Optimal weapon distances and how effectiveness decreases over range
Optimal weapon distances and how effectiveness decreases over range
I’m not playing as much as I should, but I can handle flying well even without vision or engines. In PvP I tend to avoid causing too much damage or death. I’m wondering if you can give some advice on which weapons perform best at different distances? I really don’t trust the range indicators right now and want a more accurate guide.
Based on what I've observed and learned, ballistic arms like the Mass Driver and Mantis are suited for close-quarters encounters. Laser cannons such as the OmNomNomSky's are better for extended range attacks. I'm new to laser repeaters, but they seem to perform best in short to mid-range combat. Keep in mind that projectile speed varies by weapon type, and your aiming technique plays a role.
I can't provide precise figures, but here are some of my observations. Be aware these views come from a Super Hornet perspective. Your results might differ. M4A lasers tend to be affordable and offer low heat output and power, though they deliver slow projectiles with limited range and minimal damage. Remove them as soon as you can afford it. CF-117 Badger brings intense heat but lacks power and speed, firing slower projectiles with medium reach and modest impact. Best suited for quick targets. Omnisky VI is the OmNomNomSky's version—hot and demanding, but fast fire and high damage potential at close range. Treat it as a sniper. SW16BR2 Sawbuck offers medium performance with ballistic repeats; only tested briefly and didn’t impress. Mantis GT-220 is a gatling-style weapon with strong heat, decent range, and high damage, though its ammo supply is limited. I haven’t used the Sledge, Broadsword, Neutron or tarantula variants since we switched to our current Hornets, and there’s no S4 gimbal available right now. Back in the F7A era, those looked great—still remember! I’ve never tested the Sledge, Broadsword, Neutron or tarantula guns.
Here’s a clearer summary of your points:
The current weapon details lack important specifics, which is a noticeable gap. While this isn’t an ongoing issue and they’re working on improving damage mechanics, I suggest maintaining our own damage, range, and effectiveness charts. This would enhance member performance and support those who can’t play as frequently.
The data is still largely accurate despite being a bit outdated. For general categories, long-range weapons seem to be around 1500, medium about 900, and short roughly 600. This aligns with the information from @ Napper198. Adding that M4a/M3as projectiles have a minimum effective range means ships can approach at angles without being hit, which is a solid point.
At around 3 kilometers the Omnis proves effective. The Badgers cover roughly 1200 meters, while the M4As work best within 800 to 1000 meters despite their longer range; however, their slower fire makes them impractical for distant targets.