The R-97 is a compact submachine gun that excels at close-quarter combat due to its extremely high rate of fire and minimal recoil.
Pro Tip: StrongSide
Nothing shoots faster than the R-97 Compact SMG when it’s fitted with the Scatterfire mod. Use this configuration to dominate against Pilots, Grunts, and Spectres in close quarters.
Strengths:
Large magazine capacity
Extremely high rate of fire; excels in close quarters, kills fast
Weaknesses:
Weak shot-for-shot damage output
Limited effective range; outclassed by carbine and rifles
Weapon Performance
Magazine Capacity: 40
Weapon Unlock: Level 6
Kill Shot Count
Weapon Attachments
Image
Name
Description
Unlock
Iron Sights
Factory issue gunsights are cheap and reliable, but visibility through them can be somewhat limited.
Default Weapon Sight
HCOG
The Holographic Combat Optical Gunsight has an open sight picture, making it easier to acquire targets, particularly in the vertical. The gunsight is fixed at 1.85X magnification, and includes integrated ammunition readouts.
The Expendables (III) Challenge: Kill 50 Grunts
Weapon Mods
Image
Name
Description
Unlock
Extended Magazine
This mod increases the ammo capacity of the weapon, so that you don’t have to reload as often.
Machine War (II) Challenge: Kill 25 Spectres
Scatterfire
This mod increases the R-97’s high rate of fire even further, at the expense of accuracy.
This mod reduces the firing noise and muzzle flash of the weapon, making it ideal for taking your enemies by surprise.
If It Moves… (II) Challenge: Kill 25 Enemies
Field Notes
Shot for shot, the R-97 Compact SMG has the lowest damage output of all the primary weapons. But what it lacks in damage output it more than makes up for in its impressive rate of fire. The weapon’s blistering cyclic rate makes it an extremely formidable weapon in close-quarter encounters, easily mowing down pilots and AI alike. However, go easy on the trigger. The high rate of fire results in extreme recoil, making it difficult to keep the weapon on-target. Compensate for muzzle climb by firing in short bursts, particularly when engaging targets beyond 15-20 meters.
The R-97 is most effective against pilots at close range, where its high rate of fire gives the shooter an edge over their opponents. While this SMG doesn’t kill as fast as the EVA-8 Shotgun, its high rate of fire and 40-round magazine capacity makes it a true contender at close range. As a result, look to engage enemy pilots in buildings, alleys, and other cramped environments where you can take advantage of the weapon’s strengths. Likewise, avoid open areas where this SMG is easily outclassed by most of the other primary weapons.
This SMG is an absolute minion killer, perfect for wiping out squads of Grunts and Spectres. Look for newly arrived drop pods, then rush in for the kill. At close range the R-97 is an effective hip fire weapon, allowing you to spray targets with decent accuracy. But at ranges beyond 10 meters, always aim down the weapon’s sights. While ammo conservation shouldn’t be much of a concern with this weapon, you can always drop enemies faster with headshots.
Equip the HCOG as soon as it’s available, as it offers faster target acquisition than the standard iron sights. When it comes to mods, it depends on what kind of game you want to play. The Extended Magazine offers an extra 10 rounds per magazine, leading to less-frequent reloads. Scatterfire takes the weapon’s rate of fire to a whole new level, allowing the SMG to pump out lethal amounts of lead in a flash. Or if you want to take a stealthy approach, opt for the Suppressor to remain hidden on the minimap.
If It Moves…
Top Gun
Machine War
The Expendables
This is My Weapon
Off the Dome