Intro
This has been a interesting decision that I have been going a bit back and forth on over the last few weeks. I haven’t seen too much public discission on this with the only public discourse being Tanner’s video (that I believe is highly unfair to the dual autopistols personally), and Reginald’s recent video (much better but perhaps a bit of a preference to the dual autopistols).
I am curious what people here have to say. If you haven’t tried both I definitely feel like they are both very much worth playing with for a decent bit of time at least. They both fall into notably different play styles while both feeling very good to use.
The Comparison
The main difference is the fact the dual auto pistols perform better average close range damage with better mobility, while the Vraks deals better peak damage and can shoot at a longer range.
Dual Auto Pistols
Pros:
- Better average close damage
- Great mobility (built in run and gun)
- Notably better into hoards
- Easier to use (less aim skill required to get full effect)
Cons:
- Poor accuracy
- Poor finesse modifier (basically no benefits from headshots, low crit bonus)
- No crit chaining (benefits much less from crits)
- Very poor carapace damage
Vraks Infantry Auto Gun
Pros:
- Good accuracy
- Good finesse modifier (high crit+weakspot damage)
- Strong crit chaining
- Higher peak damage (fire frenzy max +50% damage)
- Good carapace damage (with desperado active can kill a crusher very fast especially at peak damage with fire frenzy fully active)
Cons:
- No mobility bonuses
- Not as high base damage
- High skill floor/ceiling
My Overall Opinions
As a whole I feel like these two weapons are fairly evenly matched in typical gameplay. But the dual autopistols are definitely easier to use and offer a fairly unique fast run and gun playstyle great for being aggressive and clearing out gunner groups. While the Vraks IAG better reflects a mid liner role where you pick off enemies as they come to the group while still retaining the ability to push forward and clear out gunners when needed. Both can support aggressive plays but the Vraks is definitely better suited at hanging back and playing more safe for most of the game especially at higher difficulties
Essentially I feel like the dual auto pistols make you a charge zealot replacement while the IAG makes you a more of a vet replacement. Not a great example since you can still be much more aggressive then most vets with your plays. But it definitely feels like playing a very aggressive vet rather then a shooty zealot.
Though there are a few areas of note that I think are worth addressing
Interaction With Vulture’s Dodge
I think this is a pretty big factor when playing havoc. Vulture’s dodge is a incredibly good survival tool that I think the IAG is much better at maintaining. The dual auto pistols poor accuracy and lack of crit chaining means its very easy to loose vulture’s dodge due to poor luck at medium+ range. The IAG doesnt suffer from this.
I find this mostly is reflected in me being able to advance while shooting with the infantry auto gun while to be safe with the dual auto pistols, I need to flank and slide around to get to close range before being safe.
Speedload/Desperado
I feel like the dual auto pistols really need speedload a lot of the time. 0.5 seconds longer doesnt seem like a lot on paper but it definitely effects the feel of playing it and makes it a little harder to keep your desperado up. Also it means a longer amount of time not having vultures dodge. Meanwhile I never feel like I need speedload on the IAG. But I am willing to admit this could just be personal preference.
My Builds
Just for context on my opinions these are the builds I run with the respective guns. Essentially these are max ranged DPS builds with a crit talent for the IAG and a accuracy talent for the Dual Autopistols.
IAG build:
I also have run this with maniac or unyielding damage instead of carapace. But I really find the ability to transfer my shooting onto an approaching crusher hoard to kill 1-3 before they close to melee pretty handy, and I can then chip in to finish off the rest as the team fights them, though at that point it is often better to switch to shivs regardless. You really aren’t sacrificing much damage to do this as you kill maniacs very fast anyways, and your boss damage isn’t that amazing so your not giving up too much taking carapace damage. (obviously this sucks into rotten armor though)
Dual Autopistol Build:
I have played with both speedload and pinning fire. When I run speedload I usually run 80 mobility and 60 collateral instead.