Last updated: July 5, 2026
Flamethrower & Grenade Launcher Guide
Heavy weapons are the difference between a messy boarding action and a controlled assault. The flamethrower and grenade launcher are the two most specialized tools in Space Haven's combat arsenal. One turns tight corridors into death traps; the other blasts through walls and clustered enemies. Both are dangerous to the user and the ship if mishandled. This guide covers their stats, ammo, tactics, and the safety rules that keep your crew alive.
Heavy Weapon Stats
The flamethrower and grenade launcher are not direct upgrades over rifles. They fill specific tactical roles. The table below compares them with other common weapons to show where they fit in your loadout.
| Weapon | Damage | Range | Ammo | Effect | Skill |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flamethrower | High (fire damage over time) | Short (10-15 tiles) | Fuel canister | Sets enemies and flammable tiles on fire | Combat / Heavy Weapons |
| Grenade Launcher | Very High (area burst) | Medium (20-30 tiles) | Grenade rounds | Explosive area damage, hull breaches | Combat / Heavy Weapons |
| Handheld Machine Gun | High (sustained) | Medium (15-25 tiles) | Standard ammo | Suppression, anti-personnel | Combat |
| Plasma Rifle | Very High (single target) | Long (25-35 tiles) | Plasma cells | Armor piercing, high heat | Combat / Energy |
Ammo Types and Storage
Heavy weapons are only useful if you have ammo. Flamethrower fuel and grenades are specialized resources that are not always easy to find. Plan your supply chain before you bring these weapons on a mission.
| Ammo | Weapon | Source | Storage Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel Canister | Flamethrower | Crafted at workshop, looted from military wrecks | Flammable; keep away from heat sources |
| HE Grenade | Grenade Launcher | Crafted, bought from military traders | Explosive; handle with care |
| Incendiary Grenade | Grenade Launcher | Crafted, rare loot | Causes fire; use with caution indoors |
| Standard Rounds | Machine Gun | Crafted, common loot | Standard ammo storage |
Boarding Tactics
Boarding actions in Space Haven are claustrophobic. Corridors are narrow, cover is scarce, and enemies often cluster in rooms. Heavy weapons excel at breaking those clusters and controlling space.
| Tactic | Weapon | Use | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Suppression | Flamethrower | Clear clustered enemies in corridors and chokepoints. | Can ignite oxygen tanks and fuel lines. |
| Breach and Clear | Grenade Launcher | Open hull breach, then fire grenades into rooms before entry. | Can destroy valuable systems and loot. |
| Corridor Control | Flamethrower | Hold a narrow corridor against multiple boarders. | Friendly fire if crew cross the flame. |
| Sniper Support | Plasma Rifle | Cover the heavy weapons user from a distance. | Requires clear line of sight. |
Fire and Explosion Safety
The flamethrower is not just a weapon; it is an environmental hazard. A single shot can ignite fuel tanks, oxygen generators, and wooden structures. On your own ship, a friendly flamethrower burst can start a fire that kills more crew than the boarders.
The grenade launcher has the opposite problem. It is safe around flammable objects because it does not set fires, but it causes hull breaches and destroys systems. Firing a grenade into a room full of valuable loot is a fast way to lose the reason you boarded in the first place.
The safest heavy weapons doctrine is to use flamethrowers only on enemy ships or in sealed compartments with no critical systems, and to use grenades only when you are willing to sacrifice the room. Designate one crew member as the heavy weapons specialist and make sure everyone else knows to stay out of their line of fire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use flamethrowers to fight fires?
No. A flamethrower only creates more fire. Equip crew with fire extinguishers or rely on the ship's atmospheric systems to extinguish flames. Never assign a flamethrower to a firefighting role.
Q: Do grenades work in open space?
Grenades are designed for interior combat. They do not function in vacuum or zero-gravity environments in the same way. For EVA combat, use rifles or plasma weapons instead. Always pressurize the target area before relying on explosive weapons.
Q: What skill level does my heavy weapons specialist need?
A combat skill of 5 is the minimum for reliable use. Higher skill reduces friendly fire incidents and improves reload speed. Heavy weapons training should be a priority once you decide to field these weapons, because a low-skill crew member with a grenade launcher is a liability to the entire ship.