Guns are a type of weapon that fire destructive projectiles incapable of self-propulsion. Once fired, these projectiles continue on their path until they hit something. Guns are broadly classified as either energy or ballistic weapon.
Gun types[]
Energy weapons[]
Energy weapons generally fire various forms of subatomic particles. The following energy weapon models are intended to appear in the game at launch:
- Behring Mk. V Laser Cannon
- A&R Fix-mount Plasma Particle Blaster
- Intergalactic Research Concepts Phased-Array Tachyon Cannon ("X-1")
- Quantum Cascade Laser
- Electron Gun
Ballistic weapons[]
Ballistic weapons fire some form of hard ammunition. The following ballistic weapon models are intended to appear in the game at launch:
- Klaus & Werner Mass Driver Cannon
- ASD PN-21 Scattergun
- Behring "Ripper" GaussGun
- MaxOx 35mm Dredge Gun
- This weapon fires armor-piercing sabot rounds
Gun modifiers[]
Guns may be able to accept modifiers such as silencers, coolers, or overclockers.
Design philosophy[]
The developers feel that the number of gun models should be kept to a lower number initially based on their experience with the Wing Commander series. In the earlier games, I and II, the gun loadouts were more memorable and players were likely to have a favorite loadout, but in III and later, players were much less likely to even remember what loadout a specific fighter had.
The intention is to build a few iconic gun types and then add more over time, particularly similar weapons by other companies or subordinate models of existing guns. The introduction of a truly new gun, such as a particle cannon, would be treated as a major event in the game world.