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 thana

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. Its close range attacks allow the soldier to fire off far more rounds than a pistol, and the ranged attack from the rifle is the second best aimed stat of any early game weapon bar the more dedicated Sniper Rifle. 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.

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

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Heavy Cannon and Auto-Cannon

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Grenade Launcher

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Rocket Launcher

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