I’ll start with a comparison table of the Mannlicher’s key characteristics with its direct competitor, the Winchester:
As we can see, the Mannlicher is inferior in absolutely every way; it simply doesn’t have a single advantage.
This has always been the case, but previously, it wasn’t a fundamental issue, as other bolt-action rifles could easily be used in place of the Mannlicher without significant loss of effectiveness: its increased rate of fire didn’t outweigh the entire host of other disadvantages.
However, in the “Forest Shadows” update, the ability to remain aiming between shots was added to a number of weapons, including the Mannlicher and Winchester. This made these rifles a clear meta, elevating them to an unattainable height above other bolt-action rifles and even some semi-automatics. Therefore, the Mannlicher’s objective inferiority compared to the Winchester has since become yet another balance issue.
What can be done in light of the above? There are two options here: reduce the Winchester’s stats to the Mannlicher’s level, or improve the Mannlicher’s stats to the Winchester’s level. I don’t want to nerf the Winchester, so let’s move on to the second option. Specifically, I propose:
Increase the Mannlicher’s damage to at least the Winchester’s level. Currently, at long range, the Mannlicher often produces white markers or simply drops players, especially when the enemy has equipped all their soldiers with body armor.
I can’t say anything definitive about Velocity—I’m not a weapons expert—but if this stat could be increased, it would be great. Velocity directly impacts accuracy and the lead required for a moving target.
Reduce reload speed: both for the entire magazine and for reloading multiple rounds.
Recoil would also be reduced, especially horizontal recoil, but it’s not that crucial, especially if the following point is implemented.
Make the Mannlicher’s Recoil Control 100%. Bolt-action rifles have a parameter called “Recoil Control,” which can be either 100% or 0%. In the first case, the reticle will attempt to automatically return to the target after firing. In the second case, it won’t; you’ll have to re-aim manually, which, in the case of the Mannlicher, negates its rate of fire. Therefore, this is one of the most important points in this thread.
Reduce the Mannlicher’s dispersion. If the developers don’t find a reason to increase velocity, they can compensate for this by making the Mannlicher’s reload time or dispersion lower than the Winchester’s, so that both bolt-action rifles have their pros and cons.
To avoid unnecessary debate in this thread, I’d like to point out that all the points are intended to bring the Mannlicher up to par with the Winchester, not make it stronger. Therefore, proponents of true balance shouldn’t have any issues with this topic. Moreover, let’s not forget that the Mannlicher is currently also playing against the 10-round Lee-Enfield with a similar aiming system, meaning the above-mentioned improvements are more relevant than ever.
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