(TF3) Observations on the new Scrapper Titan from the Recent Beta Test

So I was one of the lucky ones who got to try out the new patch early. I spent most of my time trying the new Scrapper Titan, and asked if I could share my opinion it here (and they said yes). I spent equal time between PVP modes and Last Resort Ops. I didn't get to unlock or thoroughly try out all the abilities, but

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**OVERVIEW:**

Scrapper is a medium titan that feels a bit like a hybrid of Ion and Monarch. It gets stronger you're longer you're able to keep it operating, but the difference between when it drops and "maximum" power doesn't feel as extreme as Monarch did. Aesthetically it seems to be based on industrial titans, and the bright orange and black base paint/skin and "junky" details seem to pay homage to this. I think some people might find it ugly, but I like it (and it looks really nice with some of the other unlockable camos...plus it looked like there were some unlockable alt skins that looked a little cleaner).

**ABILITIES:**

Scrapper's unique feature is built around its tractor beam attachment. Rather than using traditional cooldowns for abilities they share from a common pool of collected junk (you start out with some...but they changed this a few times over the test period--I'm not sure where it'll end up at launch). Junk includes destroyed titans, robotic enemies, weapons, and even some environmental objects. In LRO's this fine, but in Pilot-heavy modes it can sometimes feel a bit light. Objects close to you get pulled in faster, but you can move your aim to work them around objects or into enemies (bigger stuff seems to do more damage--you probably won't take out a titan, but you can get some neat grunt multikills).

Similar to other titans you have a few selections of offensive and defensive abilities when building your loadouts. Offensive abilities include junk flechettes (large amount of projectiles for a short distance in front of you for devastating damage), junk missiles (weak tracking and medium distance, but they work pretty well), and a fly-by-wire heavy junk bomb. Nothing groundbreaking there, but it's a little refreshing to have some honest-to-goodness regular attack options in a medium titan and they're all pretty fun in the right settings.

The defensive/support abilities are really much more where this shines. These include a junk blockade (destructible barrier that is great for trapping enemies or allowing you to escape. It really shines when you have a good Bison teammate to corral your enemies), field repair (basically using your tractor beam to throw scrap at allies; the animation is fun and it can be strong with a good team, but you do have to keep aiming at your ally), and a tractor beam buff ability (allows you to damage enemies with your tractor beam with a distance fall-off and allows you to move living light enemies or slow titans within a certain distance; it feels a little gimmicky but I think there's potential there).

**CORE:**

This is where it gets interesting. The core ability heals you and provides you with ablative armor (visible as extra stuff on your titan which is neat) that takes damage and then disappears. Nearby (like really nearby) enemies take some damage and are unable to move for a short period of time. Good as an escape in a fight, or as a way to open a battle.

**WEAPONS:**

Weapon options are the same as other medium Titans. Nothing fancy; I think the best fit really depends on the rest of your loadout. I like some of the longer-range options since it can be advantageous to follow allies or skulk around and build up your junk supply.

**IMPRESSIONS:**

Surprisingly this Titan feels pretty reasonably balanced, almost too much so. I think compared to some of the other Titans out there with powerful or exciting gimmicks it may not stand out. That being said I think this titan is pretty fun and I like the environmental interactions. I think some clever people could figure out inventive ways to use its abilities. It's very strong in LRO's where you have lots of enemy titans to eat up--although there's so many opportunities to use your abilities you still go through them pretty quickly. I think the straightforwardness of its offensive abilities will be pretty appealing to some people too. Spiritually I think Scavengers will like it, too.

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I'm excited for the next TF3 update where this comes out. If you have any questions I'd be happy to try to answer them. I'd love to hear other people's impressions as well!