High rate of fire Pulse Rifles. [b]Long Post[/b]
These pulse rifles are your best choice for a weapon that is great in medium ranges but can also cover nearly any range. Their constant damage helps flinch opponents at range and their above average TTK makes them competitive at close range.
There are two archetypes of high fire rate pulse rifles. The first tier, the fastest firing, includes only the Grasp of Malok, which is only obtainable from killing Omnigul in the Will of Crota strike.
- These have a total fire rate of 540rpm or 180Bursts per Minute (bpm) (with delay between bursts included)
- A burst fire rate of 900rpm, (fire rate of the actual burst, it is the same for all pulse rifles)
- A burst delay of 0.2s
- Deal about 16 damage to the body and 23 to the head
- It takes 13 body shots to kill or 9 headshots (at least 7 headshots needed plus 2 body)
- This means it will take 5 bursts to kill with only body shots or 3 bursts with headshots.
- Maximum TTK (if you get all body shots) is 1.34s and Minimum TTK (if you get enough headshots) is 0.8s.
These pulse rifles have such a small burst delay that they feel like they are full auto as well as a very quick headshot TTK, although its not as quick as the highest impact type of pulse rifle it is much more consistent and less difficult for an average player to attain. Their body shot time to kill is quite average but with only a few headshots you can reduce this kill time considerably. The fast fire rate and quick TTK makes them great for close to medium range while the burst fire and decent range makes them capable even at longer ranges. I found that at medium to long range the low accuracy made landing shots a little more difficult and headshots much more difficult, this might be due to the roll I got on my grasp, which lacked counter balance. This archetype is great for average players; since it can kill quickly only needing to land a few headshots, shoots quickly and has little recoil. But also is great for skilled players because of its super fast kill time if you can hit headshots consistently.
When using this weapon it is wise to use a sniper in your special slot to cover the long ranges.
Look to maximize stability on the weapon as well as look for perks that quicken your reload or extend your mag size.
The second tier, which shoots slightly slower, includes the Hawksaw, SUROS PDX-45, and The Aegis of The Reef.
- These have a total fire rate of 450rpm or 150bpm(with delay between bursts included)
- A burst fire rate of 900rpm
- A burst delay of 0.267s
- Deal about 17 damage to the body and 25 to the head
- It takes 12 body shots to kill or 8 headshots (at least 7 headshots needed plus 1 body)
- This means it will take 4 bursts to kill with only body shots or 3 bursts with headshots
- Maximum TTK (if you get all body shots) is 1.34s and Minimum TTK (if you get enough headshots) is 0.867s.
This archetype is one of the most optimal tools for covering all your ranges. With an average body shot TTK, an above average headshot TTK, and a manageably fast fire rate, the weapon is an awesome and comfortable experience. Although it does not have the kill time of the faster firing tier it makes up for it with its greater accuracy and consistency, which allows it to be practically the best choice for medium range and even exceptionally decent for long ranges. It can handle its self at close range but only really against other primaries especially if you can hit headshots.
When running one of these a close range special is very useful. Also again look to maximize the stability, other than that is up to personal preference since they already reload quickly and don’t have range issues.
Overall the high rate of fire type of pulse rifle is an exceptional type of weapon to use and both of its archetypes are some of the best weapons in the crucible. Personally I’d say that the higher fire rate tier is the strongest although it’s hard to say because of the incredible versatility of the other tier.
Which high rate of fire pulse is your favorite? What perks do you run on yours?
Medium Rate of Fire: https://www.bungie.net/en/Forums/Post/208850357?page=0&sort=0&showBanned=0&path=1
Low Rate of Fire: https://www.bungie.net/en/Forums/Post/209143865?sort=0&page=0
All other In Depth posts: https://www.bungie.net/en/Forums/Post/209148528
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[quote]The first tier, the fastest firing, includes only the Grasp of Malok, [/quote] Eh, Praedyth's Timepiece and Oversoul Edict are also in this archetype as well as several rares (which can exceed 310 attack). Protip: be mindful of absolutes (ie. The word "only")....