Casual FNR-5B "Gauss&Lasers" (2xHGauss, 5x ERML)

5/5,

1 rating

I think this is the pretty much most obvious build for this variant. 2x HGauss and 5x ERMLs is some serious firepower. Of course you could also use regular mediums as well but I don't think it's too hot so I prefer the extra range. The armor is good on paper but the CT is as big as a factory that makes barn doors so don't over expose, survival skill tree helps immensely here. Your mounts are high enough to do some hill peaking which is further assisted by ECM.

 

With an STD300 you lose 2.4 km/h at the cost of 2.5 tons... Not a big deal IMHO

With that additional tonnage you can add 2 CASE to further protectd the CT or to intentionally lose a side to use it as a shield (no big concerns for gauss explosion, because you have CASE protection), plus you can reinforce legs: don't forget that Fafnir has huge legs (like Sun Spider legs), so don't make them too squishy.

 

Absolutely, I think yours is more optimal after looking at it. Although even just a 2.4 kph loss stings a bit since this beast is already so very slow.

 

The meta way to go for the fafnir. I recommend my variant with STD300 and CASE, but the basic concept is the same. Also, the ECM protection is very nice to spook other mechwarriors: once you are able to see and lock this mech, it is already too late *dual heavy gauss on CT*

 

But you still have a bigger alpha :/

The main issue with the 5 variant is the lack of alpha strike: despite the cooldown bonus, you either need to face the target longer due to desynced shots (not optimal, due to the fact Fafnir has a huge CT, like the king crab) or, even worse, shoot only the heavy gausses and not the lasers... Which in the end make the cooldown quirk quite underwhelming with the 3xANYLaser + 2xHGauss combo... This applies if there are no shelters and you can't take cover. If you can poke (which means you can decide when to strike with all weapons ready), IMHO this variant is plain better.