The PDW-16 Hailstorm is a relatively simple side-grade to the SMG-46 Armistice. Sacrificing a large chunk of the Armistice's iconic rate-of-fire for magazine capacity, the Hailstorm is more capable of taking extended engagements than the Armistice, especially considering its reload time is no slower than its brother, however the weapon's damage deficit definitely challenges this strength.
The PDW-16 Hailstorm, alongside the Blitz GD-10 and Sirius SX12, is part of the so-called 'second generation' of submachine guns, as the three were the second wave of faction-specific weapons to be released in the class.
Equipped with a combination chevron/crosshair reticle and 3.4x magnification capabilities, the TR's Designated Marksman Optics functions well at many ranges.
A compensator redirects gases upward, reducing vertical recoil by 30%, and increasing hipfire cone of fire by 15%. The added sound pressure causes the player to show on the minimap 35m farther away.
The weapon's muzzle flash and noise generation is reduced, and the player no longer appears on the minimap when firing. In exchange, the weapon's damage falls off 10 meters sooner and bullet velocity is reduced by 15%.
The rail mounted Darklight Flashlight can illuminate hostile cloaked infiltrators and dark areas but the light can give away your position. The light can be turned on and off with Toggle Attachment hotkey.
It is possible to earn both Ribbons and Medals while using the PDW-16 Hailstorm. Each ribbon is a standard reward for achieving a set amount of kills with the submachine gun. Medals are awarded upon reaching kill milestones with the weapon.