When you make multiple attacks, you split your dice pool, but as far as I can tell you don't split the defense penalty based on rate of fire. e.g. a sam with 18 dice for automatics could fire full-auto and attack three targets (or one target three times) with 6 dice per attack, and each of those targets would have a -9 defense modifier. That's almost as effective as three separate semi-auto attacks.

I had been thinking that the rule of one attack per action phase made firearms less effective against multiple targets than previous editions -- two simple bursts was always more effective than splitting your dice pool -- but changing BF/FA to a defense penalty looks like a significant boost to multiple attacks that balances it out.

If lots of bullets is the most effective option, that also makes the new recoil rules make more sense. Assuming they're meant to be read as "Recoil penalties are cumulative ... unless the character takes ... an action other than (shooting for an entire Action Phase)" (parentheses added) as has been indicated by the designers, that means any non-shooting simple action will reset your recoil. So then it's easy to take a simple action to shoot and a simple action for something else every combat phase and never worry about recoil buildup. If firing full-auto is the most attractive option, though, it means you really have to plan out your recoil.

True but an action phase is 2 simple actions, not one. So shooting for one and then not shooting for one would not reset as you have not fired for only half an action phase. However, if you shot for 1 simple action, took cover for a simple action, aimed for a simple action, and then fired for a simple action the combination of taking cover (simple action) and aiming (simple action) covers one complete action phase and therefore resets the recoil. That is how the rule is stated and also how the example is worded. So and combination of two simple actions that do not involve shooting and that are back to back whether they are in the same Action Phase or spread across two Action Phases ( end of one and beginning of another) will reset the recoil.

That's what I was referring to with the parentheses. The way I initially read the recoil rules and the way you're apparently reading them (and which I think is the most intuitive reading) is:

"Recoil penalties are cumulative ... unless the character takes ... (an action other than shooting) for an entire Action Phase"

An alternate interpretation that apparently has some support from devs is:

"Recoil penalties are cumulative ... unless the character takes ... an action other than (shooting for an entire Action Phase)"

meaning that any non-shooting action resets your recoil. Sadly, the example doesn't help at all -- it's consistent with both interpretations. I definitely want to see this covered in errata.

If the first interpretation is what we end up with then it does make FA weaker, but you could still do massive damage when you stack recoil compensation. For example, you could get to 16 recoil compensation using an Ares Alpha w/gas vent, a gyro mount, and good strength. That's enough to take the following actions with no recoil penalties:

• Action 1: full auto, 10 bullets (10 recoil)
• Action 2: full auto, 6 bullets (now at 16 recoil) + take aim
• Action 3: take aim (resets recoil) + full auto, 6 bullets (6 recoil)
• Action 4: full auto, 10 bullets (now at 16 recoil)

If we end up with the first interpretation *and* an interpretation that the reset has to be an entire single action phase (rather than two simple actions split across two phases) then simple firing actions will once again be king, and full auto will only be useful as a finishing move. It will still be nasty when used by NPCs, though.

It's kind of a no-brainer (and also the law of physics) that going full auto consistently isn't a very good strategy. Semi-auto or controlled bursts of fire will net you better accuracy in the long run. That's why most weapons that have a large capacity and the ability to go full auto are useful for covering and supressive fire. Lots of bullets flying out of a gun is a good way to put a lot of lead on the field, but not in a consistent pattern.

I'm going with the interpretation that you need to have a full combat phase with no shooting before your recoil resets. Makes it a lot harder to abuse the system. You can still put down dudes pretty quick with a full auto shot and then a short break to do something else before firing again. Taking aim, throwing a grenade, changing positions, eating a cookie. Or just laughing

Previous discussion on this

It may be helpful to consider the column for the cover penalty to apply based on what the target is experiencing. If the target is experiencing a short burst they should take the short burst penalty regardless of whether the shooter is experiencing a Full Auto burst.

Exactly. This question keeps popping up, but why do people phrase it like this? Obviously, you don't get -9 to each target. Why not ask, 'each target gets the penalty for the bullets coming at them, right?'