Best MW2 weapons: Ultimate tier list with the best loadouts (Season 5 Reloaded)
ActivisionCall of Duty’s meta is always evolving with guns receiving constant buffs and nerfs. To help you figure out what guns to use we’ve put together this meta weapon tier list for Modern Warfare 2 to help you find the best MW2 weapons in Season 5 Reloaded.
Throughout its lifespan, Modern Warfare 2 has undergone plenty of metas across both Warzone and multiplayer. We’ve seen assault rifles, SMGS, and even shotguns dominate 6v6.
The release of new guns and older weapons being rebalanced makes it difficult to keep track of what guns are top-tier. Failing to do so can leave your loadouts outdated and put you at a serious disadvantage on the battlefield.
To help you out and make sure you’re using strong loadouts we’ve put together this list of the best MW2 weapons to use in Season 5 Reloaded.
Contents
- Top 5 meta MW2 weapons, 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. Kastov 762
ActivisionAttachments
- 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.
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.
4. Fennec 45
ActivisionAttachments
- Laser: VLK LZR 7mW
- Stock: Agile Assault-7 Stock
- Underbarrel: Phase-3 Grip
- Magazine: 45 Round Mag
- Rear Grip: Fennec Stippled Grip
Perks
- Base Perk 1: Bomb Squad
- Base Perk 2: Battle Hardened
- Bonus Perk: Resupply
- Ultimate Perk: Ghost
Season 5 marked a return to form for the Fennec 45. The fast-firing SMG previously dominated Warzone’s and MW2’s meta, but substantial nerfs knocked it out of contention. An increase in the weapon’s maximum damage brought the SMG in line with other class offerings.
We recommend using a build that compensates for its fast firing rate with a larger magazine while also maximizing mobility and ADS speed.
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.
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. M4
ActivisionAttachments
- Muzzle: RF Crown 50
- Barrel: 11.5″ T-H4 Barrel
- Optic: Cronen Mini Pro
- Stock: Tempus P80 Strike Stock
- Rear Grip: Sakin ZX Grip
Perks
- Base Perk 1: Scavenger
- Base Perk 2: Tracker
- Bonus Perk: Fast Hands
- Ultimate Perk: Ghost
A jack of all trades but a master of none, the M4 provides a perfect mix of everything but doesn’t necessarily jump off the page. The easy-to-use AR will come in clutch for multiple types of engagements but still falls a little short of the TAQ-56 regarding firepower.
However, if players want a consistent weapon that won’t every lead them astray, look no further than the M4.
1. 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 over a 17% usage rate as of September 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.
Using stats provided by sym.gg, the TAQ 56 beats out the M4, Kastov 762, and Kastov 74-U in TTK speed from most ranges relevant in multiplayer matches.
What is the best gun in Modern Warfare 2?
As showcased above, we believe the TAQ-56 is the best weapon in Modern Warfare 2. It’s a bit of a boring pick as the AR has been relevant and a part of the competitive season since Season 1, but no other gun really comes close when it comes to sheer ability.
Be aware that every playstyle, map, and game mode naturally favors certain types of weapons, so the TAQ-56 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
Activison| 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 |
| M13C | Automatic assault rifle that offers a more compact, high mobility alternative to the M13B. | N/A |
Modern Warfare 2 SMGs
Activision| 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 |
|
Lachmann Shroud |
Burst SMG that offers a unique twist on the classic Lachmann Sub. | Loadout/Class |
Modern Warfare 2 Sniper Rifles
Activision| 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
Activision| 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
Activison| 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
| 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 |
| 9mm Daemon | A classic semi-auto handgun that offers some of the best range in class and a competitive TTK. | Loadout/Class |
So, there you have it, those are the best weapons to use MW2 multiplayer. 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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