If you've been playing patch 4, or even the dev build, I will inform you that the values used in that patch for 5.45 are far below even the values I was using in this test version. So yes, this is the second time I've rebalanced 5.45.
With my new calculations the damage averages dependent on rifle barrel length and caliber amount to this.
5.56x45mm out of a 508 mm, (20") barrel averages around 0.81
5.45x39mm out of a 415mm, (16.3") barrel now averages around 0.71
7.62x39mm out of a 415mm, (16.3") barrel now averages around 0.63
Note: I've determined these values based upon multiplying the average damage of the multiple variable damage sets that each rifle does, with the average damage that the multiple damage sets that each caliber does. I don't know if this is how damage is actually calculated in SoC, and it is not entirely respective about how this system works. See, now these are averages, because Zone of Alienation's ballistics have variable damage, something which appears to also be present in AMK and even vanilla SoC.
In my understanding, variable damage works on multiplying one of the values under the weapon's hit_power, with one of the values under the caliber's k_hit variables, because many of the weapons have multiple hit power values, and they can differ significantly, and this goes for the weapon's bullets as well, there is the possibility of many different outcomes in respects to weapon damage. This is why I have modified each weapon's ballistics by changing the average, because each weapon will deviate from this average in the actual game, and appear to overperform/underperform at times due to a differing range of performance.
I've tested these changes so far and I'm impressed, Bandits in the garbage seem to go down about after 3 shots to the torso with an AK-74, some tended to take longer to bleed out, but 3 was generally enough.
One last thing, AP ammo in SoC generally is the same as FMJ except it does more damage. I'm changing AP performance dependent on caliber, and some, like 5.56x45's AP cartridge will probably do 20-30% less damage, but have a much higher k_pierce coefficient than FMJ. 5.45x39's AP load, on the other hand, will be roughly similar to the standard FMJ in respects to its damage.
this is like the coolest mod ever
So is 7,62 going to be heavier to carry and less powerful? Will it have any redeeming qualities, like better availability or better reliability of the guns that use it?
I think the latter part of your sentence would apply best. The red army switched from 7.62x39 to 5.45 for a very good reason, the main reason they switched was to save on ammunition weight, and because it had improved lethality over the older ammunition.
I was going to give 7.62x39 better base k_pierce coefficients for the FMJ loads, since it does have a reputation of punching through cover better than 5.45 and 5.56, but with the way that I'm balancing AP, I'm not so sure.
Bandits will carry the 7.62x39 AK variants the most. Some stalkers might carry 7.62 guns as well.
I have a question. I'm thinking of reducing the recoil of the AK-74 variants, and the AK-47 variants as well. I'm going to use the current AK-74's recoil as a mid-point between where I will either have subtracted X amount of recoil, or added Y amount of recoil.
Anyways, my question is, do you think that the AK-74's recoil is suitable as it is, or would it be better off being less with the AK-47's being slightly more than the AK-74's current recoil?
If I were you I'd place 7,62 penetration between 5,45 and 5,45 AP. Also, lethality doesn't always equate to "stopping power" (what an ugly, controversial term). 7,62x39 is said to make cleaner wounds than lighter calibers, but but I believe it has a good record of incapacitating with very few hits. Which is understandable if you think how a heavy and slightly larger slug can shatter bone with ease, among other things. I would step up its damage five points or so, and let 7,62 be the more damaging round in AP variant.
As for your question, recoil seems spot on from the video in the mod's homepage, perhaps just slightly too much for the 5.56 weapon (SIG?).
When weapons have high damage values, recoil is an excellent balancing factor, as seen in LURK. Otherwise the gunplay feels a bit too easy and less... crisp. I'll finally be able to try ZoA out and see for myself in the next couple of weeks, when the new motherboard I ordered finally arrives.
Hope I'm not boring you discussing every minute intricacy of terminal ballistics, I guess I like the subject. :P
Yes, you're right on the mark about 7.62, it leaves cleaner wounds than 5.45 but it's known to break bones and kick someone around badly even when wearing body armor.
One of the things I'd also do is increase its impulse value, and if I could, probably give it some sort of k_impair factor if possible.
I haven't really tested the values I've put in yet, but I think it will be just adequate to use on enemies, and NPCs armed with it will have decent firepower.
Generally speaking, it will be a caliber more often used by bandits alongside their heavy use of shotguns.
To sum things up, 5.45 will be a make-them-bleed caliber. 7.62 will be a shoot them and make a follow-up shot to the head caliber.
I'd tone down the 74 recoil quite a bit, along the lines of say, and AR-15 in 5.56mm, maybe even a bit less. 5.45 is really quite small for a rifle/AR cartridge after all.
Actually, so far I've already done that. The AK-74 was designed with an in-line stock and compensator that cut down on recoil with it's use of a lighter caliber.
Here's a good example of the AK-74's lower recoil.
I'd say the only real advantage that AR-15 derived rifles has over the 5.45 rifles in terms of recoil is their use of direct impingement, which means not having a gas piston kicking around the center of gravity while the weapon is firing, and even that system has it's own drawbacks, though I think that they are largely exaggerated.
The AK-74 is also going to be somewhat more reliable than the older 47 and AKM variants due to it having higher-quality of construction and the fact that it was produced with a chrome-lined barrel.