Not to be confused with the AUG A1 Para, a 9x19mm conversion for the AUG A1.
The AUG A3 Para XS is an Austrian PDW, derived the AUG A1, available in Phantom Forces. It is unlocked at rank 80 or could be purchased using credits.
History[]
The Steyr AUG A3 Para XS is the 9x19mm Parabellum SMG conversion of the AUG A3 assault rifle. It features a 325 mm-long (12.8 in) barrel and Picatinny rail system. It can come in 25 or 32 round magazines. The design originates from the original AUG Para.
The AUG Para, also known as the AUG SMG or AUG 9mm is the 9×19mm Parabellum SMG conversion of the AUG A1. It has been produced since 1988. It differs from the AUG A1 in barrel, bolt, magazine and features a magazine well adapter, which allows the rifle to feed from Steyr MPi 69 magazines. This version operates as a blowback firearm, without the use of the rifle's gas system. For some time a kit of the above components was available to convert any AUG to fire 9×19mm Parabellum.
In-Game[]
General Information[]
The AUG A3 Para XS is extremely similar to the M4A1, sports high damage up close, dealing a three shot kill (3SK) to the body up to 40 studs. At longer ranges, damage is quite poor, requiring six shots to kill (6STK) at the end of its damage drop-off. Range is relatively good for a PDW as well, although it has a shorter minimum range value than most in its class. Muzzle velocity is average for its class, at 2000 studs per second. Rate of fire (RoF) is on the lower end for a PDW but is still very respectable at 720 RPM. Its time to kill (TTK) is fairly quick up close, although at longer ranges its TTK is poor due to the poor damage.
The AUG A3 Para XS because the AUG A3 Para can equip different ammunition types while still keeping the "Para" status, the user is recommended to be aware of the playstyle of map they may be in, and subsequently equip the most effective ammunition type. This allows the user to alter the AUG A3 Para XS from more CQC effectiveness to a more long-range build, or more consistent performance overall.
Recoil is mixed. It has moderate recoil per shot, very good recoil recovery, and a very tight recoil pattern. However, the AUG A3 Para XS suffers from high horizontal recoil, like most members of the AUG family. The AUG A3 Para XS has an above average magazine size at 32+1 rounds—tied with the COLT SMG 633— and has a short reload compared to other AUGs. It also has a common ammunition type, allowing it to take ammunition from many PDWs and other weapons using 9x19mm Parabellum.
The AUG A3 Para XS can be converted to chamber .40 S&W, which renames the weapon to the AUG 40 when equipped. This conversion sacrifices close range performance for slightly better stats and better long range performance. Furthermore, .40 S&W increases accuracy, but decreases mag size and RPM.
Usage & Tactics[]
As a PDW, this weapon performs best in close quarters combat (CQC) situations due to its low TTK, though it performs rather adequately for a PDW at medium range due to its tight recoil pattern and quick recoil recovery. However, this is hindered by sporting a 6SK beyond 90 studs, and without trigger discipline, the AUG A3 Para will become a "one magazine-kill" weapon.
The burst fire mode is great for CQC, as it allows the user to quickly shred through unprepared enemies in one burst, however at medium range, it is better to switch to full auto and tap fire or to semi-auto, since there is less spread compared to burst fire.
Due to its combination of decent RoF and smaller magazine size, reloads are frequent. Since its reload time is only slightly shorter than that of its parent design, it is still best to find cover while reloading to avoid any enemies.
Because of the AUG A3 Para XS' very low penetration, it is recommended to be used in combination with a more capable secondary for enemies behind cover - the Five Seven is a great example of utility, boasting extremely high penetration, and generally low recoil. Care should be used when picking up a secondary, preferably one with wallbang potential.
Conclusion[]
The AUG A3 Para XS is the CQC-oriented weapon of the AUG family. Its decent RoF, access to a three-round burst, and high maximum damage allows the AUG A3 Para to perform comfortably in close and quick engagements. The AUG A3 Para XS isn’t too difficult to master but suffers in ranged combat from a low minimum damage, quick damage drop-off, and extremely weak penetration. Its similarity with the M4 allows it to be a late rank alternative to the carbine.
Pros & Cons[]
Pros:
- Good maximum damage, 3SK up to 60 studs.
- Extremely accurate out to super long range.
- Common ammunition type.
- 2nd fastest movement speed in class, behind the MAC-10, MP5K, G36C, and RAMA 1130.
Cons:
- Low minimum damage.
- Sharp damage drop-off.
- Poor penetration.
Trivia[]
- When the AUG A3 Para XS was initially released, attaching a Compensator would make the aim stability gain increase nearly to the end of the stat bar. This was fixed afterward. The same change applies to the AUG A3.
- The AUG A3 Para XS uses 9x19mm Parabellum, as opposed to the rest of the AUG family, which uses 5.56x45mm NATO.
- The AUG A3 Para XS has gone through many controversial nerfs and buffs and is now much weaker than it was originally. It also used to have less horizontal recoil and the capability of a 5SK at long range.
- The illuminations on the default iron sights of the AUG A3 Para XS are incorrectly sized due to an oversight and make the sight picture appear drastically more obtrusive.
- Before v4.2.1, the weapon had a Coyote Brown finish, like the AUG A3 and (formerly) the AUG HBAR.
- Around update 4.2.1, it received a new light grey color.
- The original AUG A3 Para XS was one of the world's first Assault Rifles that was converted into a Submachine Gun.
- The AUG A3 Para XS has the highest RoF out of all of the AUGs in-game.
- The AUG A3 Para XS previously had a 25+1 round magazine capacity. This was buffed to 32+1 rounds.
- Prior to the buff, it had access to an Extended Magazine attachment that increased the capacity from 25+1 to 32+1, effectively incorporating the attachment’s effect as a default, and the attachment was removed.
Update History[]
| Update | Description | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 0.6.0 | Introduction | |
| 0.12.4 | Reload speed slightly increased | |
| 0.12.6 | Increased the effectiveness of the Compensator on this weapon | |
| 0.13.3 | Iron sight FoV changed | |
| 1.4.1 | Recoil made more vertical | |
| 2.0.0 | Rebalanced as part of CTE changes | |
| 2.3.0 | Sound updated | |
| 3.5.0 | "Minor patches" | |
| 3.11.0 | Ammo pool increased to 125 (from 120) | |
| 3.14.1 | Slightly reduced recoil | |
| 4.2.1 | Weapon recolored | |
| 4.7.0 | Weapon renamed to "AUG Para" | |
| 4.7.1a | Revert name to "AUG A3 Para" |