FG42

The (Fallschirmjäger Gewehr 42,Call of Duty 3 Bonus Materials or "Paratrooper Rifle 42") is a German light support weapon featured in Call of Duty, Call of Duty: United Offensive, Call of Duty 3, Call of Duty: World at War, Call of Duty: Zombies, Call of Duty: Black Ops and Call of Duty: WWII.
==Call of Duty and United Offensive==
===Campaign===
In Call of Duty, the FG42 is a "do everything" gun; it has a scope, the damage and accuracy of a rifle, and is selective-fire with a fast reload and a rapid rate of fire, making it useful at short ranges in full auto mode. Ammunition for it is fairly plentiful in the first three missions it appears in, though in the final appearance only one such weapon exists in the entire map. The weapon always has a low-power scope that settles extremely rapidly.
The FG42 features a semi-auto fire mode. The gun is unique in that when using this, hipfire accuracy is increased.
The FG42 is only encountered in four early levels: German Fallschirmjägers are equipped with it towards the end of "Ste. Mere-Eglise", and it is seen throughout "Ste. Mere-Eglise-Day". The player can start "Normandy Route N13" with one if they had one at the end of the previous mission and a few soldiers carry them during the level itself. A FG42 can be found resting on a box during the trench section of "Brecourt Manor", between the second and third FlaK 88s. Its final appearance is in the beginning of "The Reichstag". There is a sniper using one in one of the buildings, where if the player shoots him and go inside the building the FG42 will have fallen to the bottom floor and one can pick it up; if it hasn't fallen, one can go on the scaffolding inside and get it.
===Multiplayer===
In Multiplayer, the FG42 can be found in pre-determined locations if the server enables it. It comes with no extra magazines, but retains its ability to deal massive amounts of damage per shot; it is effectively treated as a "super weapon" in multiplayer maps.
===Gallery===
FG42 CoD.png|The FG42 in first person
FG42 Scope Sights CoD.png|The FG42's scope
==Call of Duty 2==
The FG42 was planned to appear in Call of Duty 2, but was later cut and replaced with the G43 from Call of Duty: United Offensive. However, the files for this weapon can be still found in game files (including sounds, images, models, textures and the pickup icon).
===Gallery===
FG42 pickup CoD2.png|The FG42's pickup image, found in the game files
FG42 cut texture sheet CoD2.png|The FG42 weapon texture, found in the game files
==Call of Duty 3==
===Campaign===
The FG42 (listed as FG-42 in the Bonus Materials) returns in Call of Duty 3. There are two versions of the FG42 in Call of Duty 3; a regular FG42 and a Scoped FG42. The FG42 has heavy recoil when fired whilst aiming down the sights, which can make it hard to control. This is especially a hindrance for the Scoped FG42. Unusually, it has very little recoil when fired from the hip. It is just as powerful as the Kar 98k, due to it firing the powerful 7.92mm round, making it highly effective when fired in bursts or single shots.
The FG42 can be commonly found on the level "The Island", both scoped and unscoped; they share ammunition if carried together. The Scoped FG42 also appears in the level "The Mace". Ammunition for the FG42 is plentiful on the levels it appears on. An unscoped FG42 can be found in the level Fuel Plant.
===Gallery===
FG-42 CoD3.png|The FG42 in first person
FG42 Iron Sights CoD3.png|Iron sight view
Scoped FG42 CoD3.png|Scoped FG42
==Call of Duty: Roads to Victory==
In Call of Duty: Roads to Victory, the FG42 appears only in Survival mode, which is unlocked after beating the game on Veteran. It replaces the Thompson, and Allies using it tend to fire semi-automatically. It takes two melee hits to kill an enemy with an FG-42 instead of the usual one hit.
==Call of Duty: World at War==
===Campaign===
In Call of Duty: World at War, the FG42 is found only during the Soviet Red Army campaign missions; it is rare even in these. The FG42 has extraordinary power, making it effective as a one-shot-kill weapon.
There are multiple hidden FG42s in the mission "Their Land, Their Blood". One is first found at the beginning of the level, inside the starting house. It is near the newly made "exit", laying on the wall to the right. More that can be picked up in the bunkers in the trench area, and hidden behind crates later on. There are also several FG42s in the mission "Heart of the Reich". One is found lying on boxes at the beginning of the level. A second FG42 is lying inside the building the player goes in before Sgt. Reznov gives his mini speech. Another is found near one of the MG42s in front of the Reichstag. The last one is found in a small building in front of the Reichstag.
In campaign, the FG42 is always equipped with a deployable bipod, which increases accuracy but limits the movement of the weapon when deployed, severely limiting its usefulness.
===Multiplayer===
The FG42 is classified as a light machine gun and is unlocked at level 45. 
The FG42 has the worst damage-per bullet in its class. At any range short of 37.5 meters, the FG42 will deal thirty damage per bullet, taking four shots to kill. Damage linearly decreases until fifty meters, where the FG42 will deal 22 damage per bullet, needing five hits to kill. The FG42 is a four shot kill out to 45 meters. A headshot will reduce the number of shots needed to kill by one at most ranges. In Hardcore, the FG42 is a one shot kill at any range short of 37.5 meters. The FG42 has high penetration power, making the FG42 retain more damage than usual when shooting through cover.
The FG42 gains increased damage per bullet when using Stopping Power. At any range short of 37.5 meters, the FG42 will deal 42 damage per bullet, taking three shots to kill. Damage linearly decreases until fifty meters, where the FG42 will deal thirty damage per bullet, needing four shots to kill. the FG42's three shot kill range ends at roughly 46 meters, and the FG42 with Stopping Power will always deal a one shot kill in Hardcore, unless the enemy is using Juggernaut or if the user is shooting through moderately thick surfaces. The FG42's damage per bullet is heavily improved in both Core and Hardcore game types, and the user should always consider using Stopping Power when using the FG42, regardless of game type.
The FG42 has the highest rate of fire in the MG class, tied with the MG42 at 937 RPM. This high rate of fire compensates for the poor damage per bullet. Equipping Double Tap will increase the rate of fire to 1250 RPM.
The FG42 has odd accuracy characteristics. The FG42's iron sights are extremely clean and easy to use. The recoil per shot is easily the smallest in the MG category, and is some of the softest recoil in the game, with a light upwards pull and light kick from side to side. However, the FG42 easily has the lowest centerspeed of all MGs, at a mere 1129 centerspeed. This centerspeed is extremely poor, and in conjunction with the FG42's high fire rate, recoil will climb with the FG42. The centerspeed simply isn't large enough, and there isn't enough time between shots for the centerspeed to fully counteract the recoil per shot, as small as it is. Still, the soft recoil per shot makes the FG42 possible to manage for many users.
The FG42's handling characteristics are superb for an MG. The MG42 is tied with the Browning M1919 for the fastest movement speed of all the MGs, allowing the user to move at 100% of the base speed, and strafe at 40% of the base speed, both best in-class. The hip-fire spread is an average size, making hip-fire reliable in close quarters. The aim down sight time is slow, at 350 milliseconds. The FG42 lays claim to the fastest reload speeds of all the MGs, taking 2.4 seconds to do a partial reload, or 3.5 seconds for an empty reload. The reload cancel of the FG42 is variable. For a partial reload, the reload cancel time is 1.85 seconds, and for an empty reload, the reload cancel is marginally faster at 1.75 seconds. Both of these speeds are the best in tier, only rivalled by the BAR. The swift handling characteristics give the FG42 its greatest strength over other MGs, as it's streamlined for use in aggressive roles, something quite a few MGs aren't well-suited for. The FG42 is much more competitive in an aggressive, mobile playstyle than other MGs.
The FG42's biggest weakness is its short magazine, at merely twenty rounds per magazine, equal to the BAR for the smallest in-class. Unlike the BAR, the FG42 is much less efficient with ammo, as it needs more bullets to kill and the fire rate is astronomically higher on the FG42. The user will only get eighty rounds total in the starting ammo loadout, also worst in-tier. Bandolier is extremely hard to pass on, as it'll give the FG42 much needed ammo. The FG42 isn't very commonly used by other players either, so it's tough to scavenge for ammo for the FG42 off the ground as well.
The FG42 has access to two attachments: the Telescopic Sight and the Bipod. 
The Telescopic Sight is a long range oriented sight, as it has a higher innate zoom level than the iron sights, but the scope can obstruct peripheral vision. The Telescopic Sight also increases idle sway speed, which isn't good seeing how the MGs have a high innate idle sway amount in Multiplayer. Unlike longer ranged sights in later titles, the Telescopic Sight has no deleterious effects on aim down sight time or centerspeed. It allows the user to make better shots at longer range without compromising accuracy too harshly.
The Bipod on the FG42 increases the FG42's maximum damage range when deployed. The FG42 when deployed won't have its damage drop-off occur until fifty meters, at which range the FG42 will drop from its maximum damage to its minimum damage. This effectively gives a range increase to the FG42's four shot kill, its three shot kill with Stopping Power, and the FG42's one shot kill range in Hardcore when not using Stopping Power. The Bipod is a capable attachment for long range use, as it will improve the FG42's performance at such ranges. However, the FG42 is ill-suited for Bipod use, as it has a very short magazine and the worst damage in-class beyond fifty meters. 
In the Limited Edition, there is a code to access the FG42 early; however, it doesn't actually unlock the gun itself, but a class with the FG42 as its primary weapon. It replaces the Type 99 in the LMG pre-created class.
===Nazi Zombies===
In Nazi Zombies, it appears in Nacht der Untoten and Shi No Numa, available from the Mystery Box, and also in Der Riese, from the Mystery Box and off the wall for 1500 points, next to the Speed Cola. It has high power, ripping through zombies and Hellhounds alike. The recoil makes it a problem and is often overlooked because of this, although the recoil can actually be beneficial for getting headshots. The high rate of fire cancels out the need for Double Tap Root Beer and the frequent reloads give the need for Speed Cola. The FG42 is more effective against Hellhounds than pretty much all other wall purchasable weapons, not counting Shotguns. The pinpoint accuracy of the iron sights combined with the significant zoom during ADS makes the FG42 a great weapon for headshots from a distance, but it is probably a better idea to hip-fire in most cases as this huge zoom from ADS will restrict a player's peripheral vision, increasing the risk of being swarmed on either side. It is a regular spawn from the mystery box. Furthermore, unlike the other Machine Guns, the FG42 does not restrict movement speed, which is a major advantage in later rounds when players must sprint to outrun the zombies.
When it is Pack-a-Punched, it becomes the "420 Impeller", increasing firepower, magazine size, rate of fire, and held ammo. Recoil becomes an even bigger problem as it "climbs" while firing, so it is advisable to aim for the legs and let the recoil move it towards the head and chest. While this gun is surpassed in effectiveness by other weapons, it does have a distinct advantage of being purchasable off the wall, making managing its ammo capacity easier than weapons obtained from the Mystery Box.
===FG42 vs. 420 Impeller===
===Weapon Attachments===
*Bipod
*Telescopic Sight
===Gallery===
FG42 WaW.png|The FG42 in first person
FG42 Bipod WaW.png|The FG42 a Bipod attached. This model is used by default in Zombies, regardless of whether the attachment is equipped or not.
FG42 Iron Sights WaW.png|Aiming down the sights
FG42 Reload WaW.png|Reloading the FG42
FG42 Cocking WaW.png|Cocking the FG42
FG42 Third Person WaW.png|The FG42 in third person
==Call of Duty: Zombies==
The FG42 appears in the iOS version of Zombies. It is available from the Mystery Box, or off the wall in Der Riese for 1500 points. It has a high rate of fire, but a longer reload time than most weapons, though it is faster than the other MGs. Like its prior appearance, it retains its exceptional power.
===Gallery===
FG42 CODZ.PNG|The FG42
FG42 ADS CODZ.PNG|Aiming
FG42 reload CODZ.PNG|Reloading
FG42 boltpull reload CODZ.PNG|Reloading
FG42 Mystery Box CODZ.PNG|Getting the FG42 from the Mystery Box
420 Impeller CoDZ.png|Firing the 420 Impeller
==Call of Duty: Black Ops==
The FG42 in Call of Duty: Black Ops can only be obtained from the wall in Der Riese, from the revised zombie maps from Call of Duty: World at War. It uses the same model as the Call of Duty: World at War FG42, but with the higher level of polish from the graphically superior game.
===FG42 vs 420 Impeller===
===Gallery===
FG42 BO.png|The FG42 in Black Ops.
FG42 ADS BO.png|Aiming down the FG42's iron sights.
FG42 Reload BO.png|Reloading the FG42.
420 Impeller BO.png|The 420 Impeller in Black Ops.
==Call of Duty: Online==
While not available as a standalone weapon, the "FG42" exists as a skin for the MR23 assault rifle in Call of Duty Online.
===Gallery===
FG 42 Loadout CoDO.png|The FG42 skin in the Create-A-Class
==Call of Duty: WWII==
The FG 42 returns in Call of Duty: WWII. It is a high damage rifle, powerful enough to net three-hit kills at close to medium-long range, but the lower rate of fire puts it at a disadvantage in close quarters where most other automatic rifles boast faster times-to-kill. The FG 42's competitiveness comes from its medium to long range combat ability, where its high damage and range can net quick kills without much competition from other automatic weapons, which are not as accurate and cannot compete with the FG 42 at such ranges. 
In order to most effectively cater to the FG 42's strengths, the rifle is best suited to a more conservative style of play. Staying back at longer ranges and burst firing the FG 42 to ensure accuracy is often the most effective way to use the weapon, as its slow time-to-kill is likely to get the player killed in close quarters. Staying back allows the player to eliminate most competition from automatic rifles, shotguns and SMGs, and can allow the player to engage snipers or LMG users at their leisure.
As far as attachments go, the Quickdraw Handle is an effective choice that allows players to acquire target aim faster, which can also somewhat mitigate its poorer close range performance. High Caliber has the potential to make most engagements 2 shot kills as long as one of the 2 are a head shot. Like most rifles, FMJ is useful for shooting through cover without worrying about damage dropping off. The Grip is also useful, as an earlier nerf to the weapon's recoil has made it more difficult to use at longer ranges. It's poor reload speed can be somewhat mitigated with Extended Mags. It also gains the greatest boost from Advanced Rifling compared to other rifles, normally dropping off at 37m without it. Optical attachments can be used, as the front post on the FG 42's iron sights is rather small and can be difficult to use for some players. The FG42 can also mount a bayonet allowing for a faster response melee strike.
In the November 9th, 2017 patch, the FG 42 was nerfed to have increased recoil and a wider hipfire spread.https://charlieintel.com/2017/11/09/patch-update-1-05-call-duty-wwii-now-live-ps4/
In the December 21, 2017 patch the FG42 was nerfed with a severly reduced fire rate, dropping 15% from the original to roughly 440 RPM.
In the January 18, 2018 patch the FG42 was buffed with lower recoil and a higher rate of fire.
===Nazi Zombies===
The FG 42 can be obtained from a Weapon Locker in the map The Final Reich for 1600 Jolts, and can be obtained from the Mystery Box in all of the current maps.
When upgraded via the Ubersprengen, it becomes the Device 450.
===Attachments===
Attachment 	Unlock level 	Unlock level
Lens Sight 	Weapon Level 2 	Automatically unlocked in Zombies
Quickdraw 	Weapon Level 3 	Zombies level 4
Grip 	Weapon Level 4 	Zombies level 4
Reflex Sight 	Weapon Level 5 	Zombies level 11
High Caliber 	Weapon Level 6 	Zombies level 39
Steady Aim 	Weapon Level 7 	Zombies level 15
Full Metal Jacket	Weapon Level 8 	Zombies level 18
4x Optic 	Weapon Level 9 	Zombies level 22
Rapid Fire 	Weapon Level 10	Zombies level 25
Extended Mags 	Weapon Level 11	Zombies level 29
Advanced Rifling 	Weapon Level 12	Zombies level 32
Bayonet 	Weapon Level 13	N/A
Rifle Grenade 	Weapon Level 14	N/A
===Variants===
Name 	Rarity	Perk 	Operation	Notes
Kampfflugzeug 	Epic 	10% Bonus Soldier XP 	 	
Kampfflugzeug II	Heroic	15% Bonus Soldier XP 	 	
Revised 	Epic 	10% Bonus Soldier XP 	 	
Revised II 	Heroic	15% Bonus Soldier XP 	 	
Stripe-Happy 	Epic 	10% Bonus Soldier XP 	 	
Stripe-Happy II 	Heroic	15% Bonus Soldier XP Close Quarters	 	
Stinkeroo 	Epic 	10% Bonus Soldier XP 	 	
Stinkeroo II 	Heroic	15% Bonus Soldier XP 	 	
===Gallery===
FG 42 WWII.png|The FG 42 in first person
FG 42 ADS WWII.png|Aiming down the sights
FG 42 Reload WWII.png|Reloading
FG 42 Inspect 1 WWII.png|Inspecting a side of the FG 42
FG 42 Inspect 2 WWII.png|Inspecting another side
==Trivia==
===Call of Duty 3===
*Unlike other weapons with attachments, the scoped FG42 doesn't have its own entry and description in the bonus material, only the standard FG42 does.
===Call of Duty: Roads to Victory===
*In the bonus material section, a picture of the Chatellerault incorrectly accompanies the FG-42's description.
===Call of Duty: World at War===
*The Barracks incorrectly states that the FG42 will unlock a Sniper Scope instead of a Telescopic Sight after achieving 75 kills in Call of Duty: World at War.
*Strangely, although the FG42 is available in a few levels, German soldiers are never seen using it during Call of Duty: World at War's campaign mode.
*When aiming down the iron sight, a number and a fingerprint can be seen.
*On the World at War and Black Ops variants, The FG42 has four numbers seen only when aiming down the sight. The numbers are 5, 6, 7 and 8 with small lines above and between them. This suggests that they are numbers to set the zoom of a certain sight.
*According to the strategy guide for Call of Duty: World at War, the FG42 is considered an assault rifle instead of a LMG.
*The Pack-a-Punched name, the 420 Impeller, is a reference to the gun's designation (FG42), and the 420 in the name also references marijuana.
*It has FZS marked in front of the rear sight, this means it is a Krieghoff produced weapon.
===​Call of Duty: WWII===
*The player's view does not move around when reloading the FG 42 with extended mag, while with the normal FG 42 it does.
==References==
Category:Call of Duty Machine Guns
Category:Call of Duty: United Offensive Machine Guns
Category:Call of Duty 2 Cut Weapons
Category:Call of Duty 3 Machine Guns
Category:Call of Duty 3 Single Player Weapons
Category:Call of Duty: Roads to Victory Machine Guns
Category:Call of Duty: World at War Machine Guns
Category:Call of Duty: Black Ops Light Machine Guns
Category:Call of Duty: WWII Rifles