Plasma Energy Weapons - Question

caltair

I haven't typically used Plasma weapons in the past so please forgive me if this question seems a bit basic.

Is there any reason to use an actual Plasma Energy Weapon as opposed to a different weapon that includes a Plasma Proc?

From what I've been reading and seeing, it seems like the only benefit to using a Plasma Energy Weapon is for the 2.5% Plasma Fire proc. But, since several other energy weapons also have that exact proc (example: Disruptor-Plasma Hybrid) it looks like the entire reason I would use the basic Plasma weapon is a moot point. Is that true or am I missing something?

jerichoredoran

You're missing that the proc itself is the moot point. It doesn't do much so don't care much.
Choice of energy type comes mostly down to supplemental items and set bonuses enhancing it. The very reason disruptors are so popular currently. On the other hand its cheaper to get great crafted weapons (->basic plasma) than lock box ones.

postinggum

The proc is weak and with 2.5% chance of activating per weapon cycle its a small chance of not very much. This game has an issue wth the standard procs being relatively weak for a decently equipped player on most content, the lockbox weapons that have nicer procs can't have a pen mod and some of the older ones only get two mods at very rare. It makes going disruptor or antiproton an easy choice.

darkbladejk

The way the game is currently you can use any energy type and do fine. As far as to which type is best depends on you and what you want to do. You could for example make a drain build using antiproton but it wouldn't be nearly as effective as if you had used Polaron or even Tetryon. If you want to take plasma out for a spin then do it. The weapon procs and weapons themselves can be nasty depending on what you have backing them up.

Unknown

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davefenestrator

Pick the type to match a theme or because you like the beam color and effects. Unless you're trying to top the DPS charts they're all good at Mark XIV.

postagepaid

I have a romulan that uses plasma and stuff dies fast enough that you'd never actually see any benefits from the proc on anything other than the bigger "boss" enemies.

And even then the fire is more of a tickle than anything else.

Weapon procs are nice to have but if things get destroyed by beam overloads (they use a t'laru so 4 drones and the escort carrier trait) or a kinetic magnet & torp spread 3 you can pretty much forget they exist.

antonine3258

Disruptor - plasma has both procs in exchange for a modifier, but, yeah, the proc is the main reason (also, team colors if you're a Romulan)

postagepaid

In case it matters at all plasma is STILL waiting for a mission reward 360 array, only current option is a crafted one.

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postagepaid

You sure, I thought the lobi beam was only a regular array.

postinggum

The isolytic omni is a lockbox drop

postagepaid

I ignore those as the chance of getting one is so slim they're not worth thinking about.

postinggum

You can always buy up weapon packs, spends tens of millions and maybe get one. After the next upgrade event all sorts of stuff people have been sitting on will hit the market and we'll see what the real priceof some rarities really are.

postagepaid

Rarity just means that they'll become fodder for the reselling gougers.

Re-engineering might have a small positive effect but if they are super rare to begin with that small positive will be barely noticable.