R&D - What Weapons to Use

Discover the best weapon upgrade paths for scouts, shocktroopers, lancers, and snipers in Valkyria Chronicles. Learn about tank customization and R&D choices.

Once you get several episodes in, you'll start getting choices in how you want to upgrade your weapons. You can even micromanage your troops and give different units different types. To equip the different types of weapons, head to the Barracks. Be sure to check there each time you kill an ace or receive weapons as a reward to see if that weapon is better. For tank improvements, you will need to use the R&D menu.

Everyone plays the game differently so the weapon choice is really your own. For scouts, accuracy is favored, but damage weapons can be purchased for occasional use. For shocktroopers, damage is the priority. For lancers, accuracy is preferred when possible, but usually damage is chosen (if it costs an extra turn to take out a tank, it's too weak). For snipers, solely accuracy is recommended as you're only going to shoot them once. For flamethrowers, damage is favored over effects. For lancers' mortar rounds, anti-tank damage is preferred over anti-personnel attacks, although there are a few places where lancer mortar rounds are useful. Generally, it's not recommended to upgrade the "effect" path for any type of weapon, as killing is more effective than inflicting a status effect.

The letter grade of the weapon (E, D, etc.) measures its accuracy, which translates into the size of the aiming circle. The better the letter grade, the smaller the circle.

Tanks

For tanks, accuracy is generally favored over defense, but it's best to have at least a little of everything. Always equip at least one extra mortar round when possible, as this can be very helpful. Skimping on crit defense is common, as being shot in the back often means the end of the unit. The recommended loadout includes all accuracy items, followed by some tread HP and defense, and then a 1x1 crit defense if there is room. Always purchase tank body upgrades and troop armor upgrades immediately, even if it requires playing a skirmish to afford them.

Once you acquire the Shamrock tank, you have a choice of how to outfit it. Equipping anti-tank rounds is a common choice, but the flamethrower could also be useful for certain missions. The guide will mention specific equipment recommendations when necessary. For its defenses, choose what suits you best, though multiple mortar rounds are often favored.