Quick answer
The M249 SAW is a versioned Support-track light machine gun using 5.56×45 mm ammunition. Its recorded cost and large inventory footprint make it a deliberate lane-control purchase, not a default upgrade for every infantry route.
Recorded purchase and unlock
| Category | Light machine gun |
|---|---|
| Recorded deployment price | $3,200 in-game cash |
| Access | Support 15 · $100,000 |
| Ammunition | 5.56×45 mm |
| Evidence scope | Versioned item record · current-client recheck needed |
| Data build | Late Beta / launch research |
| Reviewed | 2026-09-16 |
| Fire modes | Semi-auto / full auto |
| Recorded weight | 7.5 kg |
| Recorded inventory size | 6 × 2 |
| Current check | Confirm the supported ammunition container and capacity in the live weapon screen |
Separate the permanent Support access payment from the deployment purchase. Add the current supported ammunition container, loaded ammunition, protection and utility before judging whether the full kit can be replaced after a loss.
Ammunition and equipment
The catalog record describes semi-auto and full-auto fire, a 6 × 2 footprint and 5.56×45 mm ammunition. It also records substantially more weapon weight than the rifles on this wiki. Treat those figures as build-specific and confirm the current inventory panel.
Do not infer magazine compatibility from the shared 5.56 label. Build the ready ammunition through the M249 screen and verify what enters the weapon before deployment.
Battlefield role
Use the M249 when the squad needs sustained coverage of an approach, a crossing or a withdrawal. Choose cover with an exit, fire for a team purpose and relocate before a fixed firing point becomes predictable. The weapon does not replace objective presence, spotting or resupply.
Compare another option
The M4 is a lighter general-purpose 5.56 reference. The PKM is a later Support catalog entry in a different ammunition family. Compare mobility, inventory space, ammunition supply and repeat deployment cost before choosing a belt-fed weapon.
Data version and sources
Official weapon changes are tracked through WARDOGS Steam announcements. Item fields are versioned community records reviewed on September 16, 2026; damage, recoil and current ammunition capacity require a live-client check.
Read every value with its version.
Official changes use first-party announcements. Item fields without a current official table remain labeled as dated gameplay records until they can be checked in the public client.