Is the Broadside Banned from Ranked?

The answer is nuanced and depends on the specific game and the context of “broadside” being referred to. In general, no, the broadside, as a core combat tactic or weapon configuration, is not outright banned from ranked play in most games where it is a viable strategy. However, certain specific broadside-centric ship builds, weapon combinations, or individual weapons that are deemed overpowered (OP) or excessively game-breaking might be temporarily or permanently restricted in ranked modes to ensure fair competition. Let’s delve into this further.

Understanding the Broadside

Before diving into specific game scenarios, it’s crucial to define what we mean by “broadside.” A broadside, at its core, is a naval or space combat tactic where a vessel presents its side, equipped with numerous guns, to the enemy, unleashing a devastating volley of fire. The effectiveness of a broadside depends on several factors:

• Weaponry: The type, number, and firing rate of the cannons, lasers, or other weapons mounted on the broadside.
• Ship Design: The hull strength, armor, and maneuverability of the vessel executing the broadside.
• Crew Skills: The skills of the gunnery officers and crew in aiming and coordinating the broadside attack.
• Opponent’s Ship: The opponent’s ship design and vulnerabilities.

A well-executed broadside can cripple or destroy an enemy ship in a single volley. This power is why the broadside is often considered a critical tactic in many ship-based games.

The “Banned” Misconception in Ranked

The misconception that the broadside itself is banned likely stems from a few sources:

• Overpowered Builds: Specific ship builds utilizing the broadside principle may become exceptionally strong. If a particular combination of weapons and ship is dominating the meta, it might face nerfs or temporary bans in ranked to address the imbalance. This is not a ban on the broadside tactic itself, but a restriction on a specific instantiation of it.
• Exploits: Sometimes, game developers inadvertently introduce bugs or exploits that disproportionately benefit broadside-focused builds. If these exploits are severe, they might lead to a temporary ban on specific items or ships until the exploit is patched.
• Community Perception: If a broadside build is perceived as “cheap” or “unskillful” by the community, there might be calls for its ban from ranked. However, developers rarely bow to this pressure unless the build is truly game-breaking.
• Specific Ranked Rulesets: Some ranked modes might have unique rulesets that indirectly disadvantage broadside tactics. For example, a mode that emphasizes mobility and rapid engagements might not favor the slower, more deliberate approach often associated with broadside strategies.

Game-Specific Examples

While a universal ban on broadsides is rare, let’s consider hypothetical scenarios in popular ship combat games:

• Hypothetical Space Combat Game A: Imagine a game where a specific “Broadside Cannon Mk. V” combined with the “Dreadnought Class” ship proves exceptionally powerful in ranked due to its damage output and survivability. The developers might temporarily ban the “Broadside Cannon Mk. V” from ranked until they can rebalance it. This does not ban the broadside tactic, as players can still use other broadside-oriented weapons.
• Hypothetical Naval Combat Game B: Suppose a game has a glitch where a particular ammunition type, when used with broadside cannons, causes excessive lag, effectively denying opponents a fair chance to react. The developers might ban that ammunition type specifically in ranked to prevent the exploit. This does not restrict the broadside itself, but rather a specific ammunition usage.

How to Counter Broadside Strategies (If Legal)

Even if a specific broadside build is powerful, it is rarely unbeatable. Here are some general counter-strategies:

• Focus Fire: Concentrate fire on the ship executing the broadside to disable its weapons or destroy it before it can unleash its full barrage.
• Outmaneuver: Use superior speed and agility to stay out of the broadside’s firing arc. Circling around the enemy can force them to constantly adjust, reducing their accuracy and damage output.
• Target Weak Points: Identify and exploit vulnerabilities in the broadside ship’s design, such as exposed reactors or critical system components.
• Electronic Warfare: Employ electronic countermeasures to disrupt the enemy’s targeting systems and reduce their accuracy.
• Use Support Ships: Deploy support ships to provide cover, repair damage, or disrupt the enemy’s formations.

FAQs About Broadsides in Ranked Play

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to clarify the complexities surrounding broadsides and their status in ranked gaming:

1. Are broadsides inherently unfair in ranked? No, the broadside is a legitimate combat tactic. Its effectiveness depends on the player’s skill and the balance of the game.
2. Can specific weapons used in broadside configurations be banned? Yes, if a particular weapon is deemed overpowered or creates an imbalance, it might be banned or restricted in ranked.
3. What if a ship designed for broadsides has an unintended advantage (e.g., a bug)? Developers may temporarily ban the ship or fix the bug to restore balance in ranked play.
4. Does community outrage ever lead to a broadside build being banned? Rarely, but sustained community pressure highlighting a clear imbalance might influence developer decisions.
5. Are there any games where broadside tactics are completely useless in ranked? It’s unlikely. Even if not optimal, a well-executed broadside can still be effective in certain situations.
6. How can I tell if a specific broadside build is considered “OP” by the community? Check online forums, guides, and streamer videos related to the game. Community sentiment is usually easy to gauge.
7. What are the common weaknesses of broadside-oriented ships? Typically, they are less maneuverable and vulnerable to attacks from the front or rear.
8. How important is positioning when executing a broadside? Extremely important. Proper positioning is crucial for maximizing weapon effectiveness and minimizing exposure to enemy fire.
9. Do crew skills matter when using broadside tactics? Absolutely. Crew skills, particularly gunnery skills, directly impact accuracy, reload speed, and overall effectiveness.
10. Can electronic warfare counter broadside attacks? Yes, electronic warfare can disrupt targeting systems and reduce accuracy, making it harder for the enemy to land effective shots.
11. Are there any ethical considerations when using a very powerful broadside build? While not unethical, players should be aware that using an excessively powerful build might draw criticism or resentment from other players.
12. How often do developers rebalance weapons and ships in games with ranked play? It varies depending on the game, but frequent rebalancing is common to maintain fairness and prevent meta stagnation.
13. What should I do if I encounter a player using a seemingly unbeatable broadside build in ranked? Report suspected exploits, adapt your tactics, and focus on outmaneuvering and exploiting their weaknesses.
14. Do some ranked modes have rules that implicitly ban or discourage broadside usage? Yes, game modes emphasizing speed and agility might not favor the slower, more deliberate approach of broadside tactics.
15. Where can I find official information about banned or restricted items in a game’s ranked mode? Check the game developer’s website, official forums, or in-game announcements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the broadside itself is generally not banned from ranked play, specific weapon combinations, ship builds, or exploits that leverage the broadside tactic might be temporarily or permanently restricted to maintain balance and fairness. Players should stay informed about game updates, community discussions, and official announcements to understand the current meta and any limitations in place. Remember, a well-rounded skillset, strategic thinking, and adaptability are crucial for success in any ranked environment, regardless of the prevailing meta.