[TC] What do you think of PBE's?

[xeb0]

I just got a complex up and going that is pumping out Energy Bolt Chainguns (and ammo) and PBE's. I figured the two would make a great pair on a fleet of mambas.

After trying the PBE out though (for the first time), I've got to say that the range is a little disappointing. As it is a shield killer, you'd expect it to be used at the onset of a fight, but its range of <1km makes that difficult.

What do you think? Should I stick with the PBE+EBC combo, or go back to the basics?

Edit - Will the AI know when/how to use each gun if I equip my Computer Controlled ships with a variety of weapons?

[Alan Phipps]

PBEs are great for capping fighters, M8s and TSs/TPs. Quick shield reduction and rapid-hitting low hull damage. You just need to make sure you have the laser energy to get to a quick bailing situation and most times the rest of the hostile patrol don't even notice that they are being attacked!

They are useful in turrets versus light swarm missiles, or swarming drones or Kha'ak scouts. Not good news versus area effect high-yield missiles though!

PBE and EBC don't really mix well in the same weapon group because of the range disparity but you can use them successfully in separate groups.

[Nazardo]

Edit - Will the AI know when/how to use each gun if I equip my Computer Controlled ships with a variety of weapons?

Not in vanilla.

[Alan Phipps]

@ Nazardo: Yes it will for turrets in vanilla X3AP with weapon swapping enabled.

[Nazardo]

I'm sorry, but there was no tag in the title, so I just assumed TC.

[xeb0]

Bah, I'm so forgetful!