The Parabellum MG 14/17 is a high-powered support machine gun introduced in Battlefield 1’s In the Name of the Tsar DLC. This LMG boasts an insanely high fire rate, making it a brutal suppression tool at the cost of high recoil and long reload times.
Weapon Overview
The Parabellum MG 14/17 was originally designed for aircraft and Zeppelin defense during World War I. It fired 8mm Mauser rounds at a staggering 700 RPM, making it one of the fastest-firing LMGs in Battlefield 1.
Pros:
✅ Fastest firing LMG in the game (700 RPM) ✅ Extremely high muzzle velocity (870 m/s) for long-range effectiveness ✅ Large magazine capacity (100 rounds per belt) ✅ Exceptional suppression capabilities ✅ Bipod improves long-range accuracy
Cons:
❌ Severe horizontal recoil (worst in class) ❌ Poor accuracy at medium-long range without bipod ❌ Overheats after 35 consecutive shots ❌ Very long reload time (6.9 – 7.3 seconds)
Unlock Requirements
There are two Parabellum MG 14/17 variants in Battlefield 1, each requiring specific challenges to unlock.
Parabellum MG 14/17 Low Weight
- Destroy 2 airplanes with an LMG
- Get 20 kills with the Mortar – Airburst
Parabellum MG 14/17 Suppressive
- Get 40 kills with the Lewis Gun Low Weight
- Perform 50 vehicle repairs
Stats Breakdown
| Stat | Value |
| Max Damage | 23 (0-11m) |
| Min Damage | 17.5 (42.5m+) |
| Bullets to Kill | 4 (close range), 6 (long range) |
| Fire Rate | 700 RPM |
| Muzzle Velocity | 870 m/s |
| Magazine Size | 100 rounds |
| Overheats After | 35 shots |
| Tactical Reload | 6.0 – 7.3 sec (depending on rounds left) |
| Full Reload | 6.9 sec |
| Vertical Recoil | 0.38 |
| Horizontal Recoil | 0.8 |
Best Playstyle & Loadout
Close to Mid-Range Combat
Despite its high rate of fire, the Parabellum MG 14/17 is difficult to control without a bipod. At close range, it can melt enemies in a fraction of a second, but its extreme recoil makes it unreliable at medium distances unless deployed.
Tips for Using the Parabellum MG 14/17 Effectively:
- Deploy the bipod whenever possible – This gun’s recoil makes it nearly impossible to control without it.
- Tap fire in bursts if shooting at mid-range – Holding down the trigger will quickly ruin your accuracy.
- Use cover to reload safely – The 6.9 – 7.3 second reload leaves you vulnerable.
- Utilize its high muzzle velocity for ranged engagements – Faster bullet travel means less leading required.
- Avoid prolonged fire to prevent overheating – This gun overheats after 35 shots, requiring cooldown.
- Use the bipod against snipers – The high velocity allows you to counter long-range targets when stabilized.
Variants Comparison
Low Weight Variant
- Pros: Faster recoil recovery, more stable for aggressive play.
- Cons: Lacks a telescopic scope for ranged engagements.
Suppressive Variant
- Pros: Comes with a telescopic scope, making long-range suppression easier.
- Cons: No statistical improvements beyond visibility.
Best Situations for the Parabellum MG 14/17
✅ Defending objectives – Set up behind cover and suppress enemies trying to push forward. ✅ Suppressing snipers & enemies at range – The high muzzle velocity helps in engaging long-distance targets. ✅ Taking down elite classes & cavalry – Its rapid fire makes it a great choice against flame troopers, sentries, and horseback riders. ✅ Destroying low-flying planes – High bullet velocity makes it easier to hit aircraft.
Final Thoughts
The Parabellum MG 14/17 is a powerhouse capable of tearing through enemy squads with its incredible fire rate. However, it requires careful positioning and bipod usage to be truly effective. If you’re looking for an LMG with devastating suppression and unparalleled close-range firepower, this is your weapon—but be prepared to fight against its extreme recoil.
Who Should Use This Gun?
✅ Players who love aggressive suppression and holding angles ✅ Support mains who want to lock down objectives✅ Those who prefer a bipod-heavy playstyle
If you can handle the recoil and master its quirks, the Parabellum MG 14/17 is one of the deadliest LMGs in Battlefield 1.




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