Learn how to effectively use the Grenade Launcher in Unreal Tournament 2004, focusing on its sticky bombs and strategic applications against vehicles and objectives.
Alright, let's talk about a weapon that's a bit controversial but super useful if you know how to handle it: the Grenade Launcher. It's especially handy in Onslaught and Assault modes, and while it's not your go-to for mowing down infantry, it absolutely shines against vehicles and structures. Just a heads-up, some of the tactics we'll cover are pretty wild, so if you're sensitive about virtual mayhem, maybe skip ahead!
Primary Fire Mode
This is where the magic happens. You're firing sticky bombs that'll latch onto pretty much anything – people, vehicles, walls, you name it. They hang out until you decide to blow 'em up, or until the operator dies, the weapon is lost, or they just get shot. These bombs have a bit of a mind of their own; they're affected by gravity, can bounce off walls, and will stick to teammates and friendly vehicles, so watch where you're aiming!
- Damage vs. People: 100
- Damage vs. Vehicles: 100
- Rate of Fire: 2/1s
- Ammo per Shot: 1
- Max. Ammo: 50 | 8 active
- Charge Time: N/A
- Special Features: projectile; knockback; bounces off walls; sticks to people and vehicles; detonates upon being triggered by operator, weapon loss or operator death; can be shot down; unlimited fuse; affected by gravity; splash damage
The key thing to remember is that you can only have 8 sticky bombs active at once. You'll see the count in the lower right corner. Detonating them deals damage regardless of how it happens.
Secondary Fire Mode
This one's simple: it just makes all your currently active sticky bombs explode. No fancy stats here, just pure demolition.
Tactics:
This weapon is all about creative destruction, especially in Onslaught and Assault. While you *can* try to hit enemies directly with the bombs, it's tough. They fly in a long arc, and the splash damage isn't huge, so you're better off trying to stick them directly onto an enemy or near their feet. But honestly, infantry isn't the main target here.
Vehicles are your best friend with this weapon. It does solid damage per shot, and sticking multiple bombs makes short work of even the toughest tanks. The trick is hitting fast-moving vehicles. Your best bet is to focus on the slower, heavier ones like tanks. The beauty of sticky bombs is that the driver won't know you're arming their ride until it's too late. Stick all 8 bombs on a stopped vehicle, detonate, and boom – usually gone. Tanks usually stop to build or destroy nodes, so that's your window.
If you can't get close enough for a direct hit, you might have to stake out vehicle hotspots like Nodes. Camp nearby and try to stick grenades to vehicles as they pass. It's not as effective as the AVRiL, but it's an option.
Destroying Nodes? This is your weapon. Stick 8 bombs on a Node, detonate, and repeat. It's surprisingly effective!
You can even rig your own vehicle with bombs before you leave it, just in case someone tries to steal it, or if you need to abandon it and want to take out pursuers. Or, you know, just blow up the next person who gets in.
Now for the ethically questionable, but undeniably effective, strategies:
- Suicide Bomber: Stick bombs on a teammate and have them charge a Node. Detonate when they reach it. Your teammate bites the dust (unless friendly fire is off), but the Node is toast. A sacrifice for the greater good!
- Car Bomb: Same as the suicide bomber, but rig a vehicle someone else is driving towards a Node. Boom!
- Team Effort: Get multiple teammates to stick 8 bombs each onto a target (teammate or vehicle). Detonate all at once for maximum devastation. Crucially, everyone involved needs to survive until detonation. If even one person dies, the whole plan can go south.
Update: Spider Mines! You can stick bombs onto spider mines. Be warned, though: bombs slow them down considerably. Stick to one bomb per mine, max. This makes them great for attacking Nodes or Cores. Fire 8 spider mines, bomb each one, and send them on their way. Detonate when they're over the target. If they survive the journey, that is.
Watch out: Enemy fire and splash damage can detonate your bombs prematurely. Be careful when you're driving a vehicle you've just armed!
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ROCKET LAUNCHER
Ah, the Rocket Launcher. The Unreal trademark. With its three barrels and signature red look, it's still a fan favorite for a reason. It's a beast against both people and vehicles.
Primary Fire Mode
- Damage vs. People: 90
- Damage vs. Vehicles: 90
- Rate of Fire: 12/10s
- Ammo per Shot: 1
- Max. Ammo: 30
- Charge Time: N/A
- Special Features: projectile; knockback; detonates upon contact; unlimited fuse; homing*; can lock on to enemy players and enemy occupied vehicle; limited turning curve; splash damage
*It takes about 2 seconds for the Rocket Launcher to lock onto a target. Your crosshair will change color and you'll hear a beep when it's locked on.
This weapon fires rockets rapidly as the barrels spin. They explode on contact and have a decent knockback effect. Plus, they have splash damage, so even near misses can hurt your targets.
The homing feature is a game-changer. You can lock onto enemy players or vehicles, making it much easier to land direct hits, especially on moving targets. Just keep in mind the rockets have a limited turning capability, so you can't make impossible ninety-degree turns.
The rockets are unaffected by gravity, meaning they travel in a straight line until they hit something or their lock-on expires.
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