Best Armor Layering

[Ryven]

I was wondering what is the best armor layer that doesn't add too much weight to my ships, keep in mind that they are relitively big.

[colonelmustardgas3]

There isn't necessarily a "best" method. What armor you need all depends on the function you are looking for and I what you hope to counter. In reality, several types of armor, specialized to what you need for that segment, is the most effective method. One thing to remember when layering is how stacked armor adds up. From what I have seen/heard, armor works somewhat like this:

1st Layer: 100% Armor value, plus bonuses of other layers
2nd Layer: gives an 80% boost of its armor value to the first block
3rd Layer: 60% boost
4th Layer: 40% boost
5th Layer: 20% boost
6th Layer: 10% boost

Each layer retains its own armor value, but the value it gives is the percent stated of its armor. Therefore, according to raw numbers, it is worthwhile to put your better armor towards the outside. However, this is not efficient economically. As better blocks are more expensive, this means that by putting the best armor on the outside, the cost of repairing the armor is significantly higher.

Spaced armor is effective against internal spalling, frag shells, and HEAT rounds. However, this creates relatively weak armor, as the space nullifies the armor boost from layering.

[Ryven]

Originally posted by colonelmustardgas3:

There isn't necessarily a "best" method. What armor you need all depends on the function you are looking for and I what you hope to counter. In reality, several types of armor, specialized I to what you need for that segment, is the most effective method. One thing to remember when layering is how stacked armor adds up. From what I have seen/heard, armor works somewhat like this:

1st Layer: 100% Armor value, plus bonuses of other layers
2nd Layer: gives an 80% boost of its armor value to the first block
3rd Layer: 60% boost
4th Layer: 40% boost
5th: 20% boost
6th: 10% boost

Each layer retains its own armor value, but the value it gives is the percent stated of its armor. Therefore, according to raw numbers, it is worthwhile to put your better armor towards the outside. However, this is not efficient economically. As better blocks are more expensive, this means that by putting the best armor on the outside, the cost of repairing the armor is significantly higher.

Spaced armor is effective against internal spalling, frag shells, and HEAT rounds. However, this creates relatively weak armor, as the space nullifies the armor boost from layering.

I'm looking for heavy armor (not the block) but enough to stop a massive CRAM shell from penetrating my ship.

[colonelmustardgas3]

Originally posted by DirectorOrson Krennic the Fox:

I'm looking for heavy armor (not the block) but enough to stop a massive CRAM shell from penetrating my ship.

If you are looking for CRAM defense, or just plain AoE defense, quantity is better than quality. The reason being is that, although the game says the explosive radius can be any size, there is a radius cap of 10m (At least last time I heard). So, a big armor plate, followed by just filler (light alloy works well) can effectively stop a cram from ever penetrating. I have 7m armor set up as follows:

Metal, Heavy Armor×2, Light Alloy×3, Metal.

This can stop a pure HE 2000mm CRAM loaded for 1 minute. It took 2 shots in the exact same spot to even break the hull.