- Trench Decay MG08 is a water-cooled, belt-fed medium ammo LMG with a 100-round magazine.
- Best used for suppression and holding chokepoints, not aggressive rushing.
- Added in the Skyfall Update alongside the Double-0, Lil Timothy, Chauchat, and the Shield.
- Works best when paired with a mobile secondary for repositioning between bursts.
Trench Decay MG08 Overview and Stats
The Trench Decay MG08 arrived with the Skyfall Update, and its flavor text says everything about its role: "Water-cooled and belt-fed. It does not tire and it does not hurry." This is a sustained-fire machine gun designed for players who hold ground, suppress enemy waves of the Mindless and the New Order, and support teammates during raids.
Video Highlights:
- MG08 confirmed as a medium ammo weapon with a 100-round magazine
- Part of a five-weapon drop in the Skyfall Update
- Double-0, Lil Timothy, Chauchat, and the Shield melee added in the same patch
- New Ossuary map and the Jager boss launched alongside the weapons
Here is the core stat profile for the MG08 based on its in-game description:
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Weapon type | Belt-fed machine gun |
| Ammo type | Medium ammo |
| Magazine size | 100 rounds |
| Fire style | Sustained suppression fire |
| Role | Area denial, wave defense |
| Source | Skyfall Update weapon pool |
Most Trench Decay weapons carry 14-40 rounds. The MG08's 100-round belt means you can hold a firing line through an entire enemy wave without reloading, which is rare in the current weapon pool.
MG08 vs Other Skyfall Weapons
The Skyfall Update added several weapons, and each fills a distinct niche. Compare them before committing your loadout slot:
| Weapon | Ammo | Magazine | Special Effect | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MG08 | Medium | 100 | None (raw sustained fire) | Suppression, holding lines |
| Double-0 | Light | 14 | Explosive rounds | Close-range burst damage |
| Lil Timothy | Light | 40 | Incendiary rounds, ground fire | Area denial vs crowds |
| Chauchat | Medium | 20 | None | Mobile mid-range support |
| Shield | Melee | N/A | Blocks incoming damage, 20% move penalty | Defensive utility |
Suppression Anchor
- MG08 locks down corridors
- 100-round belt outlasts waves
- Best in defensive raids
Skirmisher
- Double-0 for explosive burst
- Chauchat for mobility
- Hit-and-run playstyle
Area Controller
- Lil Timothy ignites the ground
- Burns approaching enemies
- Watch your own positioning
Lil Timothy's incendiary rounds can set the ground on fire, and that fire damages you too. If you pair it with the MG08, never retreat backward through your own burning ground.
How to Use the MG08 Effectively: Step-by-Step
The MG08 rewards patience. Follow this workflow to get the most out of it during raids:
Claim a Firing Position
Find a chokepoint, trench bend, or elevated spot overlooking the enemy approach. The MG08 performs best when enemies come to you.
Pre-Aim the Wave Path
Medium ammo is a limited resource between resupplies. Identify where the Mindless and New Order will funnel before they spawn pressure.
Fire in Sustained Bursts
Rather than dumping the full belt, fire controlled bursts to keep suppression up while preserving ammo for the wave's peak.
Reposition Between Waves
Reload and reposition while the lane is clear. A stationary gunner is a prime target for chargers like the Jager.
Support Your Division
Use your sustained fire to cover teammates completing major objectives, especially during Iron Maiden Penance Challenge attempts.
Because Division members can now join your raid live through the Division Garrison billboards, the MG08 holder makes an excellent anchor for late-joining teammates who need a safe push point.
MG08 and the Jager Boss Fight
The Ossuary map introduced the Jager, a boss equipped with dual Vickers machine guns who charges through obstructions and lands a near-lethal AoE smash. This is where the MG08's role shifts.
| Jager Attack | Threat | MG08 Counterplay |
|---|---|---|
| Dual Vickers gunfire | High sustained damage | Break line of sight, reposition, then re-engage |
| Charge through obstructions | Heavy impact damage | Pre-move before the charge, use cover the Jager will destroy |
| AoE smash | Near-instant kill | Keep maximum range, never stand adjacent |
The Jager's AoE smash can nearly or outright kill you regardless of your weapon. As an MG08 gunner, your job is distance and sustained damage, not close-range trades.
MG08 Mastery Checklist
Track your progress toward mastering the Trench Decay MG08 with these milestones:
MG08 Mastery Goals:
- Hold a full wave without reloading mid-fight
- Complete a raid using the MG08 as your primary
- Land sustained damage on the Jager from range
- Cover a teammate completing a major objective
- Pair the MG08 with a mobile secondary for swaps
FAQ
Q: Is the MG08 good in Trench Decay?
Yes, for its intended role. The MG08 is a 100-round, medium ammo, belt-fed machine gun best suited to suppression, wave defense, and holding chokepoints. It is not ideal for aggressive rushing compared to lighter options like the Double-0.
Q: What ammo does the MG08 use?
The MG08 uses medium ammo, the same ammo type as the Chauchat. Plan your resupply routes accordingly if you carry both.
Q: When was the MG08 added to Trench Decay?
The MG08 was added in the Skyfall Update, alongside the Double-0 pistol, Lil Timothy, the Chauchat, the Shield melee weapon, new war bonds, and the Ossuary map with the Jager boss.
Q: Should I use the MG08 against the Jager?
It is viable at range thanks to its 100-round belt, but you must avoid the Jager's charge and AoE smash. Stay at maximum distance, use hard cover, and break line of sight during its Vickers gunfire.