SMG-34 Ninja

> *"A silenced, compact, automatic weapon, the SMG-34 is slightly higher calibre than other weapons of similar type. It uses the same type of magazines as other SMGs, but due to the higher calibre, they only hold 30 rounds. The SMG-34 is part of the Commando equipment kit."
>  - Armory Description*
>
>

## Unlock Requirement

The SMG-34 Ninja is part of the the Commando Pack and is automatically unlocked by purchasing the respective DLC.

## Upgrades

**Increased Rate of Fire**

* A modified receiver and gas system allows for a higher rate of fire without sacrificing reliability. Significantly increases the rate of fire.

**Armor-Piercing Ammunition**

* This ammunition type has been specifically designed to counter light to medium armor. AP rounds have no trouble punching through light armor and deal increased damage to targets with medium armor. Like all AP Ammo upgrades, this upgrade will not make it possible to damage Cyborg IFVs and enemies with heavy armor. Refer to Enemies/Detailed Statistics for details on AP Ammo mechanics.

**Extended Magazine**

* Increases the number of rounds in the magazine from 30 to 45. The number of spare magazines that can be carried remains unchanged.

## Weapon Stats

* Helldivers start missions with 8 magazines and can carry up to a maximum of 16. Each magazine contains 30 rounds by default (45 with the Extended Magazine upgrade). If 10 or less rounds remain in the magazine when the weapon is fired, the 'low ammunition' warning sound will play and red tracer round will fire.

* The Ninja takes 1.5 seconds to reload when empty and 1 second with ammunition remaining in the magazine. Performing a tactical reload with ammo left in the magazine keeps a round in the chamber as well, giving the Ninja maximum of 46 shots before needing to be reloaded again.

## Gameplay Tips

* Like all SMGs, the Ninja gives Helldivers increased mobility while aiming and can be used when downed or carrying objectives such as the Black Box, Illuminate Power Core or Artillery shells. Helldivers can switch between the Ninja and their sidearm while carrying objectives or downed by pressing the 'weapon switch' button. If a support weapon such as the MG-94 is currently equipped, the Ninja will take priority over the Helldiver's sidearm when downed or picking up objectives and will be switched to first.

* Before upgrades, the Ninja is to the Defender what the Justice is to the Liberator. It offers higher damage per bullet compared to the Defender while having a smaller magazine and slightly lower rate of fire, while still possessing the same reload speed and mobility bonus. When fully upgraded the Ninja becomes a powerful, brute-force alternative to the other more utility-focused SMGs, offering much lower spread with sustained fire and increased damage per bullet while also being the middle ground in terms of rate of fire.

* The Ninja lacks the **Mini-Stun** upgrade of the other SMGs, making it less desirable as a defensive-focused support weapon. It works best for dealing with threats that have worked their way into the middle of the team, among groups of survivors, or close to an objective due to its manageable spread, reduced range, and higher damage per bullet, minimizing the chances of killing teammates or survivors and heavily damaging objectives. The Ninja benefits greatly from being paired with stratagem weapons or the Perk Pistols and makes for a good backup weapon for CQC or firing on the move.

## Notes

* Despite being equipped with a suppressor and having a much quieter firing sound effect, it is purely cosmetic. The Ninja does not have a stealth/lowered detection bonus and firing it will draw just as much attention any other weapon. This may actually be a game bug, but this has not been confirmed.