XDefiantfeatures 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 amongthe 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 arethe best loadouts for the M249 inXDefiant!

Screenshot showcasing a great M249 early game build in XDefiant

Great M249 Build For Low-Level Players

M249 Attachments:

This first M249 build makes use of some of thebest 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 theSuperlight Grip, a common staple for the best M249 builds. This nifty Front Rail provides aslight increase in ADS speed, a much-needed benefit given the weapon’s slow default draw speed.

Other useful attachments includethe Light Suppressor and Recon Barrel, which provide anadded buff in ADS speedwhile greatlyreducing the time players are exposed on the minimap. Though theHeavy Gripdoes not necessarily enhance the weapon’s damage or handling, it is a decent choice forreducing horizontal recoil and improving ADS flinch control— a benefit that synergizes well with the Reflex Sight Optic. Forthe best Secondary, the93Ris a solid option, but any Pistol will do.

Screenshot showcasing the best all-roundM249 loadout in XDefiant

Best All-Round M249 For Most In-Game Situations

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 theBarrel Extender and the Rapid Fire Barrel, whichincrease both the fire rate and damage range, thereby improving the overall TTK of the M249.

TheSuperlight Griphas been carried over from the previous build, but this time it is paired with theQuick Draw Griptofurther boost ADS speed and increase sprint-to-shoot time. Last but not least, theReflex Sighthas 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 withthe Phantom Faction. For a good Secondary option, players can go with whatever they prefer.

Screenshot showcasing the best close-range loadout for the M249 in XDefiant

Quick M249 Loadout With High Mobility & ADS Speed

This final M249 build is ideal for players looking to bring the movement and feel of the M249 on par with Assault Rifles likethe M4A1, making it a viable option for close-range gunfights. Much like the previous build, theRapid Fire Barrelhas been included for its faster fire rate,boosting the M249’s DPSfor gaining quick eliminations up close. TheSuperlight Grip and Quick Draw Griphave also been carried over thanks to theiroverall 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 theQuick Magazine and Folded Stock. These attachments provide a muchfaster 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.

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