The video evaluates the Light Strike Cannon in Star Citizen Alpha 4.7.1, highlighting its balance of high alpha damage and fast projectile speed, which makes it effective against small to medium ships under the new armor damage deflection system. While it outperforms laser repeaters against tougher targets, its lower sustained damage and capacitor limitations mean it is best suited for specific roles like engaging nimble fighters rather than broad combat scenarios.
In this video, the effectiveness of the Light Strike Cannon weapon in Star Citizen Alpha 4.7.1 is tested, particularly under the new ship armor damage deflection system that affects both physical and energy damage. The creator explains that many smaller laser repeaters struggle against medium to large ships due to low alpha damage. While laser cannons generally have higher alpha damage but slower projectile speeds and lower capacitor, the Light Strike Cannon offers a balance with decent projectile speed, especially in sizes one to three. The video provides a detailed analysis of the weapon’s stats, comparisons with other weapons, and practical combat tests.
The Light Strike Cannon, manufactured by Esperia, is available in sizes one through five (size six exists but is currently unusable on ships). Compared to the Omnisky laser cannon, the Light Strike has significantly lower burst and sustained damage, with about half the alpha damage. However, when compared to laser repeaters like the Bulldog, the Light Strike’s higher alpha damage allows it to effectively damage a wider range of ships, including some medium-sized vessels that repeaters cannot penetrate due to the armor damage threshold system.
Projectile speed is a major factor in weapon effectiveness, especially against fast-moving targets. Laser repeaters have high projectile speeds (around 1800 m/s), which traditionally gave them an advantage. The Light Strike Cannon matches this speed in sizes one to three and maintains relatively high speeds even in larger sizes, making it easier to hit targets compared to other laser cannons like the Omnisky or Attrition, which have slower projectile speeds. However, the Light Strike Cannon has a lower capacitor capacity, requiring careful power management in combat.
The video includes practical tests on various ships equipped with Light Strike Cannons. On the Aurora SE with size one cannons, the weapon was effective against small fighters but struggled against larger ships like the Freelancer MS due to insufficient alpha damage. Upgrading to size two Light Strike Cannons on the Aurora Mark II allowed penetration of the Freelancer MS’s armor. On the Scorpius Antaries with size three Light Strike Cannons, the weapon could damage larger ships like the 600i, though it took time due to lower DPS. Size four Light Strike Cannons on the Polaris proved highly effective against small fighters and could hold their own against larger ships with proper crew support.
In conclusion, the Light Strike Cannon’s main advantage lies in its high alpha damage relative to laser repeaters and its fast projectile speed, making it well-suited for targeting small, nimble fighters, especially when mounted on capital ships. However, its lower alpha damage compared to other laser cannons and slower recharge rate mean it is less effective in all combat scenarios. The creator suggests that while the Light Strike Cannon is valuable in specific roles, especially against light fighters, players may want to consider other weapons for broader effectiveness depending on their ship and combat needs.