The best M80 build right now is simple: Deadbolt 5s on the front, M6As on the rear.

Gatlings are fun. Deadbolts hit harder. M6As make the whole setup work because they strip shields without burning ballistic ammo.

If you fly the M80 like a light fighter, you lose.

If you fly it like a fast strike ship, it deletes targets.

Best M80 Loadout in Star Citizen

Use this setup for the strongest all-round M80 PvE build.

This loadout works because it fixes the M80's biggest problem: wasting ballistic ammo into shields.

M6As do the shield work.

Deadbolt 5s do the killing.

Why Deadbolt 5 + M6A Is the Best M80 Build

The M80 is not built to orbit-fight. It is built for boom-and-zoom combat.

That means:

• Build range.
• Turn in.
• Hit hard.
• Extend out.
• Repeat.

For that style, alpha damage matters more than constant spray.

Core Damage Loop

This is why the build feels better than full Gatlings in serious fights.

It has a clean job split: lasers break shields, ballistics break ships.

M80 Weapon Comparison

All three major weapon choices have value. Only one setup gives the best balance.

AD4B Gatlings

AD4Bs feel great. They throw a wall of rounds and make small ships easier to tag.

Use them if:

• You mostly fight light targets.
• You want forgiving aim.
• You do not care about ammo cost.
• You value fun over efficiency.

Do not rely on full Gatlings against Hammerheads. You will dump thousands of rounds and watch shields recover.

Deadbolt 5 Cannons

Deadbolt 5s are mandatory if you want the M80 to hit like it should.

They are best when:

• You use boom-and-zoom attacks.
• You target medium or large ships.
• You fire in clean passes.
• You avoid turn-fighting light fighters.

They miss more than Gatlings, but each hit matters.

M6A Laser Cannons

M6As are the shield tool.

They let you pressure shields without spending ballistic ammo. That matters in longer fights and especially against Hammerheads.

The only downside is power. You need to feed the weapon capacitor.

M80 Power Management for M6A Loadout

The M6A setup needs power tuning. Do not starve the ship, but give weapons enough energy to work.

A practical setup is to pull a little from coolers, shields, engines, or radar and push it into weapons.

If your M6As run dry too fast, add weapon power.

If you are taking too much damage, give power back to shields or engines.

How to Fly the M80 Correctly

The M80 wins through speed and burst damage, not turn rate.

Against Light Fighters

Do not turn-fight Arrows, Gladius, or Hornets.

Use this:

1. Extend away.

2. Re-enter at speed.

3. Fire during the nose-on window.

4. Break off before they get behind you.

5. Repeat.

If a light fighter is sitting on your tail, you already made the mistake. Use the M80's speed to reset.

Against Medium Ships

Medium targets are where this build shines.

Best sequence:

1. Open with M6As.

2. Strip or weaken shields.

3. Swap to Deadbolt 5s.

4. Burst exposed hull.

5. Extend before turret fire stacks up.

This works well against targets like Constellations, Freelancers, Vanguards, and Firebirds.

Against Hammerheads

The Hammerhead is the real loadout test.

Full Gatlings struggle here.

Deadbolt 5 + M6A works.

Do not sit close to a Hammerhead.

Do not trade face-to-face.

Keep range, work one shield face, and punish it when it opens.

Missile Use on the M80

Missiles help, but they are not the build.

Use them for:

Do not spam missiles into low-value targets. Restock costs add up fast.

M80 Loadout by Playstyle

For most pilots, the answer is clear:

Run M6As with Deadbolt 5s.

Common M80 Mistakes

Turn-Fighting Light Fighters

Bad idea. The M80 is fast, not nimble.

If you try to circle a Gladius, you are giving it the fight it wants.

Shooting Ballistics Into Full Shields

Use M6As first. Save Deadbolt ammo for exposed hull.

Staying Too Close to Hammerheads

Hammerhead turrets punish greed. Stay out, reset, and use terrain.

Using One Weapon Group

Do not bind everything together.

Separate M6As and Deadbolts for control and ammo efficiency.

Ignoring Ammo Cost

Full ballistic builds feel great until the restock bill arrives. Fire with purpose.

FAQ

What is the best M80 loadout in Star Citizen?

The best overall M80 loadout is two Deadbolt 5 ballistic cannons with two M6A laser cannons. Use M6As to strip shields, then Deadbolt 5s to destroy the hull.

Are AD4B Gatlings good on the M80?

Yes, but mainly for light targets and casual PvE. AD4Bs are fun and forgiving, but they burn ammo quickly and struggle against heavy shielded targets like Hammerheads.

Can the M80 kill a Hammerhead?

Yes. Use M6As to pressure one shield face, then hit exposed hull with Deadbolt 5s. Stay near max effective range and avoid sitting inside turret coverage.

Should I use full ballistic weapons on the M80?

Full ballistic works, but it is less efficient. You waste ammo into shields. A mixed M6A + Deadbolt 5 setup gives better control and longer combat endurance.

How should I fight small ships in the M80?

Use boom-and-zoom. Do not turn-fight. Extend, re-approach, fire during a clean pass, then leave before the target gets behind you.

Summary

The best M80 loadout is:

This build gives the M80 what it needs: shield pressure, burst damage, ammo efficiency, and Hammerhead kill potential.

Gatlings are fun.

Deadbolts are lethal.

M6As make the setup reliable.

Fly fast. Hit hard. Reset often.