26 replies to this topic

[Icewraith]

Not really feeling the RS so far compared to my D-DC. I've had good success with a 350 engine, endo steel, dhs, and the ac/20 3SRM6 2 M Pulse Laser loadout, but I haven't tried it on the D/DC since the patch and there are PPCs flying everywhere! The RS was set up for brawling along similar lines but isn't really faring so well.

Currently my RS is set up with Endo Steel, I have a 300 and 350 engine available.

Since I've gotten sick of the team hanging back and trading shots at long range while a brawler build is useless, I tried a 4 PPC 2 SRM 4 build, and it works alright, but my brawling tendencies mean that I tend to get too close. ER PPCs are expensive and really hard on the heat so I haven't bought any yet.

Last iteration was 2 PPC 2 Large Pulse 1 Gauss 300 engine. Jury's still out on that one.

4 large laser builds just don't seem to have enough punch, and the loss of the extra SRM 6 for brawling is really noticeable.

I'm trying to find 1. effective configurations and 2: configurations that aren't better on a D-DC.

I don't really have a weapon stable yet, as the D-DC and RS are my only two mechs so far, but I have:

SRM-6s, 4s, and streak 2s
AC20
AC10
Gauss
4 PPCs
2 Large Pulse
4 Large Lasers
4 Medium Lasers
4 Medium Pulse
LRM 20
LRM 15

Basically I'm going to need to save a bit more if I'm going to try out a 4 Large Pulse build or try out ER PPCs or ER Large Lasers.

So what are some builds that work well, preferably ones that aren't better done by a D-DC? Tips on ranged combat in an Atlas? How do I tell if the ridge in front of me is too low to shoot over?

[Ravennus]

The 4 Large Pulse Laser build can work. Go 350 w/ Endo, and you can fit in 22 DHS.
They do 40 damage on an alpha, and are a lot easier to keep on target. They also run much cooler now.

Alternatively, you can try this.... 4 LLAS, 2 SRM6, 350 Engine w/ Endo and 20 DHS. (My build uses a 355 engine, but if you don't want to get one you can just put extra armor on the legs)
This build is like a slower, beefier Hunchback 4SP with a much longer range punch.
Don't discount Large Lasers..... they hurt a lot. Just don't sweep with them, and get used to keeping them on one section of the enemy mech for the full duration (same with all other lasers, really).


I've tried PPCs and just didn't like them. As you noted, the arms are low and there are also weird convergence issues.
The Stalker just seems to make a better PPC boat. *shrug*

You can try ER Lasers, but I've found them much too hot for just some added distance, especially if you have a lot of them.

Edited by Ravennus, 17 February 2013 - 01:19 AM.

[Lyoto Machida]

I've been messing around with 4 LL and either a UAC/5 or an AC20. Try that and see how it goes.

[Thoummim]

I run 4 LL ac10 ams DHS with a 300std.

Its based on a constant dps at mid/long range you dont want to alpha or get closer than 400m.

[NRP]

My RS is built for long range because I already have a D-DC brawler.

STD330
4 LLs
Gauss rifle

Fire the LLs until you get a heat warning, then switch to the gauss. It's pretty effective if your team is decent, but that's true for just about any mech I guess.

[Staplebeater]

I am playing with 4x PPC and a gauss right now with a 300 and 16 DHS

[Warskull]

The D-DC is the best Atlas, so the question becomes "what can you do on an RS that you can't do on a D-DC?" Since the D-DC has 2 ballistics and 3 Missile slots what makes the RS unique is its 4 arm based energy slots. A build for the RS must take full advantage of the 4 arm energy slots.

That rules out ER PPCs because they run hot enough that you can't sustain fire with 4 of them for any reasonable amount of time. Medium lasers have too short of a range.

That leaves 4xLL, 4xER LL, and possibly 4xPPC. You can then round it out with either a gauss rifle or some LRMs.

This is what I have been experimenting with.

Staplebeater, on 17 February 2013 - 11:54 AM, said:

I am playing with 4x PPC and a gauss right now with a 300 and 16 DHS

How many full volleys can you fire before overheating?

Edited by Warskull, 17 February 2013 - 03:43 PM.

[PwnStars]

I tried the 4xERPPC + Gauss... it works okay, but you need to be precise! Each shot is ~40-50% heat (can't remember), so if you miss, you just lost 40 damage for quite a while. It's strength is to be able to place a large amount of damage in one place. Also, I seperated the PPCs into two groups, left and and right arm, which let me shoot around corners very effectively.

Doesn't work too good in PUGs though, if you get ambushed at all, you're dead meat since your teammates probably won't be there to help.

I've since switched to 4xLL (+buttloads of heatsinks). I might try 4xLPL + SRMs if I can spare the cash. (TBH, I rather farm on my DDC)

[Warskull]

PwnStars, on 17 February 2013 - 04:40 PM, said:

I tried the 4xERPPC + Gauss... it works okay, but you need to be precise! Each shot is ~40-50% heat (can't remember), so if you miss, you just lost 40 damage for quite a while. It's strength is to be able to place a large amount of damage in one place. Also, I seperated the PPCs into two groups, left and and right arm, which let me shoot around corners very effectively.

Doesn't work too good in PUGs though, if you get ambushed at all, you're dead meat since your teammates probably won't be there to help.

I've since switched to 4xLL (+buttloads of heatsinks). I might try 4xLPL + SRMs if I can spare the cash. (TBH, I rather farm on my DDC)

My problem with ER PPCs is the heat they generate. You have one volley, then you have to wait. Then you can shoot again. The arms also hang fairly low on a Atlas so you have to get high up. I don't see 4 ER-PPC significantly outperforming 2 PPC, 1 gauss builds. It didn't feel like it took advantage of the hard points on the RS.

Edited by Warskull, 17 February 2013 - 05:39 PM.

[zrap]

I love my RS, even play it more than my d-dc. 4x PPC + Gauss, Std 300, endo, 15 dhs. 55 Alpha strike at medium distance... can be quite brutal. also possible 325xl without endo, 16 dhs.

after the 3rd alpha you will shut down, but if you've aimed well thats 165 damage with no spread before that. I don't mind being shutdown if my opponent is dead / mostly disarmed . But you can't afford to miss much of course, so take your time to aim well. Also dont try sniping at like 1000m, stay with the main group, but don't lead the charge.

Edited by zrap, 17 February 2013 - 07:03 PM.

[Bhelogan]

I'm liking my RS build:
2x LRM 20 + atriums
1x ER PPC
1x TAG
2x ML
Rest filled with DHS and LRM ammo.
Situational but fun. My only long range build.

Edited by Bhelogan, 17 February 2013 - 07:47 PM.

[Ravennus]

Bhelogan, on 17 February 2013 - 07:39 PM, said:

I'm liking my RS build:
2x LRM 20 + atriums
1x ER PPC
1x TAG
2x ML
Rest filled with DHS and LRM ammo.
Situational but fun. My only long range build.

Are the MLAS in the arms or CT?

[p00k]

erllas & ppc's, and especially erppc's, are still a bit too hot to run 4 of them if you still want to take a big ballistic, and taking one lets you cockpit a mech at that much longer range

the rs is probably the worst atlas to take lrm's with, since it has fewer tubes; the d is able to vomit out lrm's much faster if that's your thing (though honestly if you want lrms in an assault, take a stalker)

Ravennus, on 17 February 2013 - 09:20 PM, said:

Are the MLAS in the arms or CT?

all the rs's energy hardpoints are arms. 2 in each arm

Edited by p00k, 17 February 2013 - 09:40 PM.

[Indoorsman]

This is how I used to run mine, skip to 1:30

Yes it used an XL engine, but I would mostly try to engage at range.

[Ravennus]

p00k, on 17 February 2013 - 09:39 PM, said:

all the rs's energy hardpoints are arms. 2 in each arm

Yeah, duh. Was having a blonde moment, lol.

[Ravennus]

Indoorsman, on 17 February 2013 - 10:03 PM, said:

Yes it used an XL engine, but I would mostly try to engage at range.

"Mostly engage at range".... using an LBX-10 and 2 SSRM6s....... while facehugging Awesomes....

Not sure if serious.



Seriously though Indoorsman, how does this build look? AS7-RS "Big Brother"
I call it Big Brother because it is essentially the 4SP's Bigger Meaner Brother.

-63.3 kph top speed
-20 DHS
-4 LLAS
-2 SRM6s w/ 3 tons of ammo
-Just a bit shaved off the legs (yes, I know you think 57 is too low)

[Icewraith]

Mixed effectiveness so far, but it does fill the hardpoints:

3 Large Pulse
Gauss (3t ammo)
TAG
2x SRM 4
300 STD
16 DHS

Probably be more effective once I stop fixating tag on things when I'm taking fire, since once I stop twisting around my torsos get shot off like normal, but the extra spotting bonus is nice and people running LRMS love me. May try the 4 PPC + gauss build next.

Really gunshy about sticking an XL on an Atlas.

[Indoorsman]

Ravennus, on 17 February 2013 - 10:19 PM, said:

"Mostly engage at range".... using an LBX-10 and 2 SSRM6s....... while facehugging Awesomes....

Not sure if serious.



Seriously though Indoorsman, how does this build look? AS7-RS "Big Brother"
I call it Big Brother because it is essentially the 4SP's Bigger Meaner Brother.

-63.3 kph top speed
-20 DHS
-4 LLAS
-2 SRM6s w/ 3 tons of ammo
-Just a bit shaved off the legs (yes, I know you think 57 is too low)

I tried a similar build to what you have there except a standard 350, srm4, little more leg armor and 2 more DHS. It worked alright but it didn't feel like it was good enough for an Atlas... more like an AWS build. Before DHS the RS was my favorite Atlas, would just run it with 4LL and 42HS heh. After DHS/gauss nerfs it doesn't seem as good to me :-/

[PwnStars]

Warskull, on 17 February 2013 - 05:39 PM, said:

My problem with ER PPCs is the heat they generate. You have one volley, then you have to wait. Then you can shoot again. The arms also hang fairly low on a Atlas so you have to get high up. I don't see 4 ER-PPC significantly outperforming 2 PPC, 1 gauss builds. It didn't feel like it took advantage of the hard points on the RS.

Only advantage ERPPCs have over PPCs is that they do full damage at almost any range you will engage. This includes brawling range, so if some brawler atlas thinks you're easy pickings, with good aim, you can kill within 3-4 volleys.

[sC4r]

i got some long range rs:
2 ERPPC
2 ML
gauss (3tons)
300 engine
everything else is DHS

though i got problem with 2 tons in it -> ams+3tons of ammo because i dont like MPL and not feeling like spending about 2M for better engine

works well for sniping and can hold its ground against smaller brawlers but dont try going against brawler atlas/stalker/cheezycat