Weapon Analysis (Hardmode)
The question of what are the "best" weapons is somewhat subjective. Hardmode attempts to balance most weapons to a degree to ensure they retain some viability, so technically every weapon in the game fulfils a certain niche and thus has use.
Do be aware any arguments on these pages will likely be subjective to whoever is writing them.
Best Starting Weapons
Pistol and Rifle
The Pistol and Rifle are two sides of the same coin.
Firepower wise, the Rifle is only slightly more powerful versus the Pistol (30 power versus 26), both weapons see a identical increase of power with alloy ammunition (+10). Furthermore the pistol weighs slightly less to carry than the Rifle, at 5 units versus 8. Accuracy and firing is where the weapons begin to differ significantly.
Comparing snapshots, both weapons have the same accuracy stat, but the pistol only requires 18% of a soldiers TU's to fire versus 25% for a Rifle, meaning a Pistol can fire off theoretically five shots versus a Rifle's four, while still having enough time units to slightly reposition.
The aimed fire mode is a difference of opinion. The rifle possess a far higher accuracy base of 110% when firing compared to the pistols 78%, however the rifle user must use 80% of their time units to fire, meaning they can only fire their weapon once a turn, the pistol can fire three times.
Auto-fire is the only other state of note, and is where the rifle is superior. A rifle can fire three bursts for 35% time units at 35% accuracy. While a pistol does possess an auto-fire mode, it is functionally equilivant to firing three snapshots in time units (54%) and accuracy (60%), it exists only so a soldier can fire three shots at a close range target before risking reaction fire. In terms of pure volume of fire a Rifle is functionally more effective in auto-firing.
Overall, the rifle is an effective jack of all trades weapon that works well in all combat environments. While it is outshined in close range by a Shotgun, at mid-range by the pistol and at long range by the Sniper Rifle, it makes up by being reliable to use at all three ranges which is something none of these other weapons can profess at being. Its auto-fire allows for a reliable output of damage at close range and the rifle's aimed shot is second best for all ballistic starting weapons bar the sniper rifle while the rifle's snapshot is almost as effective as a pistols, only losing out on volume of firepower due to time unit constraints.
The pistol however excels more if you plan to use your snapshot more more than any other mode. Otherwise, the pistol's lower weight can help in carrying an extra grenade, or make it an effective sidearm for more specialist troops.
In spite of all this the pistol and rifle are far more closer in strength than reputation would suggest.
Shotgun
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Sniper
For all intents and purposes the Sniper is the opposite of the shotgun. It emphasizes the usage of the aimed firing mode and is dedicated to engaging targets at long to mid ranges only. Its aimed mode has a base accuracy of 120%, the highest of any starter ballistic gun, and its snapshot has an impressive 75% accuracy. tba
Heavy Cannon and Auto-Cannon
The question you must ask comparing the Heavy Cannon and Auto-Cannon is do you prefer volume of fire and auto-fire, or do you prefer damage and snapshot firing?
Both weapons systems are very similar. They are both incredibly heavy to carry at 18 units for the heavy cannon, and 19 for the auto-cannon, their ammo is per shot equally as heavy to carry and they both require research to unlock explosive ammo, being restricted at game-start to using armour piercing or incendiary ammo.
The heavy cannon can be seen as a up gunned rifle or pistol. It deals almost twice the amount of damage (56 AP versus 30 AP), TBA
Grenade Launcher
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Rocket Launcher
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