Posted by: TheDeadlyShoe
« on: February 09, 2012, 06:57:44 AM »I find:
Railguns are the best weapon for low-tonnage ships. They pack high firepower, good point defense capability, and most importantly do not require large fire controls to function in the point defense role. However, their generally shorter range means they can suffer in beam duels versus lasers and particle beams, particularly if outmatched on speed.
Lasers are the baseline weapon, and have superior armor penetration and good range. Even 10cm lasers can have good range. While reasonably effective at point defense (when turreted), Lasers usually require bulky or redundant fire controls. On the plus side, any laser-armed starship is an effective beam combatant.
Particle beams have long range, but are bulky and slow to charge. Their low damage-per-tick can be severely handicapping in close range duels or against well-shielded opponents. However, their consistent damage across the entireity of their range means they can potentially pick apart slower enemies and effectively retaliate against higher-technology foes. Unfortunately, they are complete balls at point defense.
Plasma carronades are generally inferior weapons, with high theoretical damage but drastic damage dropoff and poor charge speeds. They're nigh-useless at point defense. They are however easy to research and can deliver massive upfront blows.
Gauss cannons are very specialized point defence weapons. After you get to Rate of Fire 3 or so, they are probably the best Final Defensive Fire point defence weapon. But their range is strictly limited - which means they are not very useful as antiship weapons. On the other hand, they have a few other niche uses - CIWS systems use gauss technology and small gauss cannons can fit on a fighter. Also, theyre the only beam weapon that doesnt require capacitor research, as they do not use power. Personally, I don't like them.
Mesons and microwaves are outside my experience so far. Not sure how well mesons scale in terms of range, in particular.
Railguns are the best weapon for low-tonnage ships. They pack high firepower, good point defense capability, and most importantly do not require large fire controls to function in the point defense role. However, their generally shorter range means they can suffer in beam duels versus lasers and particle beams, particularly if outmatched on speed.
Lasers are the baseline weapon, and have superior armor penetration and good range. Even 10cm lasers can have good range. While reasonably effective at point defense (when turreted), Lasers usually require bulky or redundant fire controls. On the plus side, any laser-armed starship is an effective beam combatant.
Particle beams have long range, but are bulky and slow to charge. Their low damage-per-tick can be severely handicapping in close range duels or against well-shielded opponents. However, their consistent damage across the entireity of their range means they can potentially pick apart slower enemies and effectively retaliate against higher-technology foes. Unfortunately, they are complete balls at point defense.
Plasma carronades are generally inferior weapons, with high theoretical damage but drastic damage dropoff and poor charge speeds. They're nigh-useless at point defense. They are however easy to research and can deliver massive upfront blows.
Gauss cannons are very specialized point defence weapons. After you get to Rate of Fire 3 or so, they are probably the best Final Defensive Fire point defence weapon. But their range is strictly limited - which means they are not very useful as antiship weapons. On the other hand, they have a few other niche uses - CIWS systems use gauss technology and small gauss cannons can fit on a fighter. Also, theyre the only beam weapon that doesnt require capacitor research, as they do not use power. Personally, I don't like them.
Mesons and microwaves are outside my experience so far. Not sure how well mesons scale in terms of range, in particular.
