Dev Diary #23: Special Weapons

[p]How special weapons for infantry squads work in general has been explained in a previous diary. This week, we want to give some examples of what type of special weapons you will encounter in MENACE. Of course, this is just a random selection, and more special weapons will be added all the time.[/p][p][/p][p]Special Weapons[/p][p]In MENACE, every squad can equip one special weapon. These weapons are normally more cumbersome but also more powerful than squad weapons. [/p][p]Special weapons enable a squad to handle situations where their standard weapons are ineffective.[/p][p]The actual weapons showcased in this diary are a random selection. Most of these will be available in different tiers and variants throughout the progression of the game, so it might be better to think of the shown varieties as special weapon “archetypes”.[/p][p]Names, icons, and point costs in the images are a work in progress. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]No special weapon[/p][p]Remember it is always an option to not equip a special weapon on a squad. This will free up points for other items and make the squad weapon attack more powerful, as one more person is shooting.[/p][p]This might be especially worthwhile for squads that rely on their squad weapon for dealing damage, such as specialized close-quarters units with SMGs and similar weapons.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Light Machinegun[/p][p]Used mainly to suppress enemies, but also can be devastating to groups of enemies out in the open. The light version does not apply a ton of suppression. Still, it can be used on the move, making it very useful for assaulting positions or delivering fire support in complex situations where mobility is crucial.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Medium Machinegun[/p][p]This gun delivers suppression more effectively and over longer ranges, but must be fired while the squad remains stationary. Using the weapon to its full effect requires [/p][p]Some planning ahead is necessary, as bad positioning is difficult to remedy once the weapon is deployed.[/p][p]To take full advantage of its capabilities and provide reliable fire support even in extended firefights, additional ammo bags are recommended as an accessory.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Grenade Launcher[/p][p]This handheld grenade launcher has a limited range, but it is light enough to be fired on the move. Its main advantage is that the grenades ignore cover and can hit multiple elements on impact. This is especially important in built-up areas or other situations with a lot of cover, as the shooter does not require a direct line of sight.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Plasma Rifle[/p][p]An experimental weapon that comes with some unique effects. It is perfectly suited as a counter to heavy infantry and light vehicles. Additionally, its attack reduces the armor of buildings or vehicles with each hit, making the target more vulnerable to subsequent attacks.[/p][p]The plasma rifle requires a competent shooter and good positioning, as it does not suppress its target very effectively and relies on actually hitting its target to be effective.[/p][p]Additionally, it comes with very limited ammunition, so you must make every shot count.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]RPG (pirate variant)[/p][p]A light anti-vehicle weapon that can be fired on the move. Decent against light vehicles and small buildings. Pirates will frequently use this weapon against the player's vehicles and occasionally against their armored infantry. The range and accuracy are not very high, but the gun is inexpensive and versatile.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Rocket Launcher[/p][p]This weapon specializes in destroying enemy vehicles and hard points. Sporting a high accuracy and armor penetration, a lot of armored assets can be taken out with a single shot. Be aware of its low ammo count and high price, though. The squad has to be stationary when firing.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Sniper Rifle[/p][p]A classic sniper rifle. The squad must remain stationary when shooting, but the weapon boasts a very high range and accuracy. Damage and armor penetration are decent, so it can be employed against heavy infantry and, in a pinch, even against light vehicles. [/p][p]Missed shots do not apply a lot of suppression, but taking out an element does, so make sure you hit your target. The weapon can not take out entire squads on its own, but it is great for supporting other units and engaging distant targets that will not be able to return fire.[/p][p]Hitting enemies in heavy cover from the front might be too much even for a sniper rifle, so engaging units on the move or in the open is preferable.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Commando Mortar[/p][p]A small mortar that can be carried by infantry squads and used while the squad is stationary. Although somewhat inaccurate, it can be used to provide suppression and fire support over long distances without a line of sight.[/p][p]Not yet implemented, but we plan to make it capable of shooting smoke shells as well.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Flamethrower[/p][p]The infantry flamethrower is the perfect tool for assault squads that need to flush enemies from cover. Not only does it deal a significant amount of damage to large groups of enemies, but its primary use is denying areas by setting them ablaze, forcing the enemy to displace while automatically hitting the targeted tile.[/p][p]It can also set vegetation, buildings, and even vehicles on fire.[/p][p][/p][p] [/p][p]DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle)[/p][p]Smaller and lighter than a regular sniper rifle, it can be fired on the move. With a higher rate of fire and good range, this weapon is ideal for accurate fire support against lightly armored enemies.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Pirate Chaingun[/p][p]A special weapon used extensively by pirates in a light version that can be fired while on the move, and a heavier version that is usually mounted on vehicle hard points.[/p][p]The chaingun can put out a lot of fire, but has rather low accuracy and armor penetration. The more bursts are fired during a turn, the higher the chance that the gun jams.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h2]Engage, Explore, and Stay Informed[/h2][hr][/hr][p]That's it for now! We'll see you next Friday.[/p][p]You can find us on Discord, BlueSky, Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, and Reddit for discussions, updates, and feedback. You can also subscribe to our monthly MENACE newsletter on our website — just scroll to the bottom of the page to sign up.[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink]Check out Dev Diary #21, where we answer several of your questions in a comprehensive F.A.Q.[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p]