Machine guns aren’t just for brute force in close quarters—they can also be powerful strategic tools when used with precision and planning. In this guide, we explore traditional machine gun usage in Arma Reforger and introduce the underutilized tactic of plunging fire.

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1. Three Core Uses of Machine Guns

Reactive Fire

• Set up a position and open fire in response to enemy movement
• Effective for defending positions and suppressing known targets

Pre-Assault Suppression

• Fire before friendly troops advance
• Suppresses enemy defenders or forces them into cover
• Clears the way for friendlies to approach and use grenades or close-quarter tactics

Plunging Fire (Strategic Use)

• Fire from long range so bullets fall from above at a steep angle
• Effective against entrenched defenders in bases or urban areas
• Useful for area suppression over enemy fortifications

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2. How to Execute Plunging Fire

Step 1: Measure the Distance

• Open the map and locate your position and the target (e.g., a harbor or base)
• Use the ruler tool to measure distance (1 block = 100 meters)
• In the example: firing from ~900 meters away

Step 2: Set Your Range

• Use machine gun sights to adjust to the correct range (e.g., 900m)
• Use tracer rounds to help visualize the bullet arc at night

Step 3: Spot with Binoculars

• Helps observe impact zones
• In Conflict mode, binoculars are typically part of the standard kit

Step 4: Fire from a Stable Position

• Use bipods or mount on terrain
• Observe the parabolic trajectory—bullets should rain in from above

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3. Why Plunging Fire Works

• Bypasses cover: Bullets descend on defenders hiding behind sandbags or inside shallow cover
• Denies area access: Constant falling fire forces defenders to move or stay down
• Minimizes counter-fire risk: From 900m away, it’s difficult for enemies to accurately return fire
• Strategic value: Supports friendly movement into the base or objective

Even without visual confirmation of kills, your fire is affecting the battle at scale.

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4. Logistics Tip: Resupply Efficiently

• Use a small car to haul extra machine gun ammo
• Basic machine gun ammo is very cheap (0–1 supply points)
• Bring 1–2 teammates to maximize suppression duration and resupply

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5. Bonus Clip Context

A brief gameplay moment illustrates plunging fire in action:

A squad moves to support a friendly assault on a base. The machine gunner begins indirect fire from elevation. Communications call out enemy movement: “Multiple Russians in the base running…”—the support role shifts the momentum of the fight.

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Conclusion

Plunging fire transforms the machine gun from a reactive weapon into a strategic area denial tool. When used with proper ranging, elevation, and timing, it becomes a force multiplier that protects your teammates and wears down the enemy—without exposing yourself. Learn to master this overlooked tactic and dominate the battlefield from afar.

Remember: You don’t need to see the kill to make a difference—only to see the effect.