Editing Weapon Guide

There are a wide variety of weapons available in RimWorld. Using them effectively can give you a sizable advantage against raiders.
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==Overview==
There are three main categories of weapon this guide will cover:
*{{Icon Small|Longsword|24}} '''Melee''' - Weapons made for close combat. Pawns are unable to fire guns at melee range, so these weapons have a wide variety of uses, from using hallways to bring enemies to you, to rushing a troublesome [[centipede]].
*{{Icon Small|Sniper rifle|24}} '''Ranged''' - Weapons that attack from range. There are a wide variety of ranged weapons, from the all-rounder generalists to "specialist" weapons that fit a specific niche.
*{{Icon Small|Frag grenades|24}} '''Explosive''' - [[Grenades]], launchers, and other oddball weapons/utility items like the [[doomsday rocket launcher]]. In addition to raw explosions, many grenade-type weapons have a special effect, like [[molotov cocktails]] starting [[fire]]. Most explosives do not rely on accuracy, Shooting skill, [[Manipulation]], etc.

There are also three technology levels to consider:
*{{Icon Small|Short bow|24}}'''Neolithic''' - Bows, spears, and clubs. Often necessary when starting a [[Scenario system#Lost Tribe|Lost Tribe]] or [[Scenario system#Naked Brutality|Naked Brutality]] run, but usually it is quick to replace them. (Tribal)
*{{Icon Small|Bolt-action rifle|24}} '''Early Industrial''' - Weaker firearms, like pistols. These weapons are often carried by eary pirate [[raider]]s. For the purposes of this guide, this includes any gun from [[Research#Blowback operation|Blowback operation]] and before, as well as medieval technology like [[longsword]]s and [[greatbow]]s. (Earlygame)
*{{Icon Small|Assault rifle|24}} '''Modern / Spacer''' - Weapons from [[Research#Gas operation|Gas operation]] onwards. Even an endgame colony can find industral era weapons viable -  [[charge rifle]]s and [[minigun]]s aren't always the best weapon just because they are higher tech. (Midgame)

===Weapon Stats===
There are a couple of stats that are particularly important to consider in a weapon:
*'''DPS''': Damage per second (at a given range), taking into account raw damage, accuracy, firerate, burst count, and armor. This is the primary consideration for most weapons, and for melee weapons in particular.
*'''Damage type:''' Whenever a weapon checks Sharp, Blunt, or Heat damage. Most ranged weapons deal Sharp damage. In addition, each specific damage type ([[short bow|Arrow]] vs [[recurve bow|ArrowHighVelocity]], for instance) can have different chances to hit different body parts.

Ranged Weapon Stats
*'''Accuracy''': For 2 weapons with the same DPS, a more accurate weapon hits targets more consistently. In general, more accurate weapons are better with high-skill shooters, too. Certain weapons are more effective at certain ranges.
*'''Range''': How far a ranged weapon can fire. Whenever firing from this range is actually effective is another story.
*'''Firing Cycle''': Firerate of a ranged weapon - the combination of warmup, cooldown, and firing time. For the same DPS, a lower firing cycle makes a weapon more flexible, and better for kiting strategies.
*'''Stopping power:''' A stopping power of 1 or more can stagger, or slow, humans and human-sized enemies. Specifically, if stopping power >= body size, then the enemy will be slowed.

==Melee==
[[File:Bodyblock_choke.png|250px|thumb|right|You shall not pass.]]
Melee weapons specialize in hand-to-hand combat.

Pawns who are adjacent to each other are ''forced'' into melee combat, even if they are wielding a [[shotgun]]. A gun's barrel is quite ineffective compared to a sword. Melee lends itself well to disruptive tactics, like rushing down a [[sniper rifle|sniper]] or [[grenades|grenadier]], or peeling off enemies from your gunners. The [[defense tactics#Melee blocking|melee block]] - create a chokepoint with 3 melee outside, where only 1 enemy can melee at a time - is extremely effective. You can have gunners fire just behind them.

The main con with melee is that damage is unavoidable. Later in the game, and especially with higher [[difficulties]], enemies will vastly outnumber your colony. A 200 tribal [[raid]] will eventually wear down your most well-geared melee fighters, even in the best scenarios. The second con is that melee fighters will often have to approach ranged fighters, meaning it quickly becomes weaker in those situations. [[Animal]]s will always fight back against a melee weapon, even against a 0% manhunter, making them terrible for hunting.

'''Notes:'''
*Give your best melee pawns the strongest melee weapons, assuming you desire to get into melee at all.
**Weapon [[quality]] and [[material]] has a large impact on ''any'' weapon's effectiveness.
*[[Shield belt]]s are invaluable to give protection against bullets. They give melee pawns a new use - to serve as tanky distractions.
*Try to avoid using melee in the very early game; ranged weapons and [[spike trap]]s are stronger than the weaker melee choices.

=== Sharp ===
{{Rewrite|section=1|reason=Need explanation of parity of PS and BF as longsword mat at low and mid qualities, and explanation of where Legendary BF longswords sit relative to monoswords given their handle quirk}}
*[[Persona monosword]]s {{RoyaltyIcon}} are the strongest sharp weapon, followed by regular [[monosword]]s{{RoyaltyIcon}}.
*[[Plasteel]] or [[bioferrite]]{{AnomalyIcon}}[[longsword]]s are the best craftable sharp weapon.

Sharp weapons are the bread and butter of melee weapons. They are the most common type of melee, dealing strong all-round damage. 

:'''Comparisons:'''<br>
When made of plasteel, a longsword of sufficient quality (2-3 levels above) can outdamage a regular monosword. A ''masterwork'' plasteel longsword will outdamage a ''good'' monosword, and roughly equal to a ''normal'' persona monosword, though it has less {{AP}}. Plasteel is much better than steel; a plasteel [[knife]] is roughly on par with a steel longsword of the same quality. The next best weapons from longswords are [[spear]]s and [[gladius]]es. Faster weapons (like knives) have some niche to training melee.

===Blunt===
*[[Persona zeushammer]]s {{RoyaltyIcon}} are the strongest blunt weapon, followed by regular [[zeushammer]]s {{RoyaltyIcon}}. Both variants cause a small amount of [[EMP]], stunning turrets and mechanoids for a short time.
*[[Uranium]] [[mace]]s are the best craftable blunt weapon, and 2nd best overall.
** Uranium [[warhammer]]s{{RoyaltyIcon}} are better against armor, but 3x as expensive, and slightly weaker overall.

Blunt wounds do not bleed, are much less likely to destroy limbs, and blunt weapons are often weaker in {{DPS}} than their sharp counterparts. However, blunt weapons are great for penetrating armor, as most items have a poor Blunt armor rating. They also have a small chance to stun for {{ticks|45}} on hit. In addition, non-bleeding ''can'' help with capturing [[prisoner]]s. Note that enemies have a ''Death on Down'' chance from pain, so this does not increase the actual capture rate by a great amount. Weaker blunt weapons can help supress [[berserk]]ing pawns.

:'''Comparisons:'''<br>
In terms of raw damage, zeushammers lose to monoswords until facing foes in [[marine armor]], and persona zeushammers lose to persona monoswords until [[cataphract armor|cataphract]]. Even [[centipede]]s don't have the Sharp% armor to resist a regular monosword. Maces lose to longswords until facing [[flak vest]]-level armor, and longswords can still harm the unarmored areas of the body better. Like with monoswords and longswords, a masterwork uranium mace can beat a good zeushammer.

===Body parts===
*[[Power claw]]s are the strongest melee body part, but lowers [[Moving]] by 8%.

[[Artificial body parts]] can be used ''while holding a gun''. Fulfilling the role of a sidearm, these implements are weaker than dedicated melee weapons. You can put these on your frontline gunners, who may not always be able to supress a swarm of melee combatants. When holding a melee weapon, these parts can slightly increase damage; due to the melee verb system, sometimes the fists / body parts will be used instead of a weapon.

Creating these bionics is an advanced technology, so they are usually reserved for the mid- to late- game. Body parts can also be bought, though the [[surgery]] can be a bottleneck if you don't have a good doctor. Also note that pawns will prioritize their "best" melee attack; only one part is required for gunners.

:'''Comparisons:'''<br>
Power claws are roughly equal to a normal [[plasteel]] [[longsword]]. [[Hand talon]]s{{RoyaltyIcon}} are stronger than [[elbow blade]]s{{RoyaltyIcon}}, which are stronger than a [[knee spike]]{{RoyaltyIcon}}, though knee spikes have more {{AP}}. All three are roughly on-par with a normal steel longsword. Note that combat parts are incompatible with other artifical parts: hand attachments get in the way of a [[field hand]], hand / arm attachments don't work with a [[bionic arm]], and knee spikes don't work with a [[bionic leg]]. [[Venom fangs]]{{RoyaltyIcon}} are the weakest of the bunch, but do not occupy any useful area of the body.

==Melee - Nonhuman==
[[File:Elephant.png|thumb|300px|right]]
===Animal===
*[[Thrumbo]]s are the best animal, but are notoriously difficult to tame and keep tame.
*[[Megasloth]]s, [[elephant]]s, [[rhino]]s, and both [[bear]]s are behind the thrumbo, but can be found in the wild.

Animals are much more expendible than a colonist, and most have a lot more health than a colonist. However, they cannot be drafted, limiting their combat use severely. In addition, they require one or multiple pawns proficient in the Animals skill in order be tamed and trained.  They thus have 2 main uses:
#Animals trained in ''Attack'' can... attack. They will rush towards nearby enemies, acting as a powerful distraction for your gunners.
#Animals can be put in an [[allowed area]] in a hallway raiders are passing through. Raiders and the animal will be forced to attack each other, resulting in a melee block scenario. [[Pen animals]] will not be attacked by raiders, and in any case are unable to be zoned.

Animal selection is also limited by [[biome]], and large animals can turn hostile in failed taming attempts.

===Wild animals===
Other than shooting an animal and hoping it attacks the raiders, there are three dedicated ways to make wild animals hostile to your enemies:
*[[Psychic animal pulser]] is a single use item that turns all wild animals on the map manhunter.
*The [[Psycasts#Manhunter pulse|manhunter pulse]] [[psycast]]{{RoyaltyIcon}} turns all animals in a large, 57-tile radius into manhunters. Reusable.
*The [[Genes#Ability|animal warcall]] [[gene]]{{BiotechIcon}} turns a specific animal hostile against your opponents.

For the former two strategies, you should wall in [[door]]s (to prevent exit via [[mental break]]), and watch the carnage. Stronger animals like [[megasloth]]s or a herd of [[elephant]]s can easily end smaller raids, or at least force [[siege]]s to attack. These are heaily dependent on your map's current fauna. Also note that using wild animals like this becomes progressively weaker as raids become stronger. An [[elephant]] can't handle 30 gun-wielding raiders, for instance.

===Mechanoid===
{{Biotech|section=1}}
*[[Scyther]]s are the most effective at melee combat.

Mechanoids have all the advantages of being an animal and then some, including the ability to be [[draft]]ed like a colonist. Mechs can be repaired of all damage for just the cost of power and can be resurrected for a couple of [[steel]]. This negates all the long-term problems that lategame melee faces (though mechs are, of course, not invincible).

Mechs have their unique costs. They require their [[mechanitor]] nearby to actually control. They cost [[bandwidth]], which could have been used for any amount of ranged mechs. And they create [[toxic wastepack]]s, which will eventuallyy [[pollution|pollute]] your landscape. As combat mechs can be turned off, the actual costs of power and pollution are rather limited.

:'''Comparisons'''<br>
Scythers (2 bandwidth) are the strongest and most effective at melee, and move slightly faster than a baseline human. [[Tunneler]]s (3 bandwidth) have twice the armor of a scyther ''and'' a natural 250 HP [[shield belt]], but are much slower and don't do as much damage. Tunnelers can also mine. [[Centipede]]s (4) and [[diabolus|mechanoid]] [[war queen|commander]]s (5) have similar armor to the tunneler, and have ''much'' higher actual health, though are mainly used for ranged combat.

==Ranged - Neolithic==
Neolithic weapons are the easiest weapons to craft, available for [[New Tribe]]s and [[Scenario system#Naked Brutality|Naked Brutality]] starts to craft.
===Bows===
Bows are a mid range, generalist option.
*{{Icon Small|short bow|24}} [[Short bow]]s are the simplest ranged weapons in the game, only requiring [[wood]] and a [[crafting spot]]. 
*{{Icon Small|recurve bow|24}} [[Recurve bow]]s are a direct upgrade to the shortbow, with an increase to damage, accuracy, and range, for only {{icon small|wood}} 10 [[wood]] more. Tribal starts begin with Recurve Bows unlocked, meaning they just need a Crafting skill of 5 to make these. At maximum range, recurve bows are suprisingly competitive with early firearms, especially at high qualities. (These can also be made at a [[crafting spot]].)

Bows are at least ''something'' to fight raiders without having to engage in melee. Even without a single melee fighter, 5 tribals with shortbows can easily repel raids. Focus fire on 1 target, and don't let melee enemies too close. [[Door]]s can help with early ranged tactics. For example - place 2 doors on opposite ends of a larger building, and when melee raiders get too close, go to the door on the other side.

Naked Brutality players will want to rely on [[spike trap]]s to kill raiders at first, using the shortbow for hunting and to save on traps. Of course, new tribes (and other colonies) can also use traps to their advantage.

===Pila===
Pila are incredibly short ranged support weapons.
*{{Icon Small|pila|24}} [[Pila]] lose even to a shortbow in raw damage. They have a small range and a massive cooldown, so are terrible as standalone weapons. However, the pila can stagger humans. The best use of the pila is a support weapon; place a low-skill fighter with a pila behind melee fighters. They also have some use as a hunting weapon. The high per-shot damage compensates for the lowered range.

Due to its weaknesses and [[Research#Smithing|Smithing]] requirement, pila shouldn't be actively created or sought after. However, a Lost Tribe will start with one.

===Flamebows===
Flamebows are specialist weapons that cause fire.
*{{Icon Small|Flamebow|24}} [[Flamebow]]s{{BiotechIcon}} create [[fire]] on the tile it lands on. Watch out for your base. Pawns lit on fire will run around widly, unable to attack until doused. Fire can also be used to quickly [[temperature|heat]] up any place considered "indoors", causing any enemies to get [[heatstroke]] and burn up. Special traps can be made to take advantage of the heat, just like with [[molotov cocktail]]s. Flamebows cannot be crafted, only bought or dropped from [[impid]] raiders.

== Ranged - Early Industrial ==
Low-tech, conventional firearms. These weapons are often carried by early pirates and outlanders, such as the [[Raider#Scavenger Gunner|Scavenger Gunner]], [[Raider#Pirate Gunner|Pirate Gunner]], and [[Raider#Town Guard|Town Guard]]. Scavenger gunners and pirate gunners in particular can ''only'' carry these weapons (and the [[incendiary launcher]]). These weapons will eventually be outclassed by superior firearms, like the [[heavy SMG]] and [[chain shotgun]]. So while you ''can'' craft these weapons as soon as you research [[Research#Gunsmithing|Gunsmithing]], many players like to wait to craft the weapons from [[Research#Gas operation|Gas Operation]] and onwards, due to the large increase of effectiveness from the more advanced weapons.

Note that weapon [[quality]] has a large impact on combat. Even if you prefer [[revolver]]s, a ''poor'' [[autopistol]] will likely outperform an ''awful'' [[revolver]], and a ''good'' [[recurve bow]] can outperform both (at maximum range). This applies to all weapons, but especially if you are reliant on obtaining weapons from raiders.

===Handguns===
Handguns are close-mid range, general combat options.
*{{Icon small|Revolver|24}} [[Revolver]]s are a low-tier firearm with decent damage at the closer ranges. Unlike many lighter firearms, revolvers can stagger humans, slowing them slightly when a shot hits.
*{{Icon small|Autopistol|24}} [[Autopistol]]s are slightly better DPS than revolvers at any range, but do not stagger humans. Autopistols also have the fastest cooldown cycle in the game, lending well to hit-and-run tactics against melee opponents.

As the lowest tech firearms, pistols are weaker than most of the options here, but still better than a recurve bow at all ranges. Inaccurate from max range. They are roughly the same, but revolvers are better as a support weapon, and autopistols better as a main damage dealer.

===Long ranged===
These options are effective in any situation (outside of close combat), mostly due to the small effective range of these lower-tech weapons.
*{{Icon small|Greatbow|24}} [[Greatbow]]s are on-par with most pistols, but have a higher range. "Greatbows are better than pistols at the pistol's max range". While costing only wood to create, actually researching greatbows is usually not worth all that effort - even for Tribal starts - when other guns are easy enough to get from raiders. Also, they are outclassed by the bolt-action rifle in every reasonable statistic.
*{{Icon small|Bolt-action rifle|24}} [[Bolt-action rifle]]s are a fairly standard, mid-long range option, only outranged by the [[sniper rifle]]. Best range in this tech level by far, it can shoot just about any enemy as they approach. Like greatbows, they beat pistols at the pistol's max range. Good for open combat, and great for hunting. Preferably used with high-skill shooters.

Due to enemy AI firing from the closest available cover, meaning they often fire from near-max range, both of these weapons perform very well in the open. Both weapons are good in a long distance firefight, though bolt-action rifles are statistically superior.

===Short ranged===
Pump shotguns are a specialist weapon, great at both support and close-range damage. Machine pistols are strong up close, but a good overall weapon (for its tech level).
*{{Icon small|Pump shotgun|24}} [[Pump shotgun]]s are both powerful and accurate - technically the ''most'' accurate weapon in the game, but have a measly 15.9 tile range. Damage is great, and shotguns can stagger pawns as large as [[centipede]]s. 
*{{Icon small|Machine pistol|24}} [[Machine pistol]]s fire a burst of 3 bullets with a very quick cooldown. Overall DPS beats both handguns up to 19.9 tiles, this weapon's maximum range. It even surpasses the pump shotgun at touch range (3 tiles). Fast cooldown cycle makes it good for hit and run tactics. A clearcut winner if you don't have any better equipment.

Short ranged weapons are best used directly behind melee fighters, but remain decent at their maximum range. Like with melee, you can make hallways and tunnels so that you can gun enemies at an effective range. Counter these weapons by using a long range weapon, engaging them in melee, or luring them into [[spike trap]]s before they get too close.

==Ranged - Modern ==
Ranged weapons unlocked from [[Research#Gas operation|Gas Operation]] and onwards. Most, if not all, of these weapons have ''some'' sort of niche or viability even for late- and end- game colonies.

===Rifles & SMG===
Rifle-class weapons are generalist weapons, dealing great damage at any range.
* {{Icon small|Assault rifle|24}} [[Assault rifle]]s are perfect for open engagements, with good damage, above-average range, and high accuracy. Strongest overall weapon outside of a [[killbox]] (such as repelling breachers and sappers), and good inside of one. Skill friendly.
* {{Icon small|Heavy SMG|24}} [[Heavy SMG]]s are very skill friendly, close-medium range weapons. Great damage and accuracy up close, remaining decent at longer distances. A strict upgrade to the machine pistol. SMGs are best for low-skill shooters. They can outdamage even charge rifles at <10 tiles, without the restrictions of a chain shotgun.
* {{Icon small|Charge rifle|24}} [[Charge rifle]]s are high-tech versions of assault rifles. Stronger, and with high {{AP}}, but with shorter range and less accuracy. Charge rifles are the strongest weapon in a [[killbox]] that can remain flexible outside of one.

In general, these weapons are great for base defense, whenever in static setups or when dealing with [[breacher]]s and [[sapper]]s. They are also the best options for attacks outside of your base. Assault rifles are the overall best weapon outside of a kill, charge rifles deal the most damage of the three, and SMGs are best at lower skill.

===LMG & Minigun===
Weapons with a large burst of bullets, but low accuracy and long cooldowns.
* {{Icon small|LMG|24}} [[LMG]]s fire a 6-shot spray of bullets. Can stagger humans, but lower single-target DPS than the rifles. The LMG is decent for crowd-control, and a good support weapon.
* {{Icon small|Minigun|24}} [[Minigun]]s fire a massive 25-shot burst, a massively heavy SMG. High cost, widly inaccurate, and with a huge cooldown cycle, miniguns are dedicated to crowd-control in specialized, stationary setups. Extremely powerful in the right situations.

Both weapons are good as support, and for at mowing crowds of enemies. Missed shots can hit other enemies in the vicinity, meaning their low accuracy is compensated when attacking a horde of tribals. Both weapons do well in crowded, stationary setups. The minigun is much more extreme - its optimal DPS is miles above any weapon in the game, but the user becomes a sitting duck.

===Chain shotgun===
A very high damage, decent accuracy, low range, specialist weapon.
* {{Icon small|Chain shotgun|24}} [[Chain shotgun]]s are the strongest non-minigun, non-consumable weapon in the game, but with pitiful range. Perfect for drop pods and infestations.
Chain shotguns are amazing when you can expect or force close combat. Infestations are inevitable for mountain bases, while any form of melee block works well for shotguns. These weapons can also work very well inside a specialized killbox; if you can control/expect where [[sapper]]s and [[breacher]]s will go, shotguns can be a very viable weapon as a colony's sole firearm.

===Sniper rifle===
Extreme range, single-shot, specialist weapons.
* {{Icon small|Sniper rifle|24}} [[Sniper rifle]]s have the highest range in the game, but low firerate. Overall DPS is weaker than a [[bolt-action rifle]], but snipers are clearly not a damage weapon. Useful for picking off [[siege]]s, lone [[centipede]]s, etc. Very reliant on Shooting skill.

Sniper rifles are great weapons for kiting stationary enemies and the best weapon for hunting. Fire a shot, and as enemies approach you, back off until they reset to their original position. They are also great at luring [[siege]]s to assault your colony, assuming the siege doesn't have snipers of their own. 

===Charge lance===
Medium-high range, single-shot, high AP.
* {{Icon small|Charge lance|24}} [[Charge lance]]s have a large per-shot damage and high {{AP}}. However, its range is equal to an [[assault rifle]], leading to a profile much similar to rifles rather than a sniper. Actual DPS is weaker than the assault rifle, and the armor penetration isn't actually that big. This gives it a weak niche, despite its cost and tech level.
Charge lances are very similar to assault rifles for overall usage, with same damage and range. As its DPS is lower, this weapon is not recommended to use over assault rifles, at least for most cases. It may have use in dealing with heavily armored enemies.

==Explosives==
===Grenades===
Grenades have the shortest range of any colonist weapon in the game, only thrown up to 12 tiles. All grenades have a forced miss radius.
*{{Icon small|Frag grenades|24}} [[Frag grenades]] are standard explosives. While powerful, they are virtually unable to hit a moving pawn without the player manually leading the target. Good for fighting enemies in [[cover]]. Can be thrown straight for a few tiles in a hallway, and coupled with their AoE and massive damage, they are devastating against massed melee enemies when placed behind melee blockers. Grenades are also ''very'' effective against structures and walls. Breaking a wall fast is rarely helpful, but this property is great for taking out [[mech cluster]]s.{{RoyaltyIcon}}
*{{Icon small|Molotov cocktail|24}} [[Molotov cocktail]]s create [[fire]]. Unwieldy, and with a small blast, molotovs aren't very effective to throw on top of raiders. Instead, fire can quickly heat up any place considered ''indoors'', burning [[raider]]s and [[insect]]s alive via [[temperature]] mechanics. Mechs are immune to fire and heat.
*{{Icon small|EMP grenades|24}} [[EMP grenades]] stun [[mechanoid]]s and [[turret]]s for a massive duration and break both [[shield belt]]s and [[low-shield pack]]s,{{RoyaltyIcon}} but are harmless against organic targets. Invaluable for mech raids. Its blast radius is ''much'' bigger than the other grenades. As the blast is bigger than the forced miss radius, these are fairly reliable.
*{{Icon small|Tox grenades|24}} [[Tox grenades]]{{BiotechIcon}} create [[tox gas]]. This affects colonists and raiders alike, though you can outfit colonists with [[toxic resistance|toxic]] [[Toxic Environment Resistance|protection]]. Tox grenades are best for attacking enemies who are passing through long, winding, and tight corridors, which have no recourse against the poison. [[Vent]]s allow tox gas to transfer between rooms.

===Launchers===
Launchers have a greater range than grenades, but have a ''very'' long cooldown (2nd slowest in the game, just faster than the [[pila]]).
*{{Icon small|Incendiary launcher|24}} [[Incendiary launcher]]s create [[fire]], like molotov cocktails, and just as unwieldy. Despite the range, it is no more accurate. Worse than molotovs for creating ground fires, as it shoots slower. As even molotovs aren't great to throw at raiders, these are most often outclassed by the thrown variant.
*{{Icon small|EMP launcher|24}} [[EMP launcher]]s stun mechanoids with [[EMP]] damage. They fire slower than EMP grenades, and have a much smaller blast radius than grenades; this usually makes launchers the worse option. While launchers do have a range increase, most mechanoids still outrange it, so this advantage is rather small. Note that Masterwork/Legendary [[quality]] launchers can stun longer than a grenade.
*{{Icon small|Smoke launcher|24}} [[Smoke launcher]]s create [[blind smoke]], which ''completely prevents [[turret]]s from locking on''. Invaluable for taking out turret encampments and [[mech cluster]]s{{RoyaltyIcon}}. Smoke also reduces ranged accuracy for any bullet that passes through. Both colonists and enemies are affected equally, so can be useful to support melee attackers.
*{{Icon small|Toxbomb launcher|24}} [[Toxbomb launcher]]s{{BiotechIcon}} also create [[tox gas]]. Fires slower than tox grenades, but extra launcher range makes it better as a support weapon. Make sure colonists in the blast have some form of [[toxic resistance|toxic]] [[Toxic Environment Resistance|protection]].

===Consumables===
Weapons of mass destruction. Rocket launchers have a large warm-up and cooldown for the user. Targeters can be deployed quickly, but also takes some time to actually start the explosions. All of these are single use, and none can be crafted by a colony.
*{{Icon small|Doomsday rocket launcher|24}} [[Doomsday rocket launcher]]s fire 1 large explosion, followed by smaller flame explosions. Extremely effective against humanoid raiders and lighter mechnoids, as a single launch can cause an entire raid to retreat. Available from [[trade]] or quests.
*{{Icon small|Triple rocket launcher|24}} [[Triple rocket launcher]]s fire 3 explosions. Each of the three rockets deals the ''same damage'' as the doomsday's main explosion, though with a much smaller radius. Effective against mechanoids and structures in particular, and can still damage a raid quite heavily. Available from [[trade]] or quests.
*{{Icon small|Orbital power beam targeter|24}} [[Orbital power beam targeter]]s create a massive, fire-based beam centered on a target in [[line of sight]]. Incredibly powerful against humans, but useless against mechanoids. Can attack through overhead mountain. [[Quest]] only.
*{{Icon small|Orbital bombardment targeter|24}} [[Orbital bombardment targeter]]s fire a total of 30 explosions over a large, 20-tile radius. Stronger than a doomsday against large groups, this item is also [[quest]] only.
*{{Icon small|Tornado generator|24}} [[Tornado generator]]s create a tornado at your map, on a specific point. This can possibly destroy player structures when used inside your colony, so is mostly useful for offensive operations (or as a last resort). Quest only.

As these are all rare, single-use items, use them for when you can't handle a raid, such as an extra-nasty [[siege]].

===Mortars===
[[Mortar]]s are not handheld weapons, but are weapons nonetheless.

*{{Icon small|Mortar|24}} Mortars have a 500-tile range, but costs a [[mortar shell]] for each shot, and take {{ticks|1800}} to reload. With a massive Forced Miss Radius (9 tiles, reduced by Shooting skill), they are mostly effective against large, stationary targets. In addition, they require [[reinforced barrel]]s every 20 rounds, unless Classic Mortars are turned on. With Classic Mortars shells become more expensive, and the mortar less accurate, to compensate.

Mortars are extremely useful against enemy [[siege]]s. Until they take enough of their own casualties, a siege will continue to lob their own mortar shells, which is devastating to any colony not under overhead mountain. They are great against other stationary opponents, such as [[crashed ship parts]] or [[mech cluster]]s{{RoyaltyIcon}}.

Each mortar shell has its own purpose:
*{{Icon small|High-explosive shell|24}} [[High-explosive shell]]: General purpose shell, good against any stationary target.
*{{Icon small|Incendiary shell|24}} [[Incendiary shell]]: Great for igniting a [[siege]]'s own mortars/mortar shells on fire, potentially causing a chain reaction. But as the game will start [[rain]] if a fire spreads too far, these shells aren't very useful otherwise.
*{{Icon small|EMP shell|24}} [[EMP shell]]: Stuns mechanoids. Massive explosion radius makes this ''somewhat'' accurate. Can also disable [[mech high-shield]]s{{RoyaltyIcon}}, so that other mortars can fire.
*{{Icon small|Firefoam shell|24}} [[Firefoam shell]]: Creates [[firefoam]], extinguishing fires. The small firefoam radius and introduction of [[firefoam pop pack]]s and [[foam turret]]s have mostly left the shell obsolete.
*{{Icon small|Smoke shell|24}} [[Smoke shell]]: Creates blind smoke in a large radius. As with the [[smoke launcher]], it prevents turrets from locking on and reduces accuracy. While the smoke launcher is free to use, the shell has a larger radius and can be used from further away.
*{{Icon small|Antigrain warhead|24}} [[Antigrain warhead]]: A weapon of mass destruction, on and above the level of a doomsday rocket. Quest only, so use it wisely.

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