This screenshot is clipped from historical footage. I can’t share the full video with everyone, so I’ve uploaded this picture instead.
Based on three screenshots taken from historical footage, I have two optimization suggestions for the Sd.Kfz. 251/1.
- Historical footage proves this half-track can mount the MG42 without its dedicated gun mount. After removing the mount, the machine gun can elevate to nearly 60 degrees, or even up to 70 degrees as seen in the footage.
The current in-game gun mount only stabilizes the weapon and is not required for firing, much like the fixed brackets for tank main guns — it is an optional removable attachment. I propose adding an automatic retraction mechanic: the mount retracts automatically when players need high elevation to engage aerial targets.
- The MG42 shown in the second screenshot uses belt-fed ammunition, yet the game’s current settings are inconsistent. The Panzer II’s MG13 already comes with a large 250-round ammo belt, while aircraft can carry roughly 700 rounds. As a large armored personnel carrier, the Sd.Kfz. 251/1 should logically feature the more practical belt feed system.
To sum up, I hope the devs adjust the vehicle’s machine gun to raise its maximum elevation, implement belt feeding, and increase total spare ammunition.
Increase the elevation angle of the MG42 and add an animation for retracting the gun mount.
- Support raising the elevation angle.
- No, this change is unacceptable.
Equip the machine gun on the Sd.Kfz. 251/1 with a belt-fed system, featuring 250 or 300-round ammo belts, and ensure it will not overheat before firing 250 rounds.
I’ve looked up some information: the MG42’s official manual requires barrel replacement after 250 continuous full-auto rounds. However, burst firing rarely necessitates a barrel swap, meaning the barrel can stay cool indefinitely with short bursts. Imagine if German MG42s get this mechanic. Then it would only be fair to restore the original damage values of Soviet and American heavy machine guns like the Browning M2 to match their historical power.
If only it were that simple. On release, he had 250 rounds of ammunition and a 50-round drum for a single machine gun… What looked like If only it were that simple.
Regarding the pointing angles.
I prefer at least a little protection than no protection at all.
We also have the fighter models incorrectly positioned in the APC, so… No, it’s better to leave it as it is.
With the new mobility of the hull, it has become easier to implement a machine gun, and 50 rounds and the absence of overheating are generally pleasant.
Most top mounted MGs cant shoot high flying planes, which is dumb considering those MGs mostly existed to defend against planes - not to fight infantry.
2 Likes
If Germany gets this buff, then it’s reasonable for us to demand that Soviet and American Browning heavy machine guns also receive balance adjustments to match the power of the M13. In other words, what I’m proposing is buffs for both Germany, the US and the USSR.
Germany would get the belt-fed MG42 that doesn’t overheat before firing 250 rounds.
Meanwhile, Soviet and American APCs’ M2 Browning heavy machine guns would receive damage boosts to match their historical firepower.
I believe these changes would let vehicles from all sides support infantry far more effectively.
Don’t say that. At the very least, the Lewis gun and Japanese Type 99 rifle are fitted with adjustable sights for anti-aircraft use. When enemy aircraft dive to bomb your vehicle, everyone would want to crank up the gun’s elevation and spray rounds at the incoming plane — this is totally feasible in real combat.
Right now, the Sd.Kfz. 251/9 has a 250-round ammo capacity yet overheats extremely quickly. The variant we’re discussing only carries 50 rounds; it runs dry in an instant and reloads painfully slowly. In close-quarters combat, it’s basically a one-and-done weapon.
So the Soviets and Americans have no problems with armor penetration and damage
I can easily play on a half-track and destroy the pz-2 and early pz-3
There are enough enemies on the APC, I destroy motorcycles.
I even shoot down planes sometimes.
What I’m missing is 360⁰.
The American has a minus only in the aiming angles, but these are design features.
There’s nothing you can do about it.
The German is now in perfect balance, what was required when he first entered the Game, and was done three years later.
Is there really no downside at all? Its penetration is sufficient, as the heavy machine gun on my M3A1 can punch through the 30mm frontal armor of early Panzer IIIs and the side plating of the Puma.
This vehicle used to deal even more damage when it first launched, easily blowing up enemy ammo racks and destroying sandbag barriers; its damage values were basically copied from the M13 back then.
Its biggest flaw is the lack of 360-degree gun traverse. During the Halloween event, when this vehicle was set as an extraction point, its machine gun could rotate a full 360 degrees, yet DF inexplicably added rotation restrictions afterward, which is a real shame.
As for the American armored APC, it’s far too bulky and cumbersome to hide behind cover. Its offensive damage is underwhelming, and the AI gunners manning its weapons rarely engage enemies actively, making it ineffective in nearly every scenario.
The only viable fix I can think of to restore its proper combat power is buffing the damage of its mounted machine gun.
I voted yes on the second poll because I think overheat should be entierly removed, or massively turned down, in its entierty. If a gun has an ammo count, then there basically shouldn’t be any overheat on it.
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It’s really inconsistent. Think about it: we can fire up to 300 rounds nonstop with the MG42 before overheating, yet the two Sd.Kfz. 251/9 variants overheat after just 50 rounds and have to wait to cool down.
It’s the exact same machine gun, but the mechanics are totally different. Such blatant double standards.
would also be good for tank pintle moung mgs
rn the M2s have an unrealistic limited angle. they could fire practically straight up IRL.
idk how the german tank commander mgs worked but i bet they are also too limited.
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