Both ER PPC and the Guass are required, i feel under gunned without them. When heat is an issue stick to only firing the Guass, if i catch someone standing still i can often time the Guass to fire at the same time as twin linked ER PCC. ECM is also key, I feel naked without it. The rest I'm open to switching around. Where is the best place to keep the ammo? I've found I never ever get hit in the head so safest place for the missiles is under my seat. I've also heard that Guass ammo can be used to absorb crits.
I used this exact build for a while, but I never felt like I was pulling my weight. I feel like the Atlas is just too tall with too low of hardpoints to be a good sniper/long range platform because you have to be fully exposed to counter-fire if your shots are to ever make it over a ridge. I've since moved to a close range brawler build, and have been having much more success with it.
I use almost this exact build, but with one major change. Since you are one of the few people that i've ever seen to come close to this build, I'll share my full build with you: Edit: A few things about my build 1) its extremely hot! If you depend too much on the PPCs, you WILL overheat. (I think you know that already though, having run a similar build) 2) Fire Groupings are pivotal. This one is the real key here. If you set up decent groupings, you can control your heat to quite a fair degree. Groupings example: G1 - Gauss/AC5 (I put both of them on there. I hold it down to fire off the ac 5 continually, and Ive learned to just let my finger up when the gauss is charged for its shot. Put finger immediately back down to continue ac 5 shot nearly uninterrupted. G2 - Gauss by itself. I use this button when im working with G5 for the "AC 40 FCS" effect. Site target, charge this grouping, and learn to let it go JUST as you press G5. G3 - Hard to use grouping on my mouse (razor naga), so i dont use it in this build. G4 - Streaks. This is used in conjunction with G1 for your close range detriment attacks. I find that with a steady aim on G1, and support from G4, you can run nearly anything off of you. G5 - ERPPC/PPC/AC5. This is the meat of your long range fire support. PPC is in there to help with heat management. Like I said above, Site target, Charge G2, and let G2 go JUST as you press G5. Even on a moving target youve done a noticeable amount of damage to multiple compartments. On a still target, youve just delivered 40 pts of damage to a single compartment within 600 meters. even above 600, youll deliver significant fire suppression/damage support. One caveat: Only at G2 to 'sure hit' shots, as your Gauss ammo is a little limited. G6 - ERPPC alone. This is for that 'need extra damage' moment in melee, when ac5/gauss and streaks need a bit of fire support. Just keep a close eye on your heat gauge! Tactics: At the beginning of battle, let others worry about pushing over hills/engaging first. For the most part, youre the commander on the field. Let others engage and draw out the enemy, so that you assist at direct sight range. There will be times though where you might see an opportunity to push. If it comes, don't be afraid to take it. With the combo listings above, you can do surprisingly well against most builds, and most tonnages. Try to soften up your opponent from range with G2/G5 combo til about 300 or so meters. Most opponents are going to try to either move in on you to brawl with their main loadouts, or try to keep distance from you and harry you with their range packages. As an atlas, you, in most cases, have the time to decide your strategy while under fire (with some exceptions; GET OUT of a dakka rain as soon as possible!) and you have enough damage at multiple ranges to punish the snipers, as well as enough DPS to surprise a lot of brawlers. Let me know what you think!
