XDefiant features a roster of different weapons, each belonging to one of six weapon categories, all of which provide their own strengths and weaknesses depending on the situation. While Assault Rifles like the ACR 6.8 are among the best Primary Weapons in the game, Light Machine Guns can serve as a great candidate for a viable weapon.
The best and most versatile weapon of the Light Machine Gun category is without a doubt the M249. This nifty LMG sports the best mobility and accuracy of the Light Machine Gun category as of Season 1, though does fall behind both the RPK-74 and the M60 in terms of firepower. Though this particular weapon may turn some players away thanks to its sluggish nature, it is still a solid option. Here are the best loadouts for the M249 in XDefiant!
XDefiant: Best ACR Loadouts
From early-game loadouts to the strongest long-range build using the best Assault Rifle in XDefiant, here are the best loadouts for the ACR 6.8.
Best Early-Game M249 Loadout
Great M249 Build For Low-Level Players
M249 Attachments:
- Light Suppressor (Muzzle)
- Recon Barrel (Barrel)
- Superlight Grip (Front Rail)
- Reflex Sight (Optic)
- Heavy Grip (Grip)
This first M249 build makes use of some of the best attachment options available from level 1 through to level 11. Though the attachment options for low-level players are fairly limited, this build can still be a solid choice until players level up the M249 further. The standout attachment listed above is the Superlight Grip, a common staple for the best M249 builds. This nifty Front Rail provides a slight increase in ADS speed, a much-needed benefit given the weapon's slow default draw speed.
Other useful attachments include the Light Suppressor and Recon Barrel, which provide an added buff in ADS speed while greatly reducing the time players are exposed on the minimap. Though the Heavy Grip does not necessarily enhance the weapon's damage or handling, it is a decent choice for reducing horizontal recoil and improving ADS flinch control — a benefit that synergizes well with the Reflex Sight Optic. For the best Secondary, the 93R is a solid option, but any Pistol will do.
Most Versatile M249 Loadout
Best All-Round M249 For Most In-Game Situations
M249 Attachments:
- Barrel Extender (Muzzle)
- Rapid Fire Barrel (Barrel)
- Superlight Grip (Front Rail)
- Reflex Sight (Optic)
- Quick Draw Grip (Grip)
The M249's biggest strengths are its large magazine size and fast fire rate, and this next M249 build capitalizes on both these strengths while also boosting other attributes to make this Light Machine Gun more versatile for most in-game scenarios. The two standout attachments in this build are the Barrel Extender and the Rapid Fire Barrel, which increase both the fire rate and damage range, thereby improving the overall TTK of the M249.
The Superlight Grip has been carried over from the previous build, but this time it is paired with the Quick Draw Grip to further boost ADS speed and increase sprint-to-shoot time. Last but not least, the Reflex Sight has also been included once again, providing improved accuracy across range. While this build slightly decreases recoil control, the weapon remains easy to control at range, making it a viable option for both mid-to-long range engagements. The weapon is also still quite sluggish but can be a great option when paired with the Phantom Faction. For a good Secondary option, players can go with whatever they prefer.
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Best Close-Range M249 Loadout
Quick M249 Loadout With High Mobility & ADS Speed
M249 Attachments:
- Rapid Fire Barrel (Barrel)
- Superlight Grip (Front Rail)
- Quick Magazine (Magazine)
- Quick Draw Grip (Grip)
- Folded Stock (Stock)
This final M249 build is ideal for players looking to bring the movement and feel of the M249 on par with Assault Rifles like the M4A1, making it a viable option for close-range gunfights. Much like the previous build, the Rapid Fire Barrel has been included for its faster fire rate, boosting the M249's DPS for gaining quick eliminations up close. The Superlight Grip and Quick Draw Grip have also been carried over thanks to their overall improvement in ADS speed, allowing players to draw their weapon much sooner.
Where this build diverges from the previous, however, is in the inclusion of the Quick Magazine and Folded Stock. These attachments provide a much faster reload speed and increased movement speed, making players more agile and reducing the time the weapon is out of action when reloading. The only major downside of this build is the lack of an optic and the decrease in recoil control. However, for close-range gunfights, these drawbacks are minimal, making this build a solid choice. For the Secondary slot, any weapon will do.
XDefiant
- Platform(s)
- PC , PS5 , Xbox Series X , Xbox Series S
- Released
- May 21, 2024
- Developer(s)
- Ubisoft San Francisco
- Genre(s)
- FPS
