Welcome back, Prospectors! Today we’re breaking down the Lacerator, a powerful blue-tier Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR) in The Cycle: Frontier, unlocked at ICA level 9. This guide will cover weapon stats, performance analysis, attachment recommendations, and practical tips for maximizing this rifle’s potential in both solo and squad play.

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Lacerator Overview

• Cost: 41,000 K-Marks
• Penetration: 23
• Damage: 27 (body), 40.5 (head)
• Headshot Multiplier: 1.5x
• Magazine Size: 16 rounds
• Reload Time: 2.55s
• Projectile Speed: 35,000 (350 m/s)
• Move Speed Multiplier: 0.9
• Equip Time: 1.0s | Unequip Time: 0.5s

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Damage Falloff and Range

• Falloff Start: 50m
• Falloff End: 100m
• Falloff Multiplier: 1.0 (no damage drop-off)

This makes the Lacerator lethal at any distance, much like sniper rifles. You won’t lose damage even when shooting across the map—perfect for open-area engagements.

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Performance Stats

• Fire Rate: 150 RPM
• DPS (vs. blue armor): 68
• Time to Empty Mag: 6.0s
• Time to Kill (TTK):
  • Body: 1.2s
  • Head: 0.8s

Because the Lacerator has no range-based falloff, it remains accurate and dangerous regardless of distance, making it one of the most reliable DMRs in the game.

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Shots to Kill by Armor Tier

Armor	Body Shots	Head Shots
None/Common	3	2
Uncommon (Green)	4	3
Rare (Blue)	4	3
Epic (Purple)	5	3
Exotic (Pink)	5	3

The Lacerator performs impressively even against exotic armor. While it’s slightly outpaced by the KBR Longshot at higher tiers, its faster fire rate gives it the edge in certain scenarios, especially against moving or wounded targets.

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Playstyle and Tactical Use

• Strengths: Excellent at medium and long range, high precision, reliable body damage, efficient ammo economy
• Weaknesses: Low fire rate and weak close-range performance—easily beaten by shotguns and SMGs

The Lacerator thrives as a support or overwatch weapon. Use it to chip away at enemies before pushing or as part of a coordinated squad where you can stay back and deal consistent damage from a distance.

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Recoil and Control

Recoil is extremely low. You can tap-fire at near max speed and still maintain accuracy. Even without attachments, the Lacerator is easy to control. Iron sights are clean, but most players will opt for a 2x or 4x scope to maximize accuracy and visibility.

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Recommended Attachments

• Muzzle: Medium suppressor (for stealth and audio concealment)
• Optic: 2x, 4x, or variable 2x–4x scope (based on your preferred range)
• Magazine: Heavy Quickdraw for faster reloads
• Stock: MKM Ultralight (or best found/crafted)
• Rear Grip: Best available (craft white or use found higher-tier grips)
• Foregrip: Tactical foregrip (ADS speed, since recoil isn’t an issue)
• Utility: Flashlight (to reduce visual obstruction in dark zones)

Converter Notes:

• Epic armor: Use an Uncommon converter to reduce shots to kill
• Exotic armor: Requires an Epic converter to do the same
• Converters do not affect headshot TTK, only body shots

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Lore Snippet

According to in-game lore, the ICA designed the Lacerator as a more controlled alternative to heavy, unpredictable weapons like the Shattergun. Though it uses heavy ammo, its sleek burst-fire precision makes it deadly in capable hands—almost like slinging glass shards with pinpoint accuracy.

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Final Thoughts

The Lacerator is a versatile and reliable DMR that fills the mid-range damage role beautifully. It’s affordable by blue-tier standards and performs equally well in both solo skirmishes and coordinated squads. If you prefer a deliberate, controlled playstyle from medium range and want to cut through opponents with surgical precision, this weapon is for you.

Good luck, and see you on Fortuna III!