- Blackhawk Rescue Mission 5 grenade launcher: The M320A1 is a single-shot, standalone 40mm launcher.
- Unlock path: Research the launcher and its compatible grenade rounds through Headquarters.
- Best use: Fire at grouped targets when a direct explosive hit is worth revealing your position.
- Main limitation: The launcher has a minimum arming distance and a slow equip time.
- Loadout value: It occupies a utility slot instead of replacing a primary or secondary weapon.
Blackhawk Rescue Mission 5 Grenade Launcher Overview
The Blackhawk Rescue Mission 5 grenade launcher is the M320A1, a lightweight, single-shot weapon designed for explosive support. It is used as a standalone utility weapon, so equipping it does not remove a standard primary or secondary slot. That makes the launcher attractive for players who want area damage without giving up their normal firearm.
The M320A1 is researched through the Headquarters system. The available wiki information lists a 5,000 Credits research requirement, after which the launcher can be acquired without a separate weapon purchase. Its compatible grenade rounds must also be researched before the weapon is ready for regular use.
Video Highlights:
- Update 9.8 coverage identifies the M320A1 as a new Headquarters item.
- The launcher fires farther than hand grenades and detonates on impact after arming.
- Explosive damage is limited by the launcher’s smaller effective radius and slow handling.
- Future balance changes may alter its distance behavior or overall usefulness.
| Feature | M320A1 Details |
|---|---|
| Weapon type | Single-shot, standalone 40mm grenade launcher |
| Slot | Utility slot |
| Research cost | 5,000 Credits listed for Headquarters research |
| Ammunition | HE grenade rounds and compatible researched ammunition |
| Detonation | Impact detonation after the minimum arming distance |
| Primary role | Area damage and long-range explosive support |
| Major drawback | Slow equip time, single-shot capacity, restrictive minimum range |
Utility Slot
The M320A1 adds explosive capability without replacing your standard weapon slots. This supports rifle, carbine, or marksman loadouts that still need a dedicated close-range firearm.
Impact Explosive
Unlike a timed hand grenade, the projectile detonates after striking a surface or object once it has traveled beyond its arming distance.
Research Investment
The launcher requires Headquarters progression and compatible ammunition research. Plan the unlock around your intended Openworld or Zombies role.
Treat the M320A1 as a situational utility weapon rather than a replacement for a rifle. Its value comes from extra explosive reach and loadout flexibility.
M320A1 Unlock and Setup Steps
The correct setup has two parts: researching the launcher itself and preparing its ammunition. Because the M320A1 uses a utility slot, the final build should preserve a reliable firearm for situations where the launcher is too slow or too close-range.
Open Headquarters Research
Enter the Headquarters research system and locate the M320A1. Confirm the listed 5,000 Credits requirement before committing resources. The launcher is a progression item, so it may require more preparation than a normal field pickup.
Research the Launcher
Complete the M320A1 research path. The launcher is described as the first researchable weapon in the available wiki entry, making it an important early Headquarters investment for players who want specialized utility gear.
Research Compatible Rounds
Research the grenade rounds separately. Owning the launcher does not automatically replace the ammunition research step, so verify that the required explosive rounds are available before entering a mission.
Place It in the Utility Slot
Equip the M320A1 in a utility slot while keeping your normal primary and secondary weapons. This arrangement lets you switch back to a firearm when targets are outside the launcher’s ideal blast area.
Test the Arming Distance
Fire in a controlled location and learn the minimum safe distance. The projectile does not detonate immediately, so close targets, walls, and nearby cover can make an otherwise good shot ineffective.
| Setup Stage | Required Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Headquarters | Locate the M320A1 research entry | Establishes the correct progression path |
| Weapon research | Spend the listed 5,000 Credits | Unlocks access to the launcher |
| Ammunition research | Unlock compatible grenade rounds | Makes the weapon usable in missions |
| Loadout | Assign it to a utility slot | Preserves primary and secondary weapons |
| Practice | Test range and arming behavior | Reduces misfires and unsafe close shots |
Do not treat the M320A1 like a point-blank shotgun. Its minimum arming distance can cause a close shot to fail, especially around tight interiors, vehicles, or nearby cover.
Range, Damage, and Firing Technique
The M320A1 rewards deliberate positioning. It has more reach than a hand-thrown grenade, but its explosive effect is less forgiving than many players expect. The available update coverage describes a 100-damage kill against a 100 HP target only when the explosion is within roughly 6 meters, while the wiki lists 100 damage up to 10 meters and no damage beyond 15 meters. Treat those figures as balance references rather than a guarantee for every future version.
The practical lesson is simple: aim for grouped targets and center the impact as closely as possible. A near miss may produce little or no useful damage, while an overly close shot may fail because the round has not armed.
| Distance or Situation | Expected Result | Recommended Response |
|---|---|---|
| Inside minimum arming range | Projectile may not detonate correctly | Create distance or use a firearm |
| Close blast area | Highest damage potential | Aim at the center of grouped targets |
| Around the practical one-hit zone | Strong explosive pressure | Use against clustered enemies, not single distant targets |
| Outer blast area | Reduced or inconsistent damage | Follow up with a rifle or reposition |
| Beyond the listed effective range | Little to no damage | Choose another weapon or close the distance |
Use the following firing habits to improve consistency:
- Aim at surfaces behind targets when a direct body hit is difficult.
- Avoid wasting the shot on a lone enemy unless the target is dangerous or difficult to reach.
- Keep a firearm ready because the M320A1 is single-shot and takes time to equip.
- Use cover before switching weapons, especially in PvP or exposed Openworld areas.
- Check the distance first when fighting around doors, stairwells, and narrow alleys.
- Reload or switch immediately after firing instead of waiting for the launcher to solve every threat.
The published figures do not describe the launcher in exactly the same way. Use the conservative approach: center the blast, respect the minimum range, and expect reduced results near the edge of the radius.
Best Target
A tight group of enemies standing near a wall, vehicle, doorway, or other surface that gives the explosion reliable contact.
Poor Target
A single mobile enemy at the edge of the blast radius, especially when a missed shot leaves you exposed during the slow equip cycle.
Best Position
Medium-range cover with enough space to arm the projectile and a quick route back to your primary weapon.
Mode-Specific Tactics and Loadout Choices
The M320A1 behaves differently depending on the mission environment. In Zombies, it can clear a large group quickly, but the explosion may alert additional zombies to your position. In Openworld and competitive situations, the launcher is more dependent on timing, cover, and enemy grouping.
| Mode | Strength | Risk | Suggested Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zombies | Clears grouped enemies efficiently | Noise may attract more zombies | Use when stealth is no longer the priority |
| Openworld | Adds long-range explosive reach | Damage can feel inconsistent against scattered targets | Fire from cover at clustered enemies |
| Competitive | Can punish predictable groups | Slow equip time and one-shot capacity are exploitable | Prepare the launcher before an expected push |
| Headquarters | Supports specialized progression | Requires research resources | Unlock after confirming your preferred utility role |
In Zombies, save the launcher for a dense horde or a moment when quiet movement is no longer practical. Firing too early can create a larger problem by drawing additional enemies toward your position. Keep a conventional weapon available for cleanup after the blast.
In Openworld, use terrain to control the engagement. The M320A1 is more useful when targets are forced into compounds, chokepoints, or narrow approaches. Its longer reach compared with hand grenades helps you pressure enemies from safer distances, but the smaller blast profile means precise placement remains essential.
In competitive play, preparation matters more than raw damage. Switching to the launcher after an opponent is already at close range can leave you vulnerable. Instead, equip it before entering a predictable lane or when teammates are pressuring an occupied position. Always maintain a firearm fallback.
M320A1 Readiness Checklist:
- Research the M320A1 through Headquarters
- Research the compatible grenade rounds
- Confirm the launcher is assigned to a utility slot
- Practice the minimum arming distance
- Keep a reliable firearm ready for follow-up shots
The launcher works best as an opening or support tool. Let a rifle-focused teammate handle survivors while you create area pressure against grouped targets.
Pros, Cons, and Practical Verdict
The M320A1 is valuable because it adds a second explosive option without occupying a normal weapon slot. It is not automatically the strongest explosive choice, however. Compared with hand grenades, it offers longer reach and impact detonation, but it has a smaller maximum damage area, slower handling, and a restrictive minimum range.
| Category | Advantage | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Damage | Strong against tightly grouped targets | Near misses can produce inconsistent results |
| Range | Reaches farther than thrown grenades | Effective damage falls off outside the core area |
| Ammunition | HE rounds are listed as free compared with Zombies grenades | Ammunition still requires research and preparation |
| Loadout | Uses a utility slot | Single-shot capacity demands a quick weapon swap |
| Handling | Lightweight standalone design | Slow equip time can be dangerous |
| Progression | Provides a specialized Headquarters unlock | Requires a 5,000 Credits research investment |
Advantages
- Good splash potential against clustered enemies.
- Does not replace the player’s standard primary or secondary weapon.
- Provides explosive reach beyond a normal hand grenade.
- Can use researched ammunition types without relying only on purchased grenades.
- Works well as a support tool when teammates can finish damaged targets.
Disadvantages
- The minimum arming distance limits close-range use.
- Damage is less reliable near the outer blast area.
- Slow equip time creates a vulnerability window.
- A single-shot design makes missed shots expensive.
- The research requirement is a significant Headquarters investment.
- In Zombies, firing can alert additional enemies.
The best verdict is situational but useful. Players who prefer flexible utility loadouts should consider the M320A1, particularly for coordinated teams and horde-clearing moments. Players who mainly fight isolated targets may get more consistent results from their normal firearm or hand grenades.
Pair the M320A1 with a dependable rifle or carbine, not another weapon that also depends on long setup time. Your backup firearm should handle close targets, missed blasts, and single-enemy encounters.
Q: What is the Blackhawk Rescue Mission 5 grenade launcher?
The M320A1 is a lightweight, single-shot, standalone 40mm grenade launcher. It occupies a utility slot instead of replacing a primary or secondary weapon.
Q: How do you unlock the M320A1?
Research it through the Headquarters system. The available wiki information lists a 5,000 Credits research requirement, and compatible grenade rounds must also be researched.
Q: Is the M320A1 better than hand grenades?
It offers longer range and impact detonation, but it also has a smaller practical blast area, slower equip time, and a minimum arming distance. Its value depends on the mission and target grouping.
Q: Is the M320A1 good in Zombies?
It can clear a large horde effectively, but the explosion may alert more zombies. Use it when stealth is no longer essential and keep a firearm ready for follow-up targets.
For the current weapon description and category placement, see the M320A1 entry on the Blackhawk Rescue Mission 5 Wiki.