Part 17

Learn to master the Minigun and Flak Cannon in Unreal Tournament. Discover their strengths, weaknesses, and effective strategies for dominating your opponents.

Minigun

The Minigun is a powerful weapon with a high rate of fire (around 10 rounds per second), dealing approximately 15 damage per bullet. If mastered, its DPS output can be spectacular, capable of killing an unarmoured opponent in under a second. However, it's difficult to use effectively, especially online due to lag. It's generally outclassed by weapons like the Sniper Rifle, Shock Rifle, Flak Cannon, and Rockets. Its slow spin-up time makes it best for finishing off low-health opponents in Deathmatch (DM) or in wide, open spaces in Assault (AS) with multiple miniguns firing simultaneously. It is effective against the T/L (Translocator/Leech) due to its hitscan accuracy and infinite range, requiring only one shot as it lands.

Countering the Minigun: If you can't escape, try standing still to confuse the minigunner's circling pattern. Exploit the bots' programming by moving into cover and attacking during the half-second spin-up time when they can't see you. Your success often depends more on your opponent's skill than your evasion.

Flak Cannon

The Flak Cannon is a versatile, all-purpose weapon favoured by many players, including professionals for DM. Its primary fire is a wide spread that is highly damaging at close to mid-range and doesn't require perfect accuracy. Primary shots can also be bounced off walls to shoot around corners, concentrating damage. It's excellent for clearing tight corridors and finishing off weakened enemies. The secondary fire launches destructive flak balls that travel in an arc, effective at short to medium distances, especially when jumping. Both modes have splash damage that can injure the user if too close. The Flak Cannon is also great for destroying AS objectives due to its concentrated projectile damage and ability to shoot around corners.

Countering the Flak Cannon: Within its effective range, the Flak Cannon is dangerous. Unpredictable movement is key until you can escape or defeat your opponent. At longer distances, avoid areas packed with flak flechettes or balls, and stay in the open.