Regarding LRM Buffs
Considering that the maximum flight trajectory height was
reduced by 1/3 means that missiles will have
less travel distance. Even if they have a reduced velocity, they will track targets further with the
radar deprivation nerf before breaking lock.
Reduction in velocity
increases their accuracy when correcting their trajectory against faster moving targets. Consider the
increase in accuracy because even the fastest lights don't move faster than LRMs do:
- Indirect: 160 m/s = 576 kph
- Indirect +Artemis: 190 m/s = 684 kph
- Direct: 224 m/s = 806.4 kph
- Direct +Artemis = 266 m/s = 957.6 kph
Let’s not forget about the
indirect buffs to LRMs:
- The ECM bubble has been reduced on ECM mechs, making it so non-ECM mechs do not have protection without being clustered up (generally not a good thing).
- Radar Deprivation is being nerfed, increasing the amount of time missiles will travel before breaking locks.
Overall:
Buffs
All weapons, including indirect fire LRMs, cannot fire past hard cover (even in their current state). That being the point of hard cover in a First-Person Shooter. Concealment on the other hand doesn't provide hard cover. For example, when a group of enemy mechs is in a ditch on Canyon Network they do not have cover if LRMs are fired indirectly. This should still be the case with a reduced max height flight trajectory.
Something to consider about weapons balance (which has appropriately nerfed other weapons systems):
Of all weapons in the game, LRMs will still be the only weapon able to hit targets
without exposing to the target. A target
cannot trade fire with the mech firing indirectly. Besides teammates holding locks and disabling enemy ECM with PPCs, let’s not forget UAVs, and NARC beacons to further assist indirect LRMs.
Honestly, why should anyone be allowed to sit comfortably behind cover while other people are out there trading armor? Funny thing is, they are
buffing LRMs and people just don’t realize it.
Edited by Artemus Prime, 21 January 2024 - 05:53 PM.