Posted 16 May 2017 - 03:33 AM

Aight, since I love my Battlemasters (got it on my sig, even), I am gonna share my CW sniper BLR-1G build. With the BLR-2C losing its +10% energy range quirk, I believe BLR-1G is now undisputed Battlemaster for sniping. It naturally shines on large open maps such as Alpine, Polar, and Frozen City.*edit* I played several matches with this setup and I am very happy with its performance as you can see below.This BLR-1G build is relies on the power of 6xERLLs, with the mobility of 375XL engine, with 20 DHS to keep the beast running. Here is the build.You can see the bonuses I got from the skill tree, as well as quirks in that picture, but lemme help you to break down my skill node choices.First, is the Weapons tree. I went for laser duration, heat generation, and range. They are all needed for effective sniping, and sustaining it. Had to take cooldown nodes to progress though, which is not needed. My ERLLs now have +25% range, -9% heat gen, and -15% duration.Second, is the Mobility tree. I went for accel/decel bonuses as well as twist speed. Snipers specialize in poking so good accel/decel is very important to minimize exposure. I took twist speed because it can help me to twist and spread any counter sniping damage. A total of +21% accel/decel rate, and +14% horizontal torsi twist speed was gained, with a bonus of +8% torso twist angle. I didn't go all the way with this tree because I needed the other trees more.Third and fourth, are Operations and Sensor trees. I maximized the heat containment and heat dissipation nodes because 6xERLLS put out helluva heat, and cannot even fire two alphas without shutting down. I chose hill climb over speed retention while progressing this tree because Assault mechs have problems with navigating terrain, and sniper mechs frequently need to position themselves on hills. Hill climb reduces the speed penalty when hill poking, which translates to less exposure. Speed retention is useless because if you are getting legged as a sniper then your positioning skill sucks more than a pornstar.For Sensors, just grab Advanced Zoom. That's all you need. Radar related stuff are useless since you will be shooting from beyond radar range most of the time. Raderp too is useless since you will be shooting from beyond LRM's maximum range most of the time.Fifth, is the Misc tree, where you can boost your consumables. I took +3 consumable slots, put two Air Strikes and two Coolshots in them, and boosted their capabilities to the max. Those two types of consumables are very useful for rooting out hidden enemies, punishing enemy pushes, and sustaining your alphas. Technically you wouldn't even need Coolshot in a sniper mech, since you have ample time to hide and cool off, but I have been to plenty of situations where the enemy stayed in the open long enough for me to repeatedly alpha them in the face. Each Coolshot can save you an alpha worth of heat. Besides, it costs only 10 nodes total for the tree.Now you might have realized that I did not put anything in Survival tree. I personally think other nodes I picked are more useful than speccing in more durability. My mech will not be in thick of battle, and I will dictate my own time and range of engagement. The bonuses I got from mobility should help me minimize my exposure, which translates to longer life.As bonus here is the difference between non-skilled BLR-1G shooting its 6xERLL, vs. heat skilled 1G in heat neutral map.Without any skills, my BLR-1G build spends 64% heat per alpha, and shuts down after two alphas, while sustaining structure damage from overheating.After I chose my heat related skills, the mech spends 54% heat per alpha, and does not overheat after two alphas back to back.*edit*This is the QP/CW Hellbringer-F laser-vomit build. The build specializes in utilizing its highmounts for peeking and poking. It was so effective on maps like Grim Plexus, that I got two 1000+ damage matches back to back!Here is the build. A very orthodox 2xCLPL+3xCERML build all high mounted in the torsi. 47 damage per alpha, and 23 DHS to keep it going. TCMK1 for even more range. Minimal leg armor since you will be showing only your upper torsi. Bit of armor on the left arm since your main firepower comes from your LT, and the LA can help you defend it from the sides. CLPLs are spread between two torsi, because you do not want to put all the eggs in one basket.Best way to play this mech is to stay near the frontlines, but not too close to the enemy. Stand a bit behind and to the side of your vanguard mates. Poke-n-fade, and switch positions every minute. Your alpha might not be as high compared to other Clan las-vomit builds, but it has better sustain, and has minimal risk when exposing yourself to fire at the enemy.First, is the Weapons tree. Identical to my BLR-1G tree, I went for laser duration, heat generation, and range, which equates to better poking and sustaining. My CLPLs have 713 meter optimum range, and my CERMLs have near 500 meter optimum range. Longer range = less chance of getting hit back. Shorter duration also means less exposure.Second, is the Survival tree. I went for the left side because it offers more armor. My Hellbringer minimizes its exposure through high mounts and ECM, but every child knows by now to aim for Hellbringers' left torso. Which means additional armor is very welcome, in a pinch. No need for structure, since your lasers will be gone soon enough once armor is breached.Third and fourth, are Operations and Sensor tree. I went halfway into Operations to get 6% Cool Run nodes. They, along with your weapon heat reduction nodes, help you to sustain your poke whenever opportunity presents itself. The +10% hill climb nodes surely helps with the hill poking. As for Sensor tree, I chose to maximize Seismic, and ECM nodes. In a poking match you have to be aware on your enemy's location at all times, cause they tend to switch positions, and +200 Seismic comes in very handy for that. Maxxed out ECM hides you and anyone inside your bubble from your enemies, even when the opponents are at 270 meters from your location.And last is the Misc tree. The way I see it, laser vomit build goes hand in hand with Coolshot consumables, so buff those up! Comes in handy when you are forced to get close and personal with the enemy. My consumable slots have 2xCoolshot and 1 Air Strike.You can tell that I did not spec anything in the Mobility tree, and that's because the Hellbringer is plenty mobile with its base stats. Just remember to start going backwards as your laser is finishing its duration, not after. After playing with it for several games you will get the hang of it.Hope you found my post helpful, and feel free to point out any errors, or post suggestions for more improvements. Cheers.

Edited by El Bandito, 31 May 2017 - 09:39 AM.