Part 19

Master the Rocket Launcher in Unreal Tournament 3! Learn primary and secondary fire tactics, lock-on mechanics, and how to dominate close, medium, and long-range combat.

Primary Fire Mode:

1. Functionality: Fires single rockets that explode on contact, dealing splash damage. Rockets travel linearly and will explode on players, vehicles, or walls.
2. Lock-On: Requires 2 seconds of continuous aim on a target to lock on, signaled by a beep. Lock is lost if the crosshair moves away or the target is obscured. Re-acquiring lock takes another 2 seconds. Rockets only home if fired while locked. Firing a single rocket while locked on breaks the lock. A beep also warns players when locked onto. Lock-on has a limited range.
3. Tactics:
• Close Range: Aim at the enemy's feet to maximize splash damage, as direct hits are rare. Utilize constant movement (jumping, double-jumping, dodge-jumping, wall-jumping) as the primary fire's rate of fire is high enough to aim while moving. Double-jumping provides a height advantage for easier aiming. Be extremely cautious of splash damage, as self-inflicted kills are common.
• Medium Range: Single rockets can be somewhat successful but are rarely effective due to the need for forward planning and the enemy's ability to evade. Direct hits do little damage.
• Long Range: Not recommended due to the time required to lock on, fire, and wait for the rocket to hit.
• Vehicles: Effective against light vehicles by targeting the driver. Avoid using against tanks. Do not attempt to lock onto Raptors. Direct hit weapons are generally better.

Secondary Fire Mode:

1. Functionality: Loads and fires up to three rockets simultaneously. Rockets can be fired in a horizontal line (line triple rockets) or a corkscrew path (corkscrew triple rockets) by pressing primary fire just before launching. Releasing secondary fire during loading fires however many rockets are loaded. Rockets auto-fire when all three are loaded; they cannot be carried fully loaded. All primary fire lock-on rules apply. Lock-on can be acquired while loading rockets.
2. Stats:
   • Damage vs. People: 90 (single tap) | 3x90 (fully charged)
   • Damage vs. Vehicles: 90 (single tap) | 3x90 (fully charged)
   • Rate of Fire: 10/10s (single tap) | Chargeable
   • Ammo per Shot: 1 (single tap) | 3 (fully charged)
   • Max. Ammo: 30
   • Charge Time: 2.5s
   • Special Features: Projectile; knockback; detonates upon contact; unlimited fuse; homing*; can lock on to enemy players and enemy occupied vehicles; limited turning curve; chargeable; splash damage.
3. Tactics:
• General: Effective at any range and against vehicles. The loading mechanic is split into three periods, with the first rocket taking a disproportionately long time to load, which can lead to wasted shots. Learn the timing of each rocket load.
• Short Range: Similar to single rockets but requires more skill due to fewer firing opportunities. High jumps are recommended to time all shots from the air. Use line triple rockets as they cover more ground and spread less at short range.
• Medium Range: Use corkscrew triple rockets as line triple rockets spread too much. Anticipate enemy movement. The combined damage and splash damage make it easier to kill at this range.
• Long Range: Always lock on before firing. Start charging shortly after acquiring lock. Corkscrew rockets are recommended.