Ships & Modules

I didn't use RLML ships before they got changed. So my opinion is of dubious worth. I will add that the Bellicose has been a very pleasant surprise. I use two TP and a hydraulic bay thruster, flare, and rigor for the rigs. I also have missile implants aplenty for low-sec work. It eats t1 and navy faction ships like a chainsaw. It will spend most or all of a clip on a hawk but it will take it down. I even used nova Fury (540 DPS for 40 seconds) and took out a dual rep Thorax. On the other side of the coin a dual rep Thorax finally took out the Bellicose, but deep in structure. The first guy hit his reps too late I guess.

I had an older version of EFT lying around. So I made a comparison:

Test subject is Caracal with 5 RLML 3xbcs

Both examples with reload time included, without / with OH:

Old, navy ammo => 211/247 dps
New, navy ammo => 196/215 dps

Old, Fury => 257 / 301 dps
New, Fury => 239 / 262dps

So approximately %15 reduction in long term dps for the new RLML, by gaining ability to frontload its damage.

RLML's have a huge advantage in application of damage. They can reach 40k (60k on caracal) and immune to TD's. Can hit the frigs that are close and far. I think the "nerf" to them is ok.

Another interresting point is the scythe fleet issue and navy osprey. Since they get straight damage bonuses, their non overheated damage output over long time is actually boosted by this change.

Scifi/Osprey Old Fury => 234/274
Scifi/Osprey New Fury => 240/266

Scifi obviously has the advantage of 5 light drones which will keep pounding on the enemy during the reload time.

For level 2 missions they are very effective.

Not nearly as effective as an assault frig with light missiles.

Recently I have tried Rapid Lights again. They are still no good.


The big problem with RLMs now is that you can't swap out damage type before taking a fight due to the silly reload time.

They have taken the fun out of 'Will I engage this fleet or won't I' when you are flying with them.

It is now 'Do I have the right Ammo for this loaded right at this time?? Oh Nope - Oh well guess there won't be any pew'
Or
'Yes I have the right ammo but there is 2 cruisers in there who can swap out damage types and apply damage for all of the fight - Ill just die during reload - Oh well guess there won't be any pew'

When it is commonly faster to dock to change ammo than reload it from the cargo bay - There is an obvious problem that needs fixing/rebalance.

There is no point taking on larger fleets or even equal sized ships with in RML ships.

You will usually die during reload. So best not to use them unless it is to do cheap ganks on frigates or a few dessies when you are 100% sure no backup is on the way.

They were fine before the change and not changed for balance reasons. They were changed to add some 'variety' to weapon systems which has proved to be a bad move.

Hopefully CCP look at Rapid Missiles again and make them worth fitting.

Because previously, thanks to Heavy Missile Launchers and Heavy Assault Launchers being nerfed too hard, Rapid Light Missile Launchers were really the only viable option at Medium size launcher slots. The other two had/have issues with smaller or equivalent size targets, missiles in general have damage application issues across the board.

Now Rapid Lights have a MUCH more niche role due to the long reload time. Which is about as much of a "no fun" mechanic as I can imagine (besides POS mechanics, those are honestly a travesty).

The introduction of the new Rapid Launcher concept really should have come alongside a new skill to assist with reloading it, or something. (possibly increase reload times for ALL missiles, then introduce a skill that would lower it overall when at 4 or 5, idk) But either way, most people do not consider adding a 40 second reload time to have been an elegant solution.

they are not "bad" just less effective compared to other medium class missile modules

in a nutshell

you are better off with heavy launchers and precisions if you want to kill small **** and Rage Assaults if you want dps.

Especially since the shitlong reload timer that basicaly kills you after you killed a single frig.

The module works great in fleets but is near to useless in solo PVP.

the only real benefit it has is the little fitting requirements.

Sounds about right, 7 man roam a few weeks back worked out great using 4 arty cynabals, 2 RLML cerbs and 1 Scimitar. Took on a FW fleet twice it's size of mixed cruisers and frigates and the RLMLs did very well as anti-support, especially as frigs got into close range.

I beg to differ. What you describe happened to me in a RLML Caracal before the launchers were changed. Four Condors attacked me. As soon as one of them got too much damage he burned out of range and his fleet mate took over with tackle.

The heavy front loaded damage from new RLMLs is much better in such a scenario because it's possible to destroy a frig before it gets out of range.

Yes, this is a brilliant idea. In a game where PvP past about 10 people revolves almost entirely around alphaing your target, this module would be a totally fair thing to put in the game.