The mechanics of the flamethrower/fire damage

[Audie Murphy]

So, can someone explain the detailed mechanics of how the flamethrower/fire damage in general works?

I mean, does a component get a fire charge every time a flamethrower shot hits it? That doesn't sound right. Is there a chance of ignition, and what chance is there?

[N-Sunderland]

The flamethrower hits with 13 particles per second. Each particle has a 13% chance of applying a fire charge.

[Audie Murphy]

And that's damage in addition to the 4 points of fire damage each particle does, right?

And since it passes through, a single particle could damage and potentially add a fire charge to a gun, the hull, and the balloon, yes?

[N-Sunderland]

Yes, that's in addition to the direct damage.

I'm not entirely sure about the mechanics of particles passing through anything, to be honest. You'd have to ask a dev.

[Captain Smollett]

Pretty sure particles pass through, can hit other components and other enemy ships!  Guns still a bit wimpy at the moment though.  Just wait til awkm get's back from vacation though.  Fire's about to be fun again!

[Lord Dick Tim]

Burn it all!   BURN!

But seriously, I have nothing to add, just really wanted to post that, and say the guys above likely got it all right.

[-Muse- Cullen]

Using incendiary ammo will increase the chance of fire ignition. It also gets a small boost of damage to all systems but the armor of the ship.

[N-Sunderland]

Using incendiary ammo will increase the chance of fire ignition. It also gets a small boost of damage to all systems but the armor of the ship.

Incendiary is a terrible ammo type to use on the flamer. Sure, it increases the ignition chance, but it's already high enough as it is. Its side effects include lowering the muzzle speed (and therefore shortening the already bad range) and reducing the clip size. Two negatives for a questionable benefit. If you want to increase the chance of ignition you're better off using greased to get more particles per second and a larger clip size, with no detriment to range.

[The Churrosaur]

Or lesmok for surprisingly greater range.

[N-Sunderland]

Or lesmok for surprisingly greater range.

Lesmok is the obvious ammo type for the flamer. However, that wasn't the point.

If you want to increase the chance of ignition you're better off using greased

[Watchmaker]

Since there was some question: yes, the flamethrower's particles currently pass through components, allowing each one to potentially damage/ignite several components (even on different ships if they're packed close enough).

Flamethrower ammo: I am personally fond of burst rounds (yes, the AoE modifier applies), which will allow each particle to hit more of the ship.