Mastering the Contact Beam in Dead Space Remake
The USG Ishimura hides many nightmares in its darkened halls, but also powerful tools to fight the necromorph threat. One such tool that demands respect is the contact beam – a heavy-duty mining laser that can shred through dozens of enemies in an instant. This guide will make you an expert wielder of this devastating weapon.
We‘ll be covering everything you need to dominate with the contact beam:
- What makes it so potent
- How to acquire this mighty laser
- Essential upgrades to bolster its capabilities
- Advanced combat tactics to maximize its potential
- Customizing your playstyle to suit the beam
So charge up your plasma batteries and get ready to vaporize some necromorphs!
What Makes the Contact Beam So Powerful
The contact beam stands out from Dead Space‘s arsenal thanks to its sheer damage potential. Both its primary and secondary fires excel at dealing high amounts of damage:
Primary Fire: Fires a sustained beam that can slice most enemies apart in 1-2 seconds. High accuracy makes it easy to dismember limbs quickly.
Secondary Fire "Asteroid Cutter": An explosive laser blast that deals very high damage, often killing regular enemies in one hit or bringing bosses and large necromorphs to their knees. Costs more ammo per shot to balance its strength.
In terms of base stats, the contact beam has 12 ammo capacity with powerful individual shots:
- Damage Per Shot: 75 (primary), 400 (secondary)
- Reload Time: 3 seconds
- Ammo Type: Contact Energy
While ammo conservation can be difficult with repeated secondary blasts, used smartly the contact beam is extremely ammunition efficient. Few other weapons so thoroughly obliterate enemies.
Retrieving the Contact Beam
Getting your hands on this monster laser takes some exploring. You‘ll first be able to grab it in Chapter 4 while heading to divert cannon power.
Follow these steps:
- In the Bridge Deck atrium, take the elevator up to the 2nd floor Comms Array.
- Pass through the vacuum section to the adjacent corridor.
- The Records Office will be on your right – use Level 2 access to get inside.
- Check the floor near the back wall and you‘ll discover the beam!
With it acquired, it‘s now possible to start upgrading the beam into an even more terrorizing weapon.
Maximizing the Contact Beam‘s Capabilities
The contact beam has a trio of powerful upgrades that notably improve different aspects of its function. Here‘s what they add:
Supersymmetry Tether
Effect: Increases secondary blast projectile size.
Location: Purchase for 12,000 credits in store.
Portable Heliotron
Effect: Massively increased ammo capacity.
Location: Found in Chapter 7 medical section behind Level 3 access door.
Diffraction Module
Effect: Enlarges secondary fire explosion radius.
Location: Unlock with master override in Chapter 10 mining section.
Equipping these requires acquiring their blueprint first, then investing power nodes into upgrade nodes unique to that attachment. Funneling nodes can exponentially heighten the contact beam‘s already fearsome abilities.
For example, the Portable Heliotron adds +10 ammo capacity at base, but investing additional nodes can upgrade that to +15 or +20. Similar stat scaling happens with the other two attachments.
Tactical Tips for Mastering the Beam
Simply having the coveted contact beam doesn‘t make you an expert. You‘ll need to adapt your playstyle and strategies around its strengths. Here is some key advice:
- The secondary fire is extremely ammo hungry, so use sparingly and against groups or troublesome large necromorphs.
- Quickly shred through limbs to cripple fast enemies like Twitchers.
- Lead your shots on unpredictable enemies like Leapers.
- Funnel enemies from multiple directions into beam blasts for efficiency.
- Stasis is your best friend – freeze targets for easy dismemberment.
Additionally, the beam‘s sheer strength lets you tackle enemies you‘d normally avoid with starter weapons. Never run from an encounter again!
With good aim and tactics, you‘ll wipe out swarms with ease. See it in action…
Specializing Your Playstyle
Customizing your skill tree build around the contact beam is encouraged:
Aggressive: Upgrade damage and reload speed for maximum carnage. Rigs like the Security suit work well here.
Methodical: Invest in weapon durability/ammo capacity for tactical dismemberment. An Engineering suit provides defense.
Evasive: Boost speed and stasis power to outmaneuver enemies while charging shots. The Advanced suit is nimble.
Catering your style to the beam amplifies its impressive capabilities even further. Don‘t be afraid to experiment either!
Conquer the Ishimura with This Cannon
Very few weapons can quickly end fights like the contact beam. While ammo sources may be sporadic, smart play rewards you with one-hit deleted enemies. If you love heavy weapons, it simply can‘t be beat.
We‘ve only scratched the surface of mastering this laser cannon. For even more Dead Space Remake weapon advice and secrets, stay tuned here! In the meantime, try out these contact beam tactics and share your most epic monster-melting moments. Happy dismembering!
