CN9-AL "Trident" (3x ERLLas, XL275)

5/5,

1 rating

My new favorite CN9-AL build. Great pin-point ranged damage. Heat manageable (52% w/ 3 ERLL, 78% w/ 2 ERLL). Fast. This is an awesome build for ranged hit-n-run tactics. Doesn't become suicide crap when I lose the arm either.



A 27pt no-need-to-lead @ 650 meters alpha is nothing to sneeze at

 

Looks interesting, I'll test it.

 

So I did a few rounds of testing with this mech, it's pretty conclusive.
It has good punch and long range. I was worried about it, but the heat management is ok. As long as you don't fire constantly (that's what you do in harassment situation) you even can afford to alpha strike despite the heat penalty (~30 heat instead or ~25).
The weakness of this build is in sustained close range engagement: you'll overheat quickly, if you don't die quicker because of the XL engine. The DPS is also not so great. So better keep it in a mid-long range sniping/harassment position.

Here is a little gameplay video I recorded during my testing.
Might not seems impressive, but I think it's how the mech should be piloted: keeping the distance and being patient.
It happens I met a fellow mechspecs regular during this game. He was also testing a build, he hoped I'd go easy on him. Treacherous fool! He was piloting a fearsome angry lobster phract, that could tear me to shreds in seconds! I had to be cautious and use my brain to take him down.

 

I would change to regular LLas, so to have some more Alphabeams before OH. In general Triple LLas is superstrong, when used properly from secondline. With 18 DHS you can shoot ~7 Alphabeams before OH on normal maps, 5-6 on hotter maps. Even if your Heatlevel is high, you can chainfire a lot. Just needs to take care of your arm, because if you lose it, you lose a lot of Firepower. If some more Energyslots would be in the Torso, this would be a very strong build.

 

I did like the 3ERLL build epikt was running when we met up. I might change my AL to this. You do have to be patient and pick your shots/location. I like the video at 5:55 when it takes me second to see where he's coming from and get a few shots off before he takes my CT, haha.

 

Blagg raises a good point: does this build really need extended range lasers?
I personally really like it, but there are a lot of situations were standard laser would have been the same (with less heat). On this game for example: I did a good job, but most (if not all) my shots were at standard LL range.



For the moment I'm keeping 3xER, since the heat is manageable. I may test mixed loadouts (ER on CT, and two standards on the arm maybe).

 

Build works extremely well on the KTO-19 platform. 3x ERLLas in arms makes for some great pin-point accuracy. Also with a large engine (XL315) so faster.



Or drop 1 ton of armor for another DHS (still nearly the same at the Centurion)

 

Well played sir. Yes, that's how to play the build. I call builds like this "patience builds" because you have to be will to stand back and wear people down.

 

I find, personally, with LL I do much better on the "old" maps and that I regret not have ERLL on the "new" maps. Mostly because the new maps are so much larger. Especially Alpine, where LL feel nearly useless unless I charge the enemy lines (aka suicide in a 50-ton).

For the general case the ERLL work and having them when you need the extra range is priceless.

 

I believe what you're asking for is this (which is what I started with before I tried by Centurion version - posted here):

http://mwo.smurfy-net.de/mechlab#i=12&l=c9e7a14517c99bc73d0fd5efed5b73e8c05971c7

 

Awesome build dude! YEAAH!

Can even have AMS:



maybe can even fit some Streaks with 1ton Ammo as well! who knows?

 

I've been revisiting my very first mech, my cherished CN9-AL, and was playing around with the Fast Woowoo loadout that I ran for so long... but I ended up closer to the Trident than the original, so here's my take on the idea:

CN9-AL

I'll trade a bit of heat discipline for an entire second weapon system any day. With the proliferation of light mechs I've been encountering as of late, lasers and streaks are a beautiful combination.

 

I am already in love with the concept of this fast "Woowoowoo". As an owner of the YLW and CN9-A I am looking forward to getting the CN9-AL. That seems to be an amazing build that - played correctly - could be a lethal skirmisher! Would like to give 5 stars already, but I gonna wait until I am an CN9-AL-owner and my hands-on experience.

 

Nearly six months later and I'm still loving this build

 

Trying to give the idea a different light.
Same tonnage, but faster, a bit hotter.
One of the TBT that is fun to run.

 

STD version, obviously slower and hotter, but cheaper and safer also:

 

Excellent Build!

I did not go with the ERLLas just the normal ones. Here is a screenshot from the best match I have had with it so far.

 

I don't have an XL275, so I'll start with this build
May try to pickup a ShadowHawk with XL275 if it goes on sale again. IMO that is a good way to get an expensive XL Engine.

 

[member=4106]mmstahlman[/member] I advice u that u REALLY prefer to get a STD260. Its the brawling standard STD for many mediums, including 2 of the 3 best chassises; Hunchback and Centurion. Instead the STD255 will most likely end taking dust in the equiptment inventory.

 

Sorry man. I must have glazed over your post with the 360... I looked to see if anyone posted a standard build and didn't see yours...
I have one 260 (from the free Thunderbolt) and two 255 (from Stalkers). Since I try to leave my mechs in a working state when possible I was using a spare engine but I like your use of the 260. I may use that instead. Thanks for the reply.