AX Combat: Plasma Charger Fire Etiquette
13 Mar 2023Kissamies
I am of the opinion that the medium modified Plasma Charger is the best universal AX weapon at the moment. It is best at exerting any Interceptor, very good against Scouts and while it isn't the best at hitting hearts, it can do it. However, the big cloud the weapon make obscure visibility and can be a real hindrance. Also the massive damage can get Cyclopes to endlessly panic shield. AXI even goes so far that they don't recommend it for big group fights. I won't say that, but some restraint is required with this weapon when all are ganging up on one interceptor.If you know that other commanders with other weapons are capable of taking out the heart, let them do it. Your job is to exert and get out of the way. Just hang back and wait to see if re-exertion is required. If Scouts have blundered into the fight, you can eliminate a few in the meantime. It may be likely that you aggroed the Interceptor with the massive damage you did when you exerted it. In this case, try to turn it so that the other people can get shots off to its face. I have developed a tactic where I run behind the largest group of other commanders. When I do it right, I'm out of the Interceptor's range, but it's still after me. The other commanders will get easy and safe shots at the heart because the Interceptor is facing them, but shooting no one.
The other thing is too much damage and panic shields. Gibbing, speedrunning, zeroing or whatever you want to call it is a fine practice to get rid of those time wasting Cyclopes fast, but if you can't get it to work, you shouldn't waste people's time making the 'Goid endlessly spring up panic shields. Another problem is when you try to shoot Cyclops hearts with this too powerful weapon array and make panic shields instead. If that keeps happening, it's best again to let someone else to handle that part of the fight. Using smaller fire group or taking shots at longer distance also works if you are the one who must do it. Know your weapon.
As you should already know, the Plasma Charger is a weapon that requires a lot of fire discipline. You must get close to unleash the full potential of the weapon, not fire while still approaching. The optimum range is mere 1 km, and the Hydra will loom large in your sights when you get that close. Don't fire when it's not time to fire and you'll annoy your fellow commanders with your splash clouds a lot less.