Weapon Spotlight - Hemlok & R-99

As people have said the R-99 is great for dmg output but is hard to control... in my experience most players will not get a knock on an aware moving target without at least one reload as it fires so fast unless you can track perfectly you will send quite a few of the bullets wide of target... this is I suppose with why it has become a favourite with aimlockers and no-recoliers.

Recently I have been favouring the Prowler for close combat, its slower fire rate and 35 clip size gives you a greater chance (or me at least with my aim) of getting a down without a reload in close combat. Add to that the fact it will carry a digital threat AND is better at medium range than the R-99, make it for me the better choice atm.

All that depends on the hop-up of course. The Hemlock I use rarely as it doesn't have the punch of a scout or 301 at range and personally I don't like to rely upon 3 shot burst close up... however that is more thinking about late game encounters when you are going to be going up against purple R99s, peacekeepers or wingmen... in none of those encounters would I feel confident using a Hemlock.

In early game however is a different story, the Hemlock is quite nice then... would certainly take it over alternator and probably prowler as being more versatile and easier to control, although empties very quick in burst mode... maybe 21 base clip would be better?

I think both weapons are in a really great place at the moment!

Hemlock = medium range.

As a Gibraltar player this is how I think:

Ideal setup = long range and close range weapon. Preferably a Triple Take and Peacekeeper.

Compromise = medium range (Hemlock/Spitfire/R301) and short range/long range. I'll accept a Hemlock and EVA-8.

Worst case scenario = medium and medium range. I'll settle for two medium range guns such as a Hemlock and R301. But it's not the ideal setup for Gibraltar when I play him.

The reason is that, when using Gibraltar, I have to be able to damage enemies at range to supplement his Ultimate: 'Defensive Barrage'. So I want high damage plus good ranged accuracy along with some powerful close range back-up.

But I also have to maximise the potential of Gibraltar's Defensive Barrage itself. To do that I need Ultimate Accelerant. Maybe 3 ideally, depending on inventory / backpack capacity. So that's 3 inventory slots. But by using a sniper and a shotgun I'm able to cut down on the amount of ammo I need. The Hemlock, due to it's burst fire module, is also economical on ammo. This means I can still get the additional inventory slots I need to carry the Ultimate Accelerants. Plus the Hemlock still has some of the same traits in it's range and accuracy that a sniper rifle has.

And that's why I use the hemlock. 🤓

@warslag  Love the feedback from the perspective from a Legend. That does make a huge difference. R-99 can be devastating with the digital scope when you're using Bangalore's smoke. 

I prefer the Hemlock over the Flatline but if the Spitfire is available I'll exchange it out. Single fire is great for long distance and ammo conservation reasons, but if I'm not packing a Peacekeeper, EVA-8, or R-99 as my close range weapon the burst fire is not forgiving at all if you miss a shot or two on the enemy. 

Would love the option to include a select fire for it with the ability to go full-auto. The prowler is one of my favorites when you can turn it full-auto, but it's risky at times to hang onto it hoping you'll come across that attachment.

R-99 is in a great spot. It's rough to use if you don't have the lvl 3 extended mag, but when attached it's the top of it's class for close-range weapons.

@EA_Blueberry 

Thanks. 🙂

R-99 makes sense if you're assaulting other squads. But if you're enemies are already damaged by AoE or by sniper fire then a shotgun gives you that explosive punch. It's also perfect when you're already in a sniper spot and using cover. Because then you're usually dealing with those onrushing R-99 players who may not have expected to suddenly lose a chunk of shield from a barrage or a sniper shot. I think that when I'm playing Gibraltar it's all about taking chunks out of players. Which also makes sense because Gibraltar has a healthy appetite.

If hemlok gets " select fire "  hop up , it will be awesome . but i guess it will make it way too over-powered ( long range + high damage + less recoil).  

Usually SMG are meant for close range, but this game, especially r99 that have crazy fire rate that able to deal same damage at far distance. Where is the law of physics?