Best Warzone Caldera weapons: Ultimate tier list with meta loadouts

Alex Garton
Warzone best weapons

Call of Duty Warzone’s massive list of weapons grows ever longer, but while you have a lot freedom in play, choosing the best loadout can be tricky with so many options available. Our list of the best meta weapons and strongest loadouts in Warzone Caldera will make it easier for you.

Warzone 2 is now into Season 5 but not everyone is fond of the changes, thankfully Warzone Caldera is still there for you, so you can re-experience the original Warzone in all its glory.

Of course, this means it can be difficult to figure out which gun you should be using in your matches right now as there are very few content creators still covering WZ1. Luckily, we’ve compiled five of the best Warzone guns based on their popularity in the meta, so you’ll always know which weapons to take into Caldera, Rebirth Island, or Fortune’s Keep.

We’ve even included a meta loadout alongside all of them so you can maximize the damage and potential of every weapon on the list. Without further ado, let’s check out the five best guns in Call of Duty: Warzone.

If you’re looking for Warzone 2 though, and want to know which top-tier weapons to use on Al Mazrah, be sure to check out our list of the best meta weapons and loadouts to use in Warzone 2.


Contents


Best meta Warzone weapons, ranked

5. MP40

MP40 Vanguard
The MP40 is one of the most popular guns in all of Warzone.

Attachments

  • Muzzle: Recoil Booster
  • Barrel: Krausnick 317mm 04B
  • Optic: Slate Reflector
  • Stock: Krausnick 33M Folding
  • Underbarrel: M1941 Hand Stop
  • Magazine: 7.62 Gorenko 45 Round Mags
  • Ammo Type: Hollow Point
  • Rear Grip: Stippled Grip
  • Perk 1: Brace
  • Perk 2: Quick

Always one of the strongest SMGs, the MP40 stole the fifth spot and replaced the PPSh-41 on our top-five list.

This deadly SMG has a lethal TTK while also providing its user with a lot of mobility, making it ideal for players who prefer to play aggressively and take on gunfights head-on.

Just remember to run Overkill with the MP40 as it’s essential you have a longer-range weapon at your disposal. A meta sniper or AR would be perfect alongside this weapon, giving you a versatile setup overall.

If you’re looking for an alternative loadout, consider checking out our complete guide to the MP40.

4. 3-Line Rifle

3 Line Rifle Warzone
The 3-Line Rifle is the most popular sniper in Warzone.

Attachments

  • Muzzle: Mercury Silencer
  • Barrel: Kovalevskaya 820mm R1MN
  • Optic: 1913 Variable 4-8x
  • Stock: ZAC Custom MZ
  • Underbarrel: Heavy Foregrip
  • Magazine: .30-06 20 Round Mags
  • Ammunition: Lengthened
  • Rear Grip: Leather Grip
  • Perk: Silent Focus
  • Perk 2: On-Hand

A sniper has finally broken into the top five most popular weapons in Warzone, and of course, it’s the 3-Line Rifle.

This lethal long-range option is capable of downing enemies instantly and is top-tier on Rebirth Island and Caldera.

With the days of the Kar98k and Swiss K31 in the past, this Vanguard sniper has taken their place at the top and is definitely worth using if you enjoy picking off opponents from afar.

If you’re looking for an alternative 3-Line Rifle loadout, consider checking out our dedicated guide for the weapon.

3. XM4

xm4 cold war Warzone
The XM4 has a 4.8% pick rate in Warzone.

Attachments

  • Muzzle: Suppressor
  • Barrel: 13.5″ Task Force
  • Optic: Microflex LED
  • Ammunition: 45 Rnd
  • Rear Grip: Airborne Elastic Wrap

The XM4 has broken into the top five most popular weapons in Warzone, replacing the Grau 5.56 on the list. As an AR, the XM4 is incredibly versatile and can be used in multiple ways, depending on which attachments are used on the weapon.

This loadout focuses on making the XM4 lethal at medium range, with the 13.5″ Task Force barrel and Suppressor improving the gun’s bullet velocity and damage range.

Run this setup alongside the Gorenko or MP40 and you’ll be set to dominate your opponents on Caldera.

If you’re looking for an alternative XM4 loadout, consider checking out our dedicated guide for the weapon.

2. Cooper Carbine

cooper carbine in cod warzone

Attachments

  • Muzzle: MX Silencer
  • Barrel: 22” Cooper Custom
  • Optic: SVT-40 PU Scope 3-6x
  • Stock: Cooper Custom Padded
  • Underbarrel: m1941 Hand Stop
  • Magazine: 9mm 60 Round Drums
  • Ammunition: Lengthened
  • Rear Grip: Polymer Grip
  • Perk 1: Tight Grip
  • Perk 2: Fully Loaded

Since it came into the game, the Cooper Carbine has either been an absolute beast or has occasionally had its monstrous mouth muzzled by a nerf, before being buffed into the meta again.

In Season 5 Reloaded, it’s currently the most popular AR in the game with a 9.2% pick rate and shreds opponents at medium to long range.

It has the damage of an AR and can output at the rate of an SMG, making the weapon an easy gun to consider during Warzone Season 5 Reloaded.

If you’re looking for an alternative Cooper Carbine loadout, consider checking out our dedicated guide for the weapon.

1. Armaguerra 43

armaguerra AR in cod warzone

Attachments

  • Muzzle: Recoil Booster
  • Barrel: Imerito 550mm 03P
  • Optic: Slate Reflector
  • Stock: Imerito TA Skeletal
  • Underbarrel: SG98 Compact
  • Magazine: 9mm 60 Round Mags
  • Ammo Type: Lengthened
  • Rear Grip: Taped Grip
  • Perk 1: Hardscope
  • Perk 2: Quick

A rejig at the top has seen the Armaguerra come to the fore a lot more and become recognized as CoD Warzone’s elite killer during a game.

With other weapons receiving nerfs, the Armaguerra’s ferocious SMG capabilities have been clear for all to see thanks to its great fire rate and piercing shots up close.

If you needed to know how much the Warzone community favors the weapon then look no further than its meta-pick rate, as the Armaguerra is now the number one SMG in Warzone with an eye-opening 11.7%.

If you’re looking for an alternative Armaguerra 43 loadout, head to our dedicated loadout guide for the weapon.


What is the best gun in Warzone?

Identifying the best gun in Warzone is a difficult task as everyone has their preference when it comes to picking and customizing the perfect loadout.

However, as showcased above, the Armaguerra 43 is currently the most popular weapon in the game and is considered by a lot of players as the strongest gun in the current meta.

With a deadly TTK and devastating damage at close range, it’s a lethal choice if you want a versatile weapon that can take out enemies in an instant.


All guns in Call of Duty: Warzone

Now we’ve counted down the top five best Warzone weapons in the current meta, let’s check the other available options for players in-game.

Warzone Assault Rifles

Warzone Assault rifles
There is a wide range of Assault Rifles to choose from in Warzone.
Weapon Description Guide
FAL Semi-automatic Assault Rifle capable of taking out enemies effectively at medium range. Loadout/Class
Kilo 141 Fully automatic Assault Rifle with a steady rate of fire and a manageable recoil pattern. Loadout/Class
KG M40 Fully automatic workhorse Assault Rifle. Loadout/Class
Vargo-S Full auto AR that trades firepower for improved accuracy and fire rate. Loadout/Class
M4A1 Fully automatic battle rifle, most effective at medium to long range with the correct attachments. Loadout/Class
FR 5.56 A three-round burst Assault Rifle that’s most effective in medium-range gunfights. Loadout/Class
Oden Fully automatic hard-hitting battle rifle with a slow rate of fire. Loadout/Class
M13 Fully automatic Assault Rifle with a high rate of fire and a low recoil pattern. Loadout/Class
FN Scar 17 Large caliber automatic Assault Rifle that’s effective in long-range gunfights. Loadout/Class
AK-47 (Modern Warfare) High damage automatic Assault Rifle with a heavy recoil pattern. Loadout/Class
RAM-7 Fully automatic bullpup Assault Rifle that’s effective in close-quarter gunfights. Loadout/Class
Grau 5.56 Fully automatic lightweight Assault Rifle that allows players to stay constantly on the move. Loadout/Class
CR-56 AMAX Compact fully automatic Assault Rifle built for mid-range gunfights. Loadout/Class
FARA 83 Automatic Assault Rifle with a high rate of fire that’s effective at medium to long range. Loadout/Class
FFAR 1 High fire rate Assault Rifle with fast reload speeds and deadly damage at medium range. Loadout/Class
AK-47 (Cold War) Fully automatic high damage Assault Rifle with a slower rate of fire that’s effective in short to medium-range gunfights. Loadout/Class
Groza Automatic Assault Rifle with a fast fire rate that deals consistent damage at range. Loadout/Class
Krig 6 Fully automatic Assault Rifle with incredible accuracy and a fast reload speed. Loadout/Class
XM4 Automatic rifle with reliable damage and manageable recoil control when firing. Loadout/Class
AN-94 High damage Assault Rifle with a unique hyperburst feature that gives the user the upper hand in gunfights. Loadout/Class
AS VAL Integrally suppressed fully automatic Assault Rifle built for stealth and close-quarter combat. Loadout/Class
QBZ-83 Fully automatic Assault Rifle with fast handling speed and increased mobility. Loadout/Class
C58 Full-auto Assault Rifle with high damage at close range with a slower fire rate. Loadout/Class
EM2 Well-rounded British rifle with good firing control. Loadout/Class
STG44 Versatile Assault Rifle adaptable to any situation. Loadout/Class
Automaton Automatic rifle with steady fire rate and is deadly at mid to long-range engagements. Loadout/Class
BAR High-caliber full-auto with accuracy for long-distance engagements. Loadout/Class
Cooper Carbine This short-range AR is easy to control with a fast fire rate. Loadout/Class
AS44 Fast-firing full-auto Assault Rifle ideal for close to mid-range engagements. Loadout/Class
Vargo 52 Full-auto Assault Rifle with good damage at mid-range with a fast fire rate, improved muzzle velocity, and reliable handling for steady firing control. Loadout/Class
Nikita AVT Full-auto Assault Rifle with the best-in-class fire rate in Vanguard. Loadout/Class

Warzone SMGs

Warzone SMGs
There are 24 SMGs total in Warzone.
Weapon Description Guide
AK-74u Fully automatic SMG that offers consistent damage and reliable weapon control. Loadout/Class
KSP 45 3-round burst SMG that provides high damage at moderate range and was released with Black Ops Cold War. Loadout/Class
H4 Blixen Favored by Special Operations Forces, this hard-hitting SMG offers mobility and accuracy in medium-range engagements. Loadout/Class
Marco 5 A high mobility Submachine Gun, accurate from the hip with excellent close-range stopping power. Loadout/Class
UGR Full-auto underwater Submachine Gun modified for improved land performance. Fire 5.66mm steel darts with moderate bullet velocity. Loadout/Class
LAPA Full-auto lightweight Submachine Gun prototype with reliable damage and good firing control Loadout/Class
Striker 45 Hard-hitting SMG that is capable of shredding enemies at long distances with great aim. Loadout/Class
MP5 (Cold War) Fully automatic SMG with a fast fire rate and low recoil. Loadout/Class
Milano 821 Fully automatic SMG with a slow rate of fire that offers a manageable recoil pattern. Loadout/Class
P90 Automatic SMG with an incredibly high rate of fire that thrives at close quarters. Loadout/Class
Uzi Fully automatic open bolt SMG that’s both lightweight and mobile. Loadout/Class
MP7 Compact fully automatic SMG with a high rate of fire and minimal recoil. Loadout/Class
LC10 Well-rounded fully automatic SMG with great accuracy and impressive muzzle velocity. Loadout/Class
Bizon Fully automatic SMG with reliable damage and a large ammo pool. Loadout/Class
AUG (Modern Warfare) Modular fully automatic SMG designed for mobility and control. Loadout/Class
MP5 (Modern Warfare) A balanced fully automatic SMG with consistent damage and manageable recoil. Loadout/Class
Bullfrog Fully automatic SMG with improved range and a less accurate hip-fire spread. Loadout/Class
Fennec Fully automatic SMG with an insanely high fire rate and a smooth recoil pattern. Loadout/Class
MAC-10 High damage fully automatic SMG with a fast fire rate and heavy vertical recoil. Loadout/Class
ISO Precise SMG with a fast rate of fire that thrives in close-quarter engagements. Loadout/Class
PPSh-41 Full auto SMG with a fast rate of fire and a large bullet spread. Loadout/Class
CX-9 High fire rate SMG with excellent maneuverability. Loadout/Class
TEC-9 Semi-automatic SMG with high accuracy and minimal recoil. Loadout/Class
MP40 Workhorse SMG is suited to all short to medium-range engagements. Loadout/Class
Owen Gun High-caliber full-auto SMG with accuracy for medium ranges. Loadout/Class
STEN High-mobility full-auto SMG ideal for flanking enemy positions. Loadout/Class
Welgun Heavy full-auto SMG with lethality and range for short- to medium-range engagements. Loadout/Class
Armaguerra 43 Very high rate-of-fire SMG. Effective at short to medium-range engagements. Loadout/Class

Warzone Sniper Rifles

Warzone Sniper
Running a Sniper Rifle in a loadout is a perfect way to pick off enemies at a distance.
Weapon Description Guide
ZRG 20MM Newly released bolt action Sniper Rifle with deadly damage at long range. Loadout/Class
Rytec AMR High-damage semi-automatic Sniper Rifle that’s dominant at long range. Loadout/Class
Dragunov Semi-automatic Sniper Rifle that thrives at medium to long range and has featured in countless Call of Duty titles.  –
HDR Anti-material bolt action Sniper Rifle that’s devastating at long-range. Loadout/Class
AX-50 Hard-hitting bolt action Sniper Rifle that requires a precise aim at long distances. Loadout/Class
Pelington 703 Bolt action Sniper Rifle that offers mobility and a fast re-chamber speed. Loadout/Class
LW3 Tundra Bolt Action Sniper Rifle with high damage output and moderate sway. Loadout/Class
M82 Harding hitting Sniper Rifle with heavy recoil and slow handling. Loadout/Class
Swiss K31 Straight pull bolt action Sniper Rifle that does high damage at long range. Loadout/Class

Warzone Marksman Rifles

Marksmen rifle Warzone
Marksman Rifles can be fitted with scopes and utilized from a distance.
Weapon Description Guide
EBR-14 Semi-automatic long-range battle rifle that’s lethal if the user can land multiple shots on their opponent.  –
R1 Shadowhunter Black Ops Cold War Crossbow that launches lethal bolt projectiles that rewards a player with great aim.  –
Kar98k High damage bolt action rifle that remains one of the most popular weapons in Warzone. Loadout/Class
MK2 Carbine Accurate lever-action rifle capable of taking out an enemy with a well-aimed shot.  –
Crossbow Silent and deadly crossbow capable of one-shotting enemies if players have a good enough aim.  –
SKS Lightweight semi-automatic Carbine rifle that focuses on utility over accuracy.  –
SP-R 208 Hard-hitting bolt action rifle that’s precise and deadly at long range with a scope. Loadout/Class

Warzone Shotguns

Warzone shotgun list
For close-quarter gunfights, there’s no better choice than a Shotgun.
Weapon Description Guide
Jak-12 Fully automatic open bolt Shotgun that’s incredibly effective in close engagements. Loadout/Class
Gallo SA12 Semi-automatic Shotgun with reliable damage and pellet spread. Loadout/Class
Streetsweeper Burst fire high damage tactical rifle with a built-in optic that provides 1.5x magnification. Loadout/Class
Origin 12 Semi-automatic Shotgun with large ammo capacity for nonstop fire. Loadout/Class
R9-0 Double-Barrel Shotgun that fires two rapid shots before each re-chamber Loadout/Class
VLK Rogue Agile 12-gauge Shotgun with incredible mobility and range capabilities. Loadout/Class
725 Break action Shotgun with a two-round capacity that’s lethal at extended ranges.  –
Model 680 Pump-action Shotgun that’s reliable and effective in close-quarter gunfights.  –
Hauer 77 High-damage pump-action Shotgun that’s capable of one-shotting enemies at close range.  –

Warzone LMGs

Warzone LMG's
Warzone’s LMGs may come at the cost of some mobility, but they certainly pack a punch.
Weapon Description Guide
PKM Fully automatic high-power LMG that’s effective at medium to long range. Loadout/Class
SA87 Fully automatic bullpup Light Machine Gun with a lower rate of fire that keeps the recoil low. Loadout/Class
UGM-8 High fire rate, mobile LMG that excels at creating suppressing fire and pushing enemy positions. Loadout/Class
M91 Heavy LMG that’s stable and effective in long-range engagements but lacks mobility. Loadout/Class
MG34 Fully automatic LMG with a high rate of fire and a heavy recoil pattern.  –
Holger-26 Versatile LMG that’s designed for a broad range of engagements and effective at all ranges.  –
Bruen Open bolt fully automatic LMG that provides a fast rate of fire and great stability. Loadout/Class
FiNN Ultra-light automatic LMG with a low fire rate and advanced recoil control. Loadout/Class
Stoner 63 Fully automatic LMG with a solid fire rate and a large ammo capacity. Loadout/Class
RPD High-damage LMG with great handling speed and a heavy recoil pattern that’s featured in countless Call of Duty titles. Loadout/Class
M60 Fully automatic LMG with solid ammo capacity and a slower rate of fire for excellent stability.  –
MG 82 Fully automatic LMG with a manageable recoil pattern and high damage at medium range. Loadout/Class
RAAL MG The Reconnaissance Auxiliary Assault Lightweight Machine Gun uses a low fire rate and a reciprocating barrel. Loadout/Class
Bren Full-auto LMG with accurate initial fire, recoil becomes difficult to control with sustained fire. Loadout/Class
Type 11 Lighter LMG offers additional maneuverability to reposition during battle. Loadout/Class
Whitley Heavy long-range machine gun, cumbersome but consistent. Loadout/Class

Warzone Tactical Rifles

WZ Tactical rifle
Warzone’s Tactical Rifles are perfect for taking out enemies from range.
Weapon Description Guide
M16 Burst fire Tactical Rifle and deadly accurate while a player is aiming down sight. Loadout/Class
DMR-14 Semi-automatic Tactical Rifle with a high fire rate and low recoil. Loadout/Class
AUG (Cold War) Burst fire high damage Tactical Rifle with a built-in optic that provides 1.5x magnification. Loadout/Class
Type 63 Semi-automatic Tactical Rifle with a low rate of fire and improved stability at long-range Loadout/Class
M1916 Semi-automatic Vanguard rifle that’s deadly accurate and deals reliable damage. Loadout/Class

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This list should help you find the best gun in Warzone that suits your playstyle and allows you to dominate your opponents.

Although choosing meta weapons is key if you’re looking for every possible advantage, your primary focus should be finding a gun you enjoy using.

Don’t forget to try a bunch of the loadouts above and see which ones help you pick up the most kills. If you’re looking to stay on top of all the latest Warzone and Warzone 2 news and leaks, check out our dedicated Call of Duty home page.