Due to their unstable nature, particle beams acted like blaster bolts when fired, but upon contact with an energy field or solid object, would explode violently. This made them extremely valuable in artillery weapons, such as the Particle cannon turret, as well as an effective backup weapon, as seen in the Police cruiser backup units particle beam blaster. Particle beams were thus also very effective against lightsaber-wielding opponents; even a rifle grade particle beam blaster couldn't be deflected by a lightsaber, as it would explode in a low-yield burst upon contact.