MechDB: CHP-1N Very excited for the new Champion, have been playing around with builds. This one is pretty simple. A bit slower, but when sticking with bigger mechs it can really tear off open torsos. Great on solo QP, still holds its own on group queue.
I came up with very similar build featuring a STD245 (there is no more the engine DHS are better than external DHS feature). Your build that has shaved armor from legs for better speed is actually better. https://mech.nav-alpha.com/#9c6c27a4_CHP-1N
4/5, Rating this build 4 stars instead of 5 is painful, but necessary. 2xLBX10 + 4xML has proven to be a successful solid build: this mech can keep on hammering with those LBX10s even under flamer pressure, so it's actually a good brawler... BUT if you are looking for a lighter Marauder build, I have a bad news for you: hitboxes are not optimal. Source: https://www.reddit.com/r/OutreachHPG/comments/9oqoqr/champion_hitboxes_v01/ As you can see, Champion CT can be reliably hit even at 90°, that's why I always felt this build was fragile despite the armor quirks and my torso twists. That's the only and sole reason this build is rated 4 starts instead of 5: I would have rated it 4.5 stars because build is actually solid and very good, but due to hitboxes this mech isn't very suited for the role of having an almost completely dead side torso, so it's not actually "excellent" (5 stars)
@CarloArmato I would argue that the arms are substantial enough to cover that CT from the sides, and a skilled torso twisting pilot can keep the mech alive for much longer than may be normal. Additionally, the Marauder does not have such a defense; the arms of the Marauder are notoriously low slung, and small.
Marauder doesn't have a strong tank due to arms or quirks: it exploits side torso damage 60% transfer reduction from side to CT because CT is extremely hard to hit if you torso twist. Spoiler: Marauder's hitboxes That's what boosts even further Marauder's survivability: receiving 40% of the total incoming damage is what the champion is lacking. If I'm not bad at math... Champion: (40+20 arm) + (86+40 CT) = 186 HP >>> Arm + CT Marauder: (85 + 46 +23 = 154 CT) + (154 * 1.60 dmg reduction) = 154 + 92.4 = ~246 HP >>> CT only About marauder, I haven't included the whole expendable side torso, which, alone, is another 57+32+16=105 damage, which further bumps total estimated HPs to a theoretical 351 HP But enough comparing it to the marauder: this build still has little to no armor on arms, plus the hitbox issue. You could swap ML for SL or ERSL, but I'm doubtful arms will be able to prevent damage to CT even while twisting (any mech taller than you will be able to see over your arms and focus CT), that's why I'm doubtful it will work as well as a marauder once fully skilled. So far, it hasn't been so good... I'll keep on testing, but I doubt it will become better.
*Feels Edu-ma-cated* Thanks for the lesson, @CarloArmato . Did not have this information to work with, explains a lot.
5/5, Making it a 4.5 star rating. Dual LBX10 on a 60-tonner is scary enough on the Legend Killer. I think this is an excellent champion build, in spite of the hitbox shortcomings. Not every chassis can be perfect (or in the case of the hellspawn: some chassis just get fucked)