Rocket Launcher
The Rocket Launcher (RL) fires a straight-line projectile that detonates on contact with a surface or player, dealing 80 direct damage with a 125-unit splash radius. It carries full self-damage (1.0 ratio), 100 knockback, and fires every 950ms. It is one of the three primary competitive weapons.
Mechanics
The rocket travels in a straight line at a fixed speed: unlike the GL, there is no arc or bounce. It detonates on the first surface it contacts. At the point of impact, it deals direct damage plus splash damage to anything within the radius, including the shooter.
Because the rocket travels at finite speed, it requires leading moving targets. At close range the lead time is minimal. At longer range, a fast-moving opponent who is strafing actively will dodge most rockets. The RL is a close-to-mid range weapon in practice despite having no falloff by range.
Role in Play
The RL is the most versatile weapon in the kit. It handles:
- Close range burst: direct hit plus splash at close range
- Splash pressure: firing at the floor or walls near an opponent
- Rocket jumps: self-damage and knockback enable height and speed gains
- Follow-up after knockback: landing a second rocket while an opponent is airborne from the first
Self-Damage
Self-damage ratio is 1.0. Splash at close range damages the shooter. Firing at the floor near an opponent damages both the opponent and the shooter.
Counters
Beyond medium range, projectile speed makes rockets avoidable via strafing and air control. Faster hitscan weapons (LG, Riotgun) trade damage more efficiently at close range.
Related
- Weapons: full stats and weapon overview
- Lasergun: primary mid-range companion
- Electrobolt: long-range triad weapon
- Grenade Launcher: the indirect explosive alternative
- Movement: rocket jump applications