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Best MW2 weapons: Ultimate tier list with the best loadouts (Season 5)

M4 loadout in Modern Warfare 2Activision

Call of Duty’s meta is an ever-changing one, with so many weapons receiving buffs and nerfs in Season 5. To help you figure out what guns to use we’ve put together a meta weapon tier list for Modern Warfare 2 to help you find the best weapons in MW2.

MW2 has a lot of weapons across nine different categories that can become deadly in the hands of a capable player, and using some of the top-tier guns and classes is arguably the best way to win and dominate more matches.

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Finding a meta weapon in Modern Warfare 2 isn’t an easy task as there are so many guns in the arsenal to choose from and customize in Gunsmith. Plus the constantly evolving meta can make it hard to keep up with what’s good.

To save you time trying out every gun, we’ve put together a Modern Warfare 2 tier list that outlines the meta weapons and the best loadouts for them.

Contents

Best meta Modern Warfare 2 weapons, ranked

5. Carrack .300

Carrack .300 loadout for Modern Warfare 2 Season 5 multiplayer.Activision

Attachments

  • Laser: Accu-Shot 5mW Laser
  • Optic: Forge Tac Delta 4
  • Stock: LEX V14 Stock
  • Magazine: 10 Round Mag
  • Rear Grip: Engage-20 Grip

Perks

  • Base Perk 1: Bomb Squad
  • Base Perk 2: Battle Hardened
  • Bonus Perk: Resupply
  • Ultimate Perk: Ghost

New to Season 5, the Carrack .300 brings back the WA 2000 sniper rifle for the first time since the original Black Ops. This semi-auto sniper is an incredible gun as it can secure one-shot kills almost as well as the bolt action snipers while having a far higher fire rate.

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Since it handles a little slower than some of its competitors you’ll need to play more defensively, but with good map knowledge and aim the Carrack is a scarily powerful weapon. As far as we’re concerned, this is now the best sniper in Modern Warfare 2.

4. Kastov 762

The best Kastov 762 loadout to use in MW2 multiplayer.Activision

Attachments

  • Muzzle: Tempus GH50
  • Barrel: KAS-10 584mm Barrel
  • Laser: Schlager PEQ BOX IV
  • Optic: Cronen Mini Pro
  • Stock: Kastov-Rama

Perks

  • Base Perk 1:  Scavenger
  • Base Perk 2: Bomb Squad
  • Bonus Perk: Fast Hands
  • Ultimate Perk: Ghost

Although it’s not quite the best assault rifle these days the Kastov 762 is still an excellent choice to use in multiplayer. It offers a highly competitive TTK and impressive range while its handling remains fast enough to get work done up close.

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After a couple of nerfs the Kastov 762 is harder to use than before requiring you to mix an upper torso shot for a three-shot kill. Those that have the required mechanical skill though will dominate using this iconic AR.

3. Vaznev 9-K

Attachments

  • Muzzle: Bruen Pendulum
  • Underbarrel: FSS Sharkfin 90
  • Stock: Otrezat Stock
  • Rear Grip: True-Tac Grip
  • Laser: Schlager PEQ BOX IV

Perks

  • Base Perk 1: Double Time
  • Base Perk 2: Battle Hardened
  • Bonus Perk: Fast Hands
  • Ultimate Perk: High Alert

Multiple nerfs to its maximum damage range have hurt the Vaznev-9K a little but it’s still the best overall SMG in MW2. Its low recoil, ability to challenge at mid-range, and impressive mobility make it a wonderfully well-rounded gun that can adapt to most situations.

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Truthfully, the SMG class is pretty stacked though so if you don’t like using the Vaznev the Lachmann Sub, VEL 46, and even the BAS-P are all great alternatives that some players may prefer the feel of.

2. TAQ-56

Attachments

  • Muzzle: Komodo Heavy
  • Barrel: 17.5″ Tundra Pro Barrel
  • Optic: Cronen Mini Pro
  • Underbarrel: FTAC Ripper 56
  • Rear Grip: Demo Cleanshot Grip

Perks

  • Base Perk 1: Battle Hardened
  • Base Perk 2: Scavenger
  • Bonus Perk: Fast Hands
  • Ultimate Perk: Ghost

According to WZ Ranked, the TAQ-56 has a 25% usage rate as of August 2023, making it by far the most popular gun in Modern Warfare 2. It’s easy to see why as MW2’s rendition of the SCAR-L offers the perfect combination of low recoil and incredible damage across all ranges.

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Despite its strengths and popularity, the TAQ-56 isn’t actually the best gun. It’s undoubtedly the best assault rifle in Ranked Play but that’s only because number one on our list was almost immediately banned from competitive for being too strong.

1. Kastov-74U

Attachments

  • Muzzle: Echoless-80
  • Laser: Schlager PEQ BOX IV
  • Stock: Otrezat Stock
  • Underbarrel: Lockgrip Precision-40
  • Rear Grip: Demo-X2 Grip

Perks

  • Base Perk 1: Scavenger
  • Base Perk 2: Tracker
  • Bonus Perk: Fast Hands
  • Ultimate Perk: Ghost

The Kastov-74u remains MW2’s best gun even after five seasons of content. Its strength is that despite being an assault rifle and having the damage range of a rifle, it also offers mobility comparable to an SMG. That combo makes the 74u exceptionally versatile and the best gun in most situations.

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The only real downside to the Kastov is that it does suffer from a fair amount of recoil, so we’ve built our loadout to improve that whilst making sure to not remove the 74u’s main strength, its mobility.

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What is the best gun in Modern Warfare 2?

As showcased above, we believe the Kastov-74U is currently the best gun in MW2. Our choice is subject to change as the game’s meta evolves, but for now, you should give this powerful hybrid assault rifle a try.

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Be aware that every playstyle, map, and game mode naturally favors certain types of weapons so the Kastov-74u might not be the best gun for you. Even so, it’s the best all-around weapon that offers a bit of everything.

All guns in Modern Warfare 2

Modern Warfare 2 Assault Rifles

Kastov 762 Modern Warfare 2Activison
There is a wide range of Assault Rifles to choose from in Modern Warfare 2.
Weapon Description Guide
M4 Automatic assault rifle that is well balanced at any range. Loadout/Class
TAQ-56 Automatic assault rifle with powerful damage output and low recoil. Loadout/Class
Kastov 762 Automatic assault rifle that offers the most impressive damage output in the category. Loadout/Class
Lachmann-556 Automatic assault rifle that trades speed and mobility for damage in long range engagements.  Loadout/Class
STB 556 Automatic assault rifle that is most effective at medium range with fantastic mobility. Loadout/Class
M16 Three-round burst assault rifle that’s most effective in medium-range gunfights. Loadout/Class
Kastov-74U Automatic assault rifle, excelling in short-range combat. Loadout/Class
Kastov 545 Automatic assault rifle with a decent fire rate and spectacular mobility for an AR. Loadout/Class
M13B Automatic assault rifle with fantastic recoil control and impressive long-range capabilities. Loadout/Class
Chimera Automatic assault rifle with a built-in silencer that rewards headshots. Loadout/Class
ISO Hemlock Automatic assault rifle with rounded stats and low recoil, effective at most ranges. Loadout/Class
Tempus Razorback Automatic assault rifle with a high fire rate and above-average handling. Loadout/Class
FR Avancer Automatic assault rifle with an extremely high fire rate and relatively low recoil. Loadout/Class

Modern Warfare 2 SMGs

Modern Warfare 2 players aimingActivision
There are currently 8 SMGs in MW2.
Weapon Description Guide
Vel 46 Automatic SMG with a simple recoil pattern and a fast fire rate. Loadout/Class
MX9 Automatic SMG, sacrificing damage range for manageable recoil control. Loadout/Class
Lachmann Sub Automatic SMG that is well-rounded and works in a wide range of situations. Loadout/Class
Vaznev-9K Automatic SMG powerhouse that performs well at both close and mid-range. Loadout/Class
FSS Hurricane  Automatic SMG with a large magazine that has very little recoil. Loadout/Class
Minibak Automatic SMG that boasts a huge default magazine and decent mobility. Loadout/Class

PDSW 528

 Automatic SMG with a large magazine that offers fantastic mobility. Loadout/Class

Fennec 45

 Automatic SMG that has a spectacular TTK up close at the cost of a lack of damage range. Loadout/Class

BAS-P

 Automatic SMG that has great mobility and impressive damage up close. Loadout/Class

ISO 45

 Automatic SMG that dominates at close range being able to outgun everything else in its sweet spot. Loadout/Class

Modern Warfare 2 Sniper Rifles

Modern Warfare 2 sniper gameplayActivision
Sniper Rifles make for the perfect weapon selection on Ground War or for holding angles in MW2.
Weapon Description Guide
MCPR-300 Bolt Action sniper rifle, sacrificing mobility for a large magazine. Loadout/Class
Signal 50 Anti-material sniper rifle, offering the best fire rate in its category. Loadout/Class
LA-B 330 Bolt Action sniper rifle, packing a unique lightweight build. Loadout/Class
SP-X 80 Magnum sniper rifle, best used for quick scoping and aggressive playstyles. Loadout/Class
Victus XMR Anti-material sniper rifle that handles slowly but kills just about anything it shoots. Loadout/Class
FJX Imperium Anti-material sniper rifle with great damage that is suited for aggression. Loadout/Class
Carrack .300 Semi-Auto sniper rifle with best in slot handling, fire rate, & stability. Loadout/Class

Modern Warfare 2 Marksman Rifles

player holding the sp-r208 rifle in cod warzoneActivision
MW2 features a wide array of deadly Marksman Rifles.
Weapon Description Guide
LM-S Semi-automatic marksman rifle, providing unmatched accuracy in long-range engagements.  Loadout/Class
SP-R 208 Bolt-action rifle designed for quick scoping and aggressive playstyles. Loadout/Class
EBR-14 Devastating semi-automatic rifle that shreds through enemies at mid or long-range. Loadout/Class
SA-B 50 Speedy bolt-action rifle optimized for lightweight builds and increased maneuverability  Loadout/Class
Lockwood MK2 High power lever-action rife, emulating the feel of an old-west cowboy. Loadout/Class
TAQ-M Sluggish automatic rifle that more than makes up for its deficiencies in raw power. Loadout/Class
Tempus Torrent Semi-automatic rifle that offers fantastic range and a large magazine. Loadout/Class
Crossbow Silent weapon that trades bullets for bolts, dropping enemies before they know what hit them. Loadout/Class

Modern Warfare 2 Shotguns

Modern Warfare 2 shotgunActivison
Weapon Description Guide
Lockwood 300 Break-action shotgun sacrifices ammo capacity for extended range and tighter pellet spread. Loadout/Class
Expedite 12 Hard to control semi-automatic shotgun, but absolutely lethal in the right hands.  Loadout/Class
Bryson 800 Reliable pump action shotgun, customizable for either close or medium-range engagements. Loadout/Class
Bryson 890 Pump Action-Shotgun that trades damage range for a convenient box magazine. Loadout/Class
KV Broadside Semi-auto shotgun that is perfect for hip-firing and spamming shots down range. Loadout/Class
MX Guardian Versatile 12-gauge shotgun that can switch between full-auto, semi-auto, and burst-fire. Loadout/Class

Modern Warfare 2 LMGS

Weapon Description Guide
556 Icarus Lightweight automatic LMG, offering a great ammo capacity without the annoying tradeoffs. Loadout/Class
HCR 56 Automatic LMG that can be built for mobility or long range damage. Loadout/Class
RAAL MG Heavy automatic LMG that is slow, but capable of dealing great damage at any range. Loadout/Class
RAAP H Automatic LMG with an extremely high fire rate making it quite forgiving. Loadout/Class
RPK Automatic LMG with great handing but considerable recoil. Loadout/Class
Sakin MG38 Automatic LMG that is laser accurate at long range. Loadout/Class

Modern Warfare 2 Battle Rifles

Activision
Weapon Description Guide
Lachmann-762 Semi-automatic with full-auto toggle that packs a punch if you can control the recoil. Loadout/Class
SO-14 Semi-automatic with full-auto toggle that dominates mid-range engagements. Loadout/Class
TAQ-V Automatic rifle that boasts a moderate fire rate, but suffers from a lot of vertical kick. Loadout/Class
FTAC Recon Semi-auto only but devastating at close at medium range if you land shots. Loadout/Class
Cronen Squall Automatic rifle with semi-auto toggle that offers one of the best TTKs in MW2. Loadout/Class

Modern Warfare 2 Handguns

P890 handgun being inspected in MW2 multiplayer on Taraq map.

Weapon Description Guide
X12 Semi-automatic pistol with fast fire rate and a large magazine. N/A
X13 Auto Automatic pistol with extremely fast fire rate and forgiving recoil. N/A
P890 Semi-automatic pistol that deals incredible damage capable of consistent two shot kills. N/A
.50 GS Semi-automatic pistol that chambers a powerful round capable of one shot kills to the head. N/A
Basilisk Revolver that can kill in one shot with either Magnum rounds or Snakeshot rounds. N/A
FTAC Siege Automatic pistol with a fast fire rate and a huge magazine. Loadout/Class
GS Magna Automatic pistol, an alternative version of the .50 GS that rapidly fires hard hitting rounds. Loadout/Class

So, there you have it, those are the best weapons to use MW2 multiplayer. Keep in mind, this tier list will change a lot as balance updates for Modern Warfare 2 are rolled out and new weapons are added.

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