Best Warzone loadouts & meta guns in Season 5
Warzone’s meta has shifted once again following the launch of the Season 5 update, so to make sure your classes are the strongest they can be before your next match, you’ll want to run a loadout from the current meta.
With every new season of Warzone, the meta changes drastically. The arrival of new weapons, various buffs & nerfs, and even the addition of new maps forces players to once again figure out the best loadouts to use in Call of Duty’s battle royale.
In Warzone, a few weapons stand above the rest with these defining the current meta. These guns typically have a fast TTK, great damage range, and low recoil, with all of these being key stats.
Not using these top-tier weapons will leave you outgunned, making winning games more difficult than it needs to be. Equally, you’ll want the best loadouts and attachments to make each weapon as effective as possible.
Absolute meta loadouts in Season 5
If you’re looking to use the very best guns in the game, you are going to want to use these weapons. They outperform everything else and have very few downsides.
Long-range weapons (ARs, LMGs, Battle Rifles & Snipers)
Kar98k
Dexerto- Muzzle: Sonic Suppressor L
- Barrel: Prazisionsgewehr 762 Long Barrel
- Optic: Range Caller v3.4 Optic
- Ammunition 7.92 High Grain Rounds
- Sling: Recon Sling
The Kar98k returned to Warzone back in Season 4, immediately becoming the best weapon in the meta. This led to inevitable nerfs targeted at controller players, but the Kar98k is still an exceptional weapon even after the changes. You’ll just need to be a little more skilled now to land those crucial headshots
This dominant marksman rifle functions as a sniper with an effective one-shot range of 75 meters, while also possessing far superior handling to any of its competitors. It has effectively replaced both the MORS and XRK Stalker simultaneously. It’s not that those weapons are bad, but rather that the Kar98k is so absurdly good that they may as well not exist.
Holger 26
Dexerto- Muzzle: Casus Brake
- Barrel: Holger Factory Barrel
- Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
- Stock: Ascent Lord Stock
- Underbarrel: Bruen Heavy Support Grip
When compared to the Bruen Mk9 or the DG-58 LSW, the Holger 26 isn’t quite as easy to use. It has a lot more horizontal recoil, which can make it hard to keep on target. However, if you master that recoil pattern then its fast TTK and unbelievable damage range are hard to pass up.
Despite its flaws, the Holger 26 is well worth trying, as those that do gel with the LMG are going to get some serious work done. There’s a serious argument to be made that this is currently the best long-range gun in Warzone, even if that power requires some additional skill to utilize when compared to other meta Warzone guns.
MTZ-556
Dexerto- Muzzle: Casus Brake
- Barrel: MTZ Drifter Heavy Long Barrel
- Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
- Stock: MTZ Marauder Stock
- Magazine: 50 Round Drum
Though the SVA 545 remains competitive, a lot of players who used Season 3’s meta AR have since moved on to the MTZ-556 in Season 5. It functions very similarly, offering impressive accuracy at long range, while also being relatively easy to use.
What gives the MTZ-556 the edge is its superior damage output, especially at close range. The MTZ-556 is an AR-SMG hybrid, which means it deals more damage up close than the SVA 545. This unique trait of the now meta AR also means it has superior handling and mobility, which is fantastic for Warzone players who want to make big plays for their squad.
Close-range weapons (SMGs, Shotguns & Pistols)
FJX Horus
Dexerto- Muzzle: Zehmn35 Compensated Flash Hider
- Barrel: Syn9 Long Barrel
- Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
- Stock: Ripper Light Stock
- Magazine: 60 Round Drum
The FJX Horus was already strong when it was limited to just 48 rounds and had a lot of recoil. Buffs back in Season 4 and the introduction of a 60 Round Drum elevated this to absolute meta, with the FJX Horus now being one of the best SMGs to use in Warzone.
Keep gunfights up close, ideally within 15 meters or so, and this often-overlooked SMG dominates practically everything. It isn’t versatile, nor does it partner well with a sniper, but if you want a proper, old-school submachine gun that melts up close and has great mobility stats, the FJX Horus is your best option in Season 5.
Superi 46
Dexerto- Muzzle: Zehmn35 Compensated Flash Hider
- Stock: Rescue-9 Stock
- Underbarrel: FTAC MSP-98 Handstop
- Ammunition: 4.6mm High Grain
- Magazine: 40 Round Mag
The only reason you don’t see more FJX Horus loadouts used in Warzone is that the Superi 46 exists, and this new SMG first introduced in Season 4 is absurdly good. Its mobility stats alone – which dwarf every other gun in Warzone – are enough to make it meta, but it also has a competitive TTK and even great recoil control.
It’s rare to see an SMG that is this well-rounded. It’s reminiscent of some of the battle royale’s greatest SMGs ever, such as the MP5 and MAC 10. While the Superi 46 is unlikely to have the same legacy as those legends, Warzone players shouldn’t overlook how good this weapon is. When the community looks back, only then will they realize how strong the Superi 46 is.
WSP-9
Dexerto- Muzzle: Zehmn35 Compensated Flash Hider
- Barrel: WSP Reckless-90 Long Barrel
- Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
- Underbarrel: DR-6 Handstop
- Magazine: 50 Round Mag
When it comes to theoretical TTK and damage, the WSP-9 performs extremely well, even after its nerfs back in Season 4. This phenomenal rendition of the iconic Uzi hits hard, has great mobility, and is even competitive at medium range. This is because its slower fire rate makes it easier to control and more accurate from further away.
However, that slower fire rate is a double-edged sword, as it also makes the WSP-9 less forgiving. If you miss a couple of shots, then its TTK becomes significantly worse. This is a high-skill weapon that rewards aim above all else, so while it won’t be for everyone, those who can use it are sure to win more games.
Meta loadouts in Season 5
These guns certainly pack a punch but won’t quite compete with the Absolute Meta. Even so, they offer some variety and are still great weapons in their own right.
Long-range weapons (ARs, LMGs, Battle Rifles & Snipers)
BP50
Dexerto- Muzzle: Zehmn35 Compensated Flash Hider
- Barrel: Lore-9 Heavy Barrel
- Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
- Stock: Moat-40 Stock
- Magazine: 45 Round Mag
The BP50 received a range of mobility nerfs back in Season 4, slowing down the popular AR quite a bit. Even so, it was so freakishly mobile beforehand that this nerf means it still has good mobility for an assault rifle. Given its many, many other strengths, that hardly impacts the BP50 at all.
Be it this assault rifle’s great iron sights, incredible recoil control, or effectiveness at just about any range, there are so many reasons to be using this weapon in Season 5. It says a lot that despite being nerfed several times, the BP50 is still really good, and although it may not be absolute meta anymore, it’s not as far off as you might first think.
Holger 556
Dexerto- Muzzle: VT-7 Spiritfire Suppressor
- Barrel: Chrios-6 Match
- Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
- Stock: RB Addle Assault Stock
- Magazine: 40 Round Mag
Unfortunately, the Holger 556 is capped at just 40 rounds, making it difficult to use in Trios and Quads. The constant reloading will not only lose you kills, but the gun’s smaller magazine will lose you gunfights and even potentially entire matches at times. However, this AR is still a fantastic option in Solos and Duos, where smaller magazines are perfectly viable.
If you find yourselves playing these smaller team game modes often, you should definitely try out the Holger 556. It has a competitive TTK, but more importantly, it just feels fantastic to use and is extremely consistent. Plus, it received multiple damage buffs back in Season 4, which have made this assault rifle better than ever.
KATT-AMR
Dexerto- Muzzle: Sonic Suppressor XL
- Barrel: Zang-34 Barrel
- Laser: SL Razorhawk Laser Light
- Ammunition: .50 Cal High Velocity
- Bolt: Ephemeral Quickbolt
With how dominant sniping is in Season 5, it’s not a surprise that so many players are looking for the best one-shot build possible. Though the Kar98k is excellent for fast-paced sniping, the KATT-AMR is the superior marksman weapon on larger battle royale maps like Urzikstan.
Despite its slower fire rate and handling, the KATT-AMR’s ability to one-shot at any range – in addition to its incredibly fast bullet velocity – makes it a clear meta option. The MORS is a great alternative too, but the KATT-AMR beats out the railgun thanks to its superior bullet velocity.
SOA Subverter
Dexerto- Muzzle: Zehmn35 Compensated Flash Hider
- Barrel: Dozer-90 Long Barrel
- Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
- Underbarrel: FTAC SP-10 Angled Grip
- Magazine: 50 Round Drum
Battle rifles have had a tough time in Warzone as of late, with the versatility of assault rifles, and the damage range of LMGs winning out. However, the SOA Subverter stands out as the best battle rifle by far. This is largely due to its hard-hitting shots and impressive damage profile, which give it an extremely fast TTK out to 46 meters.
So, what’s the catch? Ever since it was nerfed back in Season 3, there has been no way to build the SOA Subverter to have both fast handling and good recoil control. Since recoil control is a must to make this weapon competitive, its handling has to take a hit. This loadout has a sluggish ADS Speed of 366 ms and Sprint To Fire Speed of 301 ms, neither of which is at all suitable for playing fast.
SVA 545
Dexerto- Muzzle: Zehmn35 Compensated Flash Hider
- Barrel: STV Precision Barrel
- Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
- Magazine: 60 Round Mag
- Rear Grip: Citadel Grip
Since MW3’s integration, there has yet to be a meta where the SVA 545 wasn’t at least viable. Now in Season 5, it has once again emerged as a meta assault rifle, largely thanks to its incredible performance at long range.
What makes the SVA 545 so unique is its hyperburst. The AR’s first two shots fire together in a burst, so if you tap fire, it turns into a two-round burst weapon. The main advantage of this is that it becomes incredibly accurate even at extreme distances.
Close-range weapons (SMGs, Shotguns & Pistols)
Chimera
Dexerto- Muzzle: Casus Brake L
- Barrel: 6.5″ EXF Vorpal
- Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
- Underbarrel: XRK Edge BW-4 Handstop
- Magazine: 45 Round Mag
Both Sledgehammer and Raven have slowly been making more and more MW2 weapons viable in both MW3 and Warzone. One of the latest beneficiaries of this is the Chimera, an MW2 AR that received a huge damage buff back in Season 4.
Following that buff, the Chimera is now one of the fastest-killing weapons in the entirety of Warzone. In fact, it already was, but its various flaws make it hard to use. Those flaws haven’t gone away, but when it deals this much damage, it starts to be worth putting up with them. Is it perfect? No, but if you can deal with its recoil, then the Chimera is a genuine powerhouse up close.
Lachmann Shroud
Dexerto- Conversion Kit: JAK Decimator
- Laser: Kimura Ryl33 Laser Light
- Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
- Underbarrel: DR-6 Handstop
- Magazine: 40 Round Mag
A world where the Lachmann Shroud is meta was not something most players would have ever expected to see, yet here we are. Following the release of the JAK Decimator conversion kit, this once-forgotten MW2 SMG is now seriously strong, going head-to-head with Warzone’s best close-range weapons.
Its main selling point is that the Lachmann Shroud can down enemies in just 600 ms, which is faster than every other meta SMG in Warzone right now. While its damage is sensational, the Lachmann Shroud is let down by its weaker attachment pool like many other MW2 weapons. This prevents it from being absolute meta, but the MW2 SMG is still a great option that is well worth using.
M13C
Dexerto- Muzzle: Scratch 20-L Suppressor
- Laser: Kimura Ryl33 Laser Light
- Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
- Underbarrel: FTAC SP-10 Angled Grip
- Magazine: 45 Round Mag
For the first time in Warzone history, the M13C is actually worth using. Even better than that, it’s a legitimately meta weapon that has a fantastic close-range TTK. You can use the M13C as a sniper support or an SMG substitute. Either way, you won’t be disappointed with what it has to offer.
The main strengths of the M13C are its great damage output and above-average mobility. It doesn’t have the best recoil control, but this is largely negligible as it’s designed for close-range engagements anyway. If you keep gunfights within 20 meters or so, the M13C can compete with the very best, especially on controller where its increased visual recoil is less of a concern.
Rival-9
Dexerto- Muzzle: Zehmn35 Compensated Flash Hider
- Barrel: Rival-C Clearshot Barrel
- Stock: Bruen Flash V4 Stock
- Magazine: 50 Round Drum
- Rear Grip: Rival Vice Assault Grip
While not a particularly special SMG, there’s nothing wrong with using the Rival-9. This meta weapon has proven reliable throughout multiple seasons, and Season 5 is no exception. It remains a serviceable option that offers competitive stats in several key areas including mobility, handling, and damage range.
While the Rival-9 is a good option that shouldn’t be ignored, it is not absolute meta with its TTK leaving something to be desired. At 660 ms it isn’t terrible, but other top-tier SMGs will outgun it. Regardless, if you enjoyed using the Rival-9 in past seasons, you will still enjoy using it in Season 5. Not much has changed.
Striker
Dexerto- Muzzle: Zehmn35 Compensated Flash Hider
- Barrel: Striker Recon Long Barrel
- Stock: FSS Priority Tactical Stock
- Underbarrel: XRK Edge BW-4 Handstop
- Magazine: 60 Round Drum
A big damage buff back in Season 3 Reloaded saw the Striker rise out of irrelevance and firmly into Warzone’s meta. Now, for the first time ever, it’s actually a better option than the Striker-9. This weapon’s smaller, more mobile cousin has dropped out of the meta entirely, while the big boy Striker is thriving.
This SMG doesn’t necessarily excel in any one particular area, but it’s also pretty good at everything. The Striker is easy to control, has fast handling, and good mobility. To top it off, its TTK is good enough to hold its own against the absolute meta SMGs. Even if it isn’t necessarily dominant, the Striker has earned its place in the meta as a weapon that will never let you down, and sometimes that’s all you need.
Best off-meta loadouts in Season 5
These weapons aren’t necessarily the meta right now, but they can hold their own and are a lot of fun to use. Consider trying these out if you want a competitive option that most other players aren’t using.
COR-45 (XRK IP-V2 Conversion Kit)
Dexerto- Conversion Kit: XRK IP-V2 Conversion Kit
- Muzzle: Zehmn35 Compensated Flash Hider
- Optic: Mk.3 Reflector
- Stock: XRK Dynamic Precision Stock
- Magazine: 40 Round Drum
The COR-45 has always been solid in Warzone, but it was hard to maintain the fire rate required to make this pistol competitive. However, the XRK IP-V2 Conversion Kit changes that by introducing a binary trigger. This makes it much easier to utilize the COR-45’s true potential and reach its maximum fire rate all at once.
It does take some getting used to as you don’t want to simply spam fire the trigger, but rather find a rhythm where the gun fires fastest. However, once you have figured this out, the COR-45 becomes a true monster at short range, offering a rapid TTK that can hold its own against almost anything.
FTAC Recon
Dexerto- Muzzle: JAK BFB
- Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
- Underbarrel: DR-6 Handstop
- Magazine: 15 Round Mag
- Rear Grip: D15 Grip
To call the FTAC Recon flawed would be a compliment. It has a small magazine, a lot of recoil, fairly slow handling, and doesn’t hold much ammo. However, it is still a solid gun for one simple fact – it can kill in just 550 ms.
That is faster than any SMG in the current meta, making the FTAC Recon lethal up close if you can overlook its many cons. This is especially true in Solos and Duos, where its smaller magazine is more manageable, and the constant reloading is less likely to get you killed.
Lockwood Mk2 (JAK Wardens)
Dexerto- Conversion Kit: JAK Wardens
- Muzzle: Bryson Choke
- Laser: Verdant Hook Cylindrical Laser
As much as the community loves to complain about these shotguns, they aren’t meta and never have been. They are too inconsistent, have next to no effective range, and are often outgunned by SMGs. Furthermore, missing shots is extremely costly, and unless you have the nastiest flicks in the West, they will get you killed more often than not.
Despite all those flaws, it’s impossible to ignore how fun these reimagined Model 1887s are to use. Running around and three-tapping enemies as you spin them around is a blast. The JAK Wardens are especially fun on Resurgence, where it’s much easier to get up close and personal with enemies.
MCW
Dexerto- Muzzle: VT-7 Spiritfire Suppressor
- Barrel: 16.5″ MCW Cyclone Long Barrel
- Optic; Corio Eagleseye 2.5x
- Underbarrel: Bruen Heavy Support Grip
- Magazine: 60 Round Drum
Make no mistake, the MCW is not meta. It simply doesn’t deal enough damage to compete against every other option on this list, even after it received yet another damage buff in Season 5. However, it does excel in one particular area. It is the easiest weapon to use in Warzone making it extremely casual-friendly.
You have probably heard the terms ‘No recoil’ and ‘Laser beam’ more than you’d like, but the MCW is one of the rare cases where those descriptions are true. This assault rifle is a true point-and-click gun that requires very little to no recoil control or skill to use. It has a slow TTK, but if you want to sit back and have an easy time, it’s a good option.
RAPP H
Dexerto- Muzzle: EX-01 Match Compensator L
- Barrel: Romeo FT 16″ Barrel
- Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
- Underbarrel: Bruen Heavy Support Grip
- Rear Grip: Lachmann TCG-10
It’s been quite some time since the RAPP H was last relevant in Warzone. So, what changed? Weirdly, not much. The RAPP H has always been strong in Warzone, it’s just that its seriously sluggish handling puts most players off, with them preferring to use something snappier and more responsive.
However, if you can look over its slow handling, the RAPP H is a great weapon. It has a fast TTK, incredible damage range, good recoil control, and a fantastic fire rate of 800 RPM. That fast fire rate is arguably its biggest selling point, with it being much more forgiving than most other LMGs.
All guns in Call of Duty: Warzone
Below you’ll find a list of every gun that’s currently available in Warzone, split up by type, with links to guides on the best classes and loadouts for each of them.
Assault Rifles
| Weapon (MW2) | Guide | Weapon (MW3) | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| M4 | Loadout/Class | SVA 545 | Loadout/Class |
| TAQ-56 | Loadout/Class | MTZ-556 | Loadout/Class |
| Kastov 762 | Loadout/Class | Holger 556 | Loadout/Class |
| Lachmann-556 | Loadout/Class | MCW | Loadout/Class |
| STB 556 | Loadout/Class | DG-56 | Loadout/Class |
| M16 | Loadout/Class | FR 5.56 | Loadout/Class |
| Kastov-74u | Loadout/Class | RAM-7 | Loadout/Class |
| Kastov 545 | Loadout/Class | BP50 | Loadout/Class |
| M13B | Loadout/Class | BAL-27 | Loadout/Class |
| Chimera | Loadout/Class | STG | Coming Soon |
| ISO Hemlock | Loadout/Class | ||
| Tempus Razorback | Loadout/Class | ||
| FR Avancer | Loadout/Class | ||
| M13C | Loadout/Class | ||
| TR-76 Geist | Loadout/Class |
SMGs
| Weapon (MW2) | Guide | Weapon (MW3) | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| VEL 46 | Loadout/Class | Striker | Loadout/Class |
| MX9 | Loadout/Class | WSP Swarm | Loadout/Class |
| Lachmann Sub | Loadout/Class | AMR9 | Loadout/Class |
| Vaznev-9k | Loadout/Class | WSP-9 | Loadout/Class |
| FSS Hurricane | Loadout/Class | Rival-9 | Loadout/Class |
| Minibak | Loadout/Class | Striker 9 | Loadout/Class |
| PDSW 528 | Loadout/Class | RAM-9 | Loadout/Class |
| Fennec 45 | Loadout/Class | HRM-9 | Loadout/Class |
| ISO 45 | Loadout/Class | FJX Horus | Loadout/Class |
| Lachmann Shroud | Loadout/Class | Superi 46 | Loadout/Class |
| ISO 9mm | Loadout/Class | Static-HV | Coming Soon |
Battle Rifles
| Weapon (MW2) | Guide | Weapon (MW3) | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lachmann 762 | Loadout/Class | BAS-B | Loadout/Class |
| SO-14 | Loadout/Class | Sidewinder | Loadout/Class |
| TAQ-V | Loadout/Class | MTZ-762 | Loadout/Class |
| FTAC Recon | Loadout/Class | SOA Subverter | Loadout/Class |
| Cronen Squall | Loadout/Class |
LMGs
| Weapon (MW2) | Guide | Weapon (MW3) | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sakin MG38 | Loadout/Class | Pulemyot 762 | Loadout/Class |
| HCR 56 | Loadout/Class | DG-58 LSW | Loadout/Class |
| 556 Icarus | Loadout/Class | Bruen Mk9 | Loadout/Class |
| Raal MG | Loadout/Class | Holger 26 | Loadout/Class |
| RPK | Loadout/Class | TAQ Eradicator | Loadout/Class |
| Rapp H | Loadout/Class | TAQ Evolvere | Loadout/Class |
Sniper Rifles
| Weapon (MW2) | Guide | Weapon (MW3) | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCPR-300 | Loadout/Class | KATT-AMR | Loadout/Class |
| Signal 50 | Loadout/Class | Longbow | Loadout/Class |
| LA-B 330 | Loadout/Class | KV Inhibitor | Loadout/Class |
| SP-X 80 | Loadout/Class | XRK Stalker | Loadout/Class |
| Victus XMR | Loadout/Class | MORS | Loadout/Class |
| FJX Imperium | Loadout/Class | ||
| Carrack .300 | Loadout/Class |
Shotguns
| Weapon (MW2) | Guide | Weapon (MW3) | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lockwood 300 | Loadout/Class | Lockwood 680 | Loadout/Class |
| Expedite 12 | Loadout/Class | Haymaker | Loadout/Class |
| Bryson 800 | Loadout/Class | Riveter | Loadout/Class |
| Bryson 890 | Loadout/Class | Reclaimer 18 | Loadout/Class |
| KV Broadside | Loadout/Class | ||
| MX Guardian | Loadout/Class |
Marksman Rifles
| Weapon (MW2) | Guide | Weapon (MW3) | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| EBR-14 | Loadout/Class | KVD Enforcer | Loadout/Class |
| SP-R 208 | Loadout/Class | MCW 6.8 | Loadout/Class |
| Lockwood MK2 | Loadout/Class | DM56 | Loadout/Class |
| LM-S | Loadout/Class | MTZ Interceptor | Loadout/Class |
| SA-B 50 | Loadout/Class | Kar98k | Loadout/Class |
| Taq-M | Loadout/Class | ||
| Tempus Torrent | Loadout/Class |
Pistols
| Weapon (MW2) | Guide | Weapon (MW3) | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| X13 Auto | Loadout/Class | COR-45 | Loadout/Class |
| Basilisk Akimbo | Loadout/Class | Renetti | Loadout/Class |
| FTAC Siege | Loadout/Class | TYR | Loadout/Class |
| 9mm Daemon | Loadout/Class | WSP Stinger | Loadout/Class |
That’s all for the best meta loadouts in Warzone, but you’ll also want to check out the best assault rifles, submachine guns, sniper rifles, and most popular guns. Alternatively, these best MW3 loadouts will help you dominate multiplayer too.