Machine Gun (Q2)

 

Machine Gun
Production information
Technical specifications
Damage Per Hit	8
Maximum Ammunition	200 rounds Bandolier: 250 rounds Ammo Pack: 300 rounds
Fire Mode	Automatic
Ammunition Type	Bullets
Usage
Era(s)	Quake 2
[Source]

“	Although this weapon is easy to use, its light weight allows for considerable kickback that will push your gun up. Fire in short burst until you can effectively steady your aim.	”
—The Quake II Manual

The Machine Gun (or MG) is a sub-machine gun. As such, it has a good rate of fire but has poor accuracy, causing bullets to drift from the crosshair at long range.

Note that in Single Player, the MG has noticeable recoil that moves your view up as you fire. Move your mouse down while firing the MG to compensate for this.

Strategies

Single Player

• The MG is one of the first Weapons you'll find in the game. It can tear up Guards and Enforcers, but it falters against tougher enemies, such as Gunners and Beserkers. While superseded by the Chain Gun as soon as you get it, the MG is still useful for taking out packs of Guards without having to eat up ammo for other weapons.
• The MG is also very effective against Flyers, as a few shots from it will kill them, and its spread allows you to hit multiple Flyers while you're focusing on one.
• If a player turns on mouse look or free look as it may be called one can remove the large amount of recoil after firing for a short burst.
• The MG is very effective on Enforcers when circle-strafing. If there is only a single Enforcer and you prefer to not use up other weapons' ammo, circle-strafe around the him while firing and he will soon fall. This is a surefire way to take the Enforcer out with taking minimal or no damage.
• In earlier levels, the MG may be the only decently ranged weapon you have. When Guards are at a distance and are unaware of your presence, taking a few well-aimed potshots can kill them or greatly lower their health for when you encounter them at closer range.
• The MG is also good for laying down constant damage on a pursuing enemy, such as the Berserker, while running backwards to escape attacks. Most enemies have a short stun animation, so you can equip a better weapon during the stun animation caused by the MG fire.

Multiplayer

• The MG is much less useful in MP. While it's better than the Blaster, it can't stand up to weapons like the Rocket Launcher.
• When using it, try to get somewhat close to your target. This is risky, but the MG's accuracy makes it so that you'll have to get close in order to actually hit your target. Just remember not to get too close. If you're really close, they can pull out a Super Shotgun and blow you away.