Latest version: Original build & explanations This build of my Heavy Metal is based on one of my prior loadouts for this wonderful mech which can be found here. I would totally still run the old loadout, as it was pretty beasty at all ranges. But since it's creation - changes to movement behaviour where introduced, - ghost heat was implemented and - the Gauss Rifle got it's charging time. How did these changes impact the original build? The movement changes are the reason I like at least 2 JJ on my Highlanders now. I have to admit though that I didn't test them with just 1 JJ after the recent implementation of the small forward thrust. Any feedback about this would be highly appreciated. I found the ghost heat of 3 LLas to be totally managable if there aren't a many other weapons generating lots of heat. GR + 3 LLas for example is fine on a VTR-9K, but with the LRM15 thrown into the mix heat can become a tricky beast. Finally, I think the GR is still a very good weapon for mid and long range distances and it's also OK-ish for close-in fights, especially when arm-mounted. However, it's somehow not the kind of weapon which fits a flexible and multi-purpose assault mech I want the Heavy Metal to be anymore. Additionally, as the VTR-9K is pretty similar to the HM, I wanted primary weapons unique to the HM, so this ruled out weapons like AC10 or LBX, which are fine otherwise. How do you play this thing? Basically, this mech works in many different roles. You can play this as a fire support mech, being able to suppress opponents with all of it's weapons from quite a distance. When closing in, the LRM15 can still be used on sight like a kind of MRM or for finishing enemies retreating. Finally, double AC5 and double LLas are very good in the middle of a brawl. This flexibility is one of the main reasons I went for LLas instead of PPCs or a mixture of PPCs and smaller lasers. Those double ACs can be used when the mech's heat rises to critical levels. Only firing them while cooling down still leaves the mech with 6,6 DPS. Weapon groups: (1) double AC5 (2) double LLas (3) LRM15 (4) LLas / chain fire Variants STD & 3 MLas This is basically the same mech, but with a stronger focus on brawling. As the LLas were removed, another ton of AC5 ammo was added. This loadout runs cooler, has a higher sustained DPS and runs a STD for added survivability. 1-of PPC mixed in Another possible variant includes a PPC, allowing the mech to poptart with PPC & double AC5. Not the strongest combination possible for this purpose, but the PPC ads another layer of flexibility. This variant runs a bit hot for my taste. This build also requires the player to perfectly manage four weapon groups.
Update Time. LRMs are pretty underplayed at the moment, so I decided to cut the AMS from the Pussy Wagon. I cut half a ton of armor as well and installed Artemis as well as a TAG. Artemis increases the damage potential of the LRM15 tremendously, while the TAG allows to target enemies in ECM cover. It's especially nice to mark the ECM carrier - often an AS7-DDC - to let the whole team focus that target suddenly available for the targeting computer. 2x AC5 and 2x LL provide tremendous firepower when in direct sight whithout any restrictions regarding minimum range and such. The cooling efficiency of this build is fantastic when just using the arm weapons, but adding the LRM as well won't get you in heat problems quickly at all. This modification works best on the original version. The PPC variant doesn't need that anti-ECM measure that badly while the ML variant loses firepower.
This time you're late to the party: [quote author=Aylek link=topic=3954.msg24320#msg24320 date=1381220198] This build of my Heavy Metal is based on one of my prior loadouts for this wonderful mech which can be found here. I would totally still run the old loadout, as it was pretty beasty at all ranges. But since it's creation - changes to movement behaviour where introduced, - ghost heat was implemented and - the Gauss Rifle got it's charging time. ... [/quote] Heat was OK with GR + 3 LL prior to ghost heat, but I found it too much after it's impementation. 2x AC5 + 3 LL produce even more heat. Trust me on this topic, I spent nearly two full days of playing time in my HM, most of the time using a combination of GR or 2x AC5 and either 2-3 LL, ERPPC + 2 ML and mostly LRMs if missiles at all.
Sadly, but yes. But I will try the original build again for sure. For reference: Ammo might be a bit low for the GR. I won't cut Artemis from the mech again, but maybe one of the DHS... but which will only aggravate the cooling efficiency. By the way, I couldn't resist and bought Maize in the current sale. The Pussy Wagon is yellow after all, isn't it? Screenshot to come when I am home again. [img width=600 height=203]http://images.rottentomatoes.com/images/features/cars/29.jpg[/img]
Loving this setup for my HGN-HM. Sometimes (most of the time) I feel like I have a hard time using the LRM to its max efficiency but other times it is wonderfully useful. For example on canyons where once in a while you just can't get LOS until you are right on top of them and your team mate needs help nowish, not after you waddle your way over. On the other side of the spectrum I find myself sending missiles then having a second target appear who may fire on me. Break lock and fire on the immediate threat and lose my missiles or risk being targeted without returning fire just yet.
Yep, this thing works. More subtle than that brutal 2x AC5 + 2x PPC + X builds, but this mech will dish out a lot of damage when not being focussed right away. Here's a variant replacing the double AC5s with a GR and upgrading the LRM15. With the GR having a higher pinpoint damage, but lower DPS than double AC5s this is more a kind of fire support assault mech for second line duties: AMS + Ammo and some armor can easily be replaced by more ammo for the LRM20, which might be even more reasonable. Add either another ton of Gauss ammo or another DHS: Just food for thought. I still prefer the original build, but the massive punch of an LRM20+A in addition to an already strong punch of direct fire is tempting in my eyes.
