At first, the cells are loaded one at a time by plugging them into the weapon, but when upgraded with the extended magazine, they can be first placed into the magazine-which can hold up to three cells at once-and then automatically loaded successively after the chambered cell is emptied, much like the Pulse Rifle. When not in use, the cells are connected to separable holding devices which are discarded after loading. If empty, the weapon will emit a red light in its chamber. The rear of the power cells integrates an ammo counter in the form of a red ring that slowly depletes with firing. Like other Combine pulse weaponry, the SMG uses dark energy cells as ammunition, and it incorporates the same firing mechanism with the Pulse Rifle: when firing, a pin in the receiver repeatedly strikes the rear of the chambered cell, releasing bolts of plasma which act as projectiles. The Combine SMG is a rapid-fire compact dark energy pulse weapon that can be easily wielded with one hand.
