Part 23

Master the Target Painter and Ion Painter in Unreal Tournament 2004. Learn their primary and secondary fire modes, damage stats, charge times, and effective strategies for dominating the battlefield.

The Target Painter and Ion Painter are powerful superweapons in Unreal Tournament 2004, occupying the same inventory slot. Whichever you pick up first is the one you can use. Both feature a primary fire mode that calls in an airstrike or orbital bombardment after a 2-second charge, and a secondary fire mode for scoping.

Target Painter

The Target Painter fires a thin red beam that does no damage. To call in an airstrike, you must stand still for 2 seconds. A Phoenix Bomber will then appear and drop 15 bombs in a line. Each bomb has limited splash damage, about a third of a Redeemer's range. If you move or adjust your aim during the 2-second charge, the timer resets. You'll hear a "beep" after 1 second if the charge is successful. The bomber can be shot down by ground fire, but AVRiL missiles won't lock on. An "Incoming airstrike!" warning is broadcast to all players. Airstrikes can only be called on open ground, not in enclosed spaces or on walls. Direct hits are lethal regardless of health or shields.

Target Painter Primary Fire Mode

• Damage vs. People: Terminal
• Damage vs. Vehicles: 15x800
• Rate of Fire: N/A
• Ammo per Shot: 1
• Max. Ammo: 1
• Charge Time: 2s
• Special Features: Special, Chargeable, Scoped, Powerful Knockback, Can be shot down, Splash damage, Superweapon

Target Painter Secondary Fire Mode

Operates the scope, similar to the Lightning Gun and Classic Sniper Rifle. While some consider it weak, it can be devastating when used effectively. The 2-second charge time, bomber arrival, and bomb fall time, along with the early warning, make it difficult to land direct hits. However, landing 2-3 bombs can be lethal, especially to large targets like the Leviathan. When a Leviathan deploys its Ion Cannon, call in an airstrike below it. Even with the warning, its slow movement and charging time make escape difficult. Sneaking behind the Leviathan and calling in an airstrike can score 3-4 hits, effectively countering it, especially since many players ignore the airstrike warning until the bombs begin exploding.

Ion Painter

The Ion Painter, a successor to the Target Painter, is more versatile and easier to use but has less damage potential. It fires a thin red beam that does no damage. To call in an orbital bombardment, you must stand still for 2 seconds. An Orbital Ion Cannon Satellite will then aim and fire, resulting in one to three purple beams and a large explosion. Moving during the charge resets the timer, indicated by the absence of a "beep" after 1 second. Orbital bombardments can only be called on open ground.

Ion Painter Primary Fire Mode

• Damage vs. People: Terminal
• Damage vs. Vehicles: 900
• Rate of Fire: N/A
• Ammo per Shot: 1
• Max. Ammo: 1
• Charge Time: 2s
• Special Features: Special, Chargeable, Scoped, Powerful Knockback, Splash damage, Superweapon

Ion Painter Secondary Fire Mode

Operates the scope, functioning identically to the Target Painter's scope.