Phaser

Overview
The phaser is a fast-firing, short range weapon with higher energy consumption then other weapon types and relatively low DPS, but very effective when good at aiming.

The main draw of the Phaser is its hitscan properties, allowing it to instantly hit a target if the crosshair is over them.

It also has scaling damage the closer it is to the enemy, reaching roughly 50% more at pointblank range.

Usage
Phasers are most effective on fast ships, where they can get in range to actually do damage. They make a good choice for Rookie ships and Frigates, who are able to get in close.

Mixing them with speed-boosting modules like the Tactical Jump and Engine Overload help to further close in. Compared to Gatling Gauss, they have less damage and range, but make up for it with smaller size and hitscan properties. Employing tactical strikes on isolated targets brings the most success to a phaser-carrying ship.

Countering
Generally, phaser equipped ships will be lightly armored and fast. Using Rocket Launchers or, with good aim, Gatling Gauss, can easily take them out. Heavier weapons like the Gauss Cannon can also take them out, as long as they don't get close enough to fire.

Trivia

 * Scales by up to 50% damage at point blank