Overview
The Small Cutting Laser is a versatile beam weapon also functioning as a harvester crafted from scavenged materials. Unlike conventional projectile weapons, this tool functions as a free-aim cutting beam capable of adapting its function based on the target it intersects, making it an indispensable multi-tool for Riders navigating hostile space and resource-scarce environments.
How It Works
Step 1: Arm the Weapon
Place the cutting laser in your hardpoint slot. Once it is in an active slot, the weapon is armed and ready to use at all times. There is no warm-up or activation delay.
Step 2: Toggle the Reticule
Press V to turn the targeting reticule on or off. You can do this whenever you want, even while the weapon is armed.
Step 3: Aim
Point your camera at whatever you want to hit. The cutting laser does not require a target-lock, so you are free to aim manually.
Step 4: Fire
Hold the left mouse button to emit the beam. Release the button to stop firing.
Mining, Combat & Salvage
The beam automatically adapts its behavior depending on what it crosses:
When directed at asteroids, the laser functions as a mining tool, extracting valuable resources from the rock. When aimed at enemy ships, it becomes a weapon that deals direct thermal damage. When swept across shipwrecks, it shifts into salvage mode, breaking down wreckage into recoverable materials.
Additionally, the thermal damage it inflicts in combat applies heat buildup on the target. This means sustained fire not only chips away at hull integrity but also progressively overheats the target, potentially triggering systems failures or reducing combat effectiveness over time.
Crafted from the scraps of the frontier, the cutting laser proves that precision beats payload every time.