How to get Assault Rifle in Icarus Update

     If you’ve been playing Icarus and you love guns that pack a serious punch, you’re gonna be all over this one. The Week 173 update didn’t just throw in some visual changes or bug fixes - it dropped a whole new weapon lineup including the mighty assault rifle. It replaces the old light automatic carbine, but keeps the same look, now paired with new 5.56 mm ammo and a serious damage boost. Let’s dive in and see how to get your hands on it, how it compares to other weapons, and what makes it an absolute beast on the battlefield.

 

 

 

Unlock the assault rifle

 

     To unlock the assault rifle, you’ll need to head into your tech tree and scroll over to Tier 4. That’s right - it’s a late-game weapon and it’s gonna cost you. Specifically, you’re going to need 10 titanium plates and 15 titanium ingots to craft it. So make sure you’ve got your deep vein extraction going strong because you’ll be mining a lot of titanium for this one. You can unlock it directly in Tier 4 under the firearms section, right next to the submachine gun if you’ve already converted your old light automatic carbine.

 

 

 

Ammo requirements

 

     Assault rifle requires a fabrication bench, so make sure you’ve already built one. Gather the titanium plates and ingots, and don't forget you’ll need 5.56 mm rounds - this is a brand-new ammo type introduced with this update. You can craft the 5.56 in Tier 3, so get your crafting stations ready. Also, stock up on these rounds because the rifle chews through them quickly. They're more powerful than your old 7.62 or 9mm ammo, and they definitely cost more, but the trade-off is worth it.

 

 

     Now let’s talk numbers. The assault rifle shoots 300 rounds per minute, has a clip size of 15, and reloads in 3.6 seconds. That’s a little slower than the SMG, but where it wins is in raw power. You’re getting high projectile damage and a chance for critical hits, even though it has a -75% crit damage modifier. That sounds bad, but the base damage is so high that it still outperforms pretty much every other firearm in the game, even during headshots.

 

 

Comparison with other weapons

 

     We did a minute-long damage test, and here’s how the assault rifle stacked up. It tore through two full test targets and nearly half of a third, putting it at roughly 120,000 damage per minute. That’s more than the SMG at 100,000, the trench shotgun at around 88,000, and the old hunting rifle at about 50,000. Despite the slower fire rate, the damage output and durability make the assault rifle the top-tier weapon right now. It’s also surprisingly durable - you can go through a full fight and still have plenty of condition left.

 

 

 

Why it’s better than the submachine gun

 

     Sure, the SMG is fun. It uses the old carbine skin and shoots faster at 400 rounds per minute, reloads quicker, and uses cheap 9mm ammo. But it suffers from lower projectile damage and a bouncy recoil pattern that makes it harder to keep your shots accurate. The assault rifle may fire slower, but it hits way harder, and it stays on target more easily. It’s your best friend when you need to melt through enemies or bosses quickly.

 

 

Best use cases

 

     This thing isn’t just a DPS machine - it’s also ideal for long engagements, boss fights, and defending bases during events. Because of its power and decent ammo efficiency, you’ll want it in your hands when you’re expecting tough mobs or big waves. Pair it with armor that boosts your reload speed or range damage and you’ll become an unstoppable force. Just keep an eye on your ammo reserves because it’s hungry.

 

 

Where to find materials

 

     If you’re struggling to gather enough titanium, try heading into deeper cave systems or set up long-term mining operations with extractors. Prioritize deep mining veins and bring a good pickaxe, because you’ll be hauling a lot. Don’t forget to smelt it all down and get your fabrication station set up before even thinking about the rifle. And don’t overlook the titanium plates - they take three ingots each, so plan accordingly.

 

     Use the assault rifle at mid to long range for best results. It’s accurate, stable, and benefits from precision shots. Stick to regular 5.56 ammo at first, but experiment with crafted enhanced ammo if you want even more power. Attachments can give you an edge, especially recoil dampeners or scopes for accuracy. And if you’re in multiplayer, one player running support while another sprays with the assault rifle makes for an unbeatable combo.

 

     If you’ve been holding on to your old carbine, it’s time to let go and upgrade to the assault rifle. It hits harder, lasts longer, and is the king of damage per minute in Icarus right now. Just be ready to invest some serious resources into unlocking and maintaining it. Once you do, though, you won’t look back.