HK21 - Black Ops Multiplayer Weapon Guide

Facebook: / xboxahoy
Twitter: / xboxahoy
In this episode we're covering the first weapon in the LMG category, the HK21.
It's a fully automatic weapon, and is available as part of a default class from level 2.
The HK21 originates from West Germany, manufactured by Heckler und Koch. It's based on the G3 battle rifle, and is ostensibly a general purpose machine gun variant of that weapon.
It was introduced two years after the G3, in 1961, intended as a complement to H&Ks earlier offering.
Similar in design and maintenance, the HK 21 had a few modifications that made it more suitable for sustained fire. A heavier barrel with quick-change capability, long range adjustable iron sights and detachable bipod comprise the key differences.
The HK21 also boasts unique versatility as far as ammunition feeding is concerned; it's capable of accepting both magazines - including standard G3 20-round and larger drum magazines - as well as belt-fed ammunition more typical for a machine gun.
Magazine capacity in-game is 30 rounds by default, or 60 rounds with the drum magazine.
The HK 21 fires the NATO standard 7.62 by 51 millimetre rifle cartridge, just like the G3 - and most other western battle rifles.
Damage dealt is high, and consistent at all ranges - unlike assault rifles or SMGs. The HK21 will be a 3-hit kill at any distance - and there's the potential for a two-hit kill if both are headshots.
Rate of fire is moderate for the LMG category - on par with the RPK, the HK21 fires faster than the M60 but slower than the Stoner 63.
Recoil is omnidirectional, with an upward bias. When fired in bursts it's very manageable.
The only real downsides to the HK21 are its handling characteristics - your movement speed will be much slower, your aim time will be slow at 350 milliseconds, and the reload isn't quick either, taking nearly 4 seconds to complete.
It's tempting to try and counter the sluggish nature of the LMGs, perhaps using Lightweight, Sleight of Hand or Marathon to improve their handling and mobility characteristics. In all honesty though, running around with the LMGs as though it were an assault rifle is not to the weapon's strength.
It's far better to embrace the slow nature of the weapon, and take an altogether more careful approach to conflicts.
There are two effective ways in which you can employ the HK21 - the first is in a purely defensive role.
When locking down an objective from a covered position you'll be glad for the larger magazine, penetration ability and consistent damage. A well-placed LMG user can defend a point against multiple enemies, and make them rethink their tactics.
Secondly, you can use the LMGs as a complement to an offensive push with your teammates - for instance, at the start of a Domination game follow behind the runners intent on taking Bravo before the enemy, and take up a defensive position behind the point while your teammates capture.
Your fire support will tilt your team's odds of securing the point before the enemy is able to - and once captured you'll be in a good position to provide a rock-solid defence.
If you find yourself moving about too much, you're probably playing the loadout incorrectly - you'll benefit most from a stationary firing position. Sprinting near enemies with such a slow weapon is as good as suicide.
Unyielding firepower is the LMG's core tenet, and with the HK21 it's very possible to provide sustained fire in the defence of flags, points or other objectives.
No damage drop-off means they work well along lengthy sightlines, and can be a strong counter to snipers at long range - you'll be able to kill them before they can escape to cover, assuming you don't let them get an aimed shot off.
The reload might seem slow at 4 seconds, but if you're in good cover you'll seldom die as a result - and after a short delay you'll have another 60 rounds to dole out upon the enemy.
If you don't play to the weapon's strength you'll struggle, though - the HK21 is as unwieldy and cumbersome as any of the LMGs, and if you're caught in the open you'll struggle to compete against an assault rifle or SMG.
You need to slow your game down, and adopt more patient tactics. Securing predictable chokepoints near objectives is where these weapons shine.
You won't be the quickest on the draw, but you'll have unparalleled stamina - and the power to annihilate entire teams.

[@XboxAhoy]

@MasterChief2Man I'm aware of this. However, it's certainly not inaccurate to describe the HK21 as originating in West Germany, and the East/West divide is particularly relevant seeing as Black Ops is set during the Cold war. But hey, thanks for calling me a moron.

[@MrVibe-tx4rn]

You have a suttle, yet great, sense of humour. I love it. Also, might I recommend you review weapons from the new MW? I know you haven't done one in a whilr, but it's just a suggestion.

[@0IIIIII]

Red X what are you doing replying to a 9 year old comment

[@npne1253]

@@0IIIIII Yeah shitty system where after a while you stop getting notifications about your comments...

[@higgles9559]

9 years ago nice

[@jensenthegreen6780]

Im happy people still watch these videos

[@captainmacmillan1752]

Wow, that "Heckler und Koch" pronunciation was flawless.

[@TheIndogamer]

The Greatmagic and satisfying

[@maxdurk4624]

The Greatmagic If you want laugh listen to the first guide he ever did (Modern Warfare 2 MP5K) and hear him butcher it

[@ethankelso3084]

On Hk's website they state Koch should be pronounced as "coke" like the brand of pop

[@somewierdoonline2402]

Ethan Kelso that’s for Americans that can’t be bothered to pronounce German words

[@AndreIguodalaFan55]

@@maxdurk4624 not first second

[@shyrtexx4879]

ahh... nostalgia.. this music in the background gives me so good memories...

[@grimbi2288]

makes me tear up, miss ahoy so much mang

[@shyrtexx4879]

Bear I miss him too and I also miss this game..

[@Demise6969]

Nostalgia bro

[@charlesjohnson7657]

6:33 "Pistols aren't very useful with LMGs." he says, pulling out his pistol to defend himself.

[@JGZulu]

He's using footage of his "evaluation." He's trying to show it's not a great tactic

[@charlesjohnson7657]

I see what you're saying, but Ahoy seems to do fine with the pistol.

[@JGZulu]

Charles Johnson Yeah I agree with that. I think it's just a case of him recording good footage and then giving his real evaluation of the relevant tech/tactics. But yeah I agree with your point.

[@brainwasher9876]

I actually disagree with Ahoy. Pistols are very useful with LMGs, because they're slow as hell to raise. You want a pistol when you're entering an uncleared room.

[@charlesjohnson7657]

Would you use something powerful, like a revolver/Deagle, or something quick, like a PDW?

[@XboxAhoy]

@nelle1995 Britain does suck. Ask any of my fellow countrymen, and they'd be inclined to agree. We do love to complain. What makes Britain great are its inhabitants - for the most part, anyway. We're a diverse and peculiar lot.

[@wastedangelematis]

*Brexit* & *during Covid* how are things now?!?

[@z-trip5457]

@@wastedangelematis Why are you responding to a 10 year old comment?

[@wastedangelematis]

@@z-trip5457 I'm suffering and looking for salvation

[@Gerarghini]

@@wastedangelematisunderstandable

[@morose87]

Such a underrated lmg it got overshadowed by other imgs in game and later games

[@SockEater4293]

The default class made it suck. you always need either Sleight of hand, Drum mag, or a secondary, and the default class gave it none.

[@Canadianenclave]

I may not like Call of Duty games, but these videos are still really fun to watch.

[@MangoMan1280]

Same

[@b2manatees]

Reilly Smith They really are. Excellent production value.

[@TurtleCake1]

+Reilly Smith You should try Black Ops. It's so amazing when you're getting good at it (it's still good even when you're bad haha)

[@creeperproductionsgma4130]

Gōdon Gurando NO

[@creeperproductionsgma4130]

NOT AT ALL

[@tanjoodo]

It's my favorite Zombies gun. The medium fire rate helps me control my ammo usage and the huge magazine (125 rounds, 150 pack a punched) makes it perfect as most of the deaths in Zombies are caused by reloading. What I don't like about the gun (and as stated in the video) is the slow reload speed, but using speed cola will make it much better.

[@XboxAhoy]

@Skcull210 Headshot multiplier is 1.4. In the case of the LMGs, both need to be a headshot to kill in two shots.

[@chiefchronic8328]

One of My Favorite Black Ops 1 Guns.

[@alyssasalmon4883]

Ikr? It’s recoil is sooo manageable compared to the others and it’s able to at least have a chance against sudden SMGs with sleight of hand. The iron sights are also among my favorite for the design alone

[@XboxAhoy]

@Arppis Absolutely. Most of the LMGs can be employed in a defensive role to great effect. The Stoner has slightly faster ADS and fire rate, so you can be a little more aggressive with it.

[@Einherjar212]

I never, ever, expected such a well made, quality video with this much information made for a game such as black ops. I salute your efforts.

[@XistTheparasite]

That was the single greatest weapon breakdown I've ever seen. High quality and very informative visuals great commentary and amazing tips. Plus I learned something about the real weapon. You earned a subscriber and 1000 thumbs up if I could. Thank you hutch for showing me this guy. I almost didn't click on the link.

[@JTCPingas]

8:11 Nice dolphin dive :D

[@morrislee8512]

JTCPingas he is number one

[@bot6907]

bruh

[@RMSanford]

Your weapon guide videos are always great! The time and effort you put into them really shows in the quality of the videos and is greatly appreciated and enjoyed! :)

[@bl33zy52]

wild that this gun has returned in mw2

[@XboxAhoy]

@TheLlamaD I found I'd run out of ammunition quite frequently without Scavenger. There's also a psychological benefit - I'm happier wasting ammo spraying through walls (and potentially scoring kills) if I know I'm not likely to run out later.

[@MrPotatoe5]

I like how he gives you the information to use any weapon to its full potential. Knowing is half the battle

[@XboxAhoy]

@CosmikNinja There's no truly terrible weapons - some have niche roles, like the Shotguns, Snipers and LMGs - but none of them are bad by any measure.

[@bradwilde515]

Stuart Brown, You're one of the best Call of Duty players I have ever because you're gameplay with each weapon is some of the best I have ever seen on KZbin. Keep it up XboxAhoy!

[@GKID7891]

Technically, this is the mag-fed "HK11" variant with a magazine feed instead of the belt used by the "HK21" version.

[@TheLEGODUDE7]

huh... well cod does that alot example the m16 is actualy more resembling to the a2 variant

[@GKID7891]

***** Yup and in CoD: Ghosts were the Vector is the civilian "CRB" variant.

[@TheLEGODUDE7]

thats what i hate sometimes

[@GuardianOfTheHeaven]

GKID7891 Ooh, someone actually did their homework. Nice :3 (To add, H&K later made few more HK21s for export use, and they're marked as HK21E(and soon after, the HK21A1, with different feeding mechanism). Other variants, such as the HK22E and HK23E,were also made to fit other calibers as well; 7.62x39mm and 5.56mm mainly).

[@GKID7891]

Akihabara Senkan Thanks :) According to IMFDB, it is anachronistic and you're right about the "E" designation ^^ www.imfdb.org/wiki/Call_of_Duty:_Black_Ops#Heckler_.26_Koch_HK-21E

[@hilwil057]

I love the build up to the last bit where the music gets loud and he makes a final statement like in a thriller movie, always makes me shiver

[@rautamiekka]

While killing bots, I keep using this for its beautiful bolt pull sound, and it's also powerful, but you're closer to a snail than to a rocket with it.

[@dallasthecow]

No there's no overkill only in black ops2

[@Bronzemovies]

Over the past 4 weeks I had trouble sleeping. But one week ago I found your vids. And I'd still sleep through it went better. And now every night before I go to bed I just put a video of yours on. Thank xbox ahoy.

[@kafelkan1482]

I could swear it reads 'ahoy' under the iron sight

[@TheFacelessStoryMaker]

Silent Kakkauuno It does you can have your 4 character clan tag on it at a certain point.

[@infinitypro12]

Hands down the best and most informative weapons videos!

[@XboxAhoy]

@iPhonePS3Videos I'm a fan of the faster aiming, but it depends on how you play with the weapon. As I said, the FAMAS is quite forgiving of perk choice.

[@rickstir10]

You do the best weapon guides, hands down.

[@XboxAhoy]

@SirKrimzon I'm a 'Machinima Premium Director' now: hence the partnership.

[@SlySuavity]

Damn. As professional as this was, you definitely bring up a lot of good points with LMGs; too many people use them for what they're not. If people would stick to the defensive side of things, that's where they'll really shine.

[@XboxAhoy]

@yohunter5 I've tried to cover the basics of the LMGs with this vid, so the tips here should apply to any weapon in the LMG category. Will cover more specific alternate tactics for the M60 in its own vid.

[@arbiter179]

I like to watch these guides over and over again.

[@John_Smith_Dumfugg]

Ayyy it's the yellowjacket! That's what I always called it.

[@TylerHosman]

These videos might be the most informative videos i have ever watched on youtube. Thanks.

[@kowloon4434]

haha when the gun was made In 1961 ahoy said during agent j's mission mib3

[@Julians1996]

dude that is the most in depth weapon review ive ever seen in my life. you make other "in-depth" reviews look like poop. more plz

[@C3V1N117]

I'd rather use lightweight or flack jacket with this gun than scavenger.

[@pikanoob]

xboxahoy is the only person ive ever hear recommend hardened and tactical mask as perks 2 and 3.

[@rajkritiman2582]

why do people hate this gun

[@yourfathersfather8751]

Because it blows compared to the M60 or Stoner

[@Journey_to_who_knows]

I remember the damage output being ridiculous at long range felt like it kills in 2 shots

[@gooondie]

No idea. This was by far my favorite LMG

[@anng3ls294]

Why do people hate the RPK?

[@gooondie]

Anng3ls it has insane recoil

[@revilo412]

This is by far the best series on black ops weapons, great work! All of these videos really helped me. Thanks!

[@jonnybravo3055]

I use this the least of the LMGs. Stoner, RPK , M60 then this.

[@hosrom]

Guys, listen to this guy and to the recommended load outs and game play. You REALLY own the opposing team on objective modes (DOM/DEM/CTF) using the guns with the recommended load outs correctly. Thumbs up to him yet again!

[@invaderguy78]

This gun is an absolute laser beam. If you put ext mags, with scavenger, sleight of hand, and 10 sensitivity, you can destroy TDM. Not even shotguns will beat me, only a well hidden FAMAS user will.

[@MrRuss709]

I can hawk your ass before you can ADS, tube you, or get you with my trap class. You will learn its only really an OP gun against a shitty enemy team

[@invaderguy78]

They were all using really op guns, and were prestige 4, and got those killstreaks. Still got tons of kills. I know how to use it.

[@abc2390986]

It probably only works well in objective modes really. It fulfill its job well down as LMG to guard choke points but other than thag it is just average. For better survivability usually people will use Flak Jacket but it means they spawn with far less ammo. Overall it is very underpowered most of the time.

[@abc2390986]

One of its worse weakness is the awkward reload time. Even the best players in the world cannot defend themselves with such a long reload animation. It is totally not worth to use Sleight of Hand over Hardened as bullet penetration is probably the best strength of slow firing heavy power weapons.

[@LordSaddler261]

Wow dude..that was the PERFECTLY correct way to say Heckler & Koch. I'm impressed.

[@mrgumbwit5307]

I only like extended mags of the hk21 because it has a drum magazine

[@GuardianOfTheHeaven]

MrGumbwit Hmm, drummies~~ But I prefer the beltfed variant, though. If they're bringing the HK21 again in the future, that is....

[@alyssasalmon4883]

@@GuardianOfTheHeaven good news! A new Cold War era game is out! Idk if it actually has the HK though

[@EndymionMkII]

Yep, I think he will do them, didn't knew untill some days/weeks ago that the Ellite guides weren't as complete as this ones.

[@williamsmith8475]

Haha I love this game and have also shot an actual G3 variant multiple times. The gun is way too heavy to maneuver like this. Even Terminator would say: "gawe mye awrm"

[@GuardOfEden2023]

watching these vids in 2021 and their still entertaining and informative, good work Ahoy (2021 gang)

[@sugeknight6032]

I HAVE 4678 KILLS WITH THE HK21 AND ITS GOLD IT LOOKS AWESOME

[@Sombomombo]

I'm a sprayer, so for me this guide really comes in handy. Thanks man.

[@gabenplznerf1093]

Why didn't this game have the G3

[@frenchtoad1308]

It has the FAL and you can't implement every firearm of the 20th century

[@corpsemachine6949]

Because you're gay

[@beefjerfy3082]

@@corpsemachine6949 very funny, I will proceed to laugh now

[@frenchtoad1308]

@Malcolm Hoth oh yeah

[@robertgibbs5849]

Because it had the fal

[@theiceman3197]

This is very useful, I really like these weapon guides

[@GalaxyDude101]

What's hk9 + hk10? THIS WEAPON

[@Tulsy_Grape]

That would be HK19, unless you had a different joke intended, I believe that you sir are bad at math.

[@GalaxyDude101]

You know nothing about vines eh?

[@BRETTVARG]

That was awful

[@awesomestevie27]

You stupid

[@rashadmartin378]

Rishan R.S. Don't you know the 21 vine?

[@kingbeetle1]

@XboxAhoy these vids are INSANELY helpful, please continue to make more!!! Luv the history behind them too it's really interesting

[@lennyfais5040]

FFS the ads... RED BULL PISS OFF! 2 in 1 vid, JFC....

[@Dragon20C]

ad blocker is useful

[@MyMinininjas]

What, you don't think he deserves to be paid for his work?

[@wesharper94]

These guides are so epic. They should have so many more views

[@leonardolarocca1999]

Why people never empty mags? Just reload with 10 still in the mag

[@618Bdown]

By far the best break down of the weapons I have ever seen...nice you tell real facts too..

[@XboxAhoy]

@nelle1995 No it isn't. I don't block often, but for you I'll make an exception.

[@Suntro]

I love the finishing quotes at the end of all the gun guides. "...the power to annihilate." lol!

[@caliden2]

These are PHENOMENAL videos. Absolutely perfect. Your voice is awesome too. Very well done, I wish I could so something like this myself.

[@goldilox811]

I love your videos man, i can tell you put a lot of work into your episodes just for your fans, great job friend!

[@indianajoe12]

I really, really enjoy these videos. Love the ambience and documentary-esque style of the videos. I look forward to watching the others to come!

[@XboxAhoy]

@Humanbean1100 CZ-75. Extended Mags. Best by a mile.

[@ChrisReneP]

My favorite weapon from Page in Case is their g_-three battle rifle. I just love the transcribed Closed Captions.

[@weasel003gaming7]

Imo, the HK21 is the best lmg for run-and-gun gameplay, and Sleight of Hand Pro DOES make a massive difference in any firefight, especially when you've held down so long denying an area that the entire enemy team wants you out for a moment so they can begin a counter-steamroll. The other perks I have no contest against, Scavenger is a mobile unit's best perk, as it allows you to essentially have mock-infinite ammo.

[@jyotirmayamohanty5723]

Clear, Concise Analysis.

[@XboxAhoy]

@GDog99G Shortly after Christmas. Before the new year, hopefully.

[@maciejlangethedumbone]

Hello

[@XboxAhoy]

@catchpitchplay Sometime this week. It's in production now.

[@Nicolasbarragan1]

one of my favorite weapons

[@bry5318]

Bro, really nice job. Everything is spot on. One recomendation is to add images of the recoil, but anyway keep up the good work

[@Axelman813]

@XboxAhoy You're the only person on the internet that is actually mature. Therefore I award you 50 internet points. Well done.

[@userwastaken-]

he makes every weapon sound awesome

[@EndymionMkII]

I've never checked the Elite videos if I'm honest, I don't really want to use that thing. And Yup, I noticed when he said he'd revive this series in a way, which I'm glad, had a lot of fun with Black Ops after a lot of people moved into MW3.

[@XboxAhoy]

@Chizzy963369 Use Scavenger and Warlord for the additional tactical grenades. Spam flash/gas/concussion grenades.

[@Enthos2]

@XboxAhoy I've heard that it can be beneficial to use the blue dot. Psychologically, blue is a calming color, which can calm your nerves and help you make more rational decisions in games. It seems crazy but I tried it and it seemed to work, though it may just be placebo.

[@codiserville593]

Man, do you see here? These are the beginning days of the legendary Ahoy

[@thenetnewb]

I do. I only use the actual functional ones as well. I even change them for certain maps when I feel particularly competitive.

[@MrTimesoy]

Great video. Been watching your guides since MW2.

[@MrKhaoticGames]

Dude are you the guy from the Call of Duty Elite Weapons Guide videos? Either way these guides are awesome!

[@091MW2]

Man, Xbox Ahoy, you make me want to use all these guns.

[@brainwasher9876]

@saneidiot21 In every call of duty except black ops, LMGs had these strengths: 1)high ammo capacity 2) controllability and 3) no damage dropoff over range. Their weaknesses were 1) low mobility 2) low ADS 3) long reload times. Treyarch shat on the strengths and retained the weaknesses. You say the HK21 is meant to be used defensively. The fact is the ARs can be used to play defensively just as, if not more, effectively.

[@GainsandBrainsMBA]

@2007RNC I'm certainly not as good as XA, but Flak Jacket is a fantastic perk choice especially if your playing an objective game type. The HK can mow down groups of enemies, and Flak can keep you covered from incoming grenades, RPGs, etc.

[@IIKiboshII]

Use this on HCTM. It shoots slow enough that the recoil doesn't get me killed, but hits hard enough to kill anything at any range with a shot. Also use it because if I know someone is hiding behind a wall, just a short burst kills them, unlike the Commando, where I'll put 5 rounds into a guy behind a wall and them still be alive. I use it like an AR though, with Hardline, Slight of Hand, and Second Chance. Basically my teams intel guy with Spy, Counter, and Blackbird. Love em.

[@prigel]

HK21 is an absolute beast... my favourite weapon in BlackOps

[@C22WashingtonIrving]

@Huhmasta I think hardened is almost useless but hardened pro reduces the flinch when shot, allowing you to retaliate mor effectively. The LMGs' sheer power allow you to win more blow for blow firefights. Therefore, if the range is right, you should be able to take out your opponent even if they get the first shot.

[@XboxAhoy]

@Knaakak Most would disagree with you.

[@wizzzer1337]

by far the best LMG and one of the best weapons to use in the game... complete support domination, amazing machinegun!

[@IStealPie]

I love this series! Thanks for taking the time to make these videos so great. :D

[@dazgreensmoker669]

Love these been watching all of em again still a great game

[@HellbentOrphan]

Every video by this guy makes me want to use the weapon of choice.

[@Ha10Chief]

@Renatar567 A heavy Machine gun are usually stationary or too heavy to be picked up by one person. Usually Heavy Machine guns today use much larger caliber rounds, and hundreds of those larger caliber rounds could weigh much more than a fully loaded LMG.

[@recliptix]

@Scous2497 Actually they take preparation rather than reflex/aiming skill. You have to get set-up somewhere long before the enemy does because if you try to run and gun with it you're going to be significantly slower than your enemy in every regard. Slower run, less sprint distance, slow reload, slow to bring up, and slow to ADS. You have to know how to position yourself on the map and play defensively, run and gunning with these just gets you killed.

[@Bannanawaffles2]

As a PC Player, I dont have Elite. But the videos are actually unlisted videos and are uploaded on his channel, I think you can find them among his playlists :D

[@TheSouthpark24]

man, i LOVE these videos and you have an awesome voice keep it up

[@XboxAhoy]

@TonanRox Good luck hitting anything!

[@HMHacki]

awsome man you are the first guy on youtube who actually says the german names right!

[@sirjohnrambo]

wow you really did your homework, glad I found your videos....you speak clearly and seem to know what your talking about well done

[@JnewO]

Ok this guy has the best closing lines ever!!!!

[@B0vril]

I find an issue with this class is that to attack air support Ghost Pro is really a must. With out it, it can be a real pain.