Jump Space Railgun Guide | Lancer Railgun Range & Use
The railgun in Jump Space is one of the most powerful ship weapons available, but it has also been the center of debate. Players expected it to be a true long-range cannon, yet its current range is far shorter than what the demo once offered. Understanding how the Lancer Railgun works now can save you the frustration of trying to use it like a sniper cannon when it really isn’t.
How the Railgun Works in Jump Space
The Lancer Railgun is a turret that mounts directly to your ship. Unlike personal weapons, it stays with the ship once built, so if you add it before a mission it will still be there the next time you launch. It fires heavy, high-damage shots that feel distinct from the rapid-fire turrets or forward cannons.
In the early demo, the railgun was designed for extreme long range, hitting targets up to 2km away. In the current Early Access release, that range has been reduced to 900m. This means it now functions more like a mid-range heavy weapon than a sniper tool.
Range and Limitations
The shortened range is the biggest change to how the railgun feels. At 900m, you’ll often need to bring your ship closer to enemy vessels than you might expect. This can make it riskier to use since you’re also within range of smaller turrets, fighters, and boarding parties.
Despite the range cut, the Lancer Railgun is still strong. Its shots pack more punch than your standard cannons, making it valuable for breaking through shields or targeting enemy ship cores. Just don’t expect to sit back at extreme distance and wipe the map anymore.
Best Uses of the Railgun
Focus on big enemy ships where raw damage matters.
Pair it with other weapons for burst openings when shields are exposed.
Use it to finish off tougher targets quickly before they close the gap.
Keep in mind its arc and slower rate of fire compared to turrets.
Why It Changed
The reduction from 2km to 900m seems to be a balance choice by the devs. With full crew coordination, a long-range railgun would have made some fights trivial. The current version forces you to manage positioning and risk, which keeps the roguelite pacing intact.
Final Blurb
The Jump Space railgun may not be the long-range beast players imagined, but it’s still a serious upgrade for any ship. Treat it as a heavy mid-range weapon, use it to crack enemy defenses, and combine it with your crew’s other tools to cover its limitations.
It isn’t perfect, but in the right hands it’s one of the most satisfying weapons to fire.
FAQ
How do you keep the railgun between runs?
Ship-mounted weapons like the railgun stay on your ship once built. Unlike lootable items, they don’t disappear when you return to the hangar.
Why was the railgun range reduced?
In the demo, it had a 2km range. It’s now 900m to prevent long-range sniping from trivializing missions.
Is the railgun better than turrets?
It’s stronger per shot, but turrets offer faster response against smaller enemies. The railgun works best for heavy targets, not swarms.
More Jump Space
