Stationary Weapons

Master stationary weapons like MG42s and Flak Guns in Call of Duty: World at War. Learn tactics for using them effectively and surviving enemy fire.

Alright, let's talk about those big guns you can hop into – the stationary weapons in Call of Duty: World at War. We're mainly looking at the MG42 machine guns and the Flak Guns. You won't see the Flak Guns too often, only popping up a couple of times in the game, but the MG42s are your more common friends on the battlefield.

To get yourself behind one of these bad boys, just walk up to it and press the 'F' key – that's your 'use' key. When you do, whatever weapon you're currently holding will be swapped out for the stationary gun. Once you're in the seat, it's pretty straightforward: aim your crosshair at the enemy and let 'em have it by clicking the fire button. Easy peasy, right?

Now, these things can be absolute game-changers, but they've got their quirks. Here are some tips from a seasoned player to help you make the most of them:

• Let Your Squad Do the Heavy Lifting: Seriously, your AI buddies are tough. They can usually handle themselves and lay down a ton of suppressing fire. Your main job is often to hop on an MG42 or a sniper perch and pick off the enemies that are giving your squad the most trouble. Don't feel like you have to do everything yourself!
• Dodging Mortar Barrages: If you find yourself in an open field with mortars raining down, remember that bombs rarely hit the exact same spot twice. Try to run between cover like trees, buildings, or even cows if they're around. Deep craters are your best friends here – they offer solid protection. Just move carefully, because advancing often triggers the next wave of shelling.
• Handgun for Distant Threats: If a sniper or a gunner is just out of reach for your main rifle or SMG, don't be afraid to use your handgun's ammo to try and take them out first. It might seem like a waste, but it can clear the way for you to advance or use other strategies.
• Flanking the MG42s: MG42s have a pretty limited range of motion. With your squad laying down covering fire, you can often use their slow panning to your advantage. Try to circle around behind them and get an extreme angle where they can't easily track you. Sometimes you can even end up in a face-to-face shootout, which they're usually not prepared for.
• When Things Go South: If you're really struggling with a particular section, don't hesitate to restart the level. You might find helpful pickups like health or extra ammo in earlier parts that you can carry forward. Also, always rethink your strategy. If what you're doing isn't working, try a completely different approach. If you know a scripted event like a tank or an explosion is coming, sometimes it's best to move *away* from where your squad is heading, as they tend to follow the programmed path right into danger.
• Ammo Management is Key: In some missions, like Burnville, you'll find more enemy ammo lying around than your own. This is where weapon swapping becomes super important. For example, trading your American Thompson for a German MP40 can be a smart move. Many German soldiers drop them, they're easy to use for controlled bursts, and surprisingly accurate if you tap the trigger. They're great for conserving precious ammo.