View source for SG-8P Punisher Plasma

{{Infobox_Weapon
 |title=SG-8P Punisher Plasma
 |image=SG-8P_Punisher_Plasma_Weapon_Icon.png
 |caption-image=
 |damage=250
 |penetration = {{armor|3|ap}}
 |capacity=8
 |recoil=110
 |fire_rate=80
 |spare_mags=8
 |weapon_traits=Explosive
 |firing_modes= Semi-automatic
 |scope_options= N/A
 |source=[[Cutting Edge Premium Warbond|Cutting Edge]], Page 2
 |cost={{Currency|Medals|60}}
}}{{Quote|A modified Punisher shotgun firing exploding plasma rounds. Fire carefully - exploding plasma can injure squadmates.|Armory Description}}

The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' is a [[Weapons#Primary Weapons|Primary weapon]] that is based on the [[SG-8 Punisher]]. An energy weapon, it behaves similar to a grenade launcher rather than a shotgun, shooting an exploding plasma orb in an arc with significant drop. Though it performs similarly to the [[GL-21 Grenade Launcher]] in combat, it is unable to close [[Bug Hole]]s or [[Automaton Fabricator]]s. It replenishes all 8 of its spare magazines per [[Resupply]] box and 3 mags per [[Supplies#Ammo Box|ammo box]].  

== Procurement ==
The Punisher Plasma is unlocked on the 2nd page of the [[Cutting Edge Premium Warbond]] for {{Currency|Medals|60}}.

== Detailed Weapon Statistics ==
{{Attack_Data}}

== Tactical Information ==
* Be wary of firing at point blank range, as the plasma explosion is very likely to kill you as well. Armor that reduces explosive damage (ie: [[Armor Passives|Fortified]]) is highly advised.
* Using the arced shot to fire over cover is one of its main benefits.
* Due to the projectile travel time and performance at range, this weapon pairs well with the [[G-23 Stun]], [[Orbital EMS Strike]] and other sources of crowd control tools.
* This weapon combos well with non helldiver sources of sustained damage (namely [[:Category:Sentry Stratagems|Sentries]]) as it is capable of mass stunning masses of approaching enemies and keeping them at standoff distances.
=== Weapon Mechanics ===
The Punisher Plasma is best used at medium range and with the support of other more reliable damage sources.
* The AoE effect of the Punisher Plasma deals '''150''' base damage, but suffers from damage falloff after the inner radius of the explosion.
* It's mechanically possible to inflict the Plasma Punisher's direct '''100''' damage, but because it explodes on '''0.5''' meter proximity detection, the projectile usually blows up before impact. The weapon must therefore be thought of as exclusively dealing the '''150''' explosive damage for most practical purposes.
* The projectile and its AoE have a very high stagger value, fully capable of stun-locking hordes of [[Devastator|Devastators]] at range
* The resulting AoE size of the Punisher Plasma's projectile '''increases the further it travels''', it is possible for the explosion to be impressively large if firing from high ground to negate the steep projectile drop.
** NOTE: While the AoE size of the projectile has been confirmed to grow visually, The damage AOE has not been confirmed. It is unclear at this time if this AOE increase is intentional or a visual bug.

== Known Bugs ==
* {{Update|H2|1.000.303}}: The projectile of the plasma punisher does not pass through the [[FX-12 Shield Generator Relay|FX-12 Shield Generator Relay]] (emplacement).

* {{Update|H2|1.000.203}}: There are reports of a recurring bug where the damaging area of effect of the projectile does not change from base size despite the visual effect generated. It is unknown what causes this, and what the intended functionality is.

== Field Testing ==
All field testing was performed on the following patch: {{Update|H2|1.000.203}}.

* Wearing Heavy [[Armor Passives|Fortified]] armor, the Plasma Punisher is survivable with a hit in the chest. From further away, less damage is taken.
<gallery mode="packed">
Plasma Punisher Damage, Close.png|Close range hit with Plasma Punisher
Pp-damage-far.png|Same conditions but 70m away
</gallery>
* Safe distance from the blast radius is roughly 2 meters. This stays consistent no matter how far from the point of impact the shooter is.
<gallery mode="packed">
Plasma-range-cropped.jpg|When Plasma Punisher hits the middle of this door, the Helldiver pictured is safe.
</gallery>
* From a distance the explosions are visually larger, especially with low graphical settings. There is no change for a close observer.
<gallery mode="packed">
Plasma-far-cropped.jpg|Explosion size from far away
Plasma.gif|The same explosion from close range
</gallery>

== Change History ==
{{Change History Head}}
{{Change History Update|1.000.403|changes=
Fixes
* Fix for Plasma Punisher being unable to shoot out of the [[SH-32 Shield Generator Pack]] and the [[FX-12 Shield Generator Relay|FX-12 Shield Generator]].
}}
{{Change History Update|1.000.302|changes=
Fixes
* Firing the Punisher Plasma while wearing a [[SH-32 Shield Generator Pack|shield backpack]] no longer damages the Helldiver.
}}
{{Change History Update|1.000.300|changes=
Changes
* Decreased maximum mags from 12 to 8.
* Increased amount of magazines received from resupply from 6 to 8.
* Increased projectile speed, but will still keep a similar range.
* Decreased damage falloff on the explosion.
* Now placed in the energy weapons category.
}}

[[Category:Weapons|1]]
[[Category:Primary Weapons]]
[[Category:Energy-Based]]

{{Nav Weapon}}