Mastering the mechanics of vehicular combat requires a thorough understanding of your loadout, making this comprehensive Airframe Ultra weapon guide an essential tool for every competitor. Whether you are fighting on foot or speeding through arenas, learning the nuances of each gear piece will give you a vital competitive edge. According to player experience gathered during initial beta testing periods, weapon functionality and balance may shift over time, but understanding the core fundamentals is crucial for early success.
Melee Weapons Breakdown
Melee options range from budget-friendly backup tools to high-risk, high-reward instruments of destruction. Based on community insights, choosing the right striking tool depends heavily on whether you are fighting on foot or engaging opponents while mounted on an airframe.
| Melee Weapon | Primary Attack Style | Special Move / Utility |
|---|---|---|
| The Bat | Fast, low-damage swing | Pitches and launches held fuse grenades as high-velocity impact items |
| The Crowbar | Moderate swing damage | Disarms opponents when timed with the special button |
| The Pipe | Brutally slow swing | Drags on the ground for sharp high-speed turns; clotheslines on airframes |
| The Sledgehammer | Charged heavy blow | Pommel strike to deter close-range attackers |
| The Machete | Balanced swing | Can be thrown as a projectile and later retrieved |
For a deeper video breakdown of these mechanics, check out the Airframe Ultra All Weapons Guide.
Additional melee equipment includes the Chain, which doubles as a grapple tool, and the Traffic Sign, which functions as a jousting spike and vertical mobility booster. High-end choices like the Riot Stick use electric arcs to control fights, while the Beam Cutter conceals a continuous laser beam behind a slow swing. The Chainsaw requires multiple engine revs before shredding targets, and the Katana can instantly eliminate non-blocking opponents, though its blade breaks upon hitting hard walls or shields.
Ranged Firearms and Heavy Firearms
Firearms offer distinct advantages depending on engagement range, rate of fire, and reload constraints. Community feedback highlights that weapons like the Blaster and SMG favor close-quarters spray tactics, while high-powered options demand precision and careful ammo management.
| Firearm | Magazine & Total Ammo | Notable Traits |
|---|---|---|
| The Blaster | 12 / 36 rounds | Cheap pistol, decent rate of fire, non-hitscan bullets |
| The SMG | 100 / 300 rounds | High fire rate, low accuracy, high spray capability |
| The Revolver | 6 / 24 rounds | High-powered pistol, fast cylinder empty time (2 seconds) |
| Shotgun | Single shell per load | Sawed-off double barrel, delayed trigger (click then boom) |
| The Minigun | 240 / 720 rounds | High accuracy, requires spin-up, pushes back unmounted users |
The Kalashnikov serves as a reliable all-around assault rifle featuring three-round burst capabilities when aiming. Meanwhile, the Plasma Pistol acts as a handheld flamethrower firing slow-moving projectile cells, and the Rebar Fastener launches frisbee-like metal bars that bounce off environmental surfaces.
Consumables and Defensive Equipment
Consumable items and defensive gear alter the battlefield dynamically through area denial, traps, and damage mitigation. Utilizing these items correctly can turn the tide of a skirmish.
| Item Type | Inventory / Set Count | Primary Utility |
|---|---|---|
| Molotovs | 6 items | Creates lingering fires to block narrow paths or deal damage |
| Cherry Bombs | 20 items | Spamable minor explosives; highly effective when paired with the Bat |
| Caltrops | 120 set | Ground traps that stick to flying airframes before detonating |
| EMPs | 4 items | Area denial devices emitting continuous shock arcs |
| Body Armour | Single pickup | Provides significant damage reduction until broken |
Additional consumables include Shurikens for sticky explosive poke damage, Flashbangs for long-duration visual disruption, Frag Grenades for heavy blast radius damage, and Jerry Cans for leaving fiery trails behind airframes in tight corridors. Defensive setups also feature the Riot Shield, which blocks incoming directional attacks in your off-hand.
Tactical Tips for Competitive Play
To maximize your performance in matches, keep these strategic principles in mind based on player experience:
- Momentum Management: Heavy weapons like the Sledgehammer and Pipe rely heavily on your movement speed. Use airframe momentum to amplify swing damage or execute sharp turns.
- Combo Synergy: Pairing fuse grenades (such as Frag or Cherry Bombs) with the Bat converts them into fast-moving impact projectiles.
- Resource Awareness: Firearms with lengthy reloads or limited magazines—like the Shotgun and Minigun—require strict timing to avoid getting caught vulnerable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best weapon for close-range combat in Airframe Ultra?
According to player experience, the sawed-off double barrel Shotgun excels at close-range encounters due to its immense stopping power, though it features a slight trigger delay and a lengthy reload time.
How do special moves work with melee weapons?
Special moves are activated by clicking the right mouse button or pressing in the right controller joystick, enabling unique utility functions such as disarming opponents, pitching grenades, or deploying electric charges.
Will weapon stats and damage change upon full release?
Yes. Because current gameplay insights derive from beta versions, community reports emphasize that weapon balance, damage figures, and in-game economy costs are subject to change over time.