Let me break this down in a way that'll make sense for your loadout decisions (this is actually simpler than it looks). The three weapon types each bring something special to the table, and knowing when to use them can really change how fights play out.

Power weapons are your straightforward damage dealers but with a clever twist - those ricochet shots can be absolutely devastating once you get the hang of them (try bouncing shots off walls near cover-heavy enemies, it's surprisingly effective). They work best when you're feeling aggressive and want to keep the pressure on, especially since that high fire rate lets you dominate close encounters.

Tech weapons are fascinating because they literally punch through walls (this happens because of electromagnetic charging technology). While they might feel a bit slow at first, that charge-up mechanic is actually a blessing in disguise - you can set up perfect shots through cover while staying completely safe. These really shine when you're taking a more tactical approach and, interesting tidbit, they work amazingly well with the ping quickhack since you can spot enemies through walls.

Smart weapons are probably the most unique approach to combat you'll find in night city (they need a smart link cyberware to work properly). While they don't hit as hard as the others, their ability to track targets means you can focus more on movement and positioning instead of precise aim. This makes them perfect when you're dealing with fast-moving targets or if you're running a build that needs you to multitask with quickhacks.