SG-8P Punisher Plasma

The SG-8P Punisher Plasma is a unique energy weapon that utilizes cartridges much like the PLAS-1 Scorcher. Unlike the other Punisher variants, it functions more like a Grenade launcher. It shoots large, slow projectiles that travel in an arc and explode on impact that stagger enemies and penetrate armor. It can make quick work of smaller enemies and groups, but the user must account for the weapons arcing projectiles.
=== Role: ===
The Punisher Plasma is a rapid-fire bombardment weapon, most effective in medium to long range. Its projectiles travel in an arch, allowing the user to carpet entire areas in explosions. The weapon pairs will with gun sentries thanks to it's ability to stagger, and it's long range allow the shooter to assist teammates being attacked by enemies.
It is akin to a side grade to the PLAS-1 Scorcher where it sacrifices fire rate and projectile speed for more damage and ability to stagger.
== Gameplay Tips ==
* Be careful shooting at point-blank range, especially if your armor cannot resist explosive damage. If you must engage a target at point-blank, it is advised to dive backwards as you are shooting.
**Alternatively, bring a sidearm capable of reliably engaging enemies up-close.
* Can be shot over cover and bombard enemies like a grenade launcher. With some practice and proper positioning, the weapon is capable of bombarding enemies over 100m away.
* The size of the AOE increases as the projectile travels, however the damage stays the same.
* Very useful against Automatons.
** Can clear small clusters of Troopers easily.
** The projectiles can stagger heavy enemies like Devastators and Scout Striders, the plasma splash also penetrates the armor of Scout Striders and kills the Trooper driving it. The plasma explosion will also bypass a heavy's shield and damage them regardless if shot from the front.
** Can be used to damage or finish off tanks by arching the projectile to hit their weakpoints located at the rear of the turret. The weapon can also be used to kill them outright, but might not be an efficient use of ammunition.
* Due to its explosive nature, it is effective against the Abdomen of Chargers. Shooting it under them can kill a charger from the front, although this requires some practice to pull off consistently.
* Despite having the explosive trait, this weapon cannot destroy fabricators and bug holes.
== History ==
1.000.302
* Fix: Firing the Punisher Plasma while wearing a Shield backpack no longer damages the Helldiver
1.000.300
* Decreased maximum mags from 12 to 8
* Increased amount of magazines received from resupply from 6 to 8
* Increased projectile speed, but will keep a similar range
* Decreased damage falloff on the explosion
* Now placed in the energy weapons category