Difference between revisions of "Heavy Lasers"

Revision as of 15:32, 10 April 2021

Heavy Lasers are powerful Clan used laser weapons, sacrificing range for raw firepower.

Overview

Micro Heavy Laser in action

Heavy Lasers are Clan weapons which deal more damage per shot than any other laser weapon. A Heavy Laser's beam fires for a noticeably longer (1.5s) time than Standard Lasers or Extended Range Lasers, and like those weapons it deals damage over time requiring the beam to be maintained upon its target. Because of the long beam duration, it can be difficult to maintain fire on a single location on the target -- especially if it is actively evading.

In exchange for this high damage yield, Heavy Lasers have to sacrifice other qualities. Their range is lower than that of other Clan energy weapons and they produce quite a bit of waste heat which must be carefully managed to prevent overheating. This makes them best suited for shorter-range brawling and hit-and-run units firing the weapons in carefully controlled volleys to manage their heat. Smart use of Coolant and taking advantage of bodies of water can help deal with the heavy heat load.

There is also a handheld version available for Battle Armor known as the Micro Heavy Laser. Although Heavy Lasers are exclusively Clan technology, even Inner Sphere Battle Armor can equip the BA mHL.

Weapon Stats

Gameplay & Hints

BA mHL

The most powerful Battle Armor weapon but extremely range limited. This can be problematic when out in the open so it is best to only use on maps where there is ample cover to dodge behind, making it a good weapon choice in urban-like environments or when defending a base in Terrain Control matches. It is important to note that the BA mHL is a dedicated Battle Armor weapon, meaning that it cannot be taken on BattleMechs, VTOLs, Fighters, or Vehicles (excluding the APC).

CHSL and CHML

The CHSL and CHML only have the range to be effective during short-range encounters. While they are impressively powerful for weapons their size the associated heat load can be problematic over time if the unit boasts more than a couple. If you get in prolonged combat situation, it might be useful to avoid firing off too many in a single volley, so either break the weapons into separate groups or take advantage of the chain fire firing mode.

CHLL

The CHLL produces more heat than any other weapon in the game. It also deals the highest pinpoint alpha damage of any Energy Weapon and as with all lasers can operate independent of ammunition supplies. The main drawback of the CHLL is that its range restricts it from being a truly effective sniper weapon, and the intense heat load can be dangerous even if fired conservatively. Still, units mounting even a single CHLL represent a significant threat to any enemy that crosses their path.

Canon

The Heavy Laser was introduced by Clan Star Adder in 3059, making use of a larger barrel, focusing crystals, and power feeds to produce a weapon capable of far higher damage. The lasers lost much of their range advantage (with ranges similar to that of Inner Sphere Standard Lasers) and had some targeting difficulties because of the weapon shielding reduction and a significant pre-charging period, however a Clan Medium Heavy Laser had the same punch as an Inner Sphere PPC at a fraction of the weight.

Although not particularly innovative, the weapon system, in addition to the Advanced Tactical Missiles introduced by Clan Coyote a few years earlier, are significant because they represent an end to the technological stagnation the Clans had settled into.

BattleTech reference

Usage

The following Clan assets equip Heavy Lasers: