After the patch I returned to my beloved 8Q and oh my god, this thing is now a beast. The most surprising thing is the build I'm using. It's stock with only arm PPC replaced with ERPPC. So 2PPC's and 1 ERPPC. Also DHS, and STD300 engine
AWS-8Q .
How to make most of this build(and 8Q Awesomes in general)
The beauty of this build is the cooling you have with 22DHS. Unlike an all-in Stalker PPC boat, you're able to sustain fire for a long time. You can alpha for 7 times without shutting down(that's 210 damage), which is enough to take out anything provided you land shots where needed. On chain fire you can pretty much fire as long as you want. Unlike the Stalker when you attack, you're not commited to it, you can disengage and reposition if needed.
Positioning is very important with this build, you have to be just behind the frontline(not miles away), alphaing heavies and assaults while frontline mechs like Cataphracts and Atlai tank the damage. Always keep out of PPC minimum range(90m) during the first big clash so you can be most effective. Keep in mind PPC's still do damage under 90m, but damage decreases as they get closer. Always be aware of your teammates, if they suddenly pull back you're dead meat. Awesome just melts under concentrated fire, even if you are a torso twist master.
If you see a Catapult with a cheese build try the legs first as most of them sacrifice leg armor for tonnage. Especially AC20 builds. Legging SRMCats is also viable, as you are guaranteed to blow up the SRM ammo instakilling him. Going for legs against Stalkers is always a good idea as well, they move very slowly and have huge legs. Attacking Stalker body is a waste of time and damage IMO, its hitboxes are relatively tiny and close to each other so you keep spreading precious damage.
Another point is the usage of arms. If you are dying before both your arms get shot off, you're doing it wrong. Usage of arms for tanking damage is a MUST for Awesome, otherwise even a Hunchback can take you out no problem in a 1v1. Using your arms for shielding also make your profile smaller(Awesome is broad but thin). With the recent torso twist angle/speed buffs, you can easily time your PPC shots with enemy weapons. Shoot and twist, tank the damage and attack again. Keep your eyes on minimap so you can keep your torso perpendacular to enemy mech.
I am literally destroying the other team if my team manages to stay coherent and let me support them; that means no lights/meds harassing me. I averaged 800 damage for three games straight and I've just been pubbing.
I think Awesome is meant to be played with PPCs. With each laser you add, the more you need to get into brawls to be effective which is exactly what you're not supposed to do in this mech. You make the job of guys who are brawling easier with burst damage.
Edited by Tahribator, 06 February 2013 - 05:02 PM.