MechWarrior: Online - Cataphract Ilya Muromets Tri-BOOM Build, Confirmed!

Image courtesy of the MechWarrior: Online Wiki

So last week I posted a Theory Build for the Ilya Muromets, which featured Triple LBX-10s. It was a lovely idea that I haven't tried up until the recent patch (August 20th, 2013). This patch reduced the spread of the LBX-10s from 2.25 to 1.3.

That's all it took to make LBX-10s an AWESOME weapon! They're still not the most optimal weapon as damage is spread. But they can literally tear limb from limb and can shred almost any Mech. If I remember correctly, LBX-10s can also crit. Which would explain how the Internals and any Weapon the victim of my LBX-10s are almost always destroyed.

I'm reposting my Tri-BOOM build below with some slight modifications. Before explaining how I use it.

I reject the current Meta and substitute... errr... something else!! Now check out this build!!

Tri-BOOM <MechLab Link

Tweaks are armour and Ammo redistribution. Remember, if you have an XL265 Engine, use that instead of the XL260. You also MUST need Speed Tweak unlocked.

LBX-10s have had their spread reduced, giving them a little bit of extra range. However, their most optimal max range is still 300m. At 300m 90% of the LBX-10 shots are to the Torsos. Once you shorten the distance, you'll notice that more and more of the shots start to center around wherever you aim.

As per the usual, Shotguns are best used in close quarters and/or city fights. This is no different. Your best bet is to fight in Cities or Ambush your enemies. Your speed is relatively slow (around 66 kph with Speed Tweak), so closing the distance can be really tricky.

In addition, this build is not exactly designed for pug games unfortunately. It's hard to get the right support which this build needs. Seriously, this build needs a team. You're restricted to close combat, but you don't have the speed to do hit and runs, which means you have to charge with a team and/or with Assault Mechs.

You can also play "Bodyguard" for slow Mechs, specifically Assault Mechs/Missile Boats. You have 3 LBX-10s, you can easily shoot down Light Mechs. A lot of Light pilots so far, underestimate LBX-10s. With proper accuracy you can shred through a Light's Legs with stray shots going into their Torsos (I know, it's strange to have the words 'accuracy' and 'shotgun' in the same context).

Also, you'll notice that with triple LBX-10s, comes a boatload of Component Destructions.

Here are some screenshots of what can be achieved with this build and a team.