Best Starting Weapons (EU)

Until recently my view was that the AutoCannon was the best standard-issue starting weapon and I gave it to every soldier strong enough to carry one; everyone else got a Rifle. Having run some numbers, I think this is probably wrong. For early-game scenarios involving mainly Floaters and Sectoids (including their associated terror units), I would now say that:

1. The Pistol is probably better than the Rifle. It has slightly better firepower, plus the advantage of improved Experience gain, the flexibility with grenades or other items in the second hand, more likely to get off a reaction shot, and of course lower cost to own and operate (a minor consideration). The only real downside is less ammo (more frequent reloads, more Transport space). The only thing in the Rifle's favour is the auto mode, and that only generates greater firepower in close range situations where accuracy can be ignored. For medium range shots, Snap fire from a Pistol (or Rifle) is far more effective than Auto fire from a Rifle.
2. The Heavy Cannon is probably better than the Auto Cannon. It has 50% better firepower than the Rifle, Pistol, or AutoCannon. It is cheaper to own and operate than the AutoCannon, and is superior in reaction fire (snap fire) firepower. It has the best first-shot-kill capability. It has much greater terrain-clearing capabilities (both AP and HE). It can even step up to tackling Mutons, with some degree of success. The only advantages the Auto Cannon has over it are ammo capacity, and the rare use of HE in auto mode when accuracy can be ignored. The downside is the 6-rd ammo limitation, and fewer reaction shot opportunities (though those shots have the best effectiveness, on average). But overcoming that downside will build up soldiers' Strength, rapidly!
3. In conclusion, I would make the combination of the Pistol and Heavy Cannon the standard starting personal weapons. The Pistol favours Experience and flexibility; the Heavy Cannon favours pure all-round firepower.
4. The AutoCannon would not be standard-issue. It would be retained only for 1-2 soldiers as a special weapon (such as for illuminating with IC, or possibly fighting Reapers or Mutons with HE on auto). Similarly you also need Rocket Launchers as special heavy weapons, grenades/explosives, Stun Rods for captures, etc.

NB - I am defining "firepower" as "average armour-adjusted damage delivered on target per unit of time".

Spike 19:03, 6 December 2008 (CST)

Don't disagree with much here, but if you use the Incendiary Exploit, the Autocannon can more than hold its own. Arrow Quivershaft 19:58, 6 December 2008 (CST)