PM-71 augment question

[Hubble]

So, I’ve settled in to using the 5c PM-71 as my primary, augmented with Quick Learner and Health Stealing. That’s been very effective in helping me climb up to level 88 and maxing out the skill tree.

But once I arrive at the top . . . then what? No more need for Quick Learner. I was considering adding Scope Scout instead, but had a question:

The Designated Target skill says “Enemies marked using your binoculars take additional damage”.

So I’m wondering: if you mark an enemy by viewing it through a weapon augmented with Scope Scout, then will the Designated Target kick in and provide bonus damage? Or does it not apply, because the spotting happened through a scope and not the binoculars?

I know there would still be a certain amount of bonus damage that happens for ANY marked machine, and that marking through a scope would also help in multiplayer (I’m mostly a solo player). But if Designated Target would NOT provide an additional bonus with Scope Scout, then what alternative augment would folks recommend? Again, this would be for maxed-out, level 88 characters who lean on the PM-71 for mid and close-range encounters. Would love suggestions!

[Madchaser]

Idk.
It’s possible. At least it looks the same, when they are marked. Like my companion also is a spotter and marks targets. But idk.

I used on my pm71 the Titan toppler skill.

[Hubble]

Hm. Dug a little deeper and found this post, which seems to indicate it does NOT work this way. This testing seems to be pretty thorough, but I guess it’s hard to be really sure…

Demystifying Marking Machines

Here’s a quick guide to the ins-and-outs of marking enemy machines. If you’ve ever wondered how the game’s marking mechanics work and whether there are any synergies, this is for you. I personally found that the in-game descriptions were ambiguous at times and the information circulating online (forums, Discord, etc.) was often conflicting. So I tested it myself and this is what I’ve come up with. SKILLS [EnemyMarking] Enemy Marking Description: allows marking machines with binoculars in T…

[Madchaser]

If you’re satisfied with the damage output, it’s fine.
Let’s be serious and honest: who would really like to have a gun that maximizes the damage that just a few shots are needed for a rival?
With the challenge the fun would get lost too.

[Hubble]

@Madchaser

With the challenge the fun would get lost too.

Fair point! The Reapers still feel like a more than just a challenge, so I was mainly looking to gear up for facing off against them. But you’re right, and I appreciate the reminder. One of the reasons I’ve always preferred GZ to other 4-player shooters like Borderlands is specifically because GZ did not feel like a treadmill where I was just watching my numbers go up, or where I had to just maximize stats according to some recipe.

So, thanks for resetting my perspective a bit!