This build may be outdated
This build was created in a previous patch and may not perform similarly in the current patch.
by PadreDa on 15/02/2022

"Thunderhead" Heavy Autocannon
BRT7 Burst Fire Gun
Shield Generator
Reinforced Impact Suit
Loadout Guide
Introduction
This was a very old build of mine, so I revamped it. I moved a few upgrades around, but feel free to run what you want. I've made tank builds for the Scout (Pickaxe Tech) and Engi (Little Bit of Everything), but I forgot about the OG tank build: The gunner, renamed to Tsar Bomba.
You may have seen the video of the Fat Boy/Big Bertha combo on YT (I believe it's from SnowingFate and LazyMaybe). Although the original build was made earlier, I altered it to make it similar (maybe it's the exact same, idk) to that build they were using in the video. Thanks for inspiration, R&S!
Forms of Damage Reduction
- Vet. Depositor
- T5.C on the Autocannon
- T3.A on the Armour (only applies to explosive damage)
- T3.B on the Shield Generator
Autocannon - Big Bertha
- T1.C - Ammo or mag size is the way to go. I would recommend having more ammo.
- T2.C - A RoF increase allows you to get Damage Reduction faster.
- T3.A - Increases DPS by 50% (RoF goes from 4 to 6)
- T4.A - AB pairs better with the BRT7, and it's a single target build anyways.
- T5.C - This is what gives you Damage Reduction.
RoF Interaction of Autocannon
Big Bertha's RoF penalty might seem like an issue, but it could be argued that it isn't. Originally, this build used Splintering Shells, but I didn't even consider that Big Bertha can proc the AC's damage reduction much much faster. Without T3.A, the first shot will proc damage reduction (no buildup at all). With T3.A, which I recommend, it only takes .56 seconds to proc damage reduction, which is pretty good. Like I mentioned earlier, taking T3.A gives you a 50% DPS increase, which is very powerful.
BRT7 - Compact Mags
- T1.B - Provides extra range, damage is also a good choice.
- T2.C - RoF is almost always needed, although there is an alternative...(mentioned later)
- T3.B - Just take more damage, always a solid option.
- T4.C - Once again, take damage in the form of a WP bonus. The OC gives you ammo.
- T5.A - Stun is great for the BRT, although the alternative is hilarious...(mentioned later)
Alternative BRT7
T2.A - Recoil gives you more range, but RoF is 1.5
T5.B - A six burst makes up for the low Rof, but harder to use
Everything else is the same.
This was actually the original BRT7 build. Usually most things would die in 6 shots or less, and you can always animation cancel the burst. If you didn't know, using your pickaxe midburst will cancel it. This means that you never fired the shot, which won't use up the ammo. So yes, it is possible to fire one shot out of the BRT7, and it isn't difficult to pull off. I feel like the newer BRT7 is slightly better and more user friendly, it'll just be a little harder to use at long range. But, you might not care about super long range, so whatever. Run what you want.
Conclusion
I don't think I have to explain the playstyle, but just in case...
Stay near Molly, and get the max RoF on the AC to proc damage reduction. Take Vamp if you actually don't want to die.
Exploders on Haz 5 now feel like Swamers on Haz 1. I wish I was joking. Have fun not dying :)
-PadreDa
Rock & Stone!