M79 Grenade Launcher

Lore & Background

The M79 appears sparingly in the original Max Payne, usually in the back half of the game where the odds stack against you. It's a faithful nod to the real-world Cold War launcher—simple, rugged, and unforgiving. In the game's underworld, it's a status symbol of firepower, carried by elite enforcers and security goons who mean business. Finding one on the ground is a signal: the game is about to get very loud.

In Their Own Story

The rain-slicked alley stank of cordite and garbage. Max ducked behind a rusted dumpster as a shotgun blast tore through the air. He'd been ambushed by a trio of thugs from the Punchinello family. One of them hefted a bulky weapon—a M79. Max recognized it from his army days. The thug aimed, and Max rolled just as the launcher coughed. The grenade struck the wall behind him, and the explosion sent debris flying. Max rose, fired his dual Berettas, and ended the threat before the shooter could reload.

Reader's Guide

The M79 is a tactical sledgehammer, not a sidearm. It fires a single 40mm grenade that explodes on contact with any surface or enemy, dealing massive splash damage. Its best use is to vaporize packed groups or flush out cover-huggers with a well-placed shot at their feet. The long reload and scarce ammo mean you must pick your moments. Aim for the center of a cluster or the floor near an enemy's toes—the generous blast radius turns near-misses into kills. Watch your distance: the explosion can hurt Max if you're too close. Save the M79 for ambushes, boss fights, or the game's nastiest firefights, like the Aesir Corporation or Ragna Rock. Its appearance is a promise of mayhem, so hoard its shells for when you're outnumbered or facing armored brutes.

Did You Know?

• The M79 in Max Payne is based on the real-world M79 grenade launcher used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War.
• In the game, the M79 can be used to destroy certain environmental objects, such as wooden crates or barriers, revealing hidden items or paths.
• The weapon's distinctive 'thump' sound when fired is a hallmark of its real-world counterpart.
• The M79 is one of the few weapons in Max Payne that can kill multiple enemies with a single shot, making it a favorite for speedruns.