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In contrast to classic first-person shooter games, extraction shooters offer a more intricate armor and ammunition damage system. The Operations mode in Delta Force reflects this complexity, although it’s somewhat more straightforward than a game like Escape from Tarkov. Understanding which armor to select and which ammunition to use is crucial, as it can greatly influence your effectiveness in combat and your overall survival.
The gunplay mechanics of Delta Force are not as confusing as in Tarkov but certainly more detailed than what you’d see in a battle royale title like Warzone. Let’s break down the essential elements.
How Weapon Damage Works
Several factors contribute to how well your weapon performs against opponents in Delta Force. The primary factor is the base damage of your weapon. Each firearm has a specific damage rating, which varies based on the body part you hit.
Every soldier starts with a maximum of 100 health points distributed across their body. Damage values differ depending on whether you strike the head, limbs, or torso, among other areas.
The damage also varies with distance; in close quarters, all weapons deliver maximum damage. However, the effective range can differ significantly between weapon types; for instance, a submachine gun will not reach as far as a battle rifle.
Note: You won’t deal less than the minimum damage of a weapon at long range, as damage reduction isn’t linear.
Additionally, each weapon has a base armor damage value that indicates how effectively it can wear down an opponent’s armor with each shot that lands. The type of ammunition used can modify this damage, which we’ll explore soon.
How Armor Stops Bullets Until It Doesn’t
Armor is categorized into six levels, with protection increasing as the level rises. When engaged in a firefight, the game compares your armor’s protection level to the enemy’s ammunition. There are three possible outcomes:
- Armor and ammo levels are equal: Your armor will absorb some damage but will lose durability, and you’ll still receive some damage to your health.
- Armor level exceeds ammo level: The armor fully stops the bullet, sustaining damage instead. You only take health damage once the armor’s durability is depleted.
- Armor level is less than ammo level: The ammo bypasses the armor entirely, inflicting full damage to your health.
Armor can only protect areas it covers — typically the chest, abdomen, and shoulders. It’s important to select armor wisely, as heavier armor can slow your movement and aiming. If agility is vital for your play style, consider lighter armor options.
How Ammo Affects Armor
Ammunition is perhaps the most complex aspect of Delta Force’s gameplay, given its numerous variables. The bottom line is that higher-quality ammo offers better performance. This principle applies whether you’re armed with a handgun or a rifle.
Every type of ammunition has a level, similar to armor, with the added possibility of level zero ammo for budget-conscious players. Essentially, higher-grade ammo provides superior armor penetration.
It’s important to remember:
- Ammo meeting armor of the same level does only 75% of its stated base damage.
- The ammo level serves as a separate multiplier for armor damage, with a level four ammo yielding a 100% multiplier against armor up to level five but dropping to 60% against level six.
- Certain ammunitions, like 9mm RIP or .45 RIP, may have unexpected penetration capabilities, favoring flesh damage over armor damage, making them ideal against limbs.
In practice, any ammunition type can potentially compromise any armor, and our observation shows level-four armor can be damaged by lower-tier ammo. Submachine guns excel at this due to their rapid-fire capabilities, although only the armor would take damage in such encounters.
Always come prepared for raids with armor repair kits; as your armor’s rarity increases, so should the quality of your repair kits. Damaged armor offers little protection. Also, stockpile more ammo than you anticipate needing — an unloaded weapon is as ineffective as compromised armor.
