Makes use of the AC20 quirks whilst still putting out massive firepower. I wanted an old school alpha strike build and this one delivers. 100 points of pure, unadulterated alpha damage. Two alphas from this monster and you can say bye bye to most mechs. With a cool shot you can get 3 off without overheating, which is enough for taking down a fellow 100 ton fatty. Running a STD 325 with Endo Steel - although this build runs fine with a LE330 and light Ferro, and gets an extra DHS, you dont get the "stickability" you get with a STD. I don't know about you, but I love ending the game as an Atlas on 15% HP and only 2xML to my name. If you want to add more leg armour, feel free to remove a ML, but when the AS7-D has full survival unlocked, it really doesn't need it. Mine still runs over 80 armour in the legs after skills.
Nice build. I love the idea of a high-alpha on a 'Mech this size. Here are some minor tweaks, slightly alluded to by yourself, though I kept the engine at a LE325, and dropped the half-ton of ammo, to pick up 2 extra DHS instead of just 1. That said, I definitely appreciate the Zombie capacity of this 'Mech with 2 MLs in the CT, so going STD 325 and having a couple fewer heatsinks may easily be worth it. I haven't run it, so I don't know how hot it feels; but if it does run hot, this is one way to maximize heat efficiency. As an additional side note, you can pick up an extra ton (but no extra slots) by switching from 2 MRM30s to an MRM40 and MRM20. However, this results in a heat penalty of 1.61, as well as an increased cooldown on the MRM40 (4.75 instead of 4.3). Could mean an extra KPH or some extra armor, if some think it's worth the exchange.
Devastating. Shouldn't need the extra DHS if you use lasers sparingly. Bit low on ammo, but since you probably get focused, that's okay. I've been running a similar thing but with LLs in the arms and a slightly higher engine. I'll have to give this a fair shot. (STD with worth it for retaining heat efficiency too). BTW, Welcome to MechSpecs!
I think this build would benefit from some of your changes actually. I've picked up an extra point in Missile Rack to compensate for the loss of half a ton of ammo, and the extra couple of DHS will be pretty significant. I'll give it a try and see if I miss being alive with neither ST still attached. Having a STD engine is only a benefit if you have the opportunity to shield properly. Fortunately for this build the best way to play seems to be the old alpha > shield > alpha > shield rotation that I've missed so much.
I'd say stick with the STD. tonnage gain is minimal and losing side torsos causes heat efficiency to drop drastically.
You might have been right yesterday, but the MRM30 just got a slight heat nerf that really necessitates the extra two DHS that the LE325 build brings. The nerf seems to have made quite a significant difference.
Yeah that nerf is likely to affect a few builds. Now there's even more reason to go with 40+20 instead of 2x30. Not only do you get an extra ton, but the heat efficiency is more equivalent, and is actually significantly better if you don't alpha.
Playing with something similar to this. Right now, I've got the ammo matched, but it's 3/10th's of a ton underweight. _ Possible to drop the engine size enough to go standard, but that loses heat sink capacity anyway. :/
