Inner Sphere Plasma Rifles?

[Black_Knyght]

Need some opinions here: Worthwhile weapon or a don't bother dud?

[MadCapellan]

Awesome brawling weapon! The range & firepower are both equivalent of an AC/10, but the 1D6 heat can really begin to impact on opponent's ability to trade blows! That it absolutely massacres any infantry or vehicles it touches doesn't hurt either! The ammo doesn't even explode! Other than the moderate range, there's really no drawbacks.

[maxcarrion]

I think it's a great weapon but it's not for everything.

Against mechs it's a PPC with slightly shorter range, no minimum range, limited ammo and a small heat effect - I'd generally take a PPC but wouldn't be too sad if I had a PR especially if it was up close or the mech lacked secondaries

Surface to Air fire, the shorter range hurts it again compared to the PPC

Against all other targets the PR is fantastic and one of the best general purpose weapons money can buy
BA get immolated with an average 17 damage in 5 point clusters giving more killing and less wasting then PPC
Infantry platoons die to just a couple of PR hits
Vehicles take whopping bonus damage and the 5 point clusters quickly immobilise or crit out a vehicle

I particularly love it as a main weapon on a reasonably quick SFE tank - like a myrmidon in place of the PPC

[JadeHellbringer]

Need some opinions here: Worthwhile weapon or a don't bother dud?

LOVELY weapon. Runs hot, makes the enemy run hotter though. Uses ammo, both weapon and ammo are inert though. It's a beast- particularly against non-heat tracking targets like buildings or vehicles. Use them frequently if you can- they're a lot of fun.

[Colt Ward]

After it is created, I try to have one in my forces period- just like LB-10X.

The base weapon is lighter than a PPC though it does take ammo, none of it explodes.  Like the LB-10X its a great replacement for AC/10s though not on everything due to the heat.  It also functions as a good replacement for old standard PPCs if you can scare up a 2nd or 3rd ton for ammo.  I prefer it over the Clan tech equivalent the Plasma Cannon simply b/c it does damage mech armor which the Clan weapon does not do unfortunately.  It melts battle armor and infantry, hammers vehicles and besides damaging ASF it can also cause them to lose control.

The ability to wreck fire patterns and heat management of enemy mechs is just icing- what it does to TSM mechs is even better.

I wish we had a Saladin-style vehicle with a Plasma Rifle, the 10 pt hit is usually enough to go internal on most back armor.

[AlphaMirage]

The implicit fear of the extra 1d6 heat can do a number on the enemy as well.  I had a Fusion Po tank armed with a Plasma Rifle and 2 MML7s almost solo a Templar because the player was afraid of shut downs (my MMLs did have infernos as well).  I think I only actually hit him with the Rifle once but he only fired secondaries the entire battle and was almost swiss cheesed by SRMs before outmaneuvering my tank.

Plasma Rifle is very nice in combined arms as mentioned before.  It tears up conventional armor, aircraft, and absolutely murders infantry armored or otherwise

[Sartris]

It's a rare new weapon that isn't hamstrung by arbitrary balance handicaps. The only thing that gives me pause is the range, which isn't a deal breaker in the end.

[marcussmythe]

One of my favourite ‘trooper’ mechs for the era is a low(ish) tech custom heavy with a MML, LB-10, and Plasma Rifle. 

Im a huge fan of multitools, and the anti-vehicle anti-infantry anti-mech Plasma Rifle is among the best of them.  While more range would be nice, nothing is and nothing should be perfect.

[worktroll]

As mentioned, it's the ideal IS anti-infantry & anti-BA weapon. The Main Gauche IFV is a sweet spot ;)

[Weirdo]

It's almost as good as the LB 10-X, which is regarded by many as one of if not THE best weapon in the game, which should tell you what kind of company the Plasma Rifle keeps. The only real downside is that the range makes it kinda hard to use in an AA role. Having said that, if you ever get a chance to hit an aerospace fighter with plasma, DO IT. Anyone who's ever complained about a mech running hot knows nothing about heat woes. Greek deities and reality tv celebs can only dream about being as much of a spiteful vindictive bitch as the Aerospace Heat Scale.

[Colt Ward]

I always wondered why we did not get a Warhammer 6L upgrade with dual Plasma Rifles, the Hot Hammer Mk II!

[Fat Guy]

The WFT-2 Wolf Trap is absolute murder against combined arms forces.

Especially if you pack some infernos for the MML.   >:D

[Kit deSummersville]

I always wondered why we did not get a Warhammer 6L upgrade with dual Plasma Rifles, the Hot Hammer Mk II!

The Lyran's have you covered with the Hauptmann. MMLs included.

[Colt Ward]

Sure . . . but not a Warhammer . . . and its hard for the Cappies to get Hauptmans.  Besides, were they still produced after the FCCW let alone the Jihad?

[MadCapellan]

I always wondered why we did not get a Warhammer 6L upgrade with dual Plasma Rifles, the Hot Hammer Mk II!

We did. It's called the WHM-5L. You're welcome!

[Colt Ward]

Must have slipped my mind, all I could think of was the Stealth one lol.

[Crimson Dawn]

Hmm this talk about trooper mechs with plasma rifles have inspired me to look at making a new version of the wolverine featuring the plasma rifle and MMLs.

[misterpants]

Hmm this talk about trooper mechs with plasma rifles have inspired me to look at making a new version of the wolverine featuring the plasma rifle and MMLs.

Funny enough, the Shadow Hawk and Griffin both have plasma rifle/MML variants.

[Crimson Dawn]

Funny enough, the Shadow Hawk and Griffin both have plasma rifle/MML variants.

Ah perfect then the wolverine was due for one.

[MadCapellan]

It's almost as good as the LB 10-X, which is regarded by many as one of if not THE best weapon in the game, which should tell you what kind of company the Plasma Rifle keeps.

See? This is why I love modern Cataphracts so much! You only need two kinds - the CTF-4L for killing 'Mechs, and the CTF-3LL for killing practically everything else! Well-armored, heat neutral, ER PPC/Gauss Rifle/Stealth or Plasma Rifle/LB-10X/MASC! Two delicious flavors, one devastating fighting machine!

[Colt Ward]

Yeah, the -3LL is a favorite . . . IMO its a great mech for a merc to get for general purpose- no matter what you face across the battlefield you are going to leave your mark.

[Deadborder]

A Plasma Rifle hit with a lucky roll away from forcing a 'Mech that has TSM running into a shutdown roll. And that's worked out for me a surprising number of times. It also plays merry hell with Stealth 'Mechs.

Fantastic weapon to the point where I consider it to be essential as soon as it becomes available.

[JPArbiter]

The Plasma Rifle really  is an excellent weapon all around.  the solid core ammunition provides not insubstantial physical damage compared to the clan version.  the 1d6 heat on top of ppc quality damage can effectively make your opponent at the least husband thier weapons fire, or seriously cripple them.

against Protomechs, tanks, battle armor and infantry Plasma Weapons become heavy weapons of choice as that D6 becomes an extra d6 of damage on top of the base 10.

Take the Crusader 8L out for a spin in a target rich environment.  also look at what happens when you swap the Manticores PPC with a Plasma weapon and ton of ammunition.

[Terrace]

Based on this discussion, would a BattleMech toting around an LB 10-X, a Plasma Rifle, and an MML be the ultimate fight-everything generalist?

[Sartris]

Based on this discussion, would a BattleMech toting around an LB 10-X, a Plasma Rifle, and an MML be the ultimate fight-everything generalist?

The Bushwhacker S2r comes pretty close to this (PR, LB10, SRM-4) and I love it alot

[Easy]

Jinggau JN-G7L
65 tons, 5/8/5
2 Plasma Rifles
6 Medium Lasers

[Firesprocket]

As mentioned, it's the ideal IS anti-infantry & anti-BA weapon. The Main Gauche IFV is a sweet spot ;)

I've somehow always passed over that when looking over my record sheets.  Now I have to find a game where I can manage to get that out on the battlefield with some nasty BA to spread around some hate.

[Firesprocket]

Sure . . . but not a Warhammer . . . and its hard for the Cappies to get Hauptmans.  Besides, were they still produced after the FCCW let alone the Jihad?

Yes.  They are still produced during the Dark Ages.

[Weirdo]

I've somehow always passed over that when looking over my record sheets.  Now I have to find a game where I can manage to get that out on the battlefield with some nasty BA to spread around some hate.

Plasma Main Gauche carrying VSPL Phalanxes, all backed up by a Carronade = comedy gold. :)

[Firesprocket]

Plasma Main Gauche carrying VSPL Phalanxes, all backed up by a Carronade = comedy gold. :)

I just looked up who has access to that Main Gauche and its quite the variety of hate.   Kopis for the republic, Marauders for the Marian Hegemony, available to mercs.  Seems like something worth my wild to get a good use out of again before I'm told 'never again are you doing this at our table'.

[Deadborder]

Plasma Main Gauche carrying VSPL Phalanxes, all backed up by a Carronade = comedy gold. :)

I'll be in my bunk

[Col Toda]

Fast mediums w Targeting computer it is nice . marries nice with a large lasers ,  light AC /5 s and the Dark Age Ranged EMP weapon .  Most units Alpha Strike as much as possible ranged EMP weapons and melee armed mechs with TSM so either of those units win with a Plasma Rifle as it increases the weapon"s effectiveness . Fast Hovertanks make a good platform as well .  Too short Range for VTOL and WIGE units . Cool Gun emplacemet weapon as a Turret can have 2 .

[lucho]

Plasma Rifles also combine well with MMLs loaded up with infernoes (see 55t classic trio variants)   >:D

[LightGuard]

Plasma Rifles also combine well with MMLs loaded up with infernoes (see 55t classic trio variants)   >:D

In order to really make this a war crime, you need Incendiary LRMs and some mix of Flamers, Small Pulse Lasers, and MGs. Shoehorn a backup laser for 'Mechs to taste.

Basically what happens when a Firestarter and a Scarecrow have a baby...

[Weirdo]

Amusingly, one of my favorite Plasma Rifle designs is actually a Clan machine, the Flamberge...D, I think?

[grimlock1]

In order to really make this a war crime, you need Incendiary LRMs and some mix of Flamers, Small Pulse Lasers, and MGs. Shoehorn a backup laser for 'Mechs to taste.

Basically what happens when a Firestarter and a Scarecrow have a baby...

Why bother with the flamers?

Maybe add a bin flechette missiles in there too...

[MoneyLovinOgre4Hire]

No, you want a Long Tom Cannon.

That should always be your go-to when you need a group of hexes infantry-free.

[Weirdo]

Sometimes you don't actually want to blow up very large chunks of the scenery that you seek to possess. Granted, flaming Nerf footballs also tend to have a negative influence on property values, but at least that damage is less spread out.

[MoneyLovinOgre4Hire]

When phrases like "if a Firestarter and a Scarecrow had a baby" are being used to describe your anti-infantry plan, you've already proven you're not concerned with how much destruction you're causing.

[LightGuard]

When phrases like "if a Firestarter and a Scarecrow had a baby" are being used to describe your anti-infantry plan, you've already proven you're not concerned with how much destruction you're causing.

MegaMek has allowed me to listen to the Leprechaun on my shoulder whenever he tells me to burn things. Granted, it's in a safe and constructive manner, but it still pleases him.

[Sartris]

one of my favorite games i ever designed involved a custom RWR firestarter in a fairly dense suburban scene starting every building on fire and the PCs having to chase after with local firetrucks but also fight against embedded republic infantry and a mech lance

[ThePW]

It's almost as good as the LB 10-X, which is regarded by many as one of if not THE best weapon in the game, which should tell you what kind of company the Plasma Rifle keeps. The only real downside is that the range makes it kinda hard to use in an AA role. Having said that, if you ever get a chance to hit an aerospace fighter with plasma, DO IT. Anyone who's ever complained about a mech running hot knows nothing about heat woes. Greek deities and reality tv celebs can only dream about being as much of a spiteful vindictive bitch as the Aerospace Heat Scale.

*claps* Bravo! and totally true!

[Charistoph]

It's almost as good as the LB 10-X, which is regarded by many as one of if not THE best weapon in the game, which should tell you what kind of company the Plasma Rifle keeps. The only real downside is that the range makes it kinda hard to use in an AA role. Having said that, if you ever get a chance to hit an aerospace fighter with plasma, DO IT. Anyone who's ever complained about a mech running hot knows nothing about heat woes. Greek deities and reality tv celebs can only dream about being as much of a spiteful vindictive bitch as the Aerospace Heat Scale.

Ever since I discovered Plasma Rifles, it made me think that the Star Wars ships may call them lasers, but they really are plasma weapons.  This could make for some... interesting concept designs for recreations.

[mbear]

Someone once referred to it as the "magical murder stick" when applied to infantry and vehicles, and that's always stuck with me.

Here's another good example: Anywhere you have a standard AC/10, try installing a Plasma rifle instead. Same range, same damage, plus it adds heat. And as a special bonus, its ammunition won't explode. And installing it will free up 6 tons of weight for other stuff.

As an aside, someone mentioned the additional heat really messing with aerospace units, and this got me thinking: Does any weapon inflict heat to Capital scale targets like WarShips? I mean I suppose I could drop huge amounts of XCT Flamer infantry onto a WarShip hull, but that seems a bit dramatic.

[Weirdo]

Sorry, no. All space units larger than a Small Craft are completely immune to heat attacks.

[Colt Ward]

So Plasma Rifle armed fighters would do what sort of damage to Dropships?

[JadeHellbringer]

Sorry, no. All space units larger than a Small Craft are completely immune to heat attacks.

Well, now hold on. I never thought about it, but that means two things, and I believe you're as close to an expert on these matters as any, so I'll annoy you about it.

1) If that's the case, does a plasma rifle do the 1D6 + 10 damage to a dropship since it can't gain heat from the attack- essentially treating it the way you would a building?

2) Can we devise rules then for naval-caliber plasma weaponry now? Because I know what my  new favorite orbital bombardment weapon would be.  xp

[Kit deSummersville]

Clearly we need rules for getting too close to a star....

[Weirdo]

Just the base 10 damage. Big ships are immune to the heat but not the actual damage. They don't take extra damage, because they are actually heat-tracking units. They don't take the heat because they are the kitchen they're too big to care, and also likely because the devs did not want to open that can of worms.

I don't recall off the top of my head how Plasma Cannons work in this case.

2) Can we devise rules then for naval-caliber plasma weaponry now? Because I know what my  new favorite orbital bombardment weapon would be.  xp

The science of punching a cloud of gas through an atmosphere makes my head hurt. The Rule of Cool makes me feel manly. >:D

Clearly we need rules for getting too close to a star....

Consult your doctor to see if stellar plasma is right for you.

[Charistoph]

2) Can we devise rules then for naval-caliber plasma weaponry now? Because I know what my  new favorite orbital bombardment weapon would be.  xp

Seriously, but as the odd one stated, it may be best not to include them as a bombardment weapon for an atmosphered target...  A lot depends on how everything functions, I would assume.  The mass of the original block would have to be considered, I would think.

[Maingunnery]

The science of punching a cloud of gas through an atmosphere makes my head hurt. The Rule of Cool makes me feel manly. >:D

MOAR Power.  ;)

[mbear]

The science of punching a cloud of gas through an atmosphere makes my head hurt. The Rule of Cool makes me feel manly. >:D

Use a naval laser of some sort to blast a temporary vacuum in the atmosphere then shove the plasma round down to the surface in the vacuum?

[Weirdo]

Plausible...but if you've got a laser aimed at your target powerful enough to open a vacuum cylinder 100 kilometers long and wide enough to allow the plasma's passage before collapse...what do you actually need the plasma for? The laser alone can probably make you think plausibly about scouring your target down to the Moho. And the thunderclap when that vacuum cylinder collapses would probably create plasma by itselfandIthinkwejustsolvedtheplasmascience.

[grimlock1]

Plausible...but if you've got a laser aimed at your target powerful enough to open a vacuum cylinder 100 kilometers long and wide enough to allow the plasma's passage before collapse...what do you actually need the plasma for? The laser alone can probably make you think plausibly about scouring your target down to the Moho. And the thunderclap when that vacuum cylinder collapses would probably create plasma by itselfandIthinkwejustsolvedtheplasmascience.

I'm not sure if we should bring this to the devs or to Randall Munroe!

[Weirdo]

DO NOT COMBINE THE TWO.

At least, not unless you want to see an entirely new definition of 'min-max'.

[Charistoph]

For those who want to do wish-listing, brainstorming, and otherwise throwing ideas up against a wall for capital-grade plasma weaponry, might I suggest going to the Aerospace Fan Design board here: https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=63082.0, so such concepts will be free to be explored, and this thread can concentrate more on the general efficacy of the standard heavy weapon?

[Black_Knyght]

DO NOT COMBINE THE TWO.

At least, not unless you want to see an entirely new definition of 'min-max'.

Oh NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO !!!

Not ANOTHER thing for rules players to obsessively delve into !!!   ;D ;D ;D

[mrbooth]

Is there a way to search the MUL for all plasma rifle equipped mechs?

[Colt Ward]

Not sure on the MUL, but you can do it through MegaMek.

[Deadborder]

I'm just surprised that there's no Plasma Rifle config of the Omni-Firestarter

[MoneyLovinOgre4Hire]

That would be redundant.

But awesome.

[Deadborder]

That would be redundant.

But awesome.

Just think of all the things you could set on fire!

[jklantern]

As a huge fan of the Omni-Starter, I want this to be a thing.

[Deadborder]

I created an improvised config out of the Prime where I replaced the two Large Lasers with a single Plasma Rifle, two tons of ammo and a Medium Pulse Laser. The idea was to get a similar heat profile while having a backup should something happen to the Plasma.

[Hellraiser]

I'm just surprised that there's no Plasma Rifle config of the Omni-Firestarter

I actually have a Custom Pod load w/ one in my current mercs campaign group.

I call it the "P" configuration.

Plasma, 3 Mediums, and ECM+C3S+TAG to spot & destroy.

[Firesprocket]

Is there a way to search the MUL for all plasma rifle equipped mechs?

Not exactly, but you can find some of them by searching for the AS heat trait, which I believe is HT.  That will find any Plasma Rifle, Cannon, or bundle of flamer death.

You can also create a log in at this fan developed site and search for Plasma Rifles here:

http://mech.thompfam.net/

The reason I don't mention it first is it won't sort cannon designs from customs.  So if you can't spot the customs, refer to the MUL to weed them out.

[Sartris]

MegaMekLab can find em

[mrbooth]

Thank you good sir.

[haesslich]

The last person to suggest that probably ended up being dumped into subarctic conditions without survival gear, I suspect.

[mbear]

I'm not sure if we should bring this to the devs or to Randall Munroe!

I think Randal Munroe already answered a very similar question: Relativistic Baseball. Basically, a bunch of Bad Things Happen.