Difference between revisions of "Melta weapon"

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{{Weapon Series}}
 
{{Weapon Series}}
[[Image:MeltaFiring.jpg|thumb|right|A [[Space Marine]] fires a [[Melta Rifle]]{{Fn|10}}]]
+
[[File:MeltaFiring.jpg|thumb|right|A [[Space Marine]] fires a [[Melta Rifle]]{{Fn|10}}]]
 
'''Melta Weapons''' are potent weapons which work either by sub-atomic agitation of the target causing it to cook or otherwise melt, or by creating a small scale fusion reaction (using a Pyrum/[[Promethium]] fuel mix for some imperial weapons), which is projected as a blast which can burn through almost anything, with greater effect the closer to the target.{{Fn|9}}
 
'''Melta Weapons''' are potent weapons which work either by sub-atomic agitation of the target causing it to cook or otherwise melt, or by creating a small scale fusion reaction (using a Pyrum/[[Promethium]] fuel mix for some imperial weapons), which is projected as a blast which can burn through almost anything, with greater effect the closer to the target.{{Fn|9}}
  
Although short-ranged and slow to fire, they are prized for their power against armoured vehicles. They are also considered a good alternative to [[plasma Weapons|plasma weapons]], which are unreliable and capable of killing their user. Besides the roar of the explosive vaporising of the target's moisture, melta weapons themselves make little noise when firing. Given their fairly quiet and very effective nature, infiltrating parties make use of melta weapons to destroy enemy vehicles before they get a chance to fight on the battlefield.{{cite this}}
+
Although short-ranged and slow to fire, they are prized for their power against armoured vehicles. They are also considered a good alternative to [[plasma Weapons|plasma weapons]], which are unreliable and capable of killing their user. Besides the roar of the explosive vaporising of the target's moisture, melta weapons themselves make little noise when firing. Given their fairly quiet and very effective nature, infiltrating parties make use of melta weapons to destroy enemy vehicles before they get a chance to fight on the battlefield.{{Fn|1a}}
  
Many races make use of the same basic technology. In the Imperium they are called meltas, and often referred to as 'fusion guns', 'melters', 'cookers' and 'vape guns'. Equivalent weapons used by other races have similar effects, although sometimes completely different technology and methods of operation. Both the [[Tau]] and [[Eldar]] use melta weapons, primarily for tank hunting like the [[Imperium]].{{cite this}}
+
Many races make use of the same basic technology. In the Imperium they are called meltas, and often referred to as 'fusion guns', 'melters', 'cookers' and 'vape guns'. Equivalent weapons used by other races have similar effects, although sometimes completely different technology and methods of operation. Both the [[Tau]] and [[Eldar]] use melta weapons, primarily for tank hunting like the [[Imperium]].{{Fn|1a}}
 +
 
 +
A melta beam will vaporize anything hit, causing a human body to instantly disappear or a more solid object to glow white hot for a moment then explode into vapour. These vapours are a searing gas. In an enclosed area, this melta wash will cook human lungs if inhaled.{{Fn|16}}
  
 
==Imperial Melta Weapons==
 
==Imperial Melta Weapons==
 +
[[File:Melta Damage How To Paint Citadel Tanks pg64.png|thumb|right|An example of the damage caused by a Melta Weapon on the armour of an [[Imperial]] [[Tank]]]]
 
===Meltagun===
 
===Meltagun===
 
''Main article:'' [[Meltagun]]<br>
 
''Main article:'' [[Meltagun]]<br>
The '''Meltagun''' is the most commonly seen melta weapon in use by the Imperium and is commonly found throughout all of the Imperium's fighting forces including the [[Imperial Guard]], [[Space Marine]]s, [[Ordo Hereticus]] and [[Adepta Sororitas]].{{cite this}}
+
The '''Meltagun''' is the most commonly seen melta weapon in use by the Imperium and is commonly found throughout all of the Imperium's fighting forces including the [[Imperial Guard]], [[Space Marine]]s, [[Ordo Hereticus]] and [[Adepta Sororitas]].{{Fn|1a}}
  
 
===Melta Rifle===
 
===Melta Rifle===
 
''Main article:'' [[Melta Rifle]]<br>
 
''Main article:'' [[Melta Rifle]]<br>
The '''Melta Rifle''' is used by [[Primaris]] [[Eradicator Squad]]s{{Fn|8}}
+
The '''Melta Rifle''' is used by [[Eradicator Squad]]s.{{Fn|8}}
  
 
===Multi-melta===
 
===Multi-melta===
 
''Main article:'' [[Multi-melta]]<br>
 
''Main article:'' [[Multi-melta]]<br>
The '''Multi-melta''' is a heavier version found primarily on vehicles and occasionally carried by [[Space Marine]] Devastator squads and [[Sisters of Battle]].{{cite this}}
+
The '''Multi-melta''' is a heavier version found primarily on vehicles and occasionally carried by [[Space Marine]] Devastator squads and [[Sisters of Battle]].{{Fn|1b}}
  
 
===Inferno Pistol===
 
===Inferno Pistol===
 
''Main article:'' [[Inferno pistol]]<br>
 
''Main article:'' [[Inferno pistol]]<br>
The '''Inferno Pistol''' is a very rare and smaller melta weapon, used only by the agents of the [[Inquisition]] ([[Ordo Hereticus]] and [[Ordo Malleus]]) and a select few [[Space Marines]] (Commander [[Dante]] of the [[Blood Angels]] [[Chapter]]).{{cite this}}
+
The '''Inferno Pistol''' is a very rare and smaller melta weapon, used only by the [[Sisters of Battle]], agents of the [[Inquisition]] ([[Ordo Hereticus]] and [[Ordo Malleus]]), and a select few [[Space Marines]] (such as Commander [[Dante]] of the [[Blood Angels]] [[Chapter]] and [[Vanguard Veteran]]s).{{Fn|11}}
  
 
===Melta Cannon===
 
===Melta Cannon===
 
*{{Main|Melta Cannon}}
 
*{{Main|Melta Cannon}}
[[Image:Melta Cannon on a Reaver Titan.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Melta Cannon mounted on a Reaver Titan]]
 
 
The '''Melta Cannon''' is a large vehicle-mounted melta weapon, able to destroy several targets at once. It can be found on the [[Devil Dog]], a variant of the [[Hellhound]]. An even larger version of the [[Melta Cannon (Titan)|Melta Cannon]] is mounted on several classes of [[Imperial Titan]].{{Fn|3}}{{Fn|4}}
 
The '''Melta Cannon''' is a large vehicle-mounted melta weapon, able to destroy several targets at once. It can be found on the [[Devil Dog]], a variant of the [[Hellhound]]. An even larger version of the [[Melta Cannon (Titan)|Melta Cannon]] is mounted on several classes of [[Imperial Titan]].{{Fn|3}}{{Fn|4}}
 +
 +
===Melta Lance===
 +
*{{Main|Melta Lance}}
 +
 +
===Melta Destroyer===
 +
*{{Main|Melta Destroyer}}
 +
 +
===Melta Blast-Gun===
 +
*{{Main|Melta Blast-Gun}}
  
 
===Siege Melta Array===
 
===Siege Melta Array===
Line 35: Line 46:
 
''Main article:'' [[Magna-Melta]]<br>
 
''Main article:'' [[Magna-Melta]]<br>
 
The '''Magna-Melta''' is an ancient Melta weapon originally developed for space combat, but has since found use on vehicles such as the [[Deimos Pattern Predator Infernus]]{{Fn|7}}
 
The '''Magna-Melta''' is an ancient Melta weapon originally developed for space combat, but has since found use on vehicles such as the [[Deimos Pattern Predator Infernus]]{{Fn|7}}
 +
 +
===Sublimator===
 +
''Main article:'' [[Sublimator]]<br>
 +
A type of heavy Melta weapon developed by the [[Grey Knights]] for use on the [[Dreadknight]].{{Fn|15}}
 +
 +
===Sentry Melta Array===
 +
''Main article:'' [[Sentry Melta Array]]<br>
  
 
===Cyclonic Melta Lance===
 
===Cyclonic Melta Lance===
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{{main|Melta Torpedo}}
 
{{main|Melta Torpedo}}
 
'''Melta Torpedoes''' are powerful incendiary weapons used by [[Imperial Navy]] warships.{{Fn|6}}
 
'''Melta Torpedoes''' are powerful incendiary weapons used by [[Imperial Navy]] warships.{{Fn|6}}
 +
 +
==Chaos Melta Weapons==
 +
===Pyreflux Melta Gun===
 +
''Main article:'': [[Pyreflux Meltagun]]<br>
 +
The '''Pyreflux Meltagun''' is a Chaos Melta weapon used by [[Sekhetar Robot]]s of the [[Thousand Sons]].{{Fn|14}}
  
 
==Eldar Melta Weapons==
 
==Eldar Melta Weapons==
 +
*{{Main|Fusion Weapon}}
  
 
===Fire Pike===
 
===Fire Pike===
''Main article:'' [[Fusion Gun#Fire Pike|Fire Pike]]<br>
+
''Main article:'' [[Fire Pike]]<br>
The '''Fire Pike''' is an Eldar weapon used by the Fire Dragon's [[Exarch]].{{cite this}}
+
The '''Fire Pike''' is an Eldar weapon used by the Fire Dragon's [[Exarch]].{{Fn|12}}
  
 
===Fusion Gun===
 
===Fusion Gun===
 
''Main article:'' [[Fusion Gun]]<br>
 
''Main article:'' [[Fusion Gun]]<br>
The '''Fusion Gun''' is an [[Eldar]] weapon used by the [[Fire Dragons]] Aspect and [[Guardian#Storm Guardian|Storm Guardians]].{{cite this}}
+
The '''Fusion Gun''' is an [[Eldar]] weapon used by the [[Fire Dragons]] Aspect and [[Guardian#Storm Guardian|Storm Guardians]].{{Fn|12}}
  
 
===Fusion Pistol===
 
===Fusion Pistol===
''Main article:'' [[Fusion Gun#Fusion Pistol|Fusion Pistol]]<br>
+
''Main article:'' [[Fusion Pistol]]<br>
The '''Fusion Pistol''' is an [[Eldar]] weapon used by [[Harlequins]] and [[Autarch]]s.{{cite this}}
+
The '''Fusion Pistol''' is an [[Eldar]] weapon used by [[Harlequins]] and [[Autarch]]s.{{Fn|12}}
  
 
===Inferno Lance===
 
===Inferno Lance===
 
{{Main|Inferno Lance}}
 
{{Main|Inferno Lance}}
 
The '''Inferno Lance''' is an enormous Fusion weapon used by [[Eldar]] [[Wraithknight]]s.
 
The '''Inferno Lance''' is an enormous Fusion weapon used by [[Eldar]] [[Wraithknight]]s.
 +
 +
===[[Heat Lance]]===
 +
{{Main|Heat Lance}}
 +
The '''Heat Lance''' is a combination melta and [[las]] weapon primarily used by [[Dark Eldar]] [[Reaver]]s and [[Scourge]]s.
  
 
==Tau Melta Weapons==
 
==Tau Melta Weapons==
 
+
*{{Main|Fusion Weapon}}
 
===Fusion Blaster===
 
===Fusion Blaster===
 
''Main article:'' [[Fusion Blaster]]<br>
 
''Main article:'' [[Fusion Blaster]]<br>
The '''Fusion Blaster''' is a [[Tau]] weapon and is similar to the Imperial version in power.{{cite this}}
+
The '''Fusion Blaster''' is a [[Tau]] weapon and is similar to the Imperial version in power.{{Fn|13}}
  
 
===Fusion Cascade===
 
===Fusion Cascade===
The Fusion Cascade is a newly developed Tau weapon which fires in bursts.  Due to the increase in amount, the power of each shot is less than the Imperial equivalent.  It is equipped on the [[Battlesuit #XV-9-01 Armour|new Battlesuits]].{{cite this}}
+
*{{Main|Fusion Cascade}}
 +
The Fusion Cascade is a newly developed Tau weapon which fires in bursts.  Due to the increase in amount, the power of each shot is less than the Imperial equivalent.  It is equipped on the [[Battlesuit#XV-9-01 Armour|new Battlesuits]].{{Fn|13}}
  
 
===Fusion Collider===
 
===Fusion Collider===
Line 86: Line 115:
 
===Heat Cannon===
 
===Heat Cannon===
 
''Main article:'' [[Heat Cannon]]<br>
 
''Main article:'' [[Heat Cannon]]<br>
The '''Heat Cannon''' is a Necron weapon typically mounted on [[Sentry Pylon]]s.{{cite this}}
+
The '''Heat Cannon''' is a Necron weapon typically mounted on [[Sentry Pylon]]s.{{Fn|5}}
  
 
===Heat Ray===
 
===Heat Ray===
Line 92: Line 121:
 
The '''Heat Ray''' is a Necron weapon mounted on [[Triarch Stalker]]s and capable of anti-tank and anti-infantry modes of fire.{{Fn|5}}
 
The '''Heat Ray''' is a Necron weapon mounted on [[Triarch Stalker]]s and capable of anti-tank and anti-infantry modes of fire.{{Fn|5}}
  
==See Also==
+
==See also==
 
*[[List of Lists]]
 
*[[List of Lists]]
 +
**[[List of Lists#Weapons|List of Lists - Weapons]]
 +
*[[Stingray Rifle]]
  
{{cite}}
 
 
==Sources==
 
==Sources==
*{{Endn|1}}: [[Warhammer 40,000: Wargear]]{{cite this}}
+
*1: [[Warhammer 40,000: Wargear]]
*{{Endn|2}}: [[Confrontation]]{{cite this}}
+
**{{Endn|1a}}: pg. 26
*{{Endn|3}}: [[Codex: Imperial Guard (5th Edition)]]{{cite this}}
+
**{{Endn|1b}}: pg. 41
*{{Endn|4}}: [[White Dwarf]] 356 (AU/NZ), p.10
+
*{{Endn|2}}: [[Confrontation]]{{Cite Marker End}}
*{{Endn|5}}: [[Codex: Necrons (5th Edition)]] pg. 39
+
*{{Endn|3}}: [[Codex: Imperial Guard (5th Edition)]], pg.26
*{{Endn|6}}: [[Rogue Trader: Battlefleet Koronus]] pg.8
+
*{{Endn|4}}: [[White Dwarf 356 (AU/NZ)]], pg. 10
 +
*{{Endn|5}}: [[Codex: Necrons (5th Edition)]], pg. 39
 +
*{{Endn|6}}: [[Rogue Trader: Battlefleet Koronus]], pg. 8
 
*{{Endn|7}}: [http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/Warhammer-40000/Space_Marines/Space-Marine-Tanks/DEIMOS_PATTERN_PREDATOR_INFERNUS.html Deimos Pattern Predator Infernus] ''(last accessed 24 June 2015)''
 
*{{Endn|7}}: [http://www.forgeworld.co.uk/Warhammer-40000/Space_Marines/Space-Marine-Tanks/DEIMOS_PATTERN_PREDATOR_INFERNUS.html Deimos Pattern Predator Infernus] ''(last accessed 24 June 2015)''
 
*{{Endn|8}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2020/06/13/warhammer-40000-preview-whats-in-the-boxgw-homepage-post-1/ Warhammer Community: Warhammer 40,000 Preview – What’s in the Box? (Posted on 13/06/2020)] (Last accessed on 13 June 2020)
 
*{{Endn|8}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2020/06/13/warhammer-40000-preview-whats-in-the-boxgw-homepage-post-1/ Warhammer Community: Warhammer 40,000 Preview – What’s in the Box? (Posted on 13/06/2020)] (Last accessed on 13 June 2020)
*{{Endn|9}}: [[Imperial Munitorum Manual]] pg.73
+
*{{Endn|9}}: [[Imperial Munitorum Manual]], pg. 73
*{{Endn|10}}: [[Codex: Space Marines (9th Edition)]] pg.27
+
*{{Endn|10}}: [[Codex: Space Marines (9th Edition)]], pg. 27
 +
*{{Endn|11}}: [[Rogue Trader Rulebook]], pg. 122
 +
*{{Endn|12}}: [[Codex: Eldar (4th Edition)]], pg. 62
 +
*{{Endn|13}}: [[Codex: Tau (3rd Edition)]], pgs. 15-17
 +
*{{Endn|14}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20250514183311/https://www.warhammer-community.com/en-gb/articles/v9jvkrt4/sekhetar-robots-are-the-stealthiest-killer-automata-youve-never-seen/ Warhammer Community: Sekhetar Robots are the stealthiest killer automata you’ve never seen (posted 14/5/2025)] saved page, original link: https://www.warhammer-community.com/en-gb/articles/v9jvkrt4/sekhetar-robots-are-the-stealthiest-killer-automata-youve-never-seen/ (last accessed 14/5/2025)
 +
*{{Endn|15}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20250725061925/https://www.warhammer-community.com/en-gb/articles/4rwcqh72/inside-the-secret-daemon-killing-armoury-of-the-grey-knights/ Warhammer Community: Inside the secret daemon-killing armoury of the Grey Knights (posted 24/7/2025)] saved page, original link: https://www.warhammer-community.com/en-gb/articles/4rwcqh72/inside-the-secret-daemon-killing-armoury-of-the-grey-knights/ (last accessed 25/7/2025)
 +
*{{Endn|16}}: [[Flesh and Steel (Novel)]], Chapter 18
 +
*{{Endn|17}}: [[How To Paint Citadel Tanks]] pg. 64
  
==Related Articles==
+
[[Category:Melta Weapons| ]]
* [[List of Lists#Weapons|List of Lists - Weapons]]
+
[[Category:Weapons by Type]]
  
[[Category:Weapons by Type]]
 
 
[[de:Melterwaffen]]
 
[[de:Melterwaffen]]
 
[[fr:Arme à Fusion]]
 
[[fr:Arme à Fusion]]

Latest revision as of 12:44, 23 January 2026

Ranged Close Combat

Electric (ArcTesla) • FlameGaussGravitonGrenadeIon/PlasmaLaserMeltaMissileBoltOrdnanceProjectileGrenade launcherMonofilament/WebSonicVolkite

ChainForceElectric (ArcTaser) • PowerMiscellaneous

Melta Weapons are potent weapons which work either by sub-atomic agitation of the target causing it to cook or otherwise melt, or by creating a small scale fusion reaction (using a Pyrum/Promethium fuel mix for some imperial weapons), which is projected as a blast which can burn through almost anything, with greater effect the closer to the target.[9]

Although short-ranged and slow to fire, they are prized for their power against armoured vehicles. They are also considered a good alternative to plasma weapons, which are unreliable and capable of killing their user. Besides the roar of the explosive vaporising of the target's moisture, melta weapons themselves make little noise when firing. Given their fairly quiet and very effective nature, infiltrating parties make use of melta weapons to destroy enemy vehicles before they get a chance to fight on the battlefield.[1a]

Many races make use of the same basic technology. In the Imperium they are called meltas, and often referred to as 'fusion guns', 'melters', 'cookers' and 'vape guns'. Equivalent weapons used by other races have similar effects, although sometimes completely different technology and methods of operation. Both the Tau and Eldar use melta weapons, primarily for tank hunting like the Imperium.[1a]

A melta beam will vaporize anything hit, causing a human body to instantly disappear or a more solid object to glow white hot for a moment then explode into vapour. These vapours are a searing gas. In an enclosed area, this melta wash will cook human lungs if inhaled.[16]

Imperial Melta Weapons

An example of the damage caused by a Melta Weapon on the armour of an Imperial Tank

Meltagun

Main article: Meltagun
The Meltagun is the most commonly seen melta weapon in use by the Imperium and is commonly found throughout all of the Imperium's fighting forces including the Imperial Guard, Space Marines, Ordo Hereticus and Adepta Sororitas.[1a]

Melta Rifle

Main article: Melta Rifle
The Melta Rifle is used by Eradicator Squads.[8]

Multi-melta

Main article: Multi-melta
The Multi-melta is a heavier version found primarily on vehicles and occasionally carried by Space Marine Devastator squads and Sisters of Battle.[1b]

Inferno Pistol

Main article: Inferno pistol
The Inferno Pistol is a very rare and smaller melta weapon, used only by the Sisters of Battle, agents of the Inquisition (Ordo Hereticus and Ordo Malleus), and a select few Space Marines (such as Commander Dante of the Blood Angels Chapter and Vanguard Veterans).[11]

Melta Cannon

The Melta Cannon is a large vehicle-mounted melta weapon, able to destroy several targets at once. It can be found on the Devil Dog, a variant of the Hellhound. An even larger version of the Melta Cannon is mounted on several classes of Imperial Titan.[3][4]

Melta Lance

Melta Destroyer

Melta Blast-Gun

Siege Melta Array

Main article: Siege Melta Array

Magna-Melta

Main article: Magna-Melta
The Magna-Melta is an ancient Melta weapon originally developed for space combat, but has since found use on vehicles such as the Deimos Pattern Predator Infernus[7]

Sublimator

Main article: Sublimator
A type of heavy Melta weapon developed by the Grey Knights for use on the Dreadknight.[15]

Sentry Melta Array

Main article: Sentry Melta Array

Cyclonic Melta Lance

Main article: Cyclonic Melta Lance

Thermal Spear

Main article: Thermal Spear
The Thermal Spear is a type of Melta Weapon used by the Knight Armiger.

Melta Torpedo

Main article: Melta Torpedo

Melta Torpedoes are powerful incendiary weapons used by Imperial Navy warships.[6]

Chaos Melta Weapons

Pyreflux Melta Gun

Main article:: Pyreflux Meltagun
The Pyreflux Meltagun is a Chaos Melta weapon used by Sekhetar Robots of the Thousand Sons.[14]

Eldar Melta Weapons

Fire Pike

Main article: Fire Pike
The Fire Pike is an Eldar weapon used by the Fire Dragon's Exarch.[12]

Fusion Gun

Main article: Fusion Gun
The Fusion Gun is an Eldar weapon used by the Fire Dragons Aspect and Storm Guardians.[12]

Fusion Pistol

Main article: Fusion Pistol
The Fusion Pistol is an Eldar weapon used by Harlequins and Autarchs.[12]

Inferno Lance

Main article: Inferno Lance

The Inferno Lance is an enormous Fusion weapon used by Eldar Wraithknights.

Heat Lance

Main article: Heat Lance

The Heat Lance is a combination melta and las weapon primarily used by Dark Eldar Reavers and Scourges.

Tau Melta Weapons

Fusion Blaster

Main article: Fusion Blaster
The Fusion Blaster is a Tau weapon and is similar to the Imperial version in power.[13]

Fusion Cascade

The Fusion Cascade is a newly developed Tau weapon which fires in bursts. Due to the increase in amount, the power of each shot is less than the Imperial equivalent. It is equipped on the new Battlesuits.[13]

Fusion Collider

Main article: Fusion Collider

The Fusion Collider is a heavy Battlesuit-mounted anti-tank weapon.

Fusion Eradicator

Main article: Fusion Eradicator

The Fusion Eradicator is the largest and most powerful class of Tau Fusion Weapon.

Necron Melta Weapons

Heat Cannon

Main article: Heat Cannon
The Heat Cannon is a Necron weapon typically mounted on Sentry Pylons.[5]

Heat Ray

Main article: Heat ray
The Heat Ray is a Necron weapon mounted on Triarch Stalkers and capable of anti-tank and anti-infantry modes of fire.[5]

See also

Sources