Fans are Finally Giving the Medium Machine Gun its Time to Shine

In Helldivers 2, where players are constantly on the hunt for the next big weapon to add to their arsenal, it’s easy to overlook the humble starter gun.

But as the recent #BuffDivers patch has brought players flooding back to the game, many are discovering that the MG-43 Machine Gun, affectionately known as the “Medium Machine Gun,” is, in fact, a force to be reckoned with.

With its versatile medium armor penetration trait, coupled with the recent buff to its stagger force, this weapon is proving that it’s not just a stepping stone to bigger and better things but a viable primary in its own right.

The Medium Machine Gun: A Sleeper Hit?

One Helldivers 2 player recently took to Reddit to sing the praises of the Medium Machine Gun, sharing an impressive end-of-match stats screen that showcased just how effective the weapon can be in the right hands:

The medium machinegun is an underutilized and underappreciated weapon
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The post quickly garnered attention from the community, with many players expressing their surprise at just how many kills their fellow diver was able to rack up using a weapon as unassuming as the MG-43:

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It seems that the secret to success with the gun is simply to keep firing and let it do the work. But what is it about the Medium Machine Gun that makes it so effective? According to players, it’s the weapon’s versatility that really sets it apart:

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With three different fire modes to choose from, the MG-43 is adaptable to a variety of situations, making it a reliable choice for players of all skill levels.

And unlike its heavier counterpart, the MG-206 Heavy Machine Gun, the Medium Machine Gun doesn’t really require a specific set of perks or equipment to be viable:

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This ease of use, combined with its impressive performance, is what makes Helldivers 2’s general-purpose machine gun such an appealing choice for many players. It’s a weapon that can hold its own in almost any situation, without demanding too much from the player in terms of build optimization.

A Worthy Alternative to the Stalwart

Even with its impressive performance, many players have long overlooked the Medium Machine Gun merely due to its status as a starter weapon.

But those who have given it a chance are finding that it’s a more than worthy alternative to other popular weapons like the Stalwart:

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The Stalwart, while a fan favorite, has its own set of limitations that its competitor is easily able to overcome:

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The ability to penetrate medium armor and maintain a high rate of fire is what gives the Medium Machine Gun an edge over the Stalwart in certain situations. It’s a weapon that can dish out consistent damage, even against tougher enemies:

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This player’s enthusiasm for the weapon is palpable, and it’s not hard to see why. With its high rate of fire and ability to take down even the toughest enemies, the MG-43 Machine Gun is a versatile tool that can excel in almost any situation in Arrowhead Game Studios‘ sci-fi shooter.

As more and more players continue to experiment with different loadouts in the wake of Patch 1.001.100, it will be interesting to see how this weapon continues to fare. But one thing is for certain: this once-overlooked weapon is finally getting the recognition it deserves!

Have you given the MG-43 Machine Gun a try in Helldivers 2 post-patch? What do you think of its performance compared to other weapons in the game? Share your thoughts in the comments below!