Lasers

The classic Sci-Fi weapon.

Lasers use focused light to create destructive effects at range.

Lasers require sturdy electronics, ample cooling systems, large amounts of electricity, and large focusing devices in order to function effectively. While lasers have proliferated in many forms all the way down to the smallest of platforms, lasers that are capable of destroying targets are typically reserved for vehicles and ships. Infantry-carried weapons-grade laser systems typically are reserved for specialist units as they tend to require more training than conventional ballistic weapons.

Since lasers move at the speed of light, they are the fastest and most precise weapon system. Lasers can strike targets within line of sight nearly instantly, and are limited in accuracy mostly by the mechanical focusing system used to aim the laser. Their drawback is that lasers usually need to linger on their target to create destructive effects, and cause far less destruction than other weapons for the same amount of power and weight.

This makes laser weapons the go-to weapon for rapidly destroying small or agile targets. This includes small targets like missiles and drones, and large, soft, targets like the sensors of starships.