The meta for the finest weapons in Fashionable Warfare 3 has developed significantly since launch, and has developed considerably for the reason that Feb. 7 rollout of Season 2.
From the get-go, there have been a plethora of weapons to select from within the newest Name of Obligation as a result of each gun from Fashionable Warfare 2 was additionally made out there, alongside a bunch of recent weapons. We’re not together with these as there are far too many to select from, and for probably the most half, the brand new MW3 weapons are stronger anyway.
So should you’re trying to dominate MW3 multiplayer in Season 2, look no additional than these 10 weapons.
Fashionable Warfare 3 finest weapons to make use of in Season 2
One of the best weapons in Fashionable Warfare 3 are as follows:
- MCW (assault rifle)
- Rival-9 (SMG)
- WSP Swarm (SMG)
- RAM-7 (assault rifle)
- BAS-B (battle rifle)
- RAM-9 (SMG)
- HRM-9 (SMG)
- Holger 556 (assault rifle)
- XRK Stalker (sniper rifle)
- SVA 545 (assault rifle)
Imagine it or not, the MCW continues to be the most effective gun in Fashionable Warfare 3 and has been since launch. It’s probably the most jack-of-all-trades gun you’ll discover, as you possibly can package it out for long-range engagements — which our instructed attachments beneath are apt for — or to cope with enemies in shut quarters if wanted.
Nevertheless, the record has been shaken up a bit of with the introduction of some new weapons and steadiness modifications by means of Season 1 and Season 2, skyrocketing the Rival-9 (the most effective SMG in Fashionable Warfare 3) into second place. The WSP Swarm isn’t far behind it, although, and the RAM-7 continues to be a stable assault rifle regardless of its important recoil.
The BAS-B is by far the most effective battle rifle and the optimum selection if you wish to interact in for much longer distance firefights, whereas the RAM-9 and HRM-9 have been seasonal additions which have rapidly discovered their place within the meta. The Holger 556 continues to be very sturdy, the XRK Stalker sniper rifle is your best option for any marksmen or quick-scopers, and the SVA 545 excels because of its potential to shoot the primary two bullets nearly concurrently.
(As an apart, for anybody returning to this record from Season 1, the AMR9 and Riveter have each been dropped in favor of the Rival-9 and RAM-9, and the HRM-9 has been added to around the record out to a stable 10 entries.)
Let’s undergo our up to date picks for the most effective weapons in Fashionable Warfare 3 one-by-one.
1. MCW (assault rifle)
![The MCW in Modern Warfare 3](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nrfGVWpXMva8pRmH-5VMK9-tybs=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24994679/mw3_beta_best_guns_mcw.jpg)
Picture: Activision by way of Polygon
Kicking issues off is the MCW, which is unlocked at rank 44. Fashionable Warfare 3 doesn’t have actual weapon names, so the MCW is finest often known as the ACR from earlier installments. Which is all to day, the MCW is a really dependable assault rifle that’s absolutely automated, with constant vary, recoil, and injury.
Primarily, with the best attachments, the MCW turns into a laser beam. Any of the heavy barrels do the job — we’d suggest the 16.5” MCW Cyclone Lengthy Barrel — together with any vertical grip, although we discovered the Bruen Pivot to be the most effective (which requires leveling the SVA 545 to stage 12 first). As for the remainder of the attachments, an optic is all the time shout for enhanced visibility, alongside any mixture of muzzle/inventory/rear grip that help with recoil management and bullet velocity.
For extra on the right way to package out this weapon, see our devoted MCW loadout web page.
2. Rival-9 (SMG)
![The Rival 9 SMG rests over a black background in key art for the best guns in MW3 as of season 2.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/N-7PaYN-SRYBY6rzJIbxx5yciyc=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25277292/mw3_best_guns_rival_9.jpg)
Picture: Sledgehammer Video games/Activision by way of Polygon
The Rival-9 wasn’t thought of to be among the best weapons in MW3 on launch, however it has rapidly risen to the highest because of its quick hearth charge. It packs an enormous punch whenever you stand up shut and private. Because the meta has developed, operating and gunning has solidified itself as a really sturdy model of play, significantly in Season 2.
Bearing that in thoughts — that you just received’t typically be partaking with enemies past just a few meters away — you need to handle the recoil to an extent whereas additionally sustaining the weapon dealing with and mobility. We suggest the Rival Vice Assault Grip within the rear grip attachment slot, together with the Rival IGS-800 Barrel to cope with a lot of the recoil points. Be sure to additionally stick the 9mm Excessive Velocity ammunition on to deal probably the most injury.
3. WSP Swarm (SMG)
![A menu for the WSP Swarm shows attachments for one of the best guns in MW3.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/a89ohCc8YQK_2hIBENrNjA9oOAE=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25286662/mw3_best_guns_wsp_swarm.jpg)
Picture: Sledgehammer Video games/Activision by way of Polygon
Subsequent up we’ve the WSP Swarm, the second SMG on our record of the most effective weapons in Fashionable Warfare 3. This gun is critically highly effective, however as you’d count on given its machine pistol type, it has a boatload of recoil. This implies it fits a really aggressive model of play, and whereas the Akimbo attachment could also be tempting to dual-wield hip-fire these bad boys, we’re going for one thing a little extra dependable.
Your whole goal ought to be to cut back the recoil whereas additionally not hindering the mobility an excessive amount of, so search for muzzle and/or barrel attachments that try towards that aim. Very similar to the RAM-7 beneath, the WSP Swarm has a really quick charge of fireside, so you possibly can’t go mistaken with an prolonged journal both. You undoubtedly don’t want an optic although, because the iron sights are completely superb and, to be trustworthy, you’ll typically end up hip-firing — should you can cut back the hip hearth unfold with any attachments, even higher.
4. RAM-7 (assault rifle)
![A menu shows the best attachments and loadout for the RAM 7 in MW3.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zjuoUTOtm4aVyrIX7ujuKuk6dSg=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25144165/mw3_best_ram_7_loadout_attachments.jpg)
Picture: Sledgehammer Video games/Activision by way of Polygon
The RAM-7 was launched in Season 1 and rapidly discovered itself as a mainstay within the meta. It kicks like a mule however offers some critical injury. As such, you don’t need to package it out for terribly lengthy vary, however it is without doubt one of the finest selections at brief to mid vary for an assault rifle. A barrel or muzzle attachment that ideally silences the gun and helps with injury at vary is vital.
Alongside this, we suggest placing on an prolonged journal because of how rapidly the gun fires, then aiming to strike a steadiness between mobility, dealing with, and injury for the remaining.
Tweak the attachments till you discover the precise match that works for you, or take a look at our information to the most effective RAM-7 loadout in MW3.
5. BAS-B (battle rifle)
![The BAS-B in Modern Warfare 3](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Wa_KgyPcibPD9AsTVOJ5hvL0DH8=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/24994681/mw3_beta_best_guns_bas_b.jpg)
Picture: Activision by way of Polygon
All of the weapons on this record are pretty comparable: absolutely automated weapons which can be finest at various ranges. The BAS-B is not any completely different. The primary and solely battle rifle on the record, that is the gun you need to swap to if our MCW construct above nonetheless doesn’t have sufficient vary for you. It doesn’t hearth fairly as rapidly because the MCW, however every bullet packs far more of a punch, and after getting some recoil-managing attachments on there, you possibly can put a longer-range optic on it, similar to one of many 2.5x choices.
Whenever you’re within the opening ranges of utilizing the BAS-B although, we’ve only a few advisable attachments. The Bruen Venom Lengthy Barrel is a no brainer because of the vary it provides, and the 30-round magazine — or the 45-round when you unlock it — ensures you possibly can mow down a number of enemies without having to reload. We’d additionally suggest the Ravage-20 Heavy Inventory, which you unlock as soon as the BAS-B has reached stage seven.
For extra on the right way to package out this weapon, see our devoted BAS-B loadout web page.
6. RAM-9 (SMG)
![The RAM-9 rests over a black background in key art for the best MW3 guns in season 2.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4NXWSmRP9aApLQKF_-oi6I5VgH0=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25277298/mw3_best_guns_ram_9.jpg)
Picture: Sledgehammer Video games/Activision by way of Polygon
The RAM-9 was launched firstly of Season 2, and is the most recent weapon on this record of the most effective weapons in Fashionable Warfare 3. It’s one other SMG with a fast hearth charge, however the recoil might be managed a bit of higher than the Rival-9 above, so that is higher fitted to barely longer engagements. The must-use attachments are the ZEHMN35 Compensated Flash Hider muzzle attachment and the HVS 3.4 Pad inventory because of how they help with recoil.
Be sure to equip an underbarrel grip of some description too — our advice is the SL Skeletal Vertical Grip — and we discovered a rear grip additionally does the job, ideally the Retort 90 Grip Tape. The iron sights are usable right here, however should you’d somewhat equip an optical sight for higher visibility, any crimson dot sight will work.
For extra clarification on these attachment selections and particulars on the most effective class to make use of with this SMG, take a look at our devoted RAM-9 loadout information.
7. HRM-9 (SMG)
![The HRM-9 rests over a black background in key art for the best MW3 guns in season 2.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/TvmoPPohy_1I0WJ8_cmyXazkUjI=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25277300/mw3_best_guns_hrm_9.jpg)
Picture: Sledgehammer Video games/Activision by way of Polygon
The ultimate SMG on the record, the HRM-9 with our construct is definitely very sturdy at a barely additional distance than you’d count on most SMGs to be efficient. With that in thoughts, the Sonic Suppressor S muzzle attachment is a godsend because it buffs the bullet velocity, injury vary, and it makes you undetectable by radar when firing.
It does imply the recoil management takes a minor hit although, so that you need to use different attachments that assist carry that again up. Any underbarrel grip geared in direction of that may do the job — our selection is the VX Pineapple — together with a rear grip and inventory attachment. We’d suggest an optical sight right here too, although a fundamental one just like the Slimline Professional or Slate Reflector is nice sufficient.
Our full HRM-9 loadout information has extra particulars on the right way to finest make the most of this SMG and the attachments to package it out with.
8. Holger 556 (assault rifle)
![A menu for MW3 shows attachments for the Holger 556, one of the best guns in MW3.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AlYVSq4bMmCZLecz902bi92wXWg=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25286665/mw3_best_guns_holger_556.jpg)
Picture: Sledgehammer Video games/Activision by way of Polygon
Subsequent up, we’ve the Holger 556, which is unlocked at stage 37. Now, to be frank, there’s not a complete lot particular concerning the Holger; it’s a dependable, absolutely automated assault rifle that isn’t fairly nearly as good because the MCW or RAM-7. Nevertheless, should you keep in mind (and cherished) the G36C from Name of Obligation 4: Fashionable Warfare, that is very harking back to that.
As all the time, you’ll need to deal with recoil administration and injury output when kitting out the Holger. Discover barrel, muzzle, and underbarrel attachments that help with that, then stick your optic of selection on and also you’ll be good to go. It has a better base injury however slower hearth charge than each the MCW and SVA, so bear that in thoughts when discovering the most effective attachments.
9. XRK Stalker (sniper rifle)
![A menu for the XRK Stalker shows attachments on one of the best guns in MW3.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/sr72byWXCzT_PNSsf-KuhSyx664=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25286666/mw3_best_guns_xrk_stalker__1_.jpg)
Picture: Sledgehammer Video games/Activision by way of Polygon
With its introduction in Season 1, the XRK Stalker took the crown from the Katt-AMR to be the most effective sniper rifle in Fashionable Warfare 3, and that’s because of its spectacular injury and mobility, making it the prime selection for these quick-scopers amongst you. It is a place it’s held by means of the launch of Season 2.
Your aim must be to enhance the ADS pace, re-chambering pace, and dash to fireplace pace so you possibly can pull up your gun and one-shot enemies with ease. To this finish, we’d suggest having the No Inventory inventory attachment, alongside the Mild Bolt and FT Match Grip. You also needs to equip an optic that isn’t fairly so zoomed in because the default, as you’re unlikely to be sniping at vary.
For extra on the right way to spec this gun, take a look at our information to the most effective XRK Stalker loadout in MW3.
10. SVA 545 (assault rifle)
![The SVA 545 in Modern Warfare 3.](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Bsvf3Gcn7hjCpGjPlhD2nJTH9eA=/0x0:1920x1080/1200x0/filters:focal(0x0:1920x1080):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25080385/mw3_best_guns_sva_545.jpg)
Picture: Activision by way of Polygon
The SVA 545 is the primary assault rifle you’ll unlock within the recreation, so when you’re grinding for the MCW and AMR9, it’s the one you need to be utilizing. As quickly as you unlock create-a-class you possibly can equip it, and it comes with one very attention-grabbing perk: the primary shot fires two bullets, nearly concurrently. This isn’t simply the primary shot of the journal although; should you faucet hearth, you possibly can guarantee each shot is a twofer. It’s not overpowered or something, however it’s a nifty trick if you will get the cling of it.
As is all the time the case with assault rifles, you’ll need to handle the recoil on this, so we suggest an underbarrel grip such because the VX Pineapple, a barrel attachment that may enhance the vary and injury, and different attachments that help recoil administration. It’s one of many solely weapons within the recreation with first rate iron sights although, so that you don’t want to stay an optic on it.
Try our greatest SVA 545 loadout with our devoted information.