So I promised a build video of this mech back around new year's. Obviously I'm a bit late but hey better late than never! Speed is the name of the game here. This 60 ton mech matches the speed of dramatically lighter mechs with much greater armor and a substantial level of firepower. Hit and run attacks are the main forte but the Gauss enables a level of sniping as well. Heat can be a problem in extended fights but with some firing discipline it shouldn't be a problem. Here's the build video. As always comments and feedback are welcome! EDIT: Naming some old unnamed designs
Also if you're interested here's a video I recorded back at the end of the year highlighting a full match with this mech.
Currently running the FlameC/20 build, but I'm considering getting back some speed and range with the Gauss. However, Gauss rifles explode with 20 damage after taking only 3 (compared to 15 item HP on the AC/20 with only exploding ammo). As you're running an XL and the gauss is mounted in the same area with little to no critslots left, I would like to know how survivable you have experienced this mech to be. The much higher speed would give be a dodging advantage already of course, but how close to over is it when I lose the armor on my left side torso? Great videos btw!
Friendly fire is an oxymoron. I'm torn between rating the UAC/5 and the Gauss as the best ballistic weapon, but in terms of overall balance, the Medium Laser definitely wins best energy weapon. So this builds combines what is IMHO contender for #1 ballistic with the #1 energy weapon, with maximum speed. My only concern is 3 tons of ammo isn't a whole lot; and 11 DHS is less than a Death Knell with just 4xML runs. Keeping FF and ES on, you can drop the engine down a bit to make room for 1 more ton of ammo and a few extra HS. Even so, 106.9 KPH with Gauss and 4xML isn't anything to scoff at.
I've tried it but I've seen plenty of times my gauss rifle and consequently my XL engine exploding. I think it's because I prefer brawling above taking my time, specially with this speed and armor, but using the gauss as a brawling weapon when you can't live without armor isn't working. I suppose that others will likely do fine with the build, but the play style doesn't suit me. I'm running an 'archflame' now, based on a spare XL325, and it plays like a charm.
It's definitely not for everyone and yeah closing range puts you at a lot more risk. How do you feel about UAC5? I've been experimenting with the following: 1 UAC5 2 LL 2 ML
My brother and I both use similar setups to this one. He uses an XL300 and a Streak launcher (and lots of ammo) while I use an XL320 with an SRM4. It's extremely easy to aim the Gauss due to the location of the torso ballistics mount, so you get good value in the ammo you carry. Since the side torsos aren't that big, it's also the only mech where I feel OK mounting a torso gauss with an XL. Makes it unique. Due to the fragility of the Gauss, you have to be extremely careful at both ends of the battlefield. It's essentially a "lurker" - you can't get into sniping wars since you have only one long range weapon, and you can't get into brawls with the XL. So you kinda have to weave around, pop your head out and shoot from different locations, stay mobile, and not let anyone sneak up on you or get into your grill. You can hit and run, but it can be risky if it puts you in sight line of sniping mechs. So, long story short - this is a mech that depends more on you not making a positioning mistake moreso than what the other team does. If survivability becomes a problem due to the gauss, you can always downgrade to an AC/10.
I really like the UAC5 2xLL 2xML build, it's nicely diverse from my other mechs as well as I don't use the quick firing ACs that often (which is a fault on my part, the UAC5 is awesome if it doesn't jam at first shot ) You should make a seperate thread for it :3
You should post the UAC/LL/ML build with the [smurfy ][/smurfy ] tags. Actually, you should post in a separate thread so we can discuss your build!
It makes sense. You get the added power of 4 lasers but keep heat efficiency reasonable while still gaining the added range of the LL. Done and done!
This is essentially the build that me and my friend run when we drop. We actually run with 10dhs and an extra ton of gauss ammo. It's a great striker and harasser. With two people calling targets and focusing components you can drop almost anything pretty quick. Usually when I'm getting near the top of the heat bar I drop to firing only one or two ML and the gauss until the heat is down.
I love this build. Currently Running 1xGauss CASE'd. (If it explodes, protect!), 4xML, XL325. and has 400 Armour. I really like it. I had, like, my best round ever with it.
Hm. I will divert to your logic since you obviously know more about the game and its systems. But ever since I've cased it, I haven't died to an 'ammo explosion'. Likely just a fluke. But I've been running it for a while, and it's possible I just may be protecting it better.
