Cutlass

Cutlass is a close-combat melee fighter.

Properties
Cutlass has two short-range beams, which will tear apart fighters when it gets in range.

Cutlass currently has the shortest base range of all ships.

Strategies

 * Try to roll for Cloaked + Engine E Cutlasses, as this will overwhelm the enemy defenses. This isn't as effective when the enemy has a Beam build, however.
 * If you're going to Fighter Rush, Cutlass is your best choice.
 * Cutlass mods Cloak, Self-Destruct, and Freeze Rounds with Plasma Mastery technology and Fighter Yard auxiliary will demolish most Capitals quickly, even Beam-Halo. However this doesn't work when the capitals are escorted by ships like Rapier/Engineer or other capitals. This cutlass is a very useful thing when your opponent doesn't have a capital - it meshes most medium ships targeting and greatly destroys economy, also demoralizes your opponent.
 * Cutlass is controversial on carriers: It can work great with front carriers, even without Cloak, but for side carriers, Cloak is essential
 * Try to roll for Cloak + Self Destruction + Shield A/B. Cutlass with cloak always deals at least 16 damage, so it destroys every enemy fighter in a single hit. When such a Cutlass dies it creates plasma which deals 20 damage. Therefore even when the Cutlass dies early in battle it can deal at least 36 damage to mediums and capitals. Cutlass with Shield A/B can survive a single laser hit which is usually used to counter fighters.

Trivia

 * A cutlass is a short sword with a slightly curved blade used commonly at sea by pirates.