Energy Weapon

Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) are a large and diverse family of weapons which utilize various forms of focused energy to harm opponents. While usually used to refer to plasma weapons or lasers, DEWs can also refer to more exotic weapons, such as electricity-based weapons or sonic weaponry. Most nations and organizations in the galaxy use some form of DEWs both for lethal and nonlethal applications.

Categories
While no two energy weapons function in exactly the same way, they still bear many similarities to each other. They are powered by an electrical source, typically a battery, and if necessary, some form of 'ammunition'. Sometimes both the battery and the ammo are contained in one pack, though in other cases they are distinct. Some energy weapons feature a charge mechanic that governs how much energy is put into each shot. Higher charges are more powerful but generate heat more rapidly and fire relatively slowly. Lower charges deal less damage-per-shot, but can fire at a much faster rate.

Plasma
Main Article: Plasma Weapon

The fourth state of matter, plasma is superheated ionized gas that is capable of instantaneously vaporizing the armor and flesh of a target.

Laser
Main Article: Laser Weapon

Laser weapons project a beam of focused light which imparts so much energy into the immediate surface area of a target that it explodes, leaving behind molten slag.

Lightning
 Main Article: Lightning Weapon

As their name indicates, lightning weapons utilize static electricity to attack one or more targets at a time. Depending on their charge, lightning weapons can be used to either stun and incapacitate infantry or destroy vehicles and battlesuits.

Sonic
Main Article: Sonic Weapon

Sonic weapons use sound waves to injure, incapacitate, or even outright kill their targets. Their use on the battlefield is limited at best as most armies have advanced hearing protection.

Hard Light
Main Article: Hard Light Weapon

An extremely rare and poorly-understood relic of the ancient era, Hard Light weapons use powerful bolts of solid light.

Warp Weapon
Main Article: Warp Weapon

A Warp weapon is any weapon originating from the Warp. Currently, only one such example exist in the known galaxy, that being the Rach Hellbat.