Greetings, RCS pilots. In this issue we'll go back to basics and take a look at the weapon stats. Please keep in mind that our units operate using the man-machine-weapon synergy, and in order to become a badass pilot, you'll need to pay attention to all three. And today, we'll take a look at the weapon side of things.

Weapon Stats

Damage

Average damage output per shot/pellet. The damage output can be increased by upgrading your weapon, analyzing enemy behavior, getting closer to the target (see: range), attacking from the side/back, or attacking from higher ground.

Accuracy

Determines the hit chance of the first bullet, deteriorates with each shot (see: stability), gets back to normal when the attack ends. Can be increased by upgrading your weapon, training your pilot, upgrading your RCS, attacking from higher ground, or getting closer to the enemy.

Range

Efficient range (in steps), affects damage and accuracy. If the target is closer than this value, it will receive more damage and will be easier to hit. If the target is further than this value, the accuracy and damage output will deteriorate. Can be increased by upgrading your weapon.

Evasion Penalty

Determines the limit to evasive maneuvers when this weapon is equipped, making it harder to evade incoming attacks. For example, light weapons like SMG will not reduce your evasion by much, but heavy weapons like the Bazooka will make you move like a slug, making you an easy target. Evasion penalty can be reduced by upgrading the weapon, or somewhat rectified by attacking from higher ground or switching the combat stance.

Stability

The penalty applied to the hit chance when using attacks that fire more than one shot. The higher it is, the lower the penalty will be, allowing to land more hits with attacks that use rapid fire. Can be increased by upgrading the weapon.

Upgrade Notes

Apart from improving your stats, upgrades can unlock new fire modes, giving you additional tools to deal with enemies. The best example of this is the addition of suppressive fire to the SMG it deals less damage, but gives additional evasion penalties to the target, allowing you to switch to a more effective weapon and take it down easily.

The End

Thank you for reading this issue of the Pilot's Guide, and expect another one soon. In the meantime, we'd like to ask you one question: if the surface became inhabitable again, would you move there or prefer to stay underground? Or would you rather move to an off-world colony? See you next time!