Insurgency Sandstorm is a popular tactical first-person shooter game that features intense multiplayer gameplay set in a modern-day Middle Eastern conflict. The game’s focus on realism and attention to detail has earned it a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.
One of the key aspects of the game is its weapons system, which includes a wide range of firearms and explosives that players can use to complete objectives and defeat enemy combatants.
Whereas we rounded up some of the most popular weapons in Insurgency Sandstorm, their strengths and weaknesses, and how players can use them to gain an advantage on the battlefield.
1. Browning HP
A reliable and accurate choice that can hold its own in close-quarter engagements. Its moderate rate of fire and accuracy make it a good choice for mid-range encounters, while its relatively low recoil makes it easy to control in fast-paced situations.
While players in Insurgency Sandstorm may not immediately think of pistols as a primary weapon, they can be a lifesaver in critical moments when your main gun has run out of ammo. In such situations, having a reliable pistol like the Browning HP can make all the difference.
2. FAMAS
A bullpup rifle that is available to multiple Insurgent classes in the ga,m. While it has a high fire rate of 1,000 rounds per minute, the rifle’s effectiveness is limited by some significant drawbacks.
One of the most significant issues with FAMAS is its limited magazine capacity. The single magazine option can only hold 25 bullets, which means it runs out of ammo quickly, leaving players vulnerable during reloads.
3. QTS-11 Hybrid Rifle
One of the most notable features of the QTS-11 is its integrated grenade launcher. This handy addition allows players to fire anti-personnel frags and smoke grenades, much like the under-barrel grenade launcher in Battlefield 2042.
This feature gives players a significant advantage in close-quarters combat situations, allowing them to take out multiple enemies at once or create a smokescreen for strategic purposes.
4. MP5A2 Submachine Gun
One of the most remarkable upgrades of the MP5A2 is its recoil. The Insurgent SMG demonstrates more stability while firing, which translates to greater accuracy. This makes it easier to control and aim, even in fast-paced situations.
In close-range environments, the MP5A2’s bullet spread is tight and accurate, making it a reliable choice for close-quarters combat.
5. MP7 Submachine Gun
An advantage of the MP7 is its mobility. Its lightweight design and compact size make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and move quickly across the battlefield. Its high fire rate and fast reload time also make it ideal for fast-paced situations.
It is designed for close-quarters combat and boasts an impressive fire rate, quick aim-down sights, and fast reload time.
6. AKM Assault Rifle
While it can be challenging to master due to its high recoil, it has several strengths that make it a popular choice for players in Insurgency Sandstorm. Its drawback is the low fire rate of 600 rounds per minute, which makes it unsuitable for close-quarters combat.
However, its high recoil can make it difficult to control in any situation, so it requires skill and practice to use effectively.
7. MK17 Mod 0 Battle Rifle
The MK17 Mod 0, also known as the SCAR-H, is a powerful battle rifle that is available to the Security Advisor class in Insurgency Sandstorm. It is comparable to the Tavor 7 but has some unique strengths.
It has manageable recoil, which makes it easier to control and aim accurately. Its fire rate is also more manageable, despite its smaller magazine size, which allows players to engage targets more effectively.
8. M82A1 CQ Sniper Rifle
Sniper rifles in Insurgency Sandstorm are often dismissed due to their weight and lack of versatility, but the M82A1 CQ is an exception. This rifle is designed to deliver massive firepower, and its .50 BMG cartridges are capable of causing significant damage with just one shot.
9. PKM Light Machine Gun
The PKM’s bullets strike with incredible force, allowing it to easily penetrate walls and armor. Its manageable fire rate of 652 rounds per minute makes it easy to control and aim accurately, allowing players to deal significant damage to enemies from a distance.
While it has a smaller magazine capacity of 100 rounds compared to other light machine guns, it compensates for this with its sheer firepower and destructive capabilities.
10. Honey Badger Assault Rifle
The Honey Badger is an integrally suppressed rifle that is named after the fearless animal it resembles. One of the most significant advantages of the Honey Badger is its low noise production.
Its integral suppressor makes it virtually silent, which makes it easier to catch opponents off guard and move around undetected.
11. FAL Battle Rifle
The FAL is a strong contender for the best rifle in Insurgency Sandstorm. It is a fully-automatic weapon that produces very little recoil despite being chambered for 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges.
It only takes one to two chest shots to take down an opponent and has high damage at almost any range. The FAL’s only drawback is its small 20-round magazine capacity, which is justified by its customization options and balanced fire rate, and versatility.
12. M1 Garand
While the M1 Garand’s recoil may be noticeable, its impressive stopping power enables it to cut through armor with ease. However, players should be cautious of the signature ping that signifies an empty clip. If players prefer a classic approach, the M1 Garand is an excellent choice in Insurgency Sandstorm.
This rifle has been featured in many World War II video games, but it has received a modern update in this game. Although it may appear basic initially, players can enhance its performance with attachments like a good scope and muzzle attachment, allowing it to inflict serious damage on enemies.
13. M82A1
The .50 caliber BMG sniper rifle is a formidable weapon in Insurgency Sandstorm, known for its sheer power and destructive capabilities. Despite being a sniper rifle, this weapon is not subtle, as it can annihilate targets with a single shot.
14. Mk 14 EBR
This weapon offers good accuracy, stopping power, and fair recoil, making it a reliable choice for players. With the perfect modifications, the Mk 14 can become even more effective in battle, enhancing your gaming skills [1].
Skilled players who use this weapon can handle awkward mid-range encounters that other weapons may struggle with, allowing them to keep opponents in their sights without being too close.
15. AK 47
The AK is a well-known weapon across many video games and is a reliable choice in Insurgency Sandstorm. It is affordable, dependable, and highly modifiable, making it a popular choice for players.
One of the most significant advantages of the AK is its heavy-hitting 7.62 cartridge, which has good stopping piercing and power capabilities. The AK is an excellent choice for players who want to concentrate their supply points on other factors, such as explosives and armor, without giving good weapons.
16. M870
The M870 has a good amount of customization options, including some hard-to-master but super fun ammo varieties. This is one of the best Insurgency mods that can enhance the shotgun’s performance even further, making it an even more effective weapon on the battlefield. If a player needs to hold a building or a room, the M870 is the perfect weapon for the job.
Its devastating power and high stopping power make it ideal for close-quarters engagements. Placing a player with an M870 close to a doorway can make it nearly impossible for enemies to breach the area.
17. M110 SASS
It is unique in its ability to excel in multiple roles, with an impressive range for long-distance engagements and the ability to perform well in close-quarters combat. Its high damage output and accuracy make it a formidable weapon, capable of taking down enemies with just single or two shots at the most radius.
Overall, the SASS is a reliable and powerful choice for players looking for a sniper rifle that can perform well in any scenario.
Suggested Read: Is Insurgency: Sandstorm Cross-Play?
Conclusion
Choosing the right weapon in Insurgency Sandstorm is critical to success on the battlefield. It’s essential to consider the weapon’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as the player’s playstyle and preferences.
Each weapon has unique features and capabilities that can be customized to suit the player’s needs, allowing them to excel in their chosen gameplay [1].
