Ground Branch

Work In Progress This article is still under construction. It may contain factual errors. See Talk:Ground Branch for current discussions. Content is subject to change.

GROUND BRANCH Release Date: August 14, 2018 Developer: BlackFoot Studios Publisher: MicroProse Platforms: PC Genre: First-Person Tactical Shooter

The following weapons appear in the video game Ground Branch:

Handguns

Glock 19

Two heavily customized Gen 3 Glock 19s by Agency Arms appear in the game under the "Patrol" and "Urban" variants. Both feature 15 and 20 round magazines (via extended baseplates) and threaded barrels.

"Urban"

Agency Arms Glock 19 Urban Package - 9x19mm

The default config of the "Urban" variant. Comes standard with a Trijicon RMR mini red dot, SureFire X300U light, and Taran Tactical +5 extended baseplates. Note the suppressor height sights.

Other side of the one-trick pony of a sidearm.

A-1 comes to the range with an Agency Arms Glock 19.

A-1 aiming down the red dot mounted on the slide.

A-1 reloading the pistol, note the mag.

A-1 preforms an empty reload, note the extended mag.

"Patrol"

Agency Arms Glock 17 Patrol series, similar to the one shown in-game - 9x19mm

The "Patrol" model in the menu.

The opposite side of the "Patrol".

A-1 starting his range day by readying up his Agency Arms Glock 19 Patrol at the indoor range.

A-1 aims down the sights of his Glock 19.

A-1 Loads a fresh mag into the Handgun.

A-1 takes the old mag out.

A-1 checks the mag to make absolutely sure that the mag he loaded has ammo.

SIG-Sauer P320 RX

A SIG-Sauer P320 RX with a threaded barrel appears under the name "M17", which is incorrect since it lacks the manual safety, the frame is of full size length and it comes in a black finish. 17 and 21 round magazines are available.

SIG-Sauer P320 RX Full Size with proprietary ROMEO1 reflex sight - 9x19mm

The P320 in the customization screen.

Fortunately, alongside the Glock 19 "Urban" variant, it also has the option of mounting a mini red dot sight.

Carefully aiming down the sights before making entry in a certain man's compound in Pakistan.

Fresh magazine check.

Ditto, but now it's empty.

Slide locked back, you know what time it is?

In goes the fresh mag.

Giving it a good power stroke to send it straight into battery.

M1911A1 hybrid

An all-black M1911A1 variant, made of different parts from many manufacturers appears as the "M1911A1". The upper assembly is from a Kimber Warrior and the barrel is threaded. The frame is inspired by the Colt Rail Gun with Hogue Wraparound grips. 8 and 10 round magazines are available.

Kimber Warrior - .45 ACP

Colt Rail Gun - .45 ACP

The not-Kimber in the customization menu.

Two World Wars, and then some. According to some people in the operator community.

A-1 opts to join the mile high club.

Aiming down the teeny tiny three-dot night sights.

Checking a magazine to reveal 8 rounds of problem-solving.

Slide locked back...

...so it's time to reload.

Pulling the slide to release it into battery.

Beretta M9A3

A black Beretta M9A3 appears in the game, with 17 and 20 round magazine available.

Beretta M9A3 - 9x19mm

The factory pistol in all of its 3D glory. The hammer sticks out way too much compared to real life.

Ditto, but the opposite.

The operator looking down the sights while making entry in the killhouse.

Checking the magazine; it correctly tracks the amount of rounds left.

Reloadin'.

Checking again, but this time topped off.

Uh oh, the slide locked back. Good thing it's just a steel target though.

Let's insert a fresh mag...

...while remedied with a power stroke on the slide.

SIG-Sauer P226 MK 25

A SIG-Sauer P226 MK 25 with a threaded barrel and standard P226 (without the iconic Navy Anchor) optics ready slide appears in the game. 15 and 20 round magazines are available.

SIG-Sauer P226 Navy, this is the version used by the Navy SEALs - 9x19mm

A plain SIG P226 MK25 in the customization screen.

Ditto.

A Mercenary operating somewhere in Jupiter using the tried and true center axis relock point shooting stance.

Looking down the SIG's three-dot sights.

(Empty) mag check.

After expending his rounds in an abandoned village, the Merc ponders why he wasted that many rounds on nothing.

He drops the thought by inserting a new mag.

Like always, he power strokes the slide into battery.

Makarov PMM

A Makarov PMM appears in-game without any customization. The magazines are double stack and hold 12 rounds.

Makarov PMM - 9x18 Makarov

The Makarov in the customization menu.

With no attachments to speak of, of course.

The Russian pistol in the point shooting stance.

Look down the irons.

Ammo check on the Mak.

Slide locked back.

New double stack going in.

Racking the slide.

Submachine Guns

Heckler & Koch MP5A4

An MP5A4 is available, correctly depicted using its semi, 3-burst, and auto trigger group. It has good recoil control, and a fast cyclic rate. Its main drawback is the reload speed, especially if the player is performing a retention reload. Due to the difficulty of seating a fully loaded magazine on a closed bolt in real life, the operator has to re-index the mag in their rig, and then come back and slap the fresh mag to make it completely seated. It has access to a Surefire 628 forend and RIS handguard.

Heckler & Koch MP5A4 - 9x19mm

A factory standard MP5A4 in the customization screen.

Opposite side, showcasing its pictogram, ambidextrous trigger housing.

A ghillie suit monster emerges from the bushes and fires a burst out of his MP5A4.

Heckler & Koch MP5A5

Effectively the same as the variant above, the MP5A5 is also available. At this time, it is statistically identical to the A4. Only obvious difference is that it's sporting the updated "F" Type of retractable stock.

Heckler & Koch MP5A5 - 9x19mm

A 90s SWAT operator finds out what happens when you don't practice trigger discipline. In Ground Branch you can pull the trigger on your weapon in any situation and position, in this case the high ready.

Heckler & Koch MP5SD5

Heckler & Koch MP5SD5 - 9x19mm

Heckler & Koch MP5SD6

Heckler & Koch MP5SD6 - 9x19mm

Heckler & Koch MP7A1

The Heckler & Koch MP7A1 is available in Ground Branch, using only 40-round magazines by default. It is relatively weak in game (taking 3-4 shots to the body to put down most NPCs) but can shred through body armor at close range because of its specialized rounds. The MP7A1 does not use its signature flip-up sights.

Heckler & Koch MP7A1 with Zeiss Z-Point red dot sight, 40-round magazine, and stock extended - 4.6x30mm

A view of the default MP7A1 setup when you first equip it in the loadout screen. Fitted with an EOTech EXPS-3, PEQ-15, and a B&T Rotex 2 suppressor.

The opposite side shows us a SureFire M300 Mini Scout light.

An operator racks the T-handle on his MP7A1.

The operator shoots some bursts in full-auto.

When done, he drops the spent mag. The magazine release lever is animated.

He then inserts a fresh magazine of 4.6x30mm

Heckler & Koch UMP45

The Heckler & Koch UMP45 is available in the game and comes with non-windowed 25 round magazines and rails to accomodate for various attachments. It doesn't have a burst option, unlike the MP5 variants.

Heckler & Koch UMP45 - .45 ACP

The default setup of the UMP-45. This one has an EOTech 552/553, Tango Down stubby foregrip, and the aforementioned SureFire light.

Nothing as exciting on this side, unfortunately.

After re-watching Sicario 2 for the fifth time that week, our usual balaclava-wearing operator decides to fill an innocent SUV full of .45 ACP.

Having seen other "threats", the operator engages them.

When done he reloads and sends the bolt home with the ping-pong paddle.

SIG-Sauer MPX

A first generation SIG-Sauer MPX appears in the game. It comes with its own wrapped suppressor.

SIG-Sauer MPX SBR, Gen 1 - 9x19mm

Default setup for the MPX. Featuring a Trijicon SRS 2, Magpul RVG foregrip, PEQ-15, and a suppressor unique to this weapon fitted with a cover.

The opposite side reveals an Inforce WML white light.

Checking the very expensive magazine.

Tactical reload.

An operator holding the MPX before shooting, note that the dust cover is still closed, this will open once the first shot is fired, but due to a bug it will close itself after a few moments.

Squeezing the trigger in full-auto mode.

Assault Rifles

AK-105

The AK-105 appears in game. A variant outfitted with Zenitco furniture is also featured as the "AK-105 Alpha"

AK-105 - 5.45x39mm

The AK-105 in the customization screen.

Holding the AK-105 at the ready.

Checking the load.

Aiming down sights. Note the AK-100 series push-button dust cover release.

Swapping magazines.

Finishing a reload with an underhand sweep. These animations are shared with all the rifles in the AK family.

AK-105 "Alpha"

AK-105 with Zenitco furniture - 5.45x39mm

A tricked-out Alpha AK-105

AK-74M

A standard AK-74M appears in the game.

AK-74M - 5.45x39mm

Right side view of the AK-74M.

Holding the rifle.

Loading a magazine in the AK-74M.

AKMN

An AKM with standard side rail appears in game. It feeds from black polymer magazines.

AKM - 7.62x39mm

The AKM in the customization screen.

An operator with his AKM. Despite the lack of rail space, if one gets creative, they can easily adapt the weapon to work with night vision. Here the rifle is fitted with a Comp M2 red dot, a suppressor and a SureFire M600V IR flashlight, allowing for passive aiming under NODs.

AKS-74UN

An AKS-74UN appears in the game, feeding from polymer black magazines or orange Bakelite mags if selected. Another more tactical and more modernized variant is featured as the "AKS-74U Alpha".

AKS-74U with earlier hand-guard - 5.45x39mm

3D view of the carbine.

Holding the AKS-74UN.

Aiming Down Sights at the range.

Reloading.

AKS-74UN "Alpha"

AKS-74U with Zenitco furniture - 5.45x39mm. The in-game model still has the original triangular stock.

A customized "Alpha" Krinkov.

An operator clearing an airplane with his mini-AK.

Finishing up a reload with an underhand sweep of the charging handle after putting holes in some cardboard terries.

Heckler & Koch HK416D

The Heckler & Koch HK416D appears in-game with two different barrel lengths: 14.5 inches and 10.4 inches, both feature the B5 SOPMOD stock instead of their proprietary one and lack the foldable front sight.

Heckler & Koch HK416 with 10.4 inch barrel - 5.56x45mm NATO

Heckler & Koch HK416 with 14.5 inch barrel - 5.56x45mm NATO

A 14.5 HK416 set up as a quasi-DMR.

A shorter HK416.

Checking the magazine.

Doing an L-shaped reload.

When empty the operator gives a quick glance at the bolt...

...and throws away the magazine Travis Haley style.

Pressing the bolt release.

Pulling the charging handle after shooting the chambered round during a reload (yeah, the developers thought about that too.)

M16A4

The M16A4 service rifle appears by default with its detachable carrying handle and KAC M5 rail system.

FN-manufactured M16A4 - 5.56x45mm NATO

M16A4 MWS with ACOG and grippod - 5.56x45mm NATO

A side view of the M16A4.

Now set up as a DMR, the operator checks the 20 round magazine on the rifle. Note the FN logo on the magwell.

Reloading the empty rifle.

A US Marine with his modern day musket.

Ditto, but other side. Soon he'll eventually need to clear a building with the long rifle. .

Showing off the FN markings. Also note the fire selector is set to the unorthodox fire mode of "I just broke the fire selector.", which is only seen in third person when the weapon is set on burst.

M4A1

The M4A1 Carbine appears as the "M4A1 SOPMOD". It still features the default 6 position-stock however. Some accessories from the SOPMOD program are available, however.

Colt M4A1 with Aimpoint CompM2 reflex optic, Knight's Armament RAS railed handguard and vertical forward grip - 5.56x45mm NATO

A bone-stock M4A1 with a detachable carry handle.

About to shoot a quasi-clone correct M4A1 Carbine. Note that the dust cover is still closed, since the gun hasn't been fired yet.

Shooting the M4A1 in semi-auto. Note the open dust cover.

The bolt locks open on the last shot.

Loading a new magazine.

M4A1 Block II

Two variants of the M4A1 Block II appear in the game: one with a full Daniel Defense 12 inch rail, and one with an FSP-cut rail. Both feature B5 SOPMOD stocks and SureFire 3-prong flash hiders, accurate to the Block II program.

M4A1 Block II with M203A1 grenade launcher, ELCAN SpecterDR, AN/PEQ-15 ATPIAL, SureFire Scout light, and suppressor - 5.56x45mm NATO/40x46mm

An M4A1 SOPMOD Block II fitted with the Daniel Defense RIS II FSP rail forearm, which has a cutout for the standard A-frame front sight post. The M4A1 RIS II FSP was the standard-issue M4A1 rail for the U.S. Army Green Berets from 2010 to 2015, though USASOC has since standardized the RIS II non-FSP (seen on the rifle pictured above).

View of a non-FSP Block II.

Chambering the rifle.

Reloading the absolutely-not TTI extended PMAGs.

First-person-view of the rifle. Note that, unlike the M16A4 and M4A1, this one lacks the FN markings, so it's just a no-name lower.

An FSP Block II in the customization view.

Inspecting the Block II, note the rail interrupted by the front sight post.

Loading the M4.

Mk 18 Mod 1

A Mk 18 Mod 1 rifle with a tan Magpul CTR stock and MOE pistol grip appears in the game. Like its bigger brother, the M4A1 Block II, it has a three-prong SureFire muzzle device by default.

Mk 18 Mod 1 with Crane stock, KAC back-up iron sights, EOTech XPS3, AN/PEQ-15 ATPIAL, vertical foregrip, and dual pressure activation switch - 5.56x45mm NATO

A customized Mk18.

Multicam Man operationally operates his Mk18 weapons platform. He's too cool to call it a rifle.

Unloading a 30-round PMAG in full-auto while using the 45 degree offset sight.

Reloading. The tacticool way, of course.

Left side view of the rifle in the hands of Multicam Man.

Wz. 88 Tantal

The Polish Wz. 88 Tantal appears in the game with polymer furniture. Understandably, it re-uses the same animations from its AK pattern brethren.

Wz. 88 Tantal (later production) - 5.45x39mm

A standard Tantal rifle in the customization screen.

Opposite side, which gives us a look at the front trunnion and the dovetail mount.

Battles Rifles

FN FAL

Originally a G series variant of the FN FAL, it is now replaced with a variant with the synthetic furniture in Build 1034. Unlike its predecessor, it is now fitted with a DSA rail on the dust cover, allowing the user to mount any optic of their choice.

FN FAL, older variant with humped stock and ramp rear sight - 7.62x51mm

The updated FAL model seen in the customization menu. Note the humped stock like in the reference photo above.

Ditto, but also a look at the DSA optics rail.

Performing a mag check on a standard 20 round magazine.

Uh oh, now it ran dry. We should probably fix that.

Inserting a fresh magazine, to solve our troubles.

Releasing the bolt with the thumb, once again solving our ammo shortage problem.

DSA SA-58 Para Elite Compact

Added in Build 1034, the DSA SA58 Para Elite Compact is another close quarters battle rifle in the player's arsenal. It is referred to as an "SA58 OSW" in game. Aside from its short barrel, and inclusion of a quad rail, it's near identical to the FAL in every way.

DSA SA58 Para Elite Compact with magazine removed - 7.62x51mm NATO

The default DSA carbine in the customization menu. Comes pre-fitted with an Aimpoint Comp M4-S red dot sight, Tango Down stubby foregrip, and a SureFire M300 weapon light.

Finishing up on the opposite side, there's a AN/PEQ-15 LAM, as well as it fitted with a SureFire 3-Prong Eliminator flash hider.

Searching a plane with an SA58.

Shooting a burst of 7.62x51mm NATO out of the shorty barrel. Hope the hostages don't mind the sight and hearing loss.

Reloading after the fact.

Heckler & Koch G3A3

The Heckler & Koch G3A3 was added around the same time as the older FAL G-Series model, albeit has rather limited customization through the use of a rail adapter on the top of the receiver.

Heckler & Koch G3A3 with slimline handguard - 7.62x51mm NATO

FN SCAR-H

Two variants of the FN SCAR-H appear: a short barreled one in FDE, named the "Mk17" and a long barreled one in black with rail extensions named the "Mk17 DMR". Both have their charging handles moved to the right side and feed from black 20 round magazines.

Third Generation FN SCAR-H CQC - 7.62x51mm NATO

FN SCAR-H STD - 7.62x51mm NATO

A SCAR-H fitted with all the basic needs of a 2023 operator.

Multicam Man approves!

Reloading the FDE SCAR.

Pressing the ping-pong paddle, as the kids say.

View of a more sensibly configured SCAR in black.

A sniper aiming his Mk17 DMR.

Inspecting a magazine full of 7.62x51mm NATO.

Charging the rifle. This is the same animation used on the AK rifles.

Sniper Rifles

DSA SA58 Special Purpose Rifle

DSA SA58 Special Purpose Rifle - 7.62x51mm NATO

The DSA SPR in its stock config.

Knight's Armament M110 SASS

The M110 SASS semi-automatic Sniper rifle appears as the "M110", it feeds from a 7.62x51 20-round magazine (correctly labeled as an M110/SR-25 mag in-game). It comes with a unique suppressor by default, which can be removed through weapon customization.

M110 SASS - 7.62x51mm NATO

The M110 comes standard with its unique suppressor.

Knight's Armament M110K1

The much shorter M110K1 Variant of the M110 SASS also appears, easily told apart by its shorter barrel and retractable Magpul ACS stock.

Knight's Armament M110K1 - 7.62x51mm NATO

The K1 variant seen with a Magpul ACS stock, Trijicon Accupoint, Doctor II red dot sight on an offset mount, AN/PEQ-15, and a SureFire M600V weapon light.

Opposite side gives a better look of the KAC SR-25 URX rail.

M24 SWS

The M24 SWS modified with Picatinny rails appears as the only bolt-action rifle in-game. It feeds from a 5-round internal mag and the operator loads two rounds at a time when loaded, by default the bolt-action must be worked manually after each shot, unlike most games.

M24 sniper rifle with Harris bipod - 7.62x51mm NATO

Mk 14 Mod 1 EBR

Mk 14 Mod 1 EBR with TangoDown pistol grip, Magpul CTR stock, cheekpad, RIS foregrip, and bipod - 7.62x51mm NATO

SVD Dragunov

SVD Dragunov - 7.62x54mm R

Shotguns

Benelli M4 Super 90

Benelli M4 Super 90 with 7-shot tube - 12 gauge

Fabarm SDASS Martial Pro Forces

Fabarm Martial Pro Forces 14" - 12 gauge

Light machine guns

Galil ARM

The Galil ARM was first added in the beta branch of build 1034. It was officially released as of March 21st, 2024. It cannot be customized at this time, and is instead classified as an LMG in game.

Galil ARM with a standard 35 round magazine - 5.56x45mm NATO

The ARM in all its digital glory. Also fitted with a 35 round magazine, like the real one above.

The opposite side of the receiver. No dovetail solution here, the AKMN and AK-74M wins this round, for now.

Behold, the lengthy 50 round magazine! Can't imagine it'd be pleasant to shoot while prone, but I suppose that wasn't the point.

So now you're stuck with only irons, like the good old days.

It currently re-uses the already existing AK reloading animations.

True to fashion, the magazine is also modeled when they're completely empty.

And now the magazine is full!

Only thing that sets it apart from its AK relatives is the operator now uses their firing hand to rack the bolt, as opposed to underhanding it like usual.

Mk 46 Mod 1

The Mk 46 Mod 1 appears in the game as the "Mk46", it's currently the only machine gun that can equip attachments and comes with green tracers.

Mk 46 Mod 1 - 5.56x45mm NATO

Mk46 Mod 0 with M68 CCO Red-dot, tac light and 100 round belt.

PKM Machine Gun

Hungarian produced PKM - 7.62x54mm R

PKM with latest version of flash hider.

Grenades

M67 hand grenade

The M67 hand grenade appears as the game's sole lethal grenade.

M67 fragmentation grenade with "jungle clip".

M18 smoke grenade

The M18 smoke grenade appears in game under the same name; its smoke is available in red, green, yellow and violet colors.

M18 smoke grenade - Red version

M83 smoke grenade

The M83 smoke grenade yet again appears under the same name, it's only available in white.

M83 TA smoke grenade