The video reviews the new Skarnov electron rifle in Star Citizen, highlighting its impressive visual and sound design, unique chain lightning mechanic, and low recoil, but criticizes its low damage output and limited combat effectiveness, especially against shielded enemies. Through a detailed test in the Vanduul incursion mission, the creator finds the rifle underwhelming for both PvE and PvP, suggesting it requires balancing improvements despite its cool concept.
In this video, the creator tests the new Skarnov electron rifle, a weapon available in the game’s PTU (Public Test Universe) and purchasable at Lavski in Nyx. The rifle has around nine skins and can be acquired through new Vanduul incursion missions or bought directly. The weapon is notable for its unique electron bolt projectiles that can arc between multiple conductive targets, creating a chain lightning effect. The creator examines the rifle’s stats, noting some discrepancies between the in-game data and patch notes, such as rate of fire and battery size, and highlights its attachments and capacity.
The rifle’s design and sound effects receive praise, with the electron bolts visually impressive and accompanied by satisfying audio. The weapon holds 30 rounds, has two firing modes (single and fully automatic), and features low recoil, especially in single-fire mode. Despite the cool aesthetics and mechanics, the rifle’s effective range is short, and the damage output is relatively low, with an alpha damage of 27 per shot. It also has a unique mechanic where the electric damage jumps between enemies within a limited range.
The video proceeds to test the rifle in combat during a new Vanduul incursion FPS mission called “Retake Boarded Vessel.” The mission involves reclaiming a ship hijacked by hostile operatives known as Shatterblade. The creator demonstrates the rifle’s performance against enemies and small fighters, confirming it can damage ship components but only minimally. The electric arc effect is visually striking but does little to increase combat effectiveness, especially since enemy shields block much of the damage.
During the mission, the creator encounters challenges such as enemy shields blocking shots and the rifle’s low damage output making combat slow and difficult. The electric arc effect does cause some crowd damage, but it is not sufficient to quickly eliminate enemies. The mission also involves repairing a power plant on the ship, which requires a repair tool. The creator notes some mission bugs, such as cryopods falling with gravity in space, and explores the ship’s interior, encountering barricades and hostages that prevent taking control of the ship.
In conclusion, while the Skarnov electron rifle impresses with its visual and sound design, its practical combat performance is underwhelming. The weapon’s low damage means it takes many shots to kill enemies, making it ineffective in both PvE and PvP scenarios. The video suggests that despite the cool concept and effects, the rifle needs balancing improvements to be viable in combat. The creator invites viewers to share their opinions on the weapon and thanks them for watching.