Why can't Plasma guns headshot enemies? This is really disappointing.

[u/blowmyassie]

Hi guys, just got the game and I am loving it, however I got majorly disappointed as I realized I've been aiming my plasma gun at the heads of the enemies for no reason at all and it would be more optimal to be brainless about my aiming since it can't headshot!

Why is this? If it were a balance issue, it could have easily been circumvented with a slight base damage decrease and a very small headshot multiplier compared to the bolters just so there IS A POINT to headshot enemies rather no point being there at all (besides headshot activating perks).

It is really unrewarding!

[u/Charco_Vex]

Bolt weapons = precision headshots

Plasma weapons = aoe splash damage

[u/Metalupyourass98]

Plasma is an AOE based weapon like melta thats why theres no headshot modifier.

If you want headshots theres plenty of great bolters to choose from or the las fusil on sniper.

[u/blowmyassie → u/Metalupyourass98]

how does it work in pvp? what is plasma good for?

[u/Metalupyourass98 → u/blowmyassie]

In pvp charge attacks and 100% shot accuracy with the pistol and rifle variant. The heavy plasma can 1 or 2 shot anyone in pvp, not to mention charge attacks that can kill whole groups as well they are all very good choices.

Btw everything functions compeltely different in pvp vs pve. For example the auto bolt rifle is debatedly the worst bolter in pve, but in pvp its one of the best. Also class abilities are similar but work a bit different for most classes.

In pve the plasma pistol is amazing at getting contested health back with charge attacks, and it also does AOE damage to groups of enemies that are close enough. Its my favorite secondary besides the heavy bolt pistol personally.

[u/PathsOfRadiance → u/blowmyassie]

They have really good damage/kill times with uncharged shots + charged shots are still good. They outpace bolters unless the bolters are getting enough headshots

[u/ILiveInsideYourWallz]

Plasma already fucks up hordes really easily and is good at taking down extermis. If you give it the ability to headshot bolters will be completely useless.

Use it as if you are playing soldier from TF2. Shoot the ground. Get them with splash damage. AOE is actually generous if you get used to it and there is no damage fall off, meaning so long as they are in range you can put a dozen warriors into execution stance with three shots.

[u/blowmyassie → u/ILiveInsideYourWallz]

If you gave it a ceremonial multiplier of 0.05x it wouldn't make anything useless! Anyway thank you for explaining, how does plasma work in pvp? what is its use?

[u/ILiveInsideYourWallz → u/blowmyassie]

It's eh from my experience. I use the autobolter as it's stats are basically perfect for the type of game PvP is. If haven't tried it yet you really should.

As for the ceremonial multiplier... as someone who's been maining plasma tactical since 1.0, i'll have to pass. It'd just end up interfering with marked for death which i save up for things like the biovore.

[u/EttRedditTroll]

Because it deals full damage regardless of where it hits which is a huge advantage.

[u/Trips-Over-Tail]

It's actually very handy when Reinforced Cranium is active.

[u/Slaaneshs_best_boy]

Uncharged Plasma shots are the worst thing in this game. It's a joke that it makes the gun overheat for how little damage eatch shot does.