Dragon Slayer "Bruiser" (1xERLL, 2xSRM6, 2xMPL, 2xMG, 3xJJ, STD330)

Before I introduce this design idea, one thing in advance:

I am a stern defender of the position that, with the exception of some Awesome builds, Assaults should be kept XL free. I may change this doctrine at some point but so far I have run very good with this mindset, in both Stalkers and Atlai.

That out of the way, my take on the Dragon Slayer, the Bruiser.

The ER Large has an obvious function. Long range scalpel work and damage, being mounted on the arm gives me decent flexibility as well when moving around corners or strafing a running 'Mech.

The MPLas and the SRM6s are the bread and butter of this build. Meant to be at 270 meters and closer, these weapons, due to being torso mounted, ensure that where I am facing, the shots impact and tear the armour and internals apart.

The MGs are there for critseeking and when you are starting to overheat and just can't squeeze the last bit out before you shutdown and maybe take damage yourself. They are pretty good against open legs on a light or exposed internals on shoulders or even the CT.

 

Will need to try this build.

 

So after a few matches with this build, I have come to the painful realization that this 'Mech is not meant to be a bruiser, or at least not in the way I designed it.

While an assault, it is not strong enough to go toe to toe and often times I found myself just at the mercy of enemy forces due to being in the front line.

I am honestly considering to try an upgraded stock build, including an XL engine to make it work.

Seems my doctrine is already void

 

I think that the MGs are holding this build back.

Upgraded the ER LLas to an LPLas to match the MPLas beam length. (PPC is an acceptable alternative)
Maxxed out the JJs, although I could see trading two JJs--or one JJ and a DHS) for Artemis.
Added CASE to protect the precious SRM ammo.

 

The main problem of my approach is that I assumed all Assaults can brawl and bruise... I was proven wrong.

The Viktor is not a full blown tank and I was too close to too many enemy 'Mechs each time.

I have set it up way closer to the original stock and have to admit, it works... I even made a tally to check the times I died via CT compared to side torso and so far, it is mostly CT, which surprised me a bit but I'll accept it.