Flashlight

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Revision as of 11:47, 29 December 2018 by Quasar (talk | contribs) (Move down, add nosource param; move info about keys down to notes)


The flashlight in Doom 3.

The flashlight is a weapon in Doom 3. Its main purpose is to light up dark corridors, although it can be used as a club at close range.

"UAC Standard issue light source. This model utilizes a static transfer power supply, so battery replacement is unnecessary."
PDA description

Analysis

"Power fluctuations and maintenance issues continue to create poor lighting at the UAC Facility and flashlights are now required for all security forces. Also works as a club in close combat."
― Doom 3 instruction manual

The flashlight in starter levels can be used to attack zombies to conserve ammo. It has slightly shorter range than the fists when used in this way, but is about twice as powerful. Attacking an enemy stronger than an Imp is not recommended. In later levels, the flashlight should be used to light up dark corridors only. Upon sight of an enemy, a more powerful weapon should be swapped out. The flashlight could also be used to attack corpses on the ground to check that it is dead so that it does not rise again as a zombie. In deathmatch, using the flashlight alerts other people to your whereabouts. The weapon is not included in the Xbox version's deathmatches.

Notes

The default key for the flashlight is F on PC, or the white button for Xbox. In multiplayer games it is possible to toggle the flashlight on and off by pressing the reload key (R by default).

In Doom 3: BFG Edition, the flashlight is no longer a selectable weapon. Instead, the "armor-mounted" flashlight is available and can be used at the same time as any weapon. To compensate somewhat, the flashlight has a limited charge meter which runs down as long as it is turned on, and only recharges when it is turned off. Somewhat humorously, the armor mounted flashlight's world model can be seen to have been literally crammed into the player model without any modification, as its handle can be seen crudely protruding from his back when he views himself in mirrors or through security cameras. Some zombies still carry flashlights, and additionally a flashlight can be found in Delta Complex: Union Aerospace Research Division after returning from Hell, but none of them can be collected.

Data

The HUD icon.
Flashlight
Damage 40
Rate of fire (RPS) 1
First seen in Mars City Underground

Trivia

  • The Doomguy's inability to attach his flashlight to a weapon in the game, commonly known as "There's no duct-tape on Mars" problem, is often a subject of parody. This led to creation of the Duct Tape mod.