M249

The FN Herstal M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon), known simply as the M249 in-game (and initially known as the [REDACTED] when it was first released) is a very rare and powerful LMG in surviv.io that was added into the game in update v0.2.5 on February 20th, 2018.

Info
The M249 is one of the rarest drops in surviv.io along with the 15x Scope and the AWM-S. Due to its rarity, many rounds will go by without a single M249 spawn. It is possible to find a M249 from normal crates or shipping containers, but it is so extremely rare in that case it usually doesn't happen at all. Many claim the M249 to be the best weapon in the game in regard to its high belt size and DPS, though it suffers from an adverse reload time, movement penalty, and recoil.

Sound
Firing

Reloading

Swapping To

Using this weapon

 * Be extremely careful with the M249 early-game, as you will likely not have high-tier armor and will be vulnerable to Shotguns. You may also receive particular focus from players who want the gun.
 * The M249's most obvjous strength is its high DPS and ammunition capacity, which enables the user to deal large amounts of damage over a prolonged period.
 * The M249 has a 75 % damage bonus against Obstacles, meaning that it can easily destroy any destructible cover that an opponent may attempt to use.
 * The reload time of the M249 is very long, so ensure that you are not in a vulnerable position while reloading.
 * Keeping your distance can allow you some much needed time to reload the M249 should its ammo be exhausted.
 * The gigantic 100 round magazine lets you relentlessly barrage your opponents. Continuously firing against cover seeking enemies allows no recovery or breathing room on their part. If they seek shelter inside or behind indestructible forms of cover, use Frag Grenades, close the gap, and take them out with a close-range weapon.
 * Always begin reloading the M249 after getting a kill (unless unsafe or inconvenient to do so). The reload can be cancelled at no cost.

Against

 * Getting into very close range against the M249 renders it useless due to its long barrel. Having high adrenaline to close the gap will force the wielder to swap out for a more maneuverable gun or go melee. This strategy holds best use in early and late game.
 * Take advantage of the M249's long reload time to attack the user while they are reloading.
 * The M249's moving accuracy is not very high, meaning that a gun such as the FAMAS is more effective at long ranges.
 * Opponents using this weapon are vulnerable while firing it, especially without cover. Try to deal as much damage as possible while the opponent is shooting at another player. Alternatively, use a Sniper or a Higher damaging Assault Rifle such as the SCAR-H to deal concentrated damage at a distance if the opponent stands still.

Trivia

 * The M249's reload sound is, for a portion of the reload time, very similar to that of the DP-28, only being slower and with a cocking sound at the end.
 * The M249's icon has a 200-round box drum magazine, even though the M249 in-game only has a capacity of 100 round.
 * The M249, the DP-28 and the QBB-97 are the only guns that have visible magazines/ammunition boxes when holding them in game due to the amount of bullets they need to hold.
 * The M249's area target range is 800 meters (2,600 feet).
 * M249 have a chance of spawning in golden airdrops but is rare.

Countering
The M249 has the highest DPS of all the Assault Rifles and LMGs, so it's not wise to fight a M249 user directly. If you don't have a SMG or a Shotgun, shoot at them, take cover, then shoot. If you have enough adrenaline, try to dodge the bullets and make them reload, since the M249 has a reload time of 6.7 seconds, they're vulnerable and you can kill them while they're reloading.

Re-Skinning
The M249, along with the M1 Garand, AWM-S, and M4A1-S were reskinned in the v0.6.7 "Community Collage" update on November 29, 2018. The new skinning shows more detailed top look and also fits with the real life M249 and the M249 icon.

Links

 * http://surviv.io/img/loot/loot-weapon-m249.svg