Lasers

           Small, medium, large, and Extended Range (ER) large lasers are among the most common weapons used in the Inner Sphere.

           The small laser is a good secondary, point-defense weapon for lighter 'Mechs. Its range is too limited for it to be useful on larger 'Mechs.

           The medium laser is an excellent all around weapon. It has good range and damage potential, and it builds up only a little heat. Medium lasers are the perfect secondary weapons. Because they are so light, 'Mechs can easily carry three or four.

           Large and ER large lasers have enough range to be considered primary weapons, but they do only moderate damage for their weight. They are okay for Combat and Strike 'Mechs, but Thunderbolt launchers and PPCs are better. As secondary weapons, they offer good range for their weight and do not need ammo. Thus, they are appropriate for Assault 'Mechs and even Support 'Mechs.

Pulse Lasers

           Pulse lasers have less range than standard lasers; they also weigh more. They are much more accurate, however, and they do slightly more damage.

           The small pulse laser is not a good weapon for its weight. The medium laser, which has greater range and damage potential, is much better.

           Medium pulse lasers, on the other hand, are excellent weapons. Although they don't have quite the range of medium lasers, they are more accurate at 1-2 and 4 hexes and are just as accurate at other ranges. They are the best short-range weapons available for Recon / Strike and Combat 'Mechs.

           The large pulse laser has such short range for its weight that it is not an effective primary weapon; several medium or medium pulse lasers would be better. It is an excellent secondary weapon for Assault 'Mechs, however, offering heavy damage and high accuracy at short range.

Particle Projection Cannons

           Standard and Extended Range (ER) Particle Cannons (PPCs) have been a favorite main weapon since the age of the Star League. They are common in the Inner Sphere, often used in symmetric arm mounts on 'Mechs such as the Warhammer and Marauder. The Clan Masakari carries four ER PPCs. PPCs make excellent primary weapons for Strike, Combat, Hunter Killer and Support 'Mechs. They are light enough that Assault 'Mechs can carry them for long-range fire.

           The ER PPC has only slightly greater range, but it builds up much more heat. Still, double heat sinks make it an affordable weapon. Its lack of a minimum range is also a great advantage.

           The standard PPC is still in use on 'Mechs that can't deal with the heat build-up of the ER version. By disengaging the PPC field inhibitors you can ignore the minimum range penalties for firing a standard PPC at a nearby target. This is risky, however, as particle feedback can destroy your PPC and damage your 'Mech if you are unlucky.

Flamers

           Flamers are more useful for setting fires than for damaging opponents. They are light enough that most 'Mechs can carry them with little modification. Recon / Strike 'Mechs can make good use of flamers to disrupt an enemy's rear area or to block pursuit.