Penetration Mechanics Explained

Understanding armor penetration is crucial for winning firefights. This guide breaks down the complex mechanics of how bullets interact with armor, when to aim for protected areas versus limbs, and how armor degradation affects combat outcomes.

Quick Combat Decision Guide

High Penetration Ammo

If your ammo's penetration value exceeds enemy armor class:

→ Aim for chest and head
→ Damage reduction is minimal
→ Quick kills possible

Low Penetration Ammo

If your ammo's penetration value is below enemy armor class:

→ Target unarmored limbs
→ Avoid shots to the armor
→ More shots needed

Remember: Range affects penetration power! Your effective penetration decreases with distance, so adjust your tactics accordingly.

Penetration Chance Mechanics

Penetration isn't binary - it's a probability calculation based on multiple factors:

Base Penetration Chance

Each armor piece has a Penetration Chance Curve that determines penetration probability:

2-8%

Minimum chance

(Low pen ammo)

~30%

Equal values

(Pen ≈ Armor)

92%

Maximum chance

(High pen ammo)

Armor Durability Impact

As armor takes damage, its effective armor class decreases based on the antiPenetrationDurabilityScalarCurve:

100% Durability:Full armor class

50% Durability:~70% effective armor class

0% Durability:Minimal protection

Even the lowest penetration ammo can eventually penetrate the strongest armor once it's damaged enough!

Weapon Impact To Penetration Chance

Your weapon's Firing Power stat directly affects ammunition penetration effectiveness. This hidden modifier can make the difference between penetrating armor or bouncing off.

Penetration Power Calculation

The Formula:

Ammo Penetration+(0.5 - Firing Power)=Effective Penetration

This means:

• Weapons with low firing power reduce ammo penetration
• Weapons with high firing power improve ammo penetration
• The modifier ranges from 0.05 (worst) to 0.75 (best)

When Penetration Occurs

Body Damage Calculation

Penetrating shots have their damage reduced by the armor's penetrationDamageScalarCurve:

Standard Case

When ammo penetration significantly exceeds armor class:

Damage reduction = Listed value

(e.g., 20% reduction as shown in-game)

Edge Case

When ammo penetration barely exceeds armor class:

Damage reduction > Listed value

(Can be 40%+ even if armor shows 20%)

Armor Durability Loss

When penetrated, armor takes damage based on:

Ammo's

Armor Penetration Damage

Armor's

Fragility Value

When Penetration Fails

Non-penetrating shots deal blunt damage through the armor:

Blunt Damage Calculation

Simple Formula:

Ammo Blunt Damage×Armor Blunt Reduction=Final Damage

Zone-Specific Reduction

Some armor pieces have different blunt reduction on specific zones. For example, the SD Protector's thigh protection has lower blunt reduction than the main armor piece.

Armor Durability Loss (Blunt)

Non-penetrating shots still damage armor: