LAS-12 Tanto

"'This is an attempt to pack a laser into a small enough housing to be used for the same applications as conventional submachineguns. The result is a laser with a fixed focus step, allowing for high power at a very limited range. It was never widely used as the range limitation was considered too much of a drawback. The LAS-12 is part of the Specialist equipment kit.' - Armory Description"

Unlock Requirement
The Tanto part of the Specialist equipment kit and is automatically unlocked by purchasing the respective DLC.

Upgrades
Heat Capacity Heat Sink Laser Overcharge / Increased Overcharge
 * Adds another emergency heat dump canister to the weapon, increasing how much heat can be absorbed before an emergency dump is triggered.
 * Increased heat sink capacity improves the cooling rate of the weapon while also increasing the time window for continuous fire.
 * Overcharging the laser causes it to output more damage at the cost of generating more heat. Increases damage per second.

Weapon Stats

 * Helldivers start missions with 3 heat dump canisters and can carry up to a maximum of 6.


 * The Tanto takes 3 seconds to replace its heat dump canisters, although this is only necessary if the weapon overheats. This process cannot be sped up by any means.

Gameplay Tips

 * Like all SMGs, the Tanto gives Helldivers increased mobility while aiming and can be used when downed or carrying objectives such as the Black Box, Illuminate Power Core or Artillery Shells, although not as much as its ballistic counterparts. Helldivers can switch between the Tanto and their sidearm while carrying objectives or downed by pressing the 'weapon switch' button. If a support weapon such as the MG-94 is currently equipped, the Knight will take priority over the Helldiver's sidearm when downed or picking up objectives and will be switched to first.


 * The Tanto is the SMG analogue of the laser weapons and behaves much like its ballistic counterpart, the MP-98 Knight. It has a greatly reduced effective range compared to other laser weapons (on par with the FLAM-40 Incinerator), however it boasts much higher DPS and mobility while aiming and firing while still sharing the same rates of heat generation and cooldown as the Scythe.


 * The Tanto remains true to its name in regards to its intended usage: its main strengths of this weapon lie in its high DPS and ability to deal a considerable amount of damage through enemy armor, making it unmatched for close-quarters combat vs most armored enemies. This is also the weapon's major downside, as the short range forces its user to fight in very close proximity to some of the most dangerous enemies in the game. Users favoring a high-risk-high-reward CQC playstyle may find this weapon invaluable all the way up to late game due if they can overcome and manage its considerable drawbacks.


 * The Tanto's lack of range makes it an extremely poor choice for taking out patrols during the stealth phase. Pairing it with stratagems or liberal use of the P-2 Peacemaker sidearm or the P-6 Gunslinger or PLAS-3 Singe Perk pistols is necessary if one wishes to remain stealthy and avoid having the alert phase trigger while on the move, defending objectives, or escorting survivors or teammates.