Average:
Each weapon has the same range, the same strength and is fired using the same Ballistic Skill. Both weapons are available on all the same weapons, and neither weapon is more susceptible to being destroyed than the other.
When you consider all the vehicles and units that can take a Starcannon, you'll find the average points cost for that weapon is 32.5.
When you consider all the vehicles and units that can take a Scatter Laser, you'll find the average points cost for that weapon is 21.6
Let's look at performance in some standard situations. The first thing I'm going to do is average out the number of shots the Scatter Laser fires in a turn. As the Scatter Laser fires D6 times per turn, you can't get a static number of shots... so I'll calculate the average, which is 3. Some people believe that the average number of shots a Scatter Laser fires is actually 3.5; if you believe that then it's easy to recalculate the results below (though the difference will be minimal).
Vehicles
Seeing as both weapons shoot an average of 3 times per turn, are the same strength, same range, etc., both the Starcannon and Scatter Laser fire with equal effectiveness at vehicles. For that reason, I'm not going to do the calculations.
Shooting on Marines not in cover:
Starcannon
3 shots per turn
Average 1.5 will hit
Average 1.25 will wound
No save
1.25 marines dead
6 turns = 7.5 marines dead
Per 32.5 points , 7.5 Marines in the open die.
Scatter Laser
3 shots per turn
Average 1.5 will hit
Average 1.25 will wound
0.41 will fail their armor saves
0.41 marines dead
6 turns = 2.46 marines dead
Per 32.5 points , 2.46 Marines in the open die.
Shooting on Marines in hard cover:
Starcannon
3 shots per turn
Average 1.5 will hit
Average 1.25 will wound
0.62 marines dead
6 turns = 3.75
Per 32.5 points , 3.75 Marines in hard cover die.
Scatter Laser
3 shots per turn
Average 1.5 will hit
Average 1.25 will wound
0.41 will fail their armor saves
0.41 marines dead
6 turns = 2.46 marines dead
Per 21.6 points, 2.46 Marines in hard cover die.
Shooting on Orks or models with 6+ (or worse) save:
Starcannon
3 shots per turn
Average 1.5 will hit
Average 1.25 will wound
No save
1.25 Orks dead
6 turns = 7.5 Orks dead
Per 32.5 points , 7.5 Orks die.
Scatter Laser
3 shots per turn
Average 1.5 will hit
Average 1.25 will wound
No save
1.25 Orks dead
6 turns = 7.5 Orks dead
Per 21.6 points , 7.5 Orks die.
Summary:
Note that the below-mentioned results are not adjusted for points cost. Be aware that the kills described below are relative to the average points cost of each weapon, not relative to an absolute points cost. What this means is that the Scatter Laser performs better than the below-mentioned stats describe.
When firing on Marines who are standing out in the open, turkey-shoot style, Starcannons (which get 7.5 kills per game) perform more than twice as well than Scatter Lasers (2.46 fatalities per game).
When firing on Marines who are hiding in hard cover, Starcannons only do modestly better (3.75 kills per game) than Starcannons (2.46 kills).
When firing on low-armor opponents like Orks, Starcannons and Scatter Lasers perform identically (7.5 kills per turn).
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7 comments:
I would like to ask you how you reach the conclusion that the statistical average result of the roll of one die is 3 and not 3.5.
If you divive the sum of possible results (21) by the number of possible results (6) you will get the following equation: (1+2+3+4+5+6) / 6 = 3.5
Ouch my brain hurts after that last post...
VERY interesting point, xadhoom. I did mention that in my post, but thanks for explaining why people say the average is 3.5 and not 3. It doesn't change the results a lot, but it does add more credibility to the humble Scatter Laser.
Thanks Deimhinn!
I too feel that the Scatter Laser gets too little attention among Eldar players. I have done a little calculation myself, and have reached the following results:
The only place where the Starcannon is not an upgrade is for Guardian Defenders. A Starcannon costs (50-(2*8)) 34 points (subtracting the two free Guardians), whereas a Scatter Laser costs (40-(2*8)) 24 points. This means that the Starcannon costs 42% more than a Scatter Laser and should be 42% more effective. If we normalize the kill rate of the two weapons (eliminating the factor of cost), we find the following interesting results:
Ork in open
SL: 1,46 (65% more effective)
SC: 0,88
The Scatter Laser will always be more effective vs. Orks due to its higher rate of fire. Better cover means less difference in effectiveness.
SL vs SM in open: 0,49
SC vs SM in open: 0,83
SL vs SM in 5+ cover: 0,49
SC vs SM in 5+ cover: 0,59
SL vs SM in 4+ cover: 0,49 (11% more effective)
SC vs SM in 4+ cover: 0,44
SL vs SM in 3+ cover: 0,49 (69% more effective!)
SC vs SM in 3+ cover: 0,29
As we can see, at 4+ cover, the Scatter Laser becomes the weapon of choice, albeit only slightly. Considering the upcoming Cities of Death, Scatter Lasers will probably be the better selection.
Natakue, I didn't mean to make your brain hurt, but that's one of the negative consequences of playing Mathhammer 40.000 ;)
So how do Shuriken Cannons fare in your calculations?
-Simon-
Shuriken Cannons? Range is too short for me to seriously consider them at this point.
True, I must admit that s_cannons are not my first choice of weapons.
However, sometimes I play them for flavor. Just like, when finished I intend to some play Dire Avengers, but after your post they are on hold until the new minis come out.
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