Resistance RPG


 * "This steerable Rocket Launcher is our best bet for taking down a Gunship" - Odessa Cubbage

The Rocket Launcher, commonly referred to by the generic name RPG, meaning Rocket Propelled Grenade, is a powerful weapon sometimes used by Resistance members against Combine forces. Gordon Freeman is given this weapon by Odessa Cubbage at the coastal base New Little Odessa, during the chapter Highway 17. It seems to be based off of the Swedish-made MBT LAW disposable rocket launcher, however the weapon design itself is similar to a Combine design which might mean that the Resistance created the weapon out of Combie scrap. It was mainly used by the Resistance to take out Combine Dropship holders, Gunships, Hunter Choppers, Hopper Mine fields, Roadblocks, Barricades, and sometimes even APCs.

Usage
The RPG is a very powerful and useful weapon. It has a laser guide which can precisely guide the rocket while it is in flight, this makes it ideal for making precision shots. The rocket can even be re-guided if it misses its target, or maneuvered to avoid enemy defenses. Rockets are also the most powerful explosives available to Gordon, being almost twice as strong as a Grenade. If a player looks at the model of an RPG in Half-Life 2 you can see what appears to be a Desert Eagle-like pistol as the handle.

Tactics
RPG rounds are very hard to find, so use the RPG sparingly. When facing a Combine Gunship, be sure to steer the rocket evasively until it gets to the target, otherwise the Gunship will shoot the rocket down. Guiding the rocket in unpredictable loops and rolls is effective.

Since only three rockets can be carried at any one time, resupply is an important consideration during extended battles with Gunships or Striders. In these situations an "infinite resupply" crate full of rockets is usually to be found somewhere in the area, either prior to or during the battle. Therefore, if you see a crate full of rockets, it's safe to assume a battle with a tough foe is just around the corner.

The RPG is also a useful weapon for removing snipers. It can easily be guided to a sniper's window, and can even be turned into the window by a good player without ever having to face the sniper's beam.