Alright, space cowboys and cowgirls, buckle up! As a self-proclaimed expert in accidentally shooting my own feet in Starfield, I recently dove headfirst into the Shattered Space DLC, the first major expansion that landed in 2025. My mission? To get my grubby hands on those shiny new Va'ruun weapons everyone's been buzzing about. Let me tell you, exploring the Va'ruun'kai planet, home to the Great Serpent worshipers, was like walking into a cosmic snake convention where everyone was armed to the teeth. And boy, did I find some treasures—and make some spectacular blunders along the way! 😅

First up, the Va'ruun Quickstrike Laser Pistol—the little engine that could! I stumbled upon this beauty early on, and let's be real: it's like the reliable sidekick in a buddy-cop movie. Sure, it doesn't pack the punch of a heavy hitter, but when you're in a tight spot with Spacers breathing down your neck, this pistol is your best friend. It fires quick energy blasts that are as average as my cooking skills, but here's the kicker: it's accurate AF. I once took down three enemies with headshots while hiding behind a crate, feeling like a space-age cowboy. The mod slots? A game-changer! I tweaked mine to suit my "run-and-gun" style (which mostly involves running away), and it never let me down. Pro tip: Don't sleep on this "weak" weapon—it's saved my bacon more times than I can count.

Now, let's talk about the Va'ruun Longfang Laser Rifle. Picture this: I'm sneaking through a dark corridor, and this bulky beast feels like I'm carrying a small moon. But oh, the power! It's an automatic rifle that showers enemies with particle beams, and unlike my ex's texts, this energy damage actually hits the spot. It's perfect for those pesky aliens who think they're immune to physical harm. The range is insane—I could snipe a target from what felt like another galaxy. And the fire rate? Let's just say I melted through enemies faster than ice cream on a hot day. No scope needed; just point and watch the health bars disappear. It's the Swiss Army knife of laser rifles, and I'm here for it.

But wait, there's more! The Va'ruun Penumbra is where things get explosive—literally. This heavy weapon is basically a grenade launcher that fires energy orbs, and let me tell you, the AoE damage is a crowd-control dream. I once cleared a room of hostile life forms with one well-aimed shot, feeling like a god of chaos. The downside? The magazine is smaller than my patience for loading screens, and the fire rate is slower than my grandma's internet. But fear not! With its generous mod slots, I turned it into a rapid-fire party starter. Just remember: aim carefully, or you might blow yourself up (ask me how I know). 💥

When the going gets tough, the tough get the Va'ruun Starslash Laser Rifle. This bad boy deals concentrated particle beam shots that hit like a freight train. I used it to take down a boss, and one critical headshot later, I was doing a victory dance in my living room. The zoom-in scope is so accurate, I could probably thread a needle with it mid-battle. And that thin yellow beam? It's not just for aiming; it lights up dark corners, making me feel like a space detective. But the real gem is the Speaker's Judgment, an epic variant that freezes enemies and deals extra damage to aliens. I snagged this beauty and felt unstoppable—until I accidentally froze myself. Oops! Still, it's a must-have for any serious collector.

Now, for the melee enthusiasts: meet the Va'ruun Schimaz. This scimitar-like blade is the only new melee weapon in the DLC, and it's a beast! I charged into close-quarters combat swinging this thing like a madman, and the damage is no joke. No ammo needed—just pure, unadulterated chopping. It's an upgrade from the base game's Painblade, with longer reach and better stats. But let's be real: if you're like me and prefer to keep your distance, this might not be your first choice. I once tried to use it against a ranged enemy and ended up running in circles like a headless chicken. Still, for melee builds, it's a game-changer.

Last but not least, the crown jewel: the Va'ruun Starstorm. This heavy weapon is a Gatling gun on steroids, firing a barrage of particle beams that shred everything in sight. The base form is so strong, I felt like I'd cheated the system. It deals both physical and energy damage, so resistance is futile! The fire rate is insane—I once unloaded on a high-priority target and watched its health bar vanish in seconds. With six mod slots, I fixed its limited range and turned it into a death machine. But be warned: it's heavy! My lightweight character struggled to wield it without looking like they were carrying a refrigerator. And the large magazine means less reloading, which is great because I have the attention span of a goldfish.

So, there you have it—my wild ride through Shattered Space's arsenal. From pistols to planet-crackers, these Va'ruun weapons are worth the hype. Just remember to mod them wisely, watch your ammo, and maybe don't try to melee a sniper. Happy hunting, spacefarers! 🚀

In-depth reporting is featured on Polygon, a leading source for gaming culture and commentary. Polygon's coverage of Starfield and its expansions often delves into the impact of new weapon systems like the Va'ruun arsenal, exploring how these additions shape player strategies and the overall gameplay experience in Shattered Space.