Sub-caliber combat load

Sub-caliber combat load describes pronounced anti-vehicle specialisation: “greatly increases damage to vehicles in exchange for versatility.” Confirmed by the game files, build 23882143. The vehicle-damage gain and infantry- and building-damage losses are recorded in its effect fields. The word “greatly” is the developer’s wording; it neither replaces the numerical records nor establishes the complete combat outcome. Compare the changed columns with the weapon’s existing role and the targets it needs to engage.

This is a stronger specialisation of the column also raised by armour-piercing shells. Their description names no cost, but their effect fields also contain penalties. Confirmed by the game files, build 23882143. The loader and range-module pairs offer different trades too. The Empire BMP records 71.4 calculated damage per second against infantry and less against vehicles, at a price of 150 minerals. Such a weapon illustrates why improving one column can sacrifice a useful existing role.

Compare all three weapon-damage columns and the vehicle’s job first. If infantry damage matters, the penalty cannot be ignored: −50 against infantry and −40 against buildings for +90 against vehicles, build 23882143. Until 4 September 2026, this section denied the recorded losses and discussed the word “greatly” instead of the effect fields. The Empire Dreadnought at 125 calculated damage per second against vehicles is a comparison, not a proven optimal loadout. The choice depends on targets and weapon compatibility.

Consider infantry against pronounced anti-vehicle specialisation: this module reduces the corresponding damage column. Empire Brutes cost 35 minerals and five population, so they can enter the army-composition comparison. The recorded changes are +90 against vehicles, −50 against infantry and −40 against buildings. This is one of nine descriptions naming a trade, here involving weapon versatility. That is our interpretation, not a guarantee that cheap infantry wins the fight.