BATTLETECH: The Atlas III

[@BoisegangGaming]

"I want you to make a version of the Atlas that exemplifies House Davion." "Shove a RAC onto it, got it." "You know me so well."

[@Alex-pj8nz]

That is so dark age, now it’s just shove any Clan ER PPCs into it.

[@Mr-Wisdomthief]

more dakka, more DAKKA!!!

[@temp3608]

nah a davion atlas would need PPCs

[@shadewolf0075]

There’s also a variant with a HAG

[@calebharris292]

Davions furiously trying to figure out an AC30

[@theapostatejack8648]

Credit where it is due. The new Atlas, just like the old Atlas, is everything Alexander Kerensky asked for. Indomitable, irresistible, and a terror to behold.

[@mrfarts5176]

It goes so deep there are balls slapping balls.

[@RidinDirtyRollinBurnouts]

One aspect of the Atlas III's design is how it looks like a natural progression of the Atlas. The original looking bulky and dated, while the Atlas III is sleek, refined futureweapon. Don't get me wrong though, I will always be a fan of the crude bulky designs. Feels utilitarian and realistic

[@erikbjelke4411]

Ah, Caleb. Proof even House Davion isn't immune to being Royally Screwed Up.

[@androssthered1157]

To the extreme lol

[@michaelkolano8686]

"it comes with two double heat sinks, giving it a sinking capacity of 24" gee, davion's been hiding the good stuff from us

[@matthewberryman6609]

Ten in the engine, 2 on the chassis. Took me an embarrassingly long time. to work out, what he meant.

[@BigRed40TECH]

Literally just a slip of the tongue. It invests 2 tons in it.

[@bthsr7113]

But just imagine heat sinks that good.

[@andrewamann2821]

​@@bthsr7113you've had about 2 years... now imagine taking a crit to one...

[@arbiter7x]

It's definitely an interesting evolution from the Atlas II, not necessarily an upgrade though more like a side grade. Can't wait for more variants of this guy though

[@Alex-pj8nz]

The 3 probably evolved from the normal Atlas not the 2.

[@bthsr7113]

I find it interesting how they turned an all range brawler to an all range fire support.

[@Alex-pj8nz]

To be fair this is the command variant, the front line one changes the RAC 2 and 2 small shields to a HAG 30.

[@bthsr7113]

@@Alex-pj8nz I don't really understand the HAG.

[@Alex-pj8nz]

@@bthsr7113 deals 30 easy to hits cluster damage like a shot gun. So compared to the A/C 20 that’s 30>20 thats -2 at short range. But it’s cluster damage which could add up.

[@bthsr7113]

@@Alex-pj8nz So it's the LBX of gauss weapons?

[@Alex-pj8nz]

@@bthsr7113 Yup, but it can’t do solid slugs.

[@TheStraycat74]

Red, I'm getting old... back in my day the PPC and AC-20 were the most feared weapons, clanners weren't around yet, everyone hated Capellans, And We Liked it that way... On a more serious note, I am getting old. The Truce happened and we thought the Innersphere was saved... but in truth the only thing we saved were our opponents and betrayers...

[@BigRed40TECH]

Yea, Tukayyid saved the Clans. They didn't know at the time, but it did.

[@snewsom2997]

The Clans showed up a quarter century too late, they missed their chance. They also played by rules, which is a good way to lose. They should've declared a trial of annihilation, brought all 20 clans, and assigned corridors all the way around the IS. By waiting until after the FedCom formed, War of 3039 sprinkled Comstar Mechs everywhere, and the Loose early alliances brokered by the Dragoons, they signed their own death warrant, their technological edge wasn'yt enough to surpass the scale of the IS.

[@stephanellenberg2871]

@@snewsom2997 The Clans missed their chance? As far as I know these abominations just conquered Holy Terra itself! If that's what failure looks like I don't want to see them succeed.

[@snewsom2997]

@@stephanellenberg2871 Alaric, is a Steiner-Davion. LOL, out of Victor and Katherine. Hanse The Old Fox won in the end.

[@stephanellenberg2871]

@@snewsom2997 Ah, I didn't kow that. The Inner Spere is saved then. :)

[@jameshojnowski8455]

New 'Mech designs at the end of clix's lifespan were great, and you can see the Atlas III and Loki II barely changed when translated over. I bought two Atlas III's from IWM, one for my SwordSworn regiment and one to paint up for a commission (A guy wanted Jonah Levin's "Solitude")

[@philjackson1294]

Being a davion fan boy , that was great. You touched the ups and downs, and put into perspective the hope of a people.

[@OptimusJedi]

The Atlas is such an awesome design. Since Davions are the obvious good guys of the setting, it’s only fitting they have their own version of the poster boy Mech.

[@BigRed40TECH]

Davion's only ever done good things for everyone.

[@EgorKaskader]

Getting a feeling Marik may be having that advantage in this new era, myself.

[@BoisegangGaming]

Shame Katrina Steiner-Davion decided to have a temper tantrum and tear apart a good thing.

[@vladforgot]

Davions - good guys. Best joke of the week XD

[@SpockBorg5]

Should've made a deal with the the freeworlds league during the fourth succession war and annihilated the cappellan confederation, that way all they would have to worry about would be the combine. Davions aren't perfect, but take them over others.

[@TheStrayHALOMAN]

Atlas II is my favorite Assault because MechAssault was the first battletech thing I played in 2002.

[@BigRed40TECH]

Nice!

[@Doms_kitchen99]

SAMMEEEEEE thats literally how i got into the universe

[@nicolasgodines1129]

Same, though I started playing in 2004 when I was ... 4.

[@TheStrayHALOMAN]

@@nicolasgodines1129 I was playing in 2001 when I was 4 since my brother got a early demo disc with the first Uziel level on it... Technically not 2002.

[@nicolasgodines1129]

@@TheStrayHALOMAN the Uziel was that jerk that could turn invisible, yeah? ... Can't wait until Catalyst makes a model for that so I can abuse it viciously on the tabletop.

[@AWholeLegionary]

You and Tex should partner up and make a huge collab. You both have the perfect voices for anything and everything BattleTech.

[@SeismicWolf]

I do not think Tex will touch anything past the Blakest Era

[@BigRed40TECH]

It likely can't logistically work to be honest, and we don't really do the same thing, but it's the thought that counts. lol

[@AWholeLegionary]

@@BigRed40TECH Aw fair. A man can dream though.

[@observationsfromthebunker9639]

I'd pay to see them both on a Battletech panel at Origins or GenCon sometime.

[@Dang_Near_Fed_Up]

@@observationsfromthebunker9639 I'd love to see them play an actual game of tabletop Battletech against each other. Each pf them narrating their own turns like a football announcer, only they cannot hear each other during the game. The end game total narration would be an instant classic.

[@EgorKaskader]

I still rather don't like the transparent dome they have, makes it look a lot less intimidating. Still, the loss of the chrome dome is made up for by how scary this thing is in terms of combat.

[@BoisegangGaming]

It might be for visibility, but you'd think they'd have a better way of doing that by now lol

[@nosidenoside2458]

Idk why they don't have more handheld guns. Maybe difficulties with armor and zeroing. But humans have 2 omnipods called "hands" and mechs do too, and they're pretty much just used for punching

[@phantam23]

An amazing and capable command mech, with a big gun that can splinter incoming VTOLs, and ways to protect your components which aren't in use while bracket firing. What more could you want?

[@thatonecarguy_bg2701]

I'd like to see the titan/titan II next. It's a neat mech that not a lot of people are talking about because of it's cousin the grand titan.

[@BigRed40TECH]

We're sadly not covering that machine anytime soon.

[@ssjjshawn]

People don't like the RAC 2 on it wishing for a weapon with a bit more punch up close. These are people who have never flexed on whole Lances of Blackjacks, Jaegermechs and Riflemen at doing their job better than them, without letting go of the trigger, and having spare ammo. On a more serious note, love the design, especially when they just say screw it and slap a HAG 30 on it. And the Head design has grown on me, especially the reinforced cockpit trait. Lovely trait that can be, extremely welcomed.

[@gregdomenico1891]

'I just love the sound of RAC's in the morning!'. My only problem with the D3 is the lack of the famous Atlas knock out weapon.( Yes, I know the D3 is the Command version; it's supposed to sit a little back, let the D2 do the Assualt Mech things). With a little bit of tweaking, they could have went with a RAC5, giving it more punch. Overall, a pretty well balanced design.

[@44R0Ndin]

The Atlas of all variants still has that famous knock out weapon. Only thing is, it's not a "ranged" weapon. I've had spectacular results using the OG AS7-D's plain old Punch attack when something thinks that its gonna sneak up on me. Punch attacks from most mechs don't make much effect, that's fair. Most mechs aren't 100 tons tho. Remember damage scales with the tonnage of the mech. If you see a Locust that gets too close to you, stomp over TO it, then stomp ON it. Problem solved.

[@Alex-pj8nz]

I get the feeling it was originally supposed to have a clan RAC 20 but that didn’t happen so it was changed to a RAC 2 and 2 small shields instead.

[@kevinbray3724]

@@44R0Ndin If the Atlas can stomp over to the Locust. If the Locust is doing what the Locust SHOULD be doing the Atlas is gonna have to take out the Locust at range.

[@44R0Ndin]

@@kevinbray3724 Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that I usually put jump jets in my Atlas. Because it's always funny hearing people say "What do you MEAN the Atlas "jumped"" as their final words.

[@abucket14]

Thank you for covering my favorite mech. was so glad to see it in my notifications :D

[@NemFX]

I wanna see a version where its weapons are all replaced by only er-medium lasers, and it basically just runs at/through everything. But then give that variant the nickname 'subtlety' just to make the opponents mad.

[@krissteel4074]

Replace the RAC2 with an urbanmech on a length of 25ft of chain you can use as a flail, just in case they missed the subtlety

[@44R0Ndin]

Or you could just turn it into a melee monster. AS7-P (for Punch). Clan-spec XL400, compact gyro, heavy FF armor (or ultra FF), keep the reinforced actuators, keep the armored cockpit, keep the arm shields of the AS7-D3, TSM and supercharger (like you want on all your melee-focused mechs), and maybe a clan-spec ERPPC or two to get the heat levels into the butter zone for the TSM. Might not even need a proper discrete weapon, those Assault-class Atlas fists and feet are plenty good enough. Oh and some jump jets too. "What do you mean the Atlas just jumped?" Famous last words of many an IS pilot.

[@jameseast9229]

Ah yes, the Steiner Scout Variant.

[@Dang_Near_Fed_Up]

That would be a Nova / BlackHawk on steroids, not an Atlas, I think. You got to love a medium mech with 12 ER Medium Clan lasers, too bad it couldn't cool itself to use them effectively.

[@observationsfromthebunker9639]

The Atlas III is a great adaptation of a fave 'mech for a new setting. It was originally a 300-point giant click-mini that was meant to solo its equivalent amount of points of whatever click army. The tabletop conversion still makes it a great commander or hero 'mech that can fight a (small) army to a standstill or whittle down an opponent that makes it past the bodyguards. It can take a licking, keep on ticking, and walk away from a battlefield saying "I won this world". Yes, Davion makes some of the best assault mechs.

[@Alex-pj8nz]

The nightstar comes to mind and the marauder 2, I believe the Davion assault Guards probably gave their input.

[@rho1581]

Dang. I liked the Red Text. Great Vid👍🏽

[@sim.frischh9781]

I don´t like how all the heavy weapons are on one side, but that aside, this iteration of the Atlas looks awesome (despite not being one...). Though it´s not as iconic as the original. But the "sixpack" is cool and it has a lot of other nice details. And the right hand holding a Gatling cannon (a Rotary AC2) looks just BADASS.

[@frankverisco4722]

The Atlas is one of the best mechs in the game. You and Arch Warhammer make the best lore vids! Another great vid!

[@Kajine64]

this thing is a beast! great vid Red!!

[@Sqwallbg]

Where is the intro from? Looks quite cool.

[@vehicularMCS]

Yeah, this.

[@BigRed40TECH]

It's just the youtube sci-fi premier. If you're talking about from the Premier portion of the release.

[@AGS363]

The one with the techno-stuff? That is from KZbin itself. You can use it when you schedule a video as a primere.

[@BigRed40TECH]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWe4ZYN-e66Gors&ab_channel=Alark

[@vehicularMCS]

@@BigRed40TECH it looks for all the world like a chopped up Armored Core intro scene.

[@Timberjac]

A very interesting mech. Visually, I find the classic Atlas more pleasant, although this one would fit very well the skeleton paint (the torso with the wasp waist, is the ideal complement for that). The RAC2 may need a shooting computer, but everything can't be done. Perhaps, an Atlas making extensive use of clan technology and hardener armor, trying to maximize protection, with a 400xl of the clans (to get to have 4/5 for "tactical" movement) and the endo steel, also of the clans and the rest with weapons such as 2x C ERPPC several medium laser and some additional radiators, it could be a nice monster to invest in. About reconquering New Avalon, it is perhaps one of the funniest pending things of the beginning of the IlClan era.

[@Ferox2121]

Great Video on the Atlas MK III. And i like that you touch some of latest Battletech story developments, like the Combine taking New Avalon und the perilous situation House Davion is in at the moment.

[@BigRed40TECH]

Wait until you see the Toranaga video that's coming.

[@brothersgt.grauwolff6716]

I still have "Headmaster" Atlas from the Solaris VII set among a few other pieces from the clix game I'm still sad it died out just as it was taking off

[@wififuneral3565]

oooooooh finally. My fav mech, and gen as well. Aside from the Marauder-BH2.

[@marianambassador5047]

Edits are wild, amazing work

[@BigRed40TECH]

Appreciate it!

[@CMDRFandragon]

And that Mechcommander 2 theme in the background. I could listen to that on loop for hours...

[@44R0Ndin]

I'm wondering when some madlad is gonna make an official variant of an Atlas (any Atlas) that is a melee-focused build. Heavy Ferro, Reinforced Life Support, TSM, a Supercharger, and a Clan-spec 400 XL engine, plus jump jets to round it out. Because it's always hilarious (and horrifying) to hear the enemy pilots confusion when confronted with the statement "The Atlas just jumped".

[@leeroyjenkins7325]

I installed jump jets on 2 of my Atlases (the Succession Wars chasis and the Lostech variant) in Battletech (2019). It was awesome.

[@BigRed40TECH]

Just get a Berserker lol

[@crusaderkirbo8818]

This is hands down my most favorite Spheroid 'mech. Was one of my first 'mechs I got back in the ActionClix dark ages tabletop. Given the chance to run it on the standard BT tabletop hands down will always run this mech even if I'm against lights that can easily out maneuver me

[@matthewunruh3651]

Okay. I hate to do this, but I did not see it in the comments anywhere. You forgot a VERY important system for the AS7-D3. It is equipped with a RHS, or Radical Heat Sink System. It is one of only two designs that the primary version has this equipment. For those not familiar with it, it is basically a reusable coolant pod. You can choose to use it in the Heat Phase, and then roll 2D6 on a chart similar to the MASC Chart. If you beat the target number, all heatsinks dissipate 1 extra heat per turn, so 36 total. If you fail, the system takes a crit and leaks coolant, causing you to gen extra heat. Target number goes up with each consecutive use and down every turn you don't use it, just like MASC.

[@BigRed40TECH]

Hey, no need to hate doing it. I'm as familiar with all the designs in the Dark Age and can miss stuff. Radical Heat Sink System LT 3 4, didn't even see it.

[@BigRed40TECH]

Worse yet... it'd honestly just be better off with 4 more heatsinks. :\

[@matthewunruh3651]

@@BigRed40TECH I would agree with that!

[@Alex-pj8nz]

To be honest, it mostly just ballistic weapons on it so they figure they don’t need so much hear sinks on it. This is before the DCMS introduced their new armor.

[@CrusadiaIX]

People seething about the RAC/2 being too big just can’t accept that Big Mech + Huge Gun = Best Design. And them’s the facts.

[@BigRed40TECH]

It's particularly good against non-mechs, and it's decent against mechs too.

[@CrusadiaIX]

@@BigRed40TECH The first question asked of a ‘Mech design should always be, IMO, “Can this tear through non-‘Mechs with ease” because ultimately nothing is more stupid than your big flashy war machine getting its big flashy head blown off by some goober in a VTOL who dabbed on your anti-‘mech guns and dumped missiles into your head until the Mechwarrior inside was liquefied

[@liljenborg2517]

Ah, but Big Mech + Huge Gun (that only shoot BBs) = Better Designs Out There. Ah, but the rotary AC-2 can lay out twelve points of damage at ludicrous ranges, you say? That's decent damage, you say? And then jams on your second turn because you're firing it too much to compensate for the fact that it ONLY SHOOTS BBs and you are left with a Huge Dead Weight on your right arm. You coulda dropped in a Clan tech ER PPC and switched the ammo for double heat sinks. Now THAT'S a "Huge Gun". I will give the rotary AC this: It's fun against a guy trying out the "let's swarm them with powered armor" strategy and their swarm is wiped out before they get in range of the medium lasers. This mech is great against Combined Force opponents that drop some of their Battle Value points into things like LRM carriers, powered infantry, and VTOLs. You let the Atlas3 take out the small fry at range and let the mechs with the actual Huge Guns take on the other mechs.

[@observationsfromthebunker9639]

@@liljenborg2517The second paragraph illustrates what I think is the reason for giving the Atlas II a RAC2. The Atlas III is meant to take on the schmart guyz who bring in a lot of power armors and chosen vehicles to take down 'mechs on the cheap. Yeah, we can play that cheap firepower game, too! BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRTT!!! And here's some Streak missiles to hammer it down! BOOM!! Meanwhile the big gunboats and laser boats escorting the Atlas III are making sure it doesn't face a serious threat 1 on 1.

[@Alex-pj8nz]

That’s the command version, the front line version has a HAG 30 instead of the RAC and 2 shields.

[@AGS363]

Julian spend a long time in the Lyran Commonwealth. If someone is qualified to handle the Atlas III correctly, it is him.

[@BigRed40TECH]

He pilots a Marauder II. lol

[@Alex-pj8nz]

@@BigRed40TECH He is going to need the twin Clan tech ER PPCs and RE Large laser.

[@Prich319]

@@BigRed40TECH I thought he piloted a Templar.

[@BigRed40TECH]

That got knocked out. He now pilots a Marauder II

[@Душанка-щ8р]

He can handle everything correctly, he is Davion. Plot armor too strong. Want plot armor? Just add Davion.

[@mattcarper9853]

The main issue I have with this mech is the miniature. It was definitely brought into metal based off of the Clicky-Tech minis. The sizing is wrong, and it has WAY too many parts to build. In the game, it needs a better gun on its right arm. Personal preference.

[@miafillene4396]

Replace the rac2 with a rac5. Ditch the shields. All done.

[@Based_Lord_Humongous]

Great video, thanks for this! Hey Age of Destruction fans, what Atlas III is Hammerfall? Yo yo, don't forget that you can use the shields as melee weapons.... So it can kick, punch, and shield bash too

[@sgtrock2175]

I have been mulling over purchasing one of these for a Sword of Light assault group, and then this drops. Serendipity? Order placed.

[@Alex-pj8nz]

In lore wise doesn’t look like it’s as popular for the DCMS as the Marauder 11D. A combine mech warrior had a chance to swap his mech for it but he didn’t want to.

[@thomascraiker6449]

Looking at this after watching the Shiro shows how the Suns and Combine treat and have different expectations for commanders.

[@jeremygibson2932]

Davion: The Atlas 3 lives up to the reputation of its predecessor and pays homage without being burdened by that legacy. Clan Wolf: *Stares at the Mad Cat III, then glares at Sea Fox*

[@BigRed40TECH]

Clan Wolf made the Warwolf they were so mad. And made a giant boondoggle. lol

[@shabmaster7128]

@@BigRed40TECH And the ugly ass Alpha Wolf. Woof.

[@gregdomenico1891]

Clan Wolf should have done a Trial of Annihalation against them for making that abomination.

[@BoisegangGaming]

@@BigRed40TECH the Wolves decided to take their tennis ball and go home. Unfortunately they kept dropping it and now it's covered in mud and grass.

[@Qardo]

So hear me out. What if? No, no listen to this idea. What if, we watercool an Atlas III's weapon systems? We could have one set up in a protective bunker and pop out doing one thing no one expects an Atlas III to do. Alpha Strike. Scare them so badly, they panic from the sudden attack, and an Atlas III able to fire again. Though if it wants to move. It would need to disconnect from the cooling tubes and switch to its on board heatsinks. So it would have one or two Alpha Strikes in it. Well? Good idea?

[@Elrigger]

The video was very well done I very much enjoyed this on the atlas 3 keep up the awesome work

[@BigRed40TECH]

Thanks a ton!

[@franksmedley7372]

Hello Red. Say what you will about the whole Kurita-Davion slug fest over the centuries, it still employs Mercenaries in a never-ending carousel of death. As a Merc, I like both the Atlas III variations upon the ancient design. But having said that, I have to wonder if it is as good as it can get? Possibly strip out all the weapons and ammo, add a Heavy Gauss and 4 tons of ammo, a pair of ER Large Lasers, 7 Medium Pulse Lasers, and a single Small Pulse Laser? Use remaining tonnage to upgrade heat sinks to a total dissipation of 28? That, it seems to me, to be far better at dishing out the damage at range, as well as be a hard hitter at shorter ranges. All without altering anything else about the Mech. Perhaps call it the Atlas III-MX? (MX for Mercenary Experimental). Just a few thoughts.

[@Alex-pj8nz]

The Atlas 3 should have been an Omni. House Davions does have the tech and know how to do it.

[@boomer19450]

It's quite literally A-10 with legs and skull-shaped cockpit. What's not to like?

[@ambientlight3876]

Great review as always!

[@BigRed40TECH]

Thanks again!

[@xavierhibbs4850]

I love the rac, just because of Terminator and its shear ability to cut down light targets or sweep the sky. The better head is my favourite part, with my group the biggest way ive lost Atlases or Assaults in general is headshots and Overheat by flamers. Still get Flamered but that head is great.

[@hobbstactv2571]

The way it carries that autocannon reminds me of how Super Mutants carried miniguns in the original Fallout games. But to find out that this ridiculously proportioned, comically oversized gun is only a class 2 autocannon makes me think someone in the art department should lose their job.

[@Prich319]

You have to wonder who is the worst ruler of the Federated Suns, Katherine Steiner-Davion, or her grand nephew Caleb. On the one hand, one plunged the Federated Commonwealth into civil war and sundered it for her own vanity. On the other hand, her brain worked well enough that she didn't lose New Avalon to the Draconis Combine.

[@BigRed40TECH]

Katherine, likely.

[@BlUsKrEEm]

"Katrina did it!" Was pretty much the matra of her era. When ever anything went wrong some how Katrina was behind it. Heck you could argue that she is responsible for the Ilkhan era. Caleb was just an incompetent scum bag.

[@BigRed40TECH]

Katrina was a terribly written character, and the worst thing in Battletech for a long time. It's unironic she'd make another cardboard cutout like Alaric.

[@Душанка-щ8р]

@@BigRed40TECH Katherine Davion best. Because Katherine is Davion. Hence Katherine is best just like every Davion must be best. All Davions best. Plot Armor Davion best. Davion always best. Davion can't not be best because it's Davion.

[@Alex-pj8nz]

Caleb at least is medically insane, while she is just plain evil. Doesn’t want to do military training that will at least gotten her the Fed suns half when Victor goes off to the Clans but doesn’t want to because it’s non Lyran.

[@Gigas0101]

I hope we get to hear your thoughts on the AC variants, as you didn't seem too critical of the RAC2 despite it being, well, an AC2.

[@BigRed40TECH]

The RAC2 is flatly better than an AC2.

[@bthsr7113]

@@BigRed40TECH Especially if you get a clan tech version.

[@Alex-pj8nz]

@@bthsr7113 it’s more bulky

[@Aceman52]

I like the Atlas III, but if we are going with the rotary AC, I would have liked the RAC5 vs the 2. I am personally a fan of mostly energy weapons, but with a assault mech of this caliber, I can definitely appreciate the overall loadout.

[@BigRed40TECH]

Why choose a RAC, when it can have a HAG? :D

[@paulsim7589]

Yea the RAC2 range is why its a more flexible weapon, and for a comand mech, if your having to use you mid range weapons - you screwed up, or are desperate (maybe both). Having one with a HAG and then an LRM and Rac to crit seek and take advantage of weaknesses is quite sweet. I feel this version has paid close attention to efficiency and battle endurance with a combination of Streak launchers and large ammo bin's.

[@Chris_Sizemore]

There are two points with the AS7-D3 that don't sit well with me about its design. The first and most glaring is the shields. The shields make weapons fire from the mech inaccurate. How inaccurate? When actively protecting the mech with the shields, weapons in protected locations can't be fired. When passively protecting the arm and torso, the weapons in those locations get a +2 modifier (+ is bad, as in on 2d6 your chance to hit is now 2 more difficult). Now consider that all of the D3's weapons are in the arms and side torso. If the shields are inactive they only protect the arms, and the arm mounted weapons get a +1 penalty to hit. That means the RAC2 and 2 of the 4 X-lasers are penalized with the shields only protecting the arms. Honestly? The shields get in the way more than they protect this mech. My second nitpick is the RAC2. It can go full bore and fire 6 times in a round producing 6 heat. The 45 shots per ton and 2 tons of ammo give it 15 turns worth of continuous fire. If it all hits, that is 12 points spread out over the entire mech... god that is pathetic. Especially since its going to be a miss fest thanks to the shields making to hit worse. For 2 extra tons the RAC2 could be upgraded to a RAC5. At 20 shots per ton the 2 tons of ammo only provide 6 turns of fire, so more ammo is needed. That said, RAC5 also only produces 1 heat per shot for 6 heat at max firing rate. So what I'd naturally want is to ditch the 4 tons worth of shields, upgrade the RAC2 to a RAC5 and use the remaining 2 tons on RAC5 ammo. 4 tons = 80 shots = 13 rounds of fire. This also eliminates the range penalties associated with the shields. To win a mirror match, upgrade the armor to Stealth Armor so you can stack extra range penalties and force opponents into close range so you can use all that beautiful X-laser you're carrying. Maybe you won't miss the shields that way.

[@observationsfromthebunker9639]

I honestly think the RAC2 is intended to chew up VTOL craft, light armor, and impudent infantry platoons. Sure, hosing down a light 'mech is fun and all, especially with the crit-seeking. But against a 'mech I'd personally lead with the missiles, shield the long-range counter-battery while advancing to good ML & SRM range. Dark Age spreads the real battlemechs thin, so the D3 can be mega if played to its strengths.

[@blue95kun]

I will freely admit, I don’t like the Atlas III for one reason and one reason alone. It does not commit to the RAC. If you want to mount an RAC/2, at least mount two of them, at least in my opinion.

[@BigRed40TECH]

Fair dues!

[@Alex-pj8nz]

Actually that’s the command variant, the font line variant uses a HAG 30 instead.

[@BigRed40TECH]

@@Alex-pj8nz I mention the HAG variant in video, the D2

[@NemFX]

That's not committed enough. Three rac2s I say!

[@vladforgot]

As much I hate house Davion as much I love your new DA/IlClan content

[@rylanddungan8797]

Ah the beautiful Atlas 3, the hammer blow we need to rip out the dragons tounge and punch straight to the heart of the beast. REMEMBER NEW AVALON! DEATH TO THE DRAGON!

[@BigRed40TECH]

May Julian's head roll down the steps of the Capital! Long live the Dragon! ;)

[@dzeclectic2327]

Excellent video as usual.

[@BigRed40TECH]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Mirage8v]

Cool Kodiak

[@FrostyThundertrod]

I would love to have some of these in allied lance but I want something faster and able to alpha to pilot myself

[@michaelmorford3932]

How does the HAG 30 function in tabletop?

[@nijadbahnam9859]

He reminds me with 40K space marine Chaplain units .

[@Knightlyfrog]

Almost seems like an Atlas that has been remade to be a bit more like an assault class Centurion.

[@joshuamidgette4846]

It should have had a RAC5 autocannon as it does not have enough ammo to do enough damage with ac2 rounds.

[@aker1993]

That not structural sound to put a RAC5 on a hyper actuated arms of an Atlas 3

[@joshuamidgette4846]

@@aker1993 If a 50 ton Centurion can mount an AC 10 in its arm then a 100 ton Atlas should have no problem with a smaller caliber autocannon.

[@ssjjshawn]

​@@joshuamidgette4846 There is a vast difference between a "smaller caliber round" being just a straight up AC, vs you know it being a mini gun that fires 20 CM large anti armor rounds up to six times in a turn. Its like saying a BAR can be set up and used in the exact same way a SAW or M60 can be used. Sure it has a higher caliber round, but it doesn't have the rate of fire, its lighter, and it doesn't have the same rate of fire (very important)

[@MajorTymojo]

Like the original atlas, it definitely carries its state on its back (well, not quite, but ya know, mythology ho!).

[@bzarcher]

I'm surprised you didn't mention the radical heat sink system, since that is intended to help with cooling in intense moments of combat.

[@BigRed40TECH]

I forgot! I also think it's a bad system tbh. It'd have been better off with 4 more heatsinks, straight up.

[@bzarcher]

@@BigRed40TECH I get you! Still, it’s a “feature”… ;)

[@Alex-pj8nz]

More like a show off system, more heats sinks are better.

[@chaosknight9131]

​@BigRed40TECH I'm sure they would have loved to just add more DBHs, but as an entrepreneuring 'Mech designer, I have to state that with the size of IS DBHs, only 1 or 2 would be able to be added before running out of room

[@Ghorum]

I was just drunk rambling at my sibling about how there is no bad Atlas variant or successor.

[@IronWarhorsesFun]

could you cover some Solaris 7 mechs? because they are either inredibly cool or absurd or both,

[@BigRed40TECH]

I'm not into the Solaris 7 mechs tbh.

[@Captain_Draco]

3:01 WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! IT'S MY BOOOOOOOOYYY!! THE ARES!!!

[@adfury]

I like the look. Never drove one.

[@MrAirbornstinger]

Where did you get the thumbnail art from?

[@BigRed40TECH]

TRO 3145 Davion IIRC. It's a piece by Anthony Scroggins.

[@MrAirbornstinger]

Thank You @@BigRed40TECH

[@snewsom2997]

Atlas III has flavor.

[@empoweredshemphoward]

You had me at hyper gauss.

[@gary9346]

20:12 what is that mech?

[@BigRed40TECH]

Oh, that's just a Snow Raven Stormcrow.

[@gary9346]

@@BigRed40TECH ah. Okay.

[@bogatyr2473]

It just feels off to not have a good hole puncher. Without that you really are completely dependent on TAC's to kill anything bigger than a medium.

[@Viper0701]

All the beast of the Atlas!

[@stormcrow28]

Davion linebacker shoulder pad power, I choose you!

[@jeffjr84]

4 large lasers and a Ultra AC, i bet that atlas in the thumbnail gets warm lol (nvm that was a RAC 2 lol)

[@CMDRFandragon]

I liked usin Exarch Jonah Levins "Solitude" Atlas in clix. His Atlas III was a beefy boy with good accuracy

[@RyeFields]

Do not resist your freedom of speech

[@TroySeward]

Not a great mech but a good one. Another great Battletech video.

[@Demolitiondude]

The 3 is my favorite version of the atlas.

[@arbhall7572]

RAC2 plus ammo and CASE weights more than an ER Large laser, brings the ammo issues, waaaaaay less damage and is a weak tactical strategy to begin with. Why would you choose this system over the ER Large? All you gotta do is beat the heat, an easy task with clan tech. Provided you aren't a completely simple tool.

[@Alex-pj8nz]

Design before 3137, I think they didn’t consider exo star can make a large number of clan tech energy weapons. It needs an update.

[@krieg4017]

Good!

[@BigRed40TECH]

Thanks!

[@jamesbeard5513]

Your information for the Rotary 2 is off, it uses the IS rotary which only goes to 18 hexes, the Clan rotary goes to 25 hexes.

[@BigRed40TECH]

Whoops!

[@Alex-pj8nz]

Well the Clan version is more bulky.

[@neobushidaro]

You said it comes with 2 double heat sinks, maximum cooling of 24. The words on screen say 12 doubles and 24 cooling.

[@BigRed40TECH]

Ah, apologies. It just means 2 tons invested. Just a slip-up with my wording.

[@ghoulbuster1]

"AH HA HA HA! I am bullet proof!" The Atlas III, firing it's _Giant Gun_

[@Sam-Jones]

so not just CGL, IWM also make mech models?

[@BigRed40TECH]

Iron Wind Metals makes most mechs. They are on contract with CGL. CGL just does plastics.

[@kathilmechworks4895]

I love the load out and the radical heat sink system, but absolutely despise it's looks. Can bring tremendous burst damage and flush the heat quickly just don't want to do it too often.

[@BigRed40TECH]

An Alpha Strike with this is dangerous, but hilarious when you just shred an enemy I'm sure. "I hit you with 4 SRMs, 3 batches of LRm's, 4 RAC rounds, and 3 pulse lasers." lmao

[@kathilmechworks4895]

@@BigRed40TECH pick your spots flush the heat. Kind of wish the radical heat sink system was used on more mechs but it does work here especially as a finishing blow. Move on and be ready for the next target.

[@Charon-5582]

My-Dron You-Dron we all Dron, Autogonne

[@BazztheBazz]

I always thought the Atlas III looks like Casey Jones from Ninja Turtles

[@zaqwsx41375]

Did Dark Age have non mad rulers!?

[@BigRed40TECH]

Melissa the II was stupid, not mad. Caleb was Crazy. Daoshen, probably crazy. Jessica wasn't crazy. Yori's pretty not crazy. So yea, only 2 were crazy.

[@Alex-pj8nz]

Yori is just a puppet

[@stormcrow28]

But an excellent video on a solid scary upgrade to the ancient titan himself

[@temp3608]

... question : what about an atlas 2?

[@BigRed40TECH]

Not a Dark Age Mech., This is from the DA series.

[@Dracobyte]

A new monster for a Dark Age.

[@yecnay25]

If they redesigned the look a little but it’d be perfect. Maybe trade out the RAC/2 for a guass rifle…

[@BigRed40TECH]

RAC2 is light compared to Gauss.

[@yecnay25]

@@BigRed40TECH true, know what it’s fine. As you said it and it’s variant with the hyperguass is the perfect Lance mate.

[@NeroLordofChaos]

Ah RAC2, my Beloved. I can't help but think that a good weapon to pair with the RACs, but especially the RAC2, is the ERPPC (and especially CLAN ERPPCs). A big, nasty hole punch paired with a something that can fish for goodies in those holes just seems like a match made in hell. Especially when it's going to basically outrange anyone and anything that isn't either a Gauss, LRM, or ERPPC user itself...and two of those take an unlucky hit and those weapon systems (and potentially the mech itself) are GONE.

[@stephenknizek2651]

Starting the video now, but gotta say…first reaction is “oi.” Considering Big Red’s opinion of AC-2s, I wonder as to his concern about an RAC.

[@BigRed40TECH]

The RAC2 is overtly better.

[@shabmaster7128]

There's my beautiful baby boy.

[@shabmaster7128]

To be clear, it's beautiful because the MWDA models of the Atlas were goofy and awful.

[@ShadrackMeduson]

so they made him thicc, gave him a six pack and also a minigun (yes i know its a RAC but you know what im talking about)