Does the Nightshark Have Weapons? A Deep Dive into GTA Online’s Armored Beast
Yes, the HVY Nightshark in Grand Theft Auto Online does have weapons. It comes standard with dual front-mounted machine guns built into the vehicle’s bumper. These are not customizable or removable, they are an inherent part of the vehicle’s design. While you can’t add any additional weapons directly to the Nightshark through standard vehicle modifications, it’s important to understand its offensive and defensive capabilities fully. The Nightshark is less about a large arsenal and more about being a mobile, heavily armored fortress, capable of withstanding immense damage while providing some basic offensive firepower. Understanding these nuances is key to effectively utilizing the Nightshark in the chaotic world of GTA Online.
Nightshark’s Offensive Capabilities Explained
While the primary weapon of the Nightshark is the fixed dual machine guns, it’s important to examine their specific functionality. These guns are not incredibly powerful on their own but are suitable for suppressing opponents and taking out unarmored targets. They are not designed for taking out armored vehicles. The key offensive feature of the Nightshark isn’t its basic weaponry, but rather its ability to tow the Anti-Aircraft Trailer.
The Anti-Aircraft Trailer
Although the Nightshark itself doesn’t mount missile launchers or other heavy weaponry, its ability to tow an Anti-Aircraft Trailer significantly enhances its offensive capabilities. The Anti-Aircraft Trailer, when hitched to the Nightshark, offers access to powerful air missiles and machine guns. However, it’s crucial to remember that another player is required to operate the trailer’s weapons. This means the Nightshark and the trailer work in tandem to become a potent offensive force.
The Importance of Teamwork
The necessity of another player operating the trailer highlights a key gameplay aspect: teamwork. A solo player in the Nightshark, while still formidable due to the vehicle’s armor, won’t have access to the missile capabilities of the Anti-Aircraft Trailer. Utilizing the trailer requires coordination and strategy, making the Nightshark an even more powerful asset when paired with another player, particularly when playing against a strong opponent or during heists.
The Nightshark’s Defensive Prowess
It’s crucial to remember that while the Nightshark has built in weapons, its defensive capability is really its greatest strength. The vehicle was built to be a tank and not a mobile weapon’s platform.
Unmatched Durability
The Nightshark is renowned for its exceptional armor. It can withstand a staggering number of explosions, far exceeding most other vehicles in the game. It can absorb up to 26 homing missiles and 8 RPGs before exploding. This makes it one of the most durable vehicles in GTA Online and ideal for surviving intense combat situations.
Trade-offs with Window Armor
It’s essential to consider the impact of window armor upgrades. While window armor plates provide extra protection, they prevent the driver and occupants from using their own weapons (such as pistols or throwable items). Removing these plates is recommended if you prefer to use your own weaponry while driving, especially as the plates do not provide bulletproof protection. The Nightshark’s protection comes from its overall build and the base armor – not the window plates.
Handling and Speed
The Nightshark offers a decent combination of speed and handling. It can reach a top speed of 104.75 mph (168.58 km/h), making it reasonably fast for an off-road armored vehicle. Its handling is also commendable, allowing for fairly precise control even during intense situations or off-road driving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Nightshark’s Weapons and Capabilities
1. Can you add more weapons to the Nightshark?
No, you cannot add additional weapons to the Nightshark through vehicle modification workshops. The dual front-mounted machine guns are the only weapons built into the vehicle and are not upgradeable or removable.
2. Can the Nightshark use homing missiles?
The Nightshark itself cannot be directly equipped with homing missiles. However, it can tow the Anti-Aircraft Trailer which does have homing missiles and machine guns. These trailer weapons must be operated by another player.
3. Can you remove the guns from the Nightshark?
No, the front-mounted machine guns cannot be removed. They are a permanent part of the Nightshark’s design and cannot be altered.
4. Is the Nightshark faster than the Insurgent?
Yes, the Nightshark has a higher top speed than the Insurgent. The Nightshark’s top speed is 104.75 mph (168.58 km/h) while the Insurgent’s top speed is 98.25 mph (158.12 km/h).
5. What real-life vehicle is the Nightshark based on?
The Nightshark is largely based on the Dartz Kombat, with front design elements from the Dartz Black Shark.
6. Can you shoot through the Nightshark’s windows?
If you equip window armor plates, you cannot shoot through them. Removing the plates allows you to use your own weapons from within the vehicle, but they do not provide bulletproof protection. The Nightshark’s protection comes from its overall build and the base armor – not the window plates.
7. Is the Nightshark bulletproof?
While the Nightshark has excellent armor against explosives and gunfire, it is not completely bulletproof. The base vehicle itself is very strong, but its window are not. The armored windows actually block you from using your own weapons from within the vehicle.
8. How many missiles can the Nightshark withstand?
The Nightshark can tank up to 26 homing missiles and 8 RPGs before being destroyed.
9. Is the Nightshark a Pegasus vehicle?
No, the Nightshark is not a Pegasus vehicle. It is bought and stored as a personal vehicle in your garages. The Insurgent Pickup Custom is the vehicle some might be confusing it with.
10. Can the Nightshark tow the Anti-Aircraft Trailer?
Yes, the Nightshark can tow the Anti-Aircraft Trailer, which provides access to offensive air missiles and machine guns, but these weapons need another player to operate.
11. Is the Nightshark worth buying in GTA Online?
Yes, the Nightshark is highly worth purchasing. Its exceptional armor, decent speed, and handling, as well as the ability to tow the Anti-Aircraft Trailer make it a highly versatile vehicle in GTA Online. It’s a must-have for players seeking reliable protection and some basic offensive capabilities.
12. Can you sell the Nightshark?
Yes, you can sell the Nightshark at Los Santos Customs. It resells for approximately 60% of the original purchase price.
13. Is the Menacer better than the Nightshark?
While the Menacer has stronger, more accurate machine guns, the Nightshark offers significantly more armor. The choice depends on what you’re prioritizing – raw damage output with slightly less survivability or an almost impenetrable mobile fort.
14. What’s the best armored car in GTA Online?
There are many armored cars with differing strengths. Some of the top contenders for best armored vehicles are the Insurgent, the Barrage, and the Nightshark – with the Nightshark generally considered the best for absorbing damage. The Duke O’ Death is also a fully bulletproof vehicle that can withstand small arms fire, but it does not have weapons of its own.
15. Does the Nightshark have explosive rounds?
The Nightshark does not fire explosive rounds itself. Its machine guns use standard rounds and the anti aircraft trailer does have missiles, but they are not fired from the Nightshark itself. The Nightshark does not come with explosive rounds of its own.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Nightshark is not a high-damage output weapon’s platform. Its primary purpose is to be a mobile fortress. While it does come with dual front-mounted machine guns, its true strength lies in its ability to endure a massive amount of damage and tow the Anti-Aircraft Trailer. The Nightshark is an indispensable asset for players looking for a reliable, durable vehicle that can perform well in most aspects of GTA Online.