Newbie Weapons Questions

[Questor]

Hi Everyone, I've only been playing the game for about a week now and I'm totally hooked. I wish I would have heard about it sooner. If it wasn't for the review in PC Gamer I may never have.

Anyways for my questions...

1)Is there any difference in accuracy between different weapon types?
2)Would there ever be a reason to use a weapon that does less damage at the same range while all other stats seem to be the same? Example, why would I want to build a troop using Ground Cannon 1 when I already have access to the Small Depleted Uranium Cannon 1?
3)Does something determine weapon accuracy or is the chance to hit the same for all weapons?

Thanks,

Questor

[Taqwus]

1. Seekers always hit, unless
a) shot down (point defense), or
b) runs out of fuel before impact.

Direct-fire weapons all use the same accuracy penalties over range, IIRC...

2. Perhaps the higher-level GCs are better?
Some trees are like that.

3. Sources of +/- hit modifiers include:
a) intrinsic to weapon (e.g. PDC)
b) ship experience (1 for 1, IIRC)
c) distance (-10% per square or so)
d) facilities in system (e.g. Event Predictor III gives a +30% combat bonus)
e) combat sensors (up to +60%)
f) target's ECM (up to -60%)
g) weapon mount (base mounts give bonuses, IIRC)

------------------
-- The thing that goes bump in the night

[Triumvir Emphy]

most weapons have different costs to create and research them. It might make sense in one instance to go with the ground cannon because it may be cheaper to produce than the DUC (pure speculation)

[Questor]

Thanks for your help guys!!

-- Questor

[DirectorTsaarx]

Some of the higher-tech "High Energy Weapons" have to-hit modifiers (Incinerator Beam and Wave Motion Gun). You could check the Components file in the Data folder to find others...

[rdouglass]

Of course if you select Religious trait, you can research Religious talisman and have 100% accuracy with direct fire weapons. I've finally started to play that trait and it is rather FUN. IMO all the other shrines (except Nature and Time) are worthless, but to be able to hit EVERY time is worth all the setup points!