11 replies to this topic

[BigDaddyGG]

So as i stated in my other thread, im looking for some missile heavy mech, but with few close fighting weapons. People suggested stalker 5M or 3F, or alternatively atlas D-DC which is really expensive for me as new player. But seeing awesome 8R being more cheap, at around 6-7mil i cant remember, would this work nicely? I would equip 4 LRM 15 for long range, and some medium lasers or some other close battle weapons. I know people prefer stalker, because of smaller hit box, more weapon slots and stuff...but is awesome really that broken? Dont suggest me 9M because its like 4 or 5 mil more expensive than 8R.

Thanks guys, and maybe some builds would be nice...

[Pkunk]

Seems to me that it doesn't really matter what chassis you have as an lrm boat. Once a light or brawler gets too close you're all evenly helpless. Considered a cat yet? They are faster so you can reposition better.

[Hex Pallett]

Carrying anything more that two LRM20 is entirely wasteful.

Here, take a cookie.

[BigDaddyGG]

So you suggest 8T instead of 8R? Thing is i like missiles, ULTRA's and SRM's, so maybe 8R is better for me? Im a little worried because i read on the forums awesome is bad, and dies fast...

[Jaded Jasper]

The question with an LRM Awesome is how much you go into it:

- You can go 4xLRM15 or so and quickly devestate targets... but then you'll do nothing if you can't get a lock due to ECM or not being to hold TAG.

- Or you can use two slots for SRM 6s and have some flexibility, so that you're not useless if you can't lock and have more scope to manuever at mid range for better LRM shots. You'll have less burst DPS, but between heat and ammo the sustained DPS isn't so different.

[Hex Pallett]

BigDaddyGG, on 18 January 2013 - 10:08 AM, said:

So you suggest 8T instead of 8R? Thing is i like missiles, ULTRA's and SRM's, so maybe 8R is better for me? Im a little worried because i read on the forums awesome is bad, and dies fast...

Trust me, I've fired enough LRM - and killed enough LRM boats - to know what's better. I really can't remember the last time I got killed by a stationary, uber-LRM boat, because it's so very easy to dodge and kill up close. A missed LRM shot is extremely pricey if you boat too many LRM.

But anyway, if you wanna learn it the hard way, so be it. It's a game anyway, and when you start to hate your quad-LRM20 8R since it's so very awkward and useless - which will be soon - you can always turn it into the Ultimate Brawler.

[Broceratops]

you're not going to learn anything as a lrm boat except that you are entirely dependent on your team

[Capt Jester]

Awesomes can go either way. If you're playing public games and your team runs away leaving you in a tough place, you will die VERY quickly mostly because of how damn wide the thing is. I used to use my 8R with 4xSRM6 until I got a HBK-4SP, and it did me well. You can dish out a lot of damage, but you need to be a pretty good pilot. I had LRMs on it before, but got tired of being swarmed by lights while my team ignored my pleas for help only to die faster than I ended up dying.

[Wrenchfarm]

Well, others in this thread have said what I was going to - LRM boating is only useful to a certain point. You're much better off with a pair of LRM15s and a variety of lasers/SRMs than a massive package of LRM60+.

I think the AWE-8R is such an amazing brawler when loaded up with SRM6s and LLAS that it is a shame to use it for LRMboating, but ces le vie. If you really want to do it, the 8R isn't the worst chassis you could pick for the job. I highly recommend installing TAG into the head energy mount and using a config (or stack of quarters) to keep it held down the entire match. Make sure to spring for a 290STD engine so you can move around, reposition for better shots, run from return LRM fire.

A mix of 2xLRM15s, 2xMLAS, and 2xSRM6s and TAG would give you a missile truck that can lay out respectable hurt from a distance (30 LRMs will do the job) and let you defend yourself up-close. I brewed up a quick example in the mechlab for demonstration.

TBH, I'm not sure how this would turn out. The MLAS and SRMs make you a glorified HBK-4SP in a brawl (bigger, and slower to boot) but the LRM15s and TAG should let you do respectable dirt to the enemy before they get close. If you stay with an escort or even a fellow LRM slinger it should be OK.

The Awesome is a great chassis. I say pick up the 8R and try it as you like. If it isn't working you could always switch to Helmstif's excellent Ultimate Brawler build (which I can personally attest to) so it isn't like it would be a waste.

[Capt Jester]

Wrenchfarm has posted a very good build. As a person who has used the 4SP and 8R extensively, I can advocate that 2xSRM6s and some MLas or LLas can do a lot of damage. Add on some occasional long-range fire support to help your team out and you are a great hybrid player. If you do go with the 8R, do use his setup.

[Hex Pallett]

Slightly "improved" Wrenchfarm's build.

Edited by Helmstif, 18 January 2013 - 05:11 PM.

[Selfish]

A TAG, 4x ALRM15, decent engine and ammo. As far as I know the 8R mounts one of the more impressive and functional LRM alphas in the game at 60 missiles per salvo. It's definitely well suited to a dedicated missile boat if you want to take it that way, though the Stalkers can mount LRMs more comfortably (but with less one shot salvo).

A couple of general points. If you're going full LRM boat, definitely include Artemis and TAG. If you pick up the 8R, you'll probably want to grab a couple of the AWS to fill out the pilot skills. So make sure you like the rest of the chassis before committing.