Ares

## Information

Ares is the first rare mech you can unlock (not counting Arachnos), its a medium energy mech with one of the highest HP in the game. Its overall design is very similar to that of Juggernaut, but its higher speed, stronger shield and no ability duration makes Ares a much more aggressively capable mech, as well as providing shelter for weaker mechs behind its massive shield. Because of this its a favourite of many players and generally considered one of the best mechs in the game.

## Upsides:

Ares' massive healthpool, decent speed and a sturdier shield than Juggernaut, Ares can sometimes feel invincible. Even though his healthpool, both with and without shield, is lower than Juggernaut, his speed enables him to more effectively corner mechs in a position advantageous to Ares than his brother, outlasting the enemy with its shield while also giving the opponent way less oppertunity to catch him off guard when the shield is down. Trying to widdle down an Ares up front will seem like a slugfest, which results in most players choosing to focus on weaker mechs around the Ares, enabling him to move around less contested than most other mechs. His shield also gives shelter to your teammates, soaking projectiles with the massive shieldwall that were meant for your teammates behind you.

## Downsides:

Even though his higher speed, thougher shield and higher flexibility gives Ares an edge against its slower, tougher counterpart, he trades that with a front facing shield, only shielding him from a 120-180 degree radius in front of him, instead of Juggernauts omnidirectional shield , making him completely defenceless from the back and sides. Another potential downside to Ares in comparison to Juggernaut is the fact that, since his shield stays active untill it runs out of HP, any damage the shield takes stays on it, unlike Juggernaut whose shield naturally refreshes, enabling it to reset from an encounter more effectively, if given the time.

## Strategy

### Using:

While using Ares, try to absorb as much damage you take with the shield. This means that when the shield is taken down, taking shelter untill the shield is available. While mostly adapting Juggernauts playstyle, Ares allows for a more aggressive playstyle. His shield allows you to more easily make a big push at a long corridor or chokepoint. Using javelin racks with this is a great stragegy becuase of the shield; you use the javlin racks then use the shield.

### Countering:

Even though Ares' shield doesnt wear off over time, not giving you the chance to counter by waiting for the ability to be on cooldown unless the Ares is taking damage already, the nature of his shield allows you to bypass it, if executed skillfully. Because the back is exposed, flanking the Ares allows you to directly damage his healthpool. Tankkilling mechs and weapons like Cheetah, Zephyr and Arc Torrent 10 is most likely your best bet if a flank is not available. Never ignore a pushing Ares, as it can easily corner you and deal with your mech without sustaining much permanent damage. Rocket mortars can make quick work of Ares, due to his shield not soaking the impact.

## Builds:

* **Arc torrents**: Outdamage your opponents, outtank your opponents. Ares' speed allows this build to be used more effectively than on a Juggernaut
* **Carbines**: arc torrent with bullets.
* **Missile racks**: unlike Juggernaut, Ares can run missile racks efficiently due to its enhanced speed. playing this build does require a more specific playstyle, only pushing when your weapons are reloaded, because of the high reload time of the missile racks.
* **Disc launchers**: most likely the strongest build on any tank.