, but space rather for these mechs/variants. I'd like to just stick with lasers and what not as I can hit so much easier with those. I'm at 28 regular HS's though. And using 6x MLas at the moment.

I hope I can switch out to ER maybe, or LLas and DHS soon.

[Regrets]

I would get DHS first and go for everything else next.

[Jackarl2]

I would definitely recommend DHS as an upgrade, and get rid of the XL engine unless you stay away from combat.
I posted this in another thread and I think you should try this build out if you like lasers:

-Standard 300 engine (~57 kph top speed, so it is actually quite agile compared to stock).
-23 DHS
-Full armor except legs (can't remember the exact value)
-5x Large lasers

With Standard 300 you can fit in a maximum of 24 DHS.
If you absolutely need AMS you can take off some more armor from legs and some from the arms.

This is quite a powerful build that can take a lot of beating and do an insane amount of damage; 45 firepower. You can alpha strike 3 times before you're about to overheat. And you cool down very quickly so you can keep alpha striking. 45 * 3 = 135 damage in a short period of time. If you can hit well with lasers you can do some serious damage..

Edited by Jackarl2, 22 December 2012 - 08:15 PM.

[Alg86]

This is my 5S build - It was not an easy task to find the optimal weight/crit distribution, but is works fine now, and its fun:

std 255 (a.k.a. slow as hell)
DHS, endo
2x LRM20 in arms (4x ammo)
2x LL in arms
2x SSRM2 (2x ammo) (maybe too much, i rarely get to use the streaks but it helps in lategame)
1x AMS (1x ammo)
as many DHS as you can fit
almost max armor (-7 from both legs)

No more weight or crit spaces left.
firepower: 100
heat eff: 1.1

Stay behind, bit not too behind to support from long range. Do not get into a brawl, especially not alone.
An alpha strike from the 190-270 range is pretty devastating
Would love to get a larger engine, but just cant fit it. LRM20s and LLs are a pretty heavy equipment.

[Stingz]

Get DHS, avoid Ferro, and Endo. DHS takes up enough slots already, and upgrade the engine to 275/300 to make use of the internal HS slots.

When you use Endo/Ferro in an Assault, being underweight is really common. It usually isn't worth the DHS/Weapons you need to loose to fit it.