...Is it possible this was intended to be a replacement NC default at some point? It always struck me as odd that the Orion and CARV have basically nothing in the way of attachment choices while the SAW has quite a few. The GD-22S is the only NC LMG that has no ammo options and no Advanced attachments, and the only other LMG that's like that and isn't a default is the Pulsar LSW. So I'm wondering if the gun somehow initially was designed to fill that role in some capacity as a generalist newbie-friendly weapon with minimal attachments like other default guns, with the SAW becoming more of a specialist gun not unlocked from the start (like its companions the Reaper/AC-X11). The biggest flaw I see there is that its DPS is quite a bit lower since it's 167@577 (~1605) vs. the Orion/CARV at 143@750 (~1787). Still, it's something I could envision being adjusted like so: GD-22S Is now the NC Heavy Assault's default weapon (and granted to every NC who doesn't already have it; it's just 100 certs, after all). Damage category up from 167@577 to 167@600 (same as the EM6/Gauss Rifle/Mercenary). No change in magazine size, or maybe a bump to 60 rounds (would bump DPM to ~10k, still lower than the CARV). No change to recoil, COF, or bloom. No change in attachments (only has a Suppressor/Flash Suppressor and Grip/Laser/Flashlight, retains access to 2x Reflex scope). NC6 Gauss SAW Is no longer the NC Heavy Assault's default weapon (all NC characters already created keep it, however). New cost is 100 certs. No change to any other properties; all damage, attachments, etc. are exactly the same as before. LA1 Anchor Damage category up from 167@600 to either 167@625 (~1740 DPS, closer to par with 143@750) or, if the price isn't lowered, 167@652 (~1814 DPS, now slightly better). No change to any other properties, except maybe lower the cost from 1000 certs The new GD-22S would be a better midrange default than the Orion/CARV, but not uncompetitive with them at closer ranges (kinda like how the Gauss Rifle technically loses to the T1 Cycler by a little but is more effective than the Cycler at medium and long ranges). Like them, you'd be able to max out on attachments for a very low cert cost. The SAW is still available, and cheaply, but this would be offset by the cost in attachments it tends to want. A gun matching the profile of the Gauss Rifle and Mercenary is also a bit easier to adjust to for new players. Putting a 2x and a Laser on it would run you 130 certs vs. a 2x/Advanced Grip/Compensator on the SAW potentially running you up to 330 (430 if you also had to buy the SAW). The Anchor would get a buff to become more obvious in its role as the close-quarters NC LMG, since it would now definitively do more damage than the EM6. I like putting it at 652 RPM since the slightly higher DPS would be offset by Nanoweave punishing 167 damage weapons more, but having a Super Cyclone might well put TR and VS more ill at ease (I'm already scared enough of the Cyclone). It might be necessary to muck further with the Anchor's FSRM if it got that much of a DPS buff. Still, it would provide an LMG option that is competitive with the Jackhammer or SMGs, since it's a bit silly at the moment that the Anchor isn't really quite preferable to either despite its enormous cert/SC cost. The Gauss SAW S and EM6 would have more obvious tradeoffs vs. the "default." The SAW S in particular would trade DPS for ammo and attachments, making it a bit more like the CARV-S. The EM6 trades moving ADS COF for more attachments and a bigger magazine. It all just sort of "fits" better.
I would love to see the GD22S and Anchor get buffed up like that. Anchor get 620Rpm, would be awesome. The one change id also make to the NC6 would be increasing Velocity to 640m/s. That way it's a true long range NC weapon.
Gauss Saw most likely wouldn't change as you'd like knight. Heck, OMFG1 had quite the impact on it already since it's easier to handle now w/o all the FPS spikes. (Though i would like your change as well.) That said, OP makes sense. NC don't have any all rounder, but this helps the entry level NC while tweaking our range specific LMGs slightly to be better at their intended range.
The GD22 is basically a cheap entry to hip fire, and if you like that style, the Anchor is the premier hip fire (I use it all the time, was it worth 1430 credits? In some ways yes and no) In all honesty I'd make the NC6 SAW the 1000 credit gun, make the GD22 default, and give the Anchor a 500 credit price (or stay 1000 and give it 2x RDS). The NC6 is the real OP gun, compensator/AFG, and low RoF for really solid accuracy. The DPS is the same as the Anchor too If the GD22 had SPA or ALS it'd cost more
We have the EM6, play with it for awhile. If your own personal skill is at least adequate, im sure you will learn to love the EM6. It is a solid all rounder weapon. it has moderate recoil, good enough RoF and a decent damage level. It's bloom is perfectly fine. Its accuracy is pretty good. The attachment options allow it to pretty much perform anywhere. Want a Longer range setup? Comp/(your choice of optic)/Grip/(HVA if you so choose) CQC? Laser/suppressor or nothing/your optic Mid rangemeat grinder Exmag/Comp/HG or Laser/optic Suppression Exmag/HG/Optic/Comp for extra handling. There are many other combos can be used on the EM6. if there is any single LMG in this game id consider an all rounder go anywhere weapon, it's definetly the EM6. You cant go wrong with it. I have nothing really bad to say about this thing. It really is just the best overall LMG in the NC Arsenal. Perhaps others have figured out other LMGs, but the EM6....<3
The problem with that argument is that for 100 certs, the TR gets the MSW-R, which does have SPA and ALS. I don't think the GD-22S should have those things, as I don't see it as a hipfire-intended gun in the same sense as the Anchor. It's more intended to be an easy-to-use gun with okay close range abilities but excellent midrange abilities. Its current stats work perfectly for that, I'd just bump up the DPS if it were made a default as it'd be a bit lacking vs. the Orion/CARV.
Bump up its RoF to 585RpM and give it 60 rounds. Would it make that big a diff? Prolly not. But it would give it some sort of character and difference from the Anchor.
THe GD-22S costs 130 certs out of the box (terrible iron sight picture so get 2x optics on it quick) and 230 if you really want to invest in it and give it a foregrip. It's a great weapon, handles wonderfully, and can dominate other factions heavies at a range of 15 meters all the way out to at least 60. It's a good all-rounder, but it should not be the starting weapon. The starting weapon should do a few things. It should: Emphasize faction traits (though not to the extend of the Gauss SAW) be easy to use be representative of the type of weapon it is I fee like the GD-22S is sort of an AR/LMG hybrid, thus making it not fulfill number 3. I think the Gauss SAW S would be a much better replacement as stock weapon, but I also feel that NC heavies have a significant advantage because of the power they get out the gate compared to other factions. Invest a bit, and an NC heavy has a major advantage over others, but you first have to put in the certs, and know how to use the weapon. Ultimately, certing out a GD is cheaper and more versatile. As for the buffs to it, I'm all for buffing damage output so long as I retain the level of control it has now, which is wonderful.
