psychodad
05-04-2005, 03:52 PM
I've been asked to put together a little primer on weapons selection for Rainbow Six 3, so based on my experience, here goes.
Close Quarters
This would include maps like Presidio, Streets, Siberian Base and any other map where you don't have to look down long streets or across wide areas.
Most of the Submachine group work well here. My favorite's are the TMP, MTAR-21, P90 and the UMP .45. All of these can accept a silencer, but not all can take a mini-scope, which is good if you need a long look - but for the most part you shouldn't need it. The high-capacity mag is what I recommend, as these guns usually have a high rate of fire, and will empty on you real quick! Also, try to fire these guns in short bursts to keep the accuracy tight.
Medium Range
This would be maps like Streets of Milan, Castle in Milan, Agora Market and Lumber yard. The key is you will probably be seeing tango's in more open areas, so you need some range and accuracy.
The Assault Rifle group is a good choice here. There are 3 AR's that have scopes built in, so a silencer or HiCap mag can be added as well. They are the AUG, G36K and the L85A1. These 3 are the BEST default guns you can use. You almost can't go wrong with these 3 guns in any setting. Some of my favorite's besides these are the M82, FAL, Tar-21 and the G3A3.
Add Ons
Don't forget - with silencer's and high-cap mags, your gun will recover slower and aim slower, so unless you must use them, don't. The mini scope only adds to the height of your gun on the screen, but going in and out of a scope on tight maps can be deadly.
Sniper Rifles
I haven't done too much sniping, but have found as in many other games, the rifle doesn't make a lot of difference. Some are silenced, some even have auto fire (but you don't get a lot of ammo with these babys). If you carry a SR, you may want to carry an Uzi or MAC-11 as your sidearm, and use it until you have a sniping target. I like the Walther 2000 rifle because of its bullpup design and quick aiming.
Shotguns
These can be fun and effective in close combat, but I don't see why you would use anything but the USAS-12 fully auto...it rocks!
Pistols
The MK23 .45 is a great single shot gun, that has a good balance of power and recovery. The Desert Eagle .357 and .50 are hard hitters, just make the first shot count. My new favorite is the 93R, with its 3 round burst capability.
Light Machine Guns
You really only need these in team situations when supressing fire is needed. They take forever for reticle convergence, but can throw out a lot of lead. My favorite is the HK 21E (I even put one of these in my Ghost Recon Mod).
Shooting Hints and Tips
The most important tip is: if you have "always run" enabled, remember to Right-Click (unless you have it mapped to something else) to walk to bring the reticle bloom in WAY quicker than when you're running. I always do this approaching corners or anytime an enemy could be nearby.
Don't forget once you're killed, the TAB key will get you back to the weapons screen, so you can tweak your selections while the game is still going on (and not have to rush before the next round starts). This is almost a must in adversarial matches.
If you're getting hit before you get many shots off, switch to a submachine gun with quick targeting and high rate of fire. I go to the TMP in those cases.
If you're hitting the enemy, but they're not going down, switch to an assault rifle with a high damage rating like the FAL or M14 (usually 7.65mm rounds), and use silencers and hicap mags only if you must.
Crouching can lower your profile and give you more accuracy, but it can also leave you vulnerable and unable to react quickly. Use it carefully.
I hope this helps take some guesswork out of weapons selection for you. If anyone has any questions, drop me a line or catch me online.
Tango down!
Close Quarters
This would include maps like Presidio, Streets, Siberian Base and any other map where you don't have to look down long streets or across wide areas.
Most of the Submachine group work well here. My favorite's are the TMP, MTAR-21, P90 and the UMP .45. All of these can accept a silencer, but not all can take a mini-scope, which is good if you need a long look - but for the most part you shouldn't need it. The high-capacity mag is what I recommend, as these guns usually have a high rate of fire, and will empty on you real quick! Also, try to fire these guns in short bursts to keep the accuracy tight.
Medium Range
This would be maps like Streets of Milan, Castle in Milan, Agora Market and Lumber yard. The key is you will probably be seeing tango's in more open areas, so you need some range and accuracy.
The Assault Rifle group is a good choice here. There are 3 AR's that have scopes built in, so a silencer or HiCap mag can be added as well. They are the AUG, G36K and the L85A1. These 3 are the BEST default guns you can use. You almost can't go wrong with these 3 guns in any setting. Some of my favorite's besides these are the M82, FAL, Tar-21 and the G3A3.
Add Ons
Don't forget - with silencer's and high-cap mags, your gun will recover slower and aim slower, so unless you must use them, don't. The mini scope only adds to the height of your gun on the screen, but going in and out of a scope on tight maps can be deadly.
Sniper Rifles
I haven't done too much sniping, but have found as in many other games, the rifle doesn't make a lot of difference. Some are silenced, some even have auto fire (but you don't get a lot of ammo with these babys). If you carry a SR, you may want to carry an Uzi or MAC-11 as your sidearm, and use it until you have a sniping target. I like the Walther 2000 rifle because of its bullpup design and quick aiming.
Shotguns
These can be fun and effective in close combat, but I don't see why you would use anything but the USAS-12 fully auto...it rocks!
Pistols
The MK23 .45 is a great single shot gun, that has a good balance of power and recovery. The Desert Eagle .357 and .50 are hard hitters, just make the first shot count. My new favorite is the 93R, with its 3 round burst capability.
Light Machine Guns
You really only need these in team situations when supressing fire is needed. They take forever for reticle convergence, but can throw out a lot of lead. My favorite is the HK 21E (I even put one of these in my Ghost Recon Mod).
Shooting Hints and Tips
The most important tip is: if you have "always run" enabled, remember to Right-Click (unless you have it mapped to something else) to walk to bring the reticle bloom in WAY quicker than when you're running. I always do this approaching corners or anytime an enemy could be nearby.
Don't forget once you're killed, the TAB key will get you back to the weapons screen, so you can tweak your selections while the game is still going on (and not have to rush before the next round starts). This is almost a must in adversarial matches.
If you're getting hit before you get many shots off, switch to a submachine gun with quick targeting and high rate of fire. I go to the TMP in those cases.
If you're hitting the enemy, but they're not going down, switch to an assault rifle with a high damage rating like the FAL or M14 (usually 7.65mm rounds), and use silencers and hicap mags only if you must.
Crouching can lower your profile and give you more accuracy, but it can also leave you vulnerable and unable to react quickly. Use it carefully.
I hope this helps take some guesswork out of weapons selection for you. If anyone has any questions, drop me a line or catch me online.
Tango down!