So, for almost three years I have totally neglected my Japanese faction, and as of a month ago had only netted 13 games. So, I started playing with them and after 25 games of all level one had only netted a 38% w/l record. Then, after securing my level two weapons, that 38% has risen to almost 72% in 78 games.
I keep reading how weak the Japanese weapons are, but I have to say after playing all the factions that Japan has some pretty decent lower level weapons. I like the Type 2 smg as much as I like the PPS42, and the Type 100 early smg is not bad as well.
Level two MG’s? Not so good, although the type 97 LMG has a scope so it is nice at longer distances. However, I bought four Hotchkiss M1922’s off BP and love them. The only thing I dislike is the gay looking ammo clip , but if fires nice and smooth. In fact I would take that Hotchkiss over any allies BP or tech tree level two MG.
So, there is my lower level weapons opinion for what it’s worth. Now, stockpiling level three weapons, however I might just stick to lower levels for while and just keep building and stocking from the tech tree.
Very Good SMG with the Type 2a, and the 50 round MP28.
Very good bolt action rifle with the BR1 Type 38 rifle and the BR2 Type 99 (clean sights and high damage).
Good semi-auto with the Hei.
Imo, best LMG at BR2 with the scoped Type 97.
One of the only BR where they actually get a good tank with the Ho-I.
Very good fighter for air combat with the Zero. but their planes are overall weak on low BR anyway.
Plus you get the funny sword and the boomstick that can be usefull at this BR.
Imo BR2 is really strong with Japan because for once they don’t lack in any categories of weaponry. Plus their team are quite decent compared to the absolute Chaos that is Low BR american team. I have been playing quite a few game of BR2 - 3 Japan since the new map dropped (probably my favorite map in the game) and it has been quite an enjoyable experience.
BR3-4 are however lacking in substantial areas; making it difficult to play honestly. BR5 gets you some crazy fantasy weapons, but there is still significant holes in AT weapons past BR2 for instance
More then likely I will stay at BR2 for the Japanese as overall I like that level the best throughout the game. But I will end up with complete all level squads eventually, which I have now with all the other factions. I have the Allied and German tech tree’s complete and only have a few tanks to complete the Soviets. I’m in level three tech tree with the Japs now, so I have a little while.
Japan is a very unique faction, it doesnt really have a lot of trash equipment like Germany and US does so new players can relatively quickly get the best weapons and vehicles avaible for the BR, however Japan tech tree is exteremly lack lustre and doesnt have many things. (like sniper rifle post BR2, BR5 attacker aircraft ect.)