GROUND BRANCH V1.0 (live since July 16, 2026) added a batch of new firearms and attachments to an already deep arsenal — and as always, there are no unlock gates: every weapon, optic and attachment is available from the start to build your loadout exactly how you want. Here’s every new weapon and attachment in the V1.0 launch build, with the specs that matter.
New primary weapons
M500 & M500 Tactical (shotguns)
Two configurations of the classic M500 pump-action shotgun. The factory M500 holds 5+1 rounds. The M500 Tactical holds 7+1 and adds a top accessory rail for mounting optics, combat sights and tactical furniture — the better pick if you want to run a red dot for fast CQB target acquisition.
AK-74 (assault rifle)
Very similar to — and an earlier version of — the AK-74M already in the game, but with “plum” polymer furniture and other small design differences. Chambered in 5.45×39 mm.
AKS-74 & AKS-74 (Poly)
Two AK-74 variants fitted with a side-folding metal stock — handy for tighter spaces and faster stowage. The standard AKS-74 uses wood furniture; the (Poly) variant swaps it for polymer.
RPK & RPK-74 (machine guns)
Soviet automatic rifles that are essentially heavier, longer, higher-capacity AK rifles with slightly higher muzzle velocities than standard AKs — strong suppressive fire options for a support role.
- RPK — chambered in 7.62×39 mm, 40-round magazine.
- RPK-74 — chambered in 5.45×39 mm, 45-round magazine.
New secondary weapon
MK3 (pistol)
An integrally suppressed handgun firing .22 LR from a 10-round magazine. It’s underpowered, but it’s the quietest weapon in the entire arsenal — a very efficient tool for taking out sentries in controlled situations. If you run stealth-focused missions (or the new Extraction mode, where noise drains the captors’ morale), the MK3 earns its slot.
New attachments
- AN/PVS-17C MNS (night-vision scope) — a standalone night-vision optic with 4.5× magnification and a red-dot aim point for quick acquisition. “MNS” stands for Miniature Night Sight.
- Vertical Grip A — the most common vertical foregrip in US service, finally in GB, available in Black, FDE, Olive Drab and Tan. (The old grips were renamed Vertical Grip B and C.)
- Rail Panel B — rail covers in three sizes (Long/Medium/Short), in Black and FDE. (The old Rail Panel is now “Rail Panel A”.)
- New magazines/pouches — dedicated mags for the new weapons: RPK 40rd [7.62×39], RPK-74 45rd [5.45×39], AK-74 30rd [5.45×39] (Plum), and MK3 10rd [.22 LR]. Several are cross-compatible with existing AK variants of the same caliber.
New gear worth pairing
V1.0 also added gear that changes how you carry all this: plate carriers with hard-armor plates, chest rig + soft-armor combos (Chest Rig JAC/Armor and MCR/Armor), and the Leg Shroud drop-leg holster for a lower sidearm carry. For how the new protection works, see our GROUND BRANCH armor system guide.
Try the new arsenal with your squad
With no unlock grind, the fun is in experimenting — and that’s best done on a dedicated server where you and your team can run co-op Terrorist Hunt, Extraction and PvP on your own schedule. XGamingServer’s GROUND BRANCH server hosting runs on AMD Ryzen 9 7950X hardware with instant setup, a visual config panel and one-click updates. New to it? Start with our game modes & missions guide.
Read more
- GROUND BRANCH 1.0: Everything New
- GROUND BRANCH Armor System Guide
- GROUND BRANCH Extraction Mode Guide
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