Modern Warfare 2 meta is an almost ever-changing one, with many weapons receiving big changes as recent as the big February 24 update. We have put together a meta weapon tier list for Modern Warfare 2 to help you find the top-tier guns from the MW2 arsenal in 2023 for you!
Modern Warfare 2 has plenty of viable weapons from different categories that can become deadly in the hands of a capable player, but some of the top-tier guns and classes can make it way easier to win your matches.
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.
Luckily, the meta has countless powerful weapons that can help you rack up kills in multiplayer. To save you time, we’ve put together a MW2 tier list that outlines the meta weapons and the best loadouts for them.
Remember, if you’re ready to dive into Warzone 2 and want to know which top-tier weapons to use, be sure to check out our list of the best meta weapons and loadouts to use in Warzone 2.
Contents
- Top 5 meta Warzone weapons and loadouts, ranked
- What is the best gun in Modern Warfare 2?
- list of all guns in Modern Warfare 2
- Assault Rifles
- SMGs
- Sniper Rifles
- Marksman Rifles
- Shotguns
- LMGs
- Battle Rifles
Best meta Modern Warfare 2 weapons ranked
5. RPK
Attachments
- Muzzle: Polafire-S
- Barrel: KAS-10 584mm Barrel
- Magazine: 30-Round Mag
- Stock: Prolite TL3 Stock
- Underbarrel: Commando Foregrip
Perks
- Base Perk 1: Overkill
- Base Perk 2: Battle Hardened
- Bonus Perk: Fast Hands
- Ultimate Perk: Ghost
Most LMGs wouldn’t stand a chance at reaching the top 5 list in MW2 as a result of their sluggish mobility and slow reload times. However, the RPK is the outlier thanks to its insane TTK that dominates foes at mid-range.
The class above transforms the RPK into an AR-style weapon with plenty of maneuverability, allowing you to make use of the gun’s raw firepower without sacrificing the speed that is essential in MW2 multiplayer.
4. Vaznev 9-K
Attachments
- Muzzle: Bruen Pendulum
- Underbarrel: FSS Sharkfin 90
- Stock: Otrezat Stock
- Rear Grip: True-Tac Grip
- Laser: PEQ BOX IV laser
Perks
- Base Perk 1: Double Time
- Base Perk 2: Battle Hardened
- Bonus Perk: Fast Hands
- Ultimate Perk: High Alert
A nerf to the Fennec in the Season 2 update moved it out of the top five. The Vaznev also received a nerf, but it proved to be inconsequential after delving into stats. We believe that the Vaznev stands apart as the best SMG in MW2 and competes at most ranges.
Our loadout focuses on improving the weapon’s mobility and ADS speed while not sacrificing too much in recoil control.
3. TAQ-56
Attachments
- Muzzle: Komodo Heavy
- Barrel: 14.5″ Tundra Pro Barrel
- Underbarrel: FTAC Ripper 56
- Rear Grip: Demo Cleanshot Grip
- Optic: Slimline Pro
Perks
- Base Perk 1: Overkill
- Base Perk 2: Scavenger
- Bonus Perk: Fast Hands
- Ultimate Perk: Ghost
It’s currently a toss-up between a few AR options for the top spot. Each weapon provides something different.
The M4 is more of an all-rounded weapon, while the TAQ-56 is one of the hardest-hitting weapons in the game, at the cost of a slower fire rate. Our loadout ensures you can quickly shred through enemies at any range.
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2. M4
Attachments
- Barrel: Tempus Hightower 20″ Barrel
- Laser: 4MW Laser Box
- Optic: Cronen Mini Red Dot
- Stock: Demo Fade Pro Stock
- Rear Grip: XTEN Grip
Perks
- Base Perk 1: Tracker
- Base Perk 2: Battle Hardened
- Bonus Perk: Fast Hands
- Ultimate Perk: Ghost
Featuring a generous amount of recoil and a quick TTK, the M4 looks like it’s set for another big year, after dominating Modern Warfare 2019.
While it doesn’t operate exactly like its 2019 counterpart, it’s arguably just as effective now as it ever was, provided that you have the right loadout.
1. Kastov-74U
Attachments
- Barrel: BR209 Barrel
- Underbarrel: Merc Foregrip
- Ammunition: 5.45 High Velocity
- Rear Grip: True-Tac Grip
- Stock: Markeev R7 Stock
Perks
- Base Perk 1: Scavenger
- Base Perk 2: Tracker
- Bonus Perk: Fast Hands
- Ultimate Perk: Ghost
The Kastov-74u is an iconic SMG in Call of Duty, but it classifies as an AR in Modern Warfare 2. It challenges the M4 in range and packs a punch in close-quarters combat as well.
We went with a loadout that improves the weapon’s harder-to-control recoil kick, while also enhancing its mobility and hip fire capability. Its impressive damage output is on full display in the faces of enemies.
What is the best gun in Modern Warfare 2?
Identifying the best gun in Modern Warfare is nearly an impossible task as everyone has their own play style and preferences for picking the perfect loadout.
As showcased above, we believe the Kastov-74U is currently the strongest gun in the current meta. Our choice is subject to change as the game’s meta evolves, but for now, you should give this powerful AR a try for yourself.
With a lethal TTK and strong damage at close range, it’s a deadly choice if you want a versatile weapon that can take out enemies in an instant.
All guns in Modern Warfare 2
Modern Warfare 2 Assault Rifles
| Weapon | Description | Guide |
| M4 | Fully automatic Assault Rifle that is well balanced at any range | Loadout/Class |
| TAQ-56 | Fully automatic Assault Rifle with a powerful damage output and steady recoil control | Loadout/Class |
| Kastov 762 | Fully automatic workhorse Assault Rifle | Loadout/Class |
| Lachmann-556 | Fully automatic Assault Rifle that trades speed and mobility for damage in longe range engagements | Loadout/Class |
| STB 556 | Fully automatic Assault Rifle, most effective at medium range with the correct attachments. | Loadout/Class |
| M16 | A three-round burst Assault Rifle that’s most effective in medium-range gunfights. | Loadout/Class |
| Kastov-74U | Fully automatic Assault Rifle, excelling in short-range combat | Loadout/Class |
| Kastov 545 | Fully automatic Assault Rifle with a decent fire rate and a complement of deadly bullets | Loadout/Class |
| Chimera | Hard-hitting Assault Rifle with a built-in silencer. | Loadout/Class |
Modern Warfare 2 SMGs
| Weapon | Description | Guide |
| Vel 46 | Fully automatic SMG with an easy-to-control recoil pattering and blistering fast fire rate | Loadout/Class |
| MX9 | Fully automatic SMG, sacrificing bullet range for manageable recoil control | Loadout/Class |
| Lachmann Sub | Fully automatic extremely reliable SMG | Loadout/Class |
| Vaznev-9K | Fully automatic SMG powerhouse | Loadout/Class |
| FSS Hurricane | Fully automatic SMG, capable of annihilating enemies up close | Loadout/Class |
| Minibak | Fully automatic SMG, boasting an impressive TTK speed, ADS time, and quick mobility | Loadout/Class |
|
PDSW 528 |
Fully automatic fan favorite SMG that dominates with the right attachments | Loadout/Class |
|
Fennec 45 |
Fully automatic SMG, standing out among the other weapons for its lethal TTK | Loadout/Class |
Modern Warfare 2 Sniper Rifles
| Weapon | Description | Guide |
| MCPR-300 | Bolt Action Sniper Rifle, sacrificing mobility for an extended damage range | Loadout/Class |
| Signal 50 | Anti Material Sniper Rifle, offering an impressive fire rate and range | 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 running and gunning | Loadout/Class |
Modern Warfare 2 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 precise long-range fights | 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 Fully-Automatic Rifle that more than makes up for its deficiencies in power. | Loadout/Class |
Modern Warfare 2 Shotguns
| Weapon | Description | Guide |
| Lockwood 300 | Break-Action Shotgun sacrifices ammo capacity for extended range and tighter bullet 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 | frustratingly flawed Pump Action-Shotgun that can still be deadly up close | Loadout/Class |
Modern Warfare 2 LMGS
| Weapon | Description | Guide |
| 556 Icarus | Lightweight Fully Automatic LMG, offering a great ammo capacity without the annoying tradeoffs | Loadout/Class |
| HCR 56 | Heavy Fully Automatic LMG, that may feel a bit heavy, but capable of packing a punch | Loadout/Class |
| RAAL MG | Fully Automatic LMG which stands out among a stacked lineup of weapons | Loadout/Class |
| RAAP H | Large but powerful Fully Automatic LMG | Loadout/Class |
| RPK | Fully automatic LMG capable of shredding through enemies at long range with an easy-to-control recoil | Loadout/Class |
| Sakin MG38 | Devastating Fully Automatic LMG that can be a tad speedier than other class offerings | Loadout/Class |
Modern Warfare 2 Battle Rifles
| Weapon | Description | Guide |
| Lachmann-762 | Semi-Automatic or Fully Automatic rifle that packs a punch with the proper loadout | Loadout/Class |
| SO-14 | Semi-Automatic or Fully Automatic rifle with a sub-par recoil control | Loadout/Class |
| TAQ-V | Fully Automatic rifle that boasts a moderate fire rate, but dominates medium-range to long range engagements. | Loadout/Class |
| FTAC Recon | A high-powered Battle Rifle that delivers severe damage at medium range. | Loadout/Class |
So, there you have it, those are the best weapons to use Modern Warfare 2 multiplayer. Keep in mind, this tier list will change a lot as balance updates are rolled out and new weapons are added.
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