Unreal Tournament 3/Shock Rifle

Basic use

 * Primary fire shoots an instant hit beam of energy that damages opponents.
 * The bolts slows down any Vehicles it hits; and especially against raptors causes the vehicle to change orientation; throwing as opponent's aim.
 * Secondary fire shoots a ball of energy
 * Hitting an energy ball with primary fire causes it to explode; and creates considerably more damage.

Tactical uses of the shock rifle in Warfare

 * The bolts slows down any Vehicles it hits; and especially against raptors causes the vehicle to change orientation; throwing as opponent's aim.
 * The same is true of cicadas; and shock primary is the preferred foot soldier weapon against cicada
 * The shock secondary is far more effective at stopping Vehicles; and works very well against incoming mantas that are about to run you over.
 * Shock secondary also absorbs weapon fire; and can be used as impromptu shields.
 * Shock combos (Hitting a shock core with primary fire) - usually gives a one hit kill -especially if done from your opponent's blindspot; and he can't see it coming.
 * Your opponent must either be stationary - or you must predict wer he'll be; this prediction is a critical part of effective combat
 * Shooting 2 shock cores at slightly different angles will give your opponent even less room to move out of the way
 * Detonating a shock core just above a manta cockpit kills the pilot; and if initially undamaged will then give you a vehicle to drive.
 * Using shock combos is one of the quickest ways to demolish nodes on foot.
 * Shock combos take 5 points of ammo to create, so they must be used sparingly.
 * The shock rifle is probably the trickiest weapon to master; but soon becomes first choice for most situations

Tactical uses of the shock rifle in Deathmatch

 * To know how far your shock core has traveled; its glow on the floor gives an useful clue.
 * Aim just above your opponents head with a shock core; which will allow you to combo them; rather than simply hit them with the secondary.

Defending against the shock rifle

 * Run away (it's usually used by better players, and discretion can be the better part of valour).
 * Close down the distance and use a more powerful weapon
 * Hope that you are facing a person who stands still to pull off combos; and use this opportunity to pull off a headshot with a sniper rifle.