The rocket launchers seem like the only weapons in the game that can't get upgraded. This is a shame, since there are plenty of things you could do to make them a cert-sink without imbalancing them: Scope upgrades: Similar to the other upgrades, though you will probably want higher magnification since you're only firing one shot at a time. -Magnification scopes (4x, 8x) -Ranging scope: Has range hashmarks to compensate for missile drop. Tank 100m away? Line up with the 100m hashmark. -Tactical scope: Indicates tanks that are motionless. Rear arcs of tanks are highlighted. Missile upgrades -Canister rounds: The "HE" version of the launcher. Weaker vs armor, but has a bigger AoE for killing clusters of infantry. -Smokeless propellant: Lacks a smoke trail, making it harder for enemies to locate you when you fire. -Shaped Charge: Ignores the %dmg reduction from tank armor upgrades. Homing upgrades -Variable band frquency: Vehicle takes longer to detect a missile lock. -High G missiles: Increases missile speed/maneuverability. -Beacon warheads: After a hit from this missile, all other 'lock-on' weapons have greatly reduced lock on time for 1 minute.
I agree with the magnification upgrades, but I have to disagree with the Missile and Homing upgrades. These seems to be overpowered. I would prefer a second missile type for the random launcher, which has lower bulletdrop, but deals less dmg and has nearly no AoE. This would be an alternative for the G2A launcher, which will be nerved with the next patch. Remember, upgrades shouldn't make the weapon over the top. Handle it like sidegrades.
Scopes: yeah, why not. Canister rounds: I don't really see the point, maybe you could be aiming for engineers repairing tanks, but not much else. A definite no to more tubing. Smokeless propellant: Holy carp, every Vanu soldier will be using this. Shaped charge: a good, intelligent idea, but it would need a little downside as it would make armour v rockets a zero sum game, with every tank having some sort of armour, and every rocket having shaped charges. Yes, every tank can have some sort of armour, but they give up something in that slot. Kind of disadvantages VS if it takes up the 'rocket' slot.
Good point on emphasis on sidegrades. So here goes: Smokeless: slower projectile/more drop. Canister: 50% dmg vs armor, the equivalent of a frag grenade doing 25% damage. Shaped charge: BETTER against directional armor upgrades, worse against unupgraded armor facings (ie vs a tank with upgraded frontal armor, you ignore that upgrade if you hit the tank frontally, but you'll do less dmg vs sides/back.) Variable band frequency: shorter lock-on range, additional beep beep boop beep "configuration" delay when switching to launcher or reloading.
Strategy: Smokeless best at night, but you'd have to have better aim since its harder to hit from far away (where the advantage is greatest). Canister would be nice for firing at deployed AMS, infantry hiding behind rocks, or building entrances. Its weak, so you'll get more assists than kills. Shaped charge is for if you rarely get behind tanks, more effective hitting them head-on. Variable frequency is for ambushing vehicles moving close by. The delay in lock notification and proximity makes it less likey they break lock.
If they are going to make the Hawk lock-on only, Id like the projectile trajectory to be like a Javelin, where it fires up in the air and then strikes the target from above. Too many times I lock on to a prowler but the rocket strikes a ridgeline before it can hit the tank.
I want attachments too. Almost no other game does it for launchers. Each with a bigger con & pro than the rifles but definitely make it to fit your playstyle even more.
Sure neat, but you left out the one thing I crave for my standard launcher. IRNV. I would love to have some IRNV sights for my launcher.
I'd at least really, really like to see a proper 'scope' for the default launcher. I enjoy using the Shrike but the iron sights are awful, and I would pay a ton of certs to get a Hawk-like sight on it. Increased missile speed and maneuverability would really be a boon to the Hawk as well; it tracks aircraft pretty poorly as it is from most angles. I'd rather see that as a base-line change than a certed upgrade, but I'd take either.
Would love to see the ability to put a different scope on the default rocket launcher (and now decimator). The horrible iron sights were most of the reason I bought the AV rocket launcer.
