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PREAMBLE

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Introduction

I am not the first to write a guide on Falloff; that honour goes to Zewy in his Forum Guide from September 2013 where he provided a well constructed cursory glance at various weapons.

The work provided here should be taken as an elaboration of this earlier work, where data has been retested, sorted, harmonized, and reconstructed as percentages from base damage -- accurate to within 1 damage. These new numbers should provide a suitable launching point for investigation, inquiry, and theory-crafting.

This data was collected over about two and a half weeks between June/July 2014.

This guide follows the following format:

PREAMBLE

• Introduction
• What is Falloff?
• Why Aren't the Curves Curved?
• Gun Selection Criteria
• A Note on Weapon Skill

GUN INDEX

• Legend
• Pistols
• Assault Rifles
• Light Machine Guns
• Sub Machine Guns
• Combat Shotguns
• Pump Shotguns
• Sawed-Off Shotguns

BREAKDOWNS

• Analysis and The Problem with Stalker
• Pistols
• Automatic Weapons
• Select Shotguns

TECHNICAL DETAILS & ERRATA

• Project Details
• Acknowledgements
• Additional References

APPENDICIES

• Appendix A: General Compendium of Ranges
• Appendix B: Raw Data

 

What is Falloff?

Falloff is a property of some bullet guns (as opposed to Explosive, Exotic, or Cold Fire weapons). There is a set range at which these bullet guns output 100% of their base damage. After this range (called here the "Falloff Range"), the damage the guns outputs decreases as the range to the target increases (typically falling off in a curve, called here the "Falloff Curve").

Both the Falloff Range as well as the shape of the Falloff Curve varies by gun.

+Falloff mods and Stalker Synergy affect the Falloff Range; Stalker Synergy also seems to extend the Falloff Curve.

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Why Aren't the Curves Curved?

The curves are not displayed as actual curves, because they are not actually curves. While the curve of a VOT Pulser, for example, could be generally described by the quadratic curve [-0.0516135 x^2+0.222329 x+100.016], testing reveals that Trion has used linear equations to approximate curve shapes. This could be for code optimization or ease of adjustment for balancing purposes; either way, the curves used in the live game are angular approximations.

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Gun Selection Criteria

The gun selection in this guide reflects all guns available from Vendor Lockboxes (Tier II - Tier IV), narrowed down to gun types which have +Falloff gun mods and +Falloff skill bonuses. Simply -- Pistols, Automatic weapons, and Shotguns. 72 guns were tested, with data sets being collected for 54 of them.

Unfortunately, data collection from weapons which had multiple-pellet scatter-shots exhibited two problems: (a) they couldn't hit my ideal test target (a turret); and (b) while testing on other stationary objects (eg. hellbug eggs, explosive crates) they seemed to exhibit characteristics similar to explosive blast radii -- that is to say, while standing stationary at point blank range (0 m), the gun damage was inconsistent. These guns have thus been left out of this analysis, but are listed in the gun index for thorough disclosure.

Otherwise, the remaining data should reflect a fairly thorough cross-section of bullet guns in the game. DLC bullet guns should generally reflect the base models (eg. the VBI EEC HP-7 Wildcat, although untested, likely shares the falloff characteristics of its base model, the VBI HP-6 Wolfhound).

There may be other unique guns with specific falloff properties, but I didn't attempt to look for them.

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A Note on Weapon Skill

All testing was done with maxed weapon skills.

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GUN INDEX

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Legend

For the purposes of this guide, ranges are described as follows:
Point Blank: 0 m - 10 m (with 0 m - 3 m being denoted as red on the graphs, representing "on top of" the target, and 4 m - 10 m being denoted as orange, representing "really bloody close".)
Close Range: 10 m - 20 m
Mid Range: 20 m - 40 m
Far Range: 40 m - 60 m
Extreme Range: 60 m+ (draw distance is around 80 m)

Optimal Range: the range in which the gun will output 80% or more damage
Natural Falloff Range: the distance after which the Falloff Curve begins
80% Range: the range at which the gun outputs 80% damage
Max Range: the range at which the Falloff Curve ends (usually this is percentage at draw except in the case of the VBI PS-30 Slugger, where the max range represents the point after which the reticle turns white and the target cannot be hit).

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Pistols

Model	Optimal Range	Natural Falloff Range	80% Range	Max Range
FRC Bull Rush 45	Close Range	17 m	20 m	10% @ 34 m
FRC Northstar Flare	Extreme Range	inf.	n/a	n/a
FRC Magnum	Close Range	12 m	17 m	20% @ 67 m
FRC Particle Ultimag*	Close Range	12 m	17 m	20% @ 67 m
VBI Autopistol	Close Range	12 m	17 m	20% @ 67 m
VBI TACC Autopistol	Close Range	12 m	17 m	20% @ 67 m
VBI PA-12 Haar	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable
VBI HP-5 Wolverine	Close Range	12 m	19 m	10% @ 46 m
VBI HP-6 Wolfhound	Close Range	12 m	17 m	20% @ 67 m
VOT Blaster	Close Range	17 m	20 m	10% @ 34 m
VOT Surge Blaster*	Close Range	12 m	19 m	10% @ 46 m
Unarmed	Close Range	12 m	17 m	20% @ 67 m
Trick'd Out	Close Range	12 m	17 m	20% @ 67 m

*The FRC Particle Ultimag and VOT Surge Blaster exhibit damage consstency at full charge.

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Assault Rifles

Model	Optimal Range	Natural Falloff Range	80% Range	Max Range
FRC Assault Carbine	Mid Range	39 m	45 m	20% @ 67 m
FRC Heavy Assault Carbine	Mid Range	45 m	49 m	~30% @ draw
VBI Assault Rifle	Mid Range	45 m	49 m	~30% @ draw
VBI TACC Assault Rifle	Extreme Range	inf.	n/a	n/a
VOT Blast Rifle	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable
VOT Mazu Blast Rifle	Mid Range	45 m	49 m	~30% @ draw

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Light Machine Guns

Model	Optimal Range	Natural Falloff Range	80% Range	Max Range
FRC SAW	Far Range	56 m	60 m	~40% @ draw
VBI LM-12 Rocker	Far Range	56 m	60 m	~40% @ draw
VBI LM-43 Thunder	Far Range	56 m	60 m	~40% @ draw
VOT Disruptor	Extreme Range*	inf.	n/a	n/a

*The VOT Disruptor exhibits the data collection problems associated with multi-pellet shotguns (namely, it won't hit the target turret), but was tested near draw distances against chickens at Iron Demon Ranch and no falloff was noted.

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Sub Machine Guns

Model	Optimal Range	Natural Falloff Range	80% Range	Max Range
FRC Nomad SMG	Close Range	6 m	28 m	10% @ 50 m
FRC Sub-Carbine	Close Range	6 m	28 m	10% @ 50 m
VOT Pulser	Close Range	6 m	28 m	10% @ 50 m
VOT Tachmag Pulser	Close Range	6 m	28 m	10% @ 50 m
VBI SMG	Close Range	6 m	28 m	10% @ 50 m

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Combat Shotguns

Model	Optimal Range	Natural Falloff Range	80% Range	Max Range
FRC Auto-Scattergun	Close Range	6 m	12 m	25% @ 28 m*
FRC Berserker Shotgun	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable
FRC Particle Scattergun	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable
VBI Auto-Shotgun	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable
VBI TACC Auto-Shotgun	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable
VBI CS-X Cluster Shot	Extreme Range	inf.	n/a	n/a
VBI PAS-24 Tornado	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable
VOT Auto-Fragger	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable
VOT Surge Nano-Fragger	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable

* To be verified

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Pump Shotguns

Model	Optimal Range	Natural Falloff Range	80% Range	Max Range
FRC Birdshot Pump	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable
FRC Scattergun	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable
FRC Heavy Scattergun	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable
VBI Shotgun	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable
VBI PS-30 Slugger	Close Range	12 m	20 m	0% @ 33 m
VOT Fragger	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable
VOT Grind Fragger	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable

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Sawed-Off Shotguns

Model	Optimal Range	Natural Falloff Range	80% Range	Max Range
FRC Sawed-Off Scattergun	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable
FRC Heavy Sawed-Off Scattergun	Point Blank	3 m	4 m	10% @ 17 m
VBI SO-2 Courier	Unlimited	n/a	n/a	n/a
VBI Short-Barrel Shotgun	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable
VOT Nano Fragger	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable	unavailable

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BREAKDOWNS

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Analysis and The Problem with Stalker

Alongside the graphs and the data plots, I've also projected out some of the effects of modifications and 2/2 Stalker Synergy.

I have not included data in regards to how crit multiplication modifications measure up against falloff modification as crit percentages are extremely variable and dependant on context (e.g. Scrapper Progenitor versus Hellbug Matron). For quick review, however, Falloff versus Damage modifiers have been posted.

A small amount of data (only a few guns) has been gathered for examining the Stalker Synergy. Certainly more work can be done in a separate, more thorough analysis. 2/2 Stalker adds about 15% distance to each point, which ultimately increases the falloff range, as well as the range of the nodes. It does not appear to have synergy with +falloff mods (subject to verification). Data gathered so far is inconclusive and has been provided as a rough guide only.

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Pistols

Gun Models:
FRC Magnum, VBI Autopistol, VBI TACC Autopistol, VBI HP-6 Wolfound, FRC Particle Ultimag, Unarmed, Trick'd Out

Natural Falloff Range: 12 m

Index	Uncommon	Rare	Epic	Legendary
Crossover Point  (point where Persistent Thruster provides  more output than Maximum Force Barrel)	13 m	13 m	14 m	14 m
Crossover Point (with 2/2 Stalker synergy*)	15 m	15 m	16 m	16 m
Optimal Range (with Persistent Thruster)	Close Range	Close Range	Close Range	Mid Range
Optimal Range (with Persistent Thruster & 2/2 Stalker*)	Close Range	Close Range	Mid Range	Mid Range
Falloff Range (with Persistent Thruster)	17 m	20 m	23 m	26 m
Falloff Range (with Persistent Thruster & 2/2 Stalker*)	19 m	22 m	25 m	28 m
80% Range (with Persistent Thruster)	22 m	25 m	28 m	31 m
80% Range (with Persistent Thruster & 2/2 Stalker*)	25 m	28 m	31 m	34 m
Max Range (with Persistent Thruster)	72 m	75 m	78 m	draw
Max Range (with Persistent Thruster & 2/2 Stalker*)	draw	draw	draw	draw

*rough guesstimate

Calculated Curve* (listed in percentages):
100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 96, 92, 88, 84, 80, 77.64, 75.29, 72.94, 70.59, 68.23, 65.88, 63.53, 61.17, 58.82, 56.47, 54.12, 51.76, 49.41, 47.06, 44.7, 42.35, 40, 39.39, 38.79, 38.18, 37.58, 36.97, 36.36, 35.76, 35.15, 34.55, 33.94, 33.33, 32.73, 32.12, 31.52, 30.91, 30.3, 29.7, 29.09, 28.49, 27.88, 27.27, 26.67, 26.06, 25.45, 24.85, 24.24, 23.64, 23.03, 22.42, 21.82, 21.21, 20.61, 20, 20, 20, 20, 20, 20, 20, 20, 20, 20, 20, 20, 20, 20, 20, 20
* accurate to 1 damage
N.B.: the first coordinate is at 0 m.; bolded numbers represent nodes

 

Gun Models:
FRC Bull Rush 45, VOT Blaster

Natural Falloff Range: 17 m

Index	Uncommon	Rare	Epic	Legendary
Crossover Point (point where Persistent Thruster provides more output than Maximum Force Barrel)	18 m	19 m	19 m	19 m
Crossover Point (with 2/2 Stalker synergy*)	20 m	21 m	21 m	21 m
Optimal Range (with Persistent Thruster)	Close Range	Close Range	Close Range	Mid Range
Optimal Range (with Persistent Thruster & 2/2 Stalker*)	Close Range	Close Range	Mid Range	Mid Range
Falloff Range (with Persistent Thruster)	22 m	25 m	28 m	31 m
Falloff Range (with Persistent Thruster & 2/2 Stalker*)	24 m	27 m	30 m	32 m
80% Range (with Persistent Thruster)	25 m	28 m	31 m	34 m
80% Range (with Persistent Thruster & 2/2 Stalker*)	27 m	30 m	34 m	37 m
Max Range (with Persistent Thruster)	39 m	42 m	45 m	48 m
Max Range (with Persistent Thruster & 2/2 Stalker*)	45 m	48 m	51 m	55 m

*rough guesstimate

Calculated Curve* (listed in percentages):
100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 93.64, 87.27, 80.91, 74.55, 68.18, 61.82, 55.45, 49.09, 42.73, 36.36, 30, 26.66, 23.33, 20, 16.66, 13.33, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10
* accurate to 1 damage
N.B.: the first coordinate is at 0 m.; bolded numbers represent nodes

 

Gun Models:
VBI HP-5 Wolverine, VOT Surge Blaster

Natural Falloff Range: 12 m

Index	Uncommon	Rare	Epic	Legendary
Crossover Point (where Persistent Thruster provides more output than Maximum Force Barrel)	14 m	14 m	15 m	16 m
Crossover Point (with 2/2 Stalker synergy*)	14 m	15 m	16 m	16 m
Optimal Range (with Persistent Thruster)	Close Range	Close Range	Mid Range	Mid Range
Optimal Range (with Persistent Thruster & 2/2 Stalker*)	Close Range	Mid Range	Mid Range	Mid Range
Falloff Range (with Persistent Thruster)	17 m	20 m	23 m	26 m
Falloff Range (with Persistent Thruster & 2/2 Stalker*)	19 m	22 m	25 m	28 m
80% Range (with Persistent Thruster)	24 m	27 m	30 m	33 m
80% Range (with Persistent Thruster & 2/2 Stalker*)	27 m	30 m	31 m	37 m
Max Range (with Persistent Thruster)	51 m	54 m	57 m	60 m
Max Range (with Persistent Thruster & 2/2 Stalker*)	56 m	59 m	62 m	65 m

*rough guesstimate

Calculated Curve* (listed in percentages):
100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 97.27, 94.54, 91.81, 89.09, 86.36, 83.63, 80.91, 78.18, 75.45, 72.72, 70, 67.27, 64.54, 61.81, 59.09, 56.36, 53.63, 50.91, 48.18, 45.45, 42.72, 40, 37.27, 34.54, 31.81, 29.09, 26.36, 23.63, 20.91, 18.18, 15.45, 12.72, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10
* accurate to 1 damage
N.B.: the first coordinate is at 0 m.; bolded numbers represent nodes

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Automatic Weapons

 

Gun Models:
FRC Heavy Assault Carbine, VBI Assault Rifle, VOT Mazu Blast Rifle

Natural Falloff Range: 45 m

Index	Uncommon	Rare	Epic	Legendary
Crossover Point (where Sustained Power Muzzle provides more output than Power Bore)	45 m	46 m	46 m	46 m
Crossover Point (with 2/2 Stalker synergy*)	50 m	51 m	51 m	51 m
Optimal Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle)	Far Range	Far Range	Far Range	Far Range
Optimal Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle & 2/2 Stalker*)	Far Range	Far Range	Extreme Range	Extreme Range
Falloff Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle)	50 m	53 m	56 m	59 m
Falloff Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle & 2/2 Stalker*)	56 m	59 m	62 m	65 m
80% Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle)	54 m	57 m	60 m	63 m
80% Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle & 2/2 Stalker*)	61 m	64 m	67 m	70 m
Max Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle)	draw	draw	draw	draw
Max Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle & 2/2 Stalker*)	draw	draw	draw	draw

*rough guesstimate

Calculated Curve* (listed in percentages):
100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 95, 90, 85, 80, 75, 70.83, 66.66, 62.5, 58.33, 54.16, 50, 49.26, 48.52, 47.78, 47.04, 46.3, 45.56, 44.82, 44.08, 43.34, 42.6, 41.85, 41.11, 40.37, 39.63, 38.89, 38.15, 37.41, 36.67, 35.93, 35.19, 34.45, 33.71, 32.97, 32.23, 31.48, 30.74, 30
* accurate to 1 damage
N.B.: the first coordinate is at 0 m.; bolded numbers represent nodes

 

Gun Models:
FRC Assault Carbine

Natural Falloff Range: 39 m

Index	Uncommon	Rare	Epic	Legendary
Crossover Point (where Sustained Power Muzzle provides more output than Power Bore)	40 m	40 m	41 m	41 m
Crossover Point (with 2/2 Stalker synergy*)	50 m	51 m	51 m	51 m
Optimal Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle)	Far Range	Far Range	Far Range	Far Range
Optimal Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle & 2/2 Stalker*)	Far Range	Far Range	Far Range	Far Range
Falloff Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle)	44 m	47 m	50 m	53 m
Falloff Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle & 2/2 Stalker*)	47 m	50 m	53 m	56 m
80% Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle)	50 m	53 m	56 m	59 m
80% Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle & 2/2 Stalker*)	60 m	63 m	66 m	69 m
Max Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle)	72 m	75 m	78 m	draw
Max Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle & 2/2 Stalker*)	draw	draw	draw	draw

*rough guesstimate

Calculated Curve* (listed in percentages):
100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 96.66, 93.33, 90, 86.66, 83.33, 80, 76.36, 72.72, 69.09, 65.45, 61.81, 58.18, 54.54, 50.91, 47.27, 43.63, 40, 38.18, 36.36, 34.54, 32.73, 30.91, 29.09, 27.27, 25.45, 23.63, 21.82, 20, 20, 20, 20, 20, 20, 20, 20, 20, 20, 20, 20, 20, 20, 20, 20
* accurate to 1 damage
N.B.: the first coordinate is at 0 m.; bolded numbers represent nodes

 

Gun Models:
FRC SAW, LM-12 Rocker, VBI LM-43 Thunder

Natural Falloff Range: 56 m

Index	Uncommon	Rare	Epic	Legendary
Crossover Point (where Sustained Power Muzzle provides more output than Power Bore)	56 m	57 m	57 m	57 m
Crossover Point (with 2/2 Stalker synergy*)	64 m	65 m	65 m	65 m
Optimal Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle)	Far Range	Far Range	Extreme Range	Extreme Range
Optimal Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle & 2/2 Stalker*)	Extreme Range	Extreme Range	Extreme Range	Extreme Range
Falloff Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle)	61 m	64 m	67 m	70 m
Falloff Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle & 2/2 Stalker*)	64 m	67 m	70 m	73 m
80% Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle)	65 m	68 m	71 m	74 m
80% Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle & 2/2 Stalker*)	74 m	77 m	draw	draw
Max Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle)	draw	draw	draw	draw
Max Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle & 2/2 Stalker*)	draw	draw	draw	draw

*rough guesstimate

Calculated Curve* (listed in percentages):
100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 95, 90, 85, 80, 75, 70.83, 66.66, 62.49, 58.33, 54.16, 49.99, 49.25, 48.5, 47.75, 47.02, 46.28, 45.55, 44.81, 44.07, 43.33, 42.59, 41.85, 41.11, 40.37, 39.63, 38.89
* accurate to 1 damage
N.B.: the first coordinate is at 0 m.; bolded numbers represent nodes

 

Gun Models:
FRC Nomad SMG, FRC Sub-Carbine, VOT Pulser, VOT Tachmag Pulser, VBI SMG

Natural Falloff Range: 6 m

Index	Uncommon	Rare	Epic	Legendary
Crossover Point (where Sustained Power Muzzle provides more output than Power Bore)	11 m	13 m	15 m	16 m
Crossover Point (with 2/2 Stalker synergy*)	12 m	14 m	16 m	17 m
Optimal Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle)	Mid Range	Mid Range	Mid Range	Mid Range
Optimal Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle & 2/2 Stalker*)	Mid Range	Mid Range	Mid Range	Mid Range
Falloff Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle)	11 m	14 m	17 m	20 m
Falloff Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle & 2/2 Stalker*)	12 m	15 m	18 m	21 m
80% Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle)	33 m	36 m	39 m	72 m
80% Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle & 2/2 Stalker*)	37 m	40 m	43 m	46 m
Max Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle)	55 m	58 m	61 m	64 m
Max Range (with Sustained Power Muzzle & 2/2 Stalker*)	62 m	65 m	68 m	71 m

*rough guesstimate

Calculated Curve* (listed in percentages):
100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 99.09, 98.18, 97.27, 96.36, 95.45, 94.55, 93.64, 92.73, 91.82, 90.91, 90, 89.09, 88.18, 87.27, 86.36, 85.45, 84.55, 83.64, 82.73, 81.82, 80.91, 80, 77.06, 74.12, 71.18, 68.24, 65.3, 62.36, 59.42, 56.48, 53.54, 50.6, 47.66, 44.72, 41.78, 38.84, 35.9, 32.96, 30, 26, 22, 18, 14, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10
* accurate to 1 damage
N.B.: the first coordinate is at 0 m.; bolded numbers represent nodes

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Select Shotguns

Natural Falloff Range: 6 m

Index	Uncommon	Rare	Epic	Legendary
Crossover Point (where Power Retention Choke provides more output than Power Choke)	7 m	7 m	8 m	8 m
Crossover Point (with 2/2 Stalker synergy*)	8 m	8 m	9 m	9 m
Optimal Range (with Power Retention Choke)	Point Blank	Point Blank	Close Range	Close Range
Optimal Range (with Power Retention Choke & 2/2 Stalker*)	Close Range	Close Range	Close Range	Close Range
Falloff Range (with Power Retention Choke)	11 m	14 m	17 m	20 m
Falloff Range (with Power Retention Choke & 2/2 Stalker*)	12 m	15 m	18 m	21 m
80% Range (with Power Retention Choke)	18 m	21 m	24 m	27 m
80% Range (with Power Retention Choke & 2/2 Stalker*)	20 m	23 m	26 m	29 m
Max Range (with Power Retention Choke)	33 m	36 m	39 m	42 m
Max Range (with Power Retention Choke & 2/2 Stalker*)	37 m	40 m	43 m	46 m

*rough guesstimate

Calculated Curve* (listed in percentages):
100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 96.66, 93.33, 90, 86.66, 83.33, 80, 78, 76, 74, 72, 70, 66.67, 63.33, 60, 56.67, 53.33, 50, 45, 40, 35, 30, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25, 25
* accurate to 1 damage
N.B.: the first coordinate is at 0 m.; bolded numbers represent nodes

 

 

Natural Falloff Range: 12 m

Index	Uncommon	Rare	Epic	Legendary
Crossover Point (where Power Retention Choke provides more output than Power Choke)	14 m	14 m	15 m	15 m
Crossover Point (with 2/2 Stalker synergy*)	15 m	15 m	16 m	17 m
Optimal Range (with Power Retention Choke)	Close Range	Close Range	Mid Range	Mid Range
Optimal Range (with Power Retention Choke & 2/2 Stalker*)	Close Range	Mid Range	Mid Range	Mid Range
Falloff Range (with Power Retention Choke)	17 m	20 m	23 m	26 m
Falloff Range (with Power Retention Choke & 2/2 Stalker*)	18 m	21 m	24 m	27 m
80% Range (with Power Retention Choke)	25 m	28 m	31 m	34 m
80% Range (with Power Retention Choke & 2/2 Stalker*)	28 m	31 m	34 m	37 m
Max Range (with Power Retention Choke)	38 m	41 m	44 m	47 m
Max Range (with Power Retention Choke & 2/2 Stalker*)	42 m	45 m	48 m	51 m

*rough guesstimate

Calculated Curve* (listed in percentages):
100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 100, 97.73, 95.45, 93.18, 90.91, 88.63, 86.36, 84.09, 81.82, 79.54, 77.27, 75, 70.46, 65.91, 61.37, 56.82, 52.28, 47.73, 43.19, 38.64, 34.1, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0
* accurate to 1 damage
N.B.: the first coordinate is at 0 m.; bolded numbers represent nodes

 

Natural Falloff Range: 3 m

Index	Uncommon	Rare	Epic	Legendary
Crossover Point (where Power Retention Choke provides more output than Power Choke)	3 m	3 m	3 m	3 m
Crossover Point (with 2/2 Stalker synergy*)	3 m	3 m	3 m	3 m
Optimal Range (with Power Retention Choke	Point Blank	Point Blank	Close Range	Close Range
Optimal Range (with Power Retention Choke & 2/2 Stalker*)	Point Blank	Point Blank	Close Range	Close Range
Falloff Range (with Power Retention Choke)	8 m	11 m	14 m	17 m
Falloff Range (with Power Retention Choke & 2/2 Stalker*)	8 m	11 m	14 m	17 m
80% Range (with Power Retention Choke)	9 m	12 m	15 m	18 m
80% Range (with Power Retention Choke & 2/2 Stalker*)	10 m	13 m	16 m	19 m
Max Range (with Power Retention Choke)	23 m	26 m	29 m	32 m
Max Range (with Power Retention Choke & 2/2 Stalker*)	25 m	28 m	31 m	34 m

*rough guesstimate

Calculated Curve* (listed in percentages):
100, 100, 100, 100, 70, 40, 36.67, 33.33, 30, 27.5, 25, 22.5, 20, 18, 16, 14, 12, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10
* accurate to 1 damage
N.B.: the first coordinate is at 0 m.; bolded numbers represent nodes

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TECHNICAL DETAILS & ERRATA

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Project Details:

Workflow Establishment

The first thing needed to measure Falloff Ranges and Curves is an accurate measurement system. It was determined that using the global coordinate system would be a useful measure of distances. However, in order to use the global coordinate system as a measurement system, two things needed to be verified: (a) that the coordinate system uses a square grid; and (b) that gun card ranges could be aligned with it.

In the case of (a), the measurements of a Ziggurat at Seascape farms (closest Last Chance) was measured via the global coordinate system. It was found that this Ziggurat was perfectly aligned to the coordinate grid and measured 36 units by 36 units.

In the case of (b), testing both BMGs and +Falloff mods revealed that the coordinate system and the gun card ranges were the same. The exact calculation used in the early work to determine distances is: SQRT(((ABS([Y Coordinate 2]-[Y Coordinate 1]))^2)+((ABS([X Coordinate 2]-[X Coordinate 1]))^2)).

Unfortunately, there is some rounding problems how the game measures angular distance, but this equation was consistent to +/- 1 unit.

It was later suggested that the unit in question is the meter, as this is used in development files.

It is also the measurement used in the determination of distance-to-target when setting a custom target on the map (i.e. the pink flag shows km or m to it).

The final BMG data was collected into another guide.

 

Data Collection

The ideal target had a few ideal properties: (a) it was stationary, (b) it had a large range on a singular axis (X or Y) from which to measure distances (due to the rounding issues with angular measurements), and (c) it would hopefully be tucked away from general playing areas.

In the case of (a), my target list was narrowed down to three potential targets: hellbug eggs, explosive crates, and turrets. It was suggested that a deactivated turret would provide the best target as they continue to recieve damage once deactivated.

A hunt for turrets then commenced: all solo maps/arenas were checked first, and when no suitable candidates were found, I started checking the world map.

A perfect turret was ultimately found at the Zhena Array at coordinates [3430, 7474], which satisfied all my conditions. The ruined home beside this turret seems well aligned to the global coordinate grid (allowing a quick visual alignment guide), and the turret has a clear view to around 60m on the y axis, and to draw distance on the x axis while staying on a relatively flat z plane. It was also quiet. In all my hours of testing, I was only interrupted by players a handful of times (they usually surprised me with Bulwarks).

N.B.: If you plan to use this turret for further testing, it is highly recommended that the enemies at the turret to the north of this turret be cleared (about 120m or so north of [3430, 7474]). At 60m+ north of [3430, 7474] it is possible to pull these enemies. They will not respawn while you are active on site.

Data collection was mostly done on this deactivated turret, except where otherwise noted in the guide. Work was done by testing a collected gun at point blank (0 m) range, then moving out until the damage changed. This change point was then measured against the coordinate grid to ensure a consistent X or Y alignment with the target (adjustments were made as necessary, and then the distance to the Falloff Range was verified and recorded). From here, I moved back a small amount until the damage changed again, and recorded again. In the earliest records, the X/Y calibration was checked consistently, until it was determined that after the falloff begins it changes every meter. After this, I would check and align for the exact Falloff Range, and then simply record every change in damage as I moved back to draw distance.

Each gun tested took about 20 minutes to record a full data set.

 

Data Harmonization & Deconstruction

Once sufficient data was collected, the data was changed from raw damage to a percentage of base damage. These percentage graphs were then sorted into groups of "like curves".

The "like curves" were then harmonized to account for inconsistencies in the data sets. Usually, these would appear as a "burr" in the line where it shouldn't be, and in all cases represented a gap in a data set (caused by me missing a measurement). These were resolved by simply moving the "burr" and all points following it one cell to the right. Once all the data plots for a falloff type were aligned, an "idealized curve" was reconstructed using the obvious nodal points.

In cases where the data set was insufficient to resolve inconsistencies, additional data was collected.

 

Data Validation

Once the "idealized curves" were constructed, they were rechecked against the live data (by applying the idealized curve against base damage of each weapon). The idealized curves were found to resolve within 1 damage point of the live data set (or, generally better than 99.95% accurate).

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Changes:

Feb 20, 2015: Trick'd Out, a special pistol released as a farewell gift from creative lead Trick Dempsey has been tested and added.

Raw data: 11171, 11171, 11171, 11171, 11171, 11171, 11171, 11171, 11171, 11171, 11171, 11171, 11171, 10724, 10277, 9830, 9383, 8937, 8674, 8411, 8148, 7885, 7622, 7360, 7097, 6834, 6571, 6308, 6045, 5783, 5520, 5257, 4994, 4731, 4468, 4401, 4333, 4265, 4198, 4130, 4062, 3994, 3927, 3859, 3791, 3724, 3656, 3588, 3521, 3453, 3385, 3317, 3250, 3182, 3114, 3047, 2979, 2911, 2843, 2776, 2708, 2640, 2573, 2505, 2437, 2370, 2302, 2234, 2234, 2234, 2234, 2234, 2234, 2234, 2234, 2234, 2234, 2234, 2234, 2234, 2234

Acknowledgements:

I must acknowledge the following for their assistance with this project: 
Keeper Riff, for being instrumental in establishing both the measurement system as well as suggesting the ideal test target;
Alexri, for his enthusiasm and support, and for providing the screenshots used in Appendix A;
Kierstin, for a very generous donation of a Legendary VBI HP-5 Wolverine to the project when I was having problems locking one down for data verification while the project was winding down;
Etaew, for programming assistance which allowed me to take the time necessary to craft this guide for you.

Zewy must also be acknowledged for providing the previous guide to falloff and ranges; this guide is linked again below.

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Additional References:

http://forums.defiance.com/showthread.php?132212-Weapons-Range

http://forums.defiance.com/showthread.php?164768-Need-Help-with-a-Puzzle

http://forums.defiance.com/showthread.php?165142-Guide-Falloff-damage-in-practice-SMG-edition

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APPENDICIES

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Appendix A: General Compendium of Ranges

Jump Distance 5 m
Vertical Jump Distance 3 m
Roll Distance 6 m
Running Jump Distance 8 m
Default Reticle Height 1.75 m
Minimap Radius 100 m

Barrel Height 1 m
Small Metal Shipping Crate (VIM-0800 AOM) 2 m x 1 m x 1 m
Medium Wooden Shipping Crate 2 m x 2 m x 2 m
Medium Metal Shipping Crate (VIM AOM 1800) 2 m x 2 m x 3.25 m
Vendor Cart (excluding generator) 5 m x 3 m x 3 m
Vendor Cart (including generator) 7 m x 3 m x 3 m

Seascape Farms Ziggurat 36 m x 36 m

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