I use it regularly. It is not easy, but it is very effective when you are in the grove and using it properly.

Try to limit yourself to 3 bursts unless you are going for the kill. Because if you try for 3 bursts and are just a little slow taking your finger off the trigger, then it will fire 4 bursts, which is fine. However, if you try to fire 4 bursts, and are a bit slow releasing the trigger, it will fire the 5th burst which will overheat your weapon (unless it runs out of ammo first). You want to avoid overheating, unless you are in a 1v1 situation and you are sure that last burst will kill your opponent.


You need to engage one enemy at a time. The best way to take on groups is to use cover. Step out, shoot 3 to 4 bursts (hopefully get a kill if you are accurate) and step back behind cover.

If they follow you behind cover immediately:
Switch to your sidearm to engage the person chasing you and if you don't manage to kill them quickly switch back to your Burst HMG to finish them (it will have cooled off by this point).

If they follow you behind cover after you have had a second to cool:
Try to kill them in 2 or 3 bursts from your HMG, then switch to your sidearm if they are not dead yet.

If they don't follow you behind cover:
Reload and then repeat.

If you overheat, waddle to cover and hope no one noticed the overheat animation. If they feel intimidated by your HMG it will often take them 4 or 5 seconds to get up the nerve to follow you, and by that time your overheat is over. Honestly I am amazed at how often I survive overheating in a fire fight.


This sounds drastic, and it is, but the Burst HMG also does a massive amount of damage. If you make those bursts count you can often kill people in two bursts, especially if you get a head shot. Even a well tanked medium frame suit will usually die to 3 bursts.

The nerf to the HMG heat buildup took it right to the edge, but did not break it. It is still a fine weapon. It is just VERY hard to use ans VERY unforgiving. But when used right, it is still the most deadly automatic weapon in the game.

If I am tired or not on my game, I will switch out to the base model HMG as it is so much more forgiving.

Works great if you have two heavies with bursts working together. He fires three shots, pauses, you fire three shots pause and repeat. Keeps constant fire going while giving you a chance to cool down.
Also works great when using one mixed with a group of other heavies where the burst can keep concentrated fire on an area and the other normal hmgs can pick up everyone else.

Pretty close to it, but can't match is regen