Hitscan vs. Projectile Weapons in Online Gaming: What’s the Difference?
Online gaming has become more popular than ever before. From first-person shooters to RPGs, online games give us a chance to immerse ourselves in new worlds, while competing against friends or strangers. In games like Overwatch or Valorant, players have an important choice to make from the start: will they use hitscan or projectile weapons?
Hitscan weapons fire a ‘bullet’ or hit instantaneously, as soon as the player pulls the trigger. The game does a quick calculation to determine if the shot hits or misses. The ‘bullet’ does not have any travel time between the player and the target. Projectile weapons, on the other hand, have a travel time which means the ‘bullet’ or projectile takes time to reach an intended target. Projectile weapons also have a larger hitbox which can compensate for the travel time making the game more balanced.
The difference between hitscan and projectile weapons is significant. In games like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive where every bullet counts, hitscan is often the go-to option. This style of weapon is particularly useful in long-range combat, as the player can fire directly at an enemy without having to anticipate their movement. However, hitscan has its downsides, as it can be harder to land shots at close range, where the enemy is moving quickly.
On the other hand, projectile weapons require the player to lead their target and take into account the travel time of the projectile. This takes some getting used to, but can be very rewarding when the player manages to land a shot from far away as the enemy is moving. Projectile weapons can also allow for some more creative play styles, and make for some entertaining moments as players work to predict enemy movements from afar.
In games such as Overwatch or Valorant, there is a different balance between hitscan and projectile weapons. Heroes with hitscan weapons are typically better suited for taking down enemies at range, while heroes with projectile weapons are more effective at close range or when fighting against groups of enemies. This is because projectile weapons can often cause splash damage, allowing the player to hit multiple targets at once.
When it comes to choosing between hitscan or projectile weapons, it all comes down to personal preference and play style. Do you enjoy picking off targets from far away, or do you prefer to get up close and personal with your enemies? Are you comfortable with the faster pace of hitscan weapons, or do you prefer the slower, more strategic approach of projectile weapons? Ultimately, the choice is up to you. Each weapon type has its pros and cons, so it’s up to players to determine what works best for them.
In conclusion, the choice between hitscan or projectile weapons can have a significant impact on gameplay. Hitscan weapons are better suited for long range combat, while projectile weapons require more skill and strategy. Ultimately, the best choice comes down to personal play style and preference. In a game where every shot counts, choosing the right weapon can mean the difference between victory or defeat.