So I'm playing 1.5 and trees are nothing to the survival tool now. Thing is, the chainsaw is almost worse than the survival tool. I almost regret making it and using a bit of bio fuel for it. It's objectively and economically better to use the survival tool instead of the chainsaw. So, potential solution - Buff the chainsaw. Like a lot. Like the-difference-between-salvaging-a-block-with-the-survival-tool-and-a-T2-multitool a lot. Please and Thank You Bernie.
Another solution to this problem, instead of buffing the chainsaw, is to nerf the survival tool so it only gets fiber from the smaller trees and can't cut down the larger trees. That way the chainsaw has a specific role (logging and tree felling) but the survival tool gets you by in a pinch.
Can you use the chainsaw underwater or with a drone? If not it can't really replace the survival tool's resource mode. I really appreciate being able to use the survival tool on the submerged trees you commonly find on Arid starters now. You couldn't do this before because you used defense mode with it to harvest trees prior. You could buff it and maybe make it a melee weapon. I use the harvester on wildlife quit a bit so using a chainsaw for the same makes some sense. It does seem like it's going the way of the hand held mechanical drill though.
I previously suggested turning the chain saw into a melee weapon not long ago, and heck yeah. They should. If we must kill zombies, let us kill zombies in style. Biggest problem with this however, is that this game have none to minimal defense for using melee weapons and with the current injury/disease system, you better drive around in a portable hospital, if you are going to fight melee enemies.
Hey I'm not usually one to post videos but check this out (Time stamped for your viewing pleasure): This indicates that the concept for a weaponized chainsaw is possible. With a perk system (https://empyriononline.com/threads/a-perk-system.97664/#post-436625) this could be a legitimate play style.
Fairly certain the chainsaw can damage enemies, just been so long since I've even looted one, let alone used one, but I am almost completely positive I upset a wandering Talon or three and nicking them with it.
If you get near Legacy creatures you get infected most certainly, so as a weapon the chainsaw has zero utility. And else it's pretty useless, for the same reason a melee weapon wouldn't be good and only work on troops. Far better is to replace it with explosive grenades that you can detonate on command (booby traps).
