Introduction
The NN-13 Cannon is one of those weapons in Star Citizen that always sparks curiosity. Players usually want to know if it’s worth mounting, how it performs in real fights, and whether it’s a good buy for their ship or ground vehicle. To put it simply — the NN-13 is a size 1 neutron cannon designed for heavy-hitting bursts, but it comes with some trade-offs in speed and energy use. In this guide, I’ll break down its specs, strengths, weaknesses, and some practical tips so you can decide if it fits your playstyle.
What exactly is the NN-13 Cannon?
Overview and Background
The MaxOx NN-13 is a neutron cannon in the game. MaxOx is known for building weapons that pack serious punch, and the NN-13 is no exception. It’s a vehicle-compatible weapon, meaning you’ll see it mounted on smaller ships or ground vehicles that can take a size 1 cannon slot.
Why Players Care About It
For new players, the draw is usually the burst damage. It hits hard when it lands. Veterans, though, know it’s not just about raw numbers — the NN-13 can feel sluggish if you don’t manage its energy draw properly, and it’s not always forgiving in fast-paced dogfights.
NN-13 Cannon Specs and Stats
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the NN-13 neutron cannon stats (figures vary slightly by patch, but this gives you a ballpark):
| Stat | NN-13 Value (Approx.) |
| Weapon Type | Neutron Cannon |
| Size | Size 1 Cannon |
| Damage per Shot | High burst energy |
| DPS (Damage per Second) | Moderate |
| Rate of Fire | Slow |
| Energy Draw | Heavy |
| Effective Range | Medium |
| Projectile Speed | Slower than lasers |
Key Takeaway
- If you like weapons that hit like a truck, you’ll enjoy this one.
- If you prefer rapid-fire or energy-efficient loadouts, you might get frustrated.
Ship and Vehicle Compatibility
Which Ships Can Use It?
The NN-13 Cannon fits on ships or vehicles that allow size 1 hardpoints. Think of smaller fighters or starter ships — it’s not going on a capital ship, obviously.
Ground Vehicle Mounts
Yes, you can mount it on some rovers or exploration vehicles if they allow size 1 weaponry. It’s not the most common choice, but it’s fun to experiment with.
Loadout Tips
- Pair it with a distortion weapon to disable shields, then land a heavy neutron shot.
- Avoid putting two NN-13s together unless you want constant energy management headaches.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- High burst damage (amazing when you land shots).
- Intimidating in PvP — players panic when their shields drop fast.
- Works well for ambush tactics.
Weaknesses
- Slow rate of fire — you’ll miss opportunities if you’re not accurate.
- Energy hungry — drains fast on smaller ships.
- Not great for long fights where DPS consistency matters more than burst.
NN-13 vs Other Cannons
NN-13 vs NN-14
The NN-14 is basically the NN-13’s big sibling. It’s stronger and more suited for ships that can handle larger cannons. If you’re flying something small, though, the NN-13 is the realistic choice.
NN-13 vs Distortion Cannons
Distortion weapons don’t do direct hull damage but are great for disabling. Many players use them with an NN-13 — disable shields first, then deliver the knockout hit.
NN-13 vs Lasers
Laser cannons fire faster and feel smoother, but they don’t have the same burst impact. The NN-13 is more situational, while lasers are all-around safer.
Where to Get the NN-13 Cannon
NPC Shops
Depending on the patch, you can usually find the NN-13 UEC price at certain in-game vendors. Shops like Centermass often carry neutron cannons.
Player Marketplaces
Sometimes it’s easier to just buy from other players. Prices can swing a lot, but you’ll often see the NN-13 cannon listed on player trade hubs.
Earning vs Buying
- Buying: Faster, but costs UEC.
- Earning: Some missions drop weapons, but don’t count on it.
How to Use the NN-13 Effectively
Aiming and Projectile Speed
Remember: neutron rounds don’t travel as fast as lasers. Lead your shots more, especially in dogfights.
Managing Energy
Don’t spam it. Fire in controlled bursts and watch your power triangle. If you overload, you’ll lose shields at the worst time.
Recommended Loadouts
- One NN-13 + One Distortion Cannon → balanced offense.
- NN-13 with laser support → keeps your DPS steady while still giving you that burst hit.
Community Opinions and Player Feedback
Players are split:
- Some love the punch it delivers in PvP.
- Others say it’s too clunky for serious fights.
- Many agree it shines when paired with other weapons instead of being your only choice.
A common comment you’ll see: “It’s fun, but don’t rely on it as your main gun.”
Patch History and Balance Changes
- Past buffs: Slightly increased damage output in older builds.
- Nerfs: Energy draw has gone up in some patches.
- Meta shifts: In 2025, the NN-13 sits in a middle tier — not useless, but not “must-have” either.
See Also: Daily Lives of My Countryside v0.3.2: What’s New & How to Play
FAQs
Q: Is the NN-13 good for beginners?
Not really — it’s better once you understand energy management.
Q: What ship benefits most from NN-13?
Small fighters that can handle size 1 hardpoints but want extra burst.
Q: How much does it cost?
Varies — check the latest UEC price in-game or player markets.
Q: Is it viable for PvE?
Yes, but slower fights might feel awkward compared to faster-firing weapons.
Conclusion
The NN-13 Cannon is a niche but fun weapon in Star Citizen. It’s all about heavy burst damage at the cost of speed and energy efficiency. If you’re the kind of pilot who likes landing big hits and doesn’t mind juggling power management, it can absolutely shine. For others, it might feel clunky compared to lasers or distortion weapons. Bottom line: try it out, see if it clicks with your style, and remember it’s not about numbers alone — it’s about how you fly.
