Weapon stagger
Weapons differ in stagger damage as well as raw damage. Stagger knocks enemies back, and sufficiently high stagger can briefly knock them down, leaving them vulnerable while they recover.
How it works
The available guide does not identify specific weapons or provide stagger values, so compare the weapon details in your own loadout rather than assuming damage alone determines its combat value. Stagger is one of the factors to weigh for a particular encounter.
When it helps
Consider stagger when choosing between weapons with different combat roles.
Read the supporting references
Equipment progression and build choices in The Ascent: weapon upgrades, armor, skills, augmentations, and hacking access. No sequel, DLC, or alternate-edition mechanics are included. Guidance explains the referenced mechanics; it is not a tested damage ranking. Check the stated edition and source version before applying a patch-specific detail.