Best HRM-9 MW3 loadout: Class setup, attachments, perks

Although the HRM-9 has seen more use in Warzone than multiplayer, the SMG is still strong in Modern Warfare 3 and is well worth trying out. Here’s the definitive loadout to help you master the HRM-9 in MW3 Season 3.

The HRM-9 was added in Season 1 Reloaded and immediately became one of the best weapons in Warzone. As for multiplayer, it hasn’t had quite the same impact but it is still a competitive option that can hold its own in just about any lobby.

To help you get the most out of the HRM-9 we’ve put together this guide on the best loadout possible. That includes which attachments and perks you need to be using to make this SMG as effective as possible.

Contents:

• Best HRM-9 loadout
• Best HRM-9 Class: Perks & Equipment
• How to unlock HRM-9 in Modern Warfare 3
• Best alternative to HRM-9 in Modern Warfare 3

Best HRM-9 MW3 loadout

Attachments

• Muzzle: Zehmn35 Compensated Flash Hider
• Barrel: Princeps Long Barrel
• Stock: Folding Stock
• Underbarrel: DR-6 Handstop
• Rear Grip: PCS-90 Assault Grip

The HRM-9’s biggest flaw is its recoil which is rather extreme for an SMG. This can greatly limit its damage range and make it nearly impossible to use on some maps. Thankfully, there are attachments that help fix this.

Most notably, the Zehmn35 Compensated Flash Hider and Folding Stock provide a roughly combined 20% improvement to recoil control. This SMG can be made even more accurate with the PCS-90 Assault Grip which boosts this by a further 10%, albeit it at the cost of aim down sights speed.

Something that helps the HRM-9 stand out amongst other SMGs is its ability to deal serious damage at medium range, and not just up close. This becomes even more true with the Princeps Long Barrel equipped which keeps the HRM-9 competiive all the way up to 38m. That’s assault rifle range but the HRM-9 has better mobility and handling than any AR.

In saying that, these attachments do weigh down this loadout somewhat and the last thing you want is a sluggish SMG. Use the DR-6 Handstop to offset this as it improves several key mobility and handling stats including ADS Speed, Sprint To Fire Speed, and ADS Movement Speed.

Best HRM-9 Class: Perks & Equipment

• Vest: Overkill Vest
  • Allows for two primary weapons, increased weapon swap speed, and can reload while sprinting.
• Gloves: Assault Gloves
  • While jumping, accuracy and time to ADS is improved.
• Boots: Lightweight Boots
  • Running Sneakers
• Gear: Bone Conduction Headset
  • Reduces player combat and environmental sounds to allow improved focus on hearing other footsteps.
• Lethal: Frag Grenade
  • Cookable fragmentation grenade.
• Tactical: Flash Grenade
  • Blinds and deafens targets.

The Overkill Vest is a great choice as it lets you take a second primary weapon to covers the HRM-9’s weaknesses. We recommend either a sniper, marksman rifle, or assault rifle which can be used to challenge long sightlines where the HRM-9 isn’t quite as competitive..

To maximise mobility and make the most of the HRM-9 you’ll also want to use both the Assault Gloves and Running Sneakers. When combined these increase your tactical sprint and enhance jump shots, perfect for playing aggressively and pushing enemies more effectively. This is the preferred playstyle for the HRM-9, especially in multiplayer thanks to MW3’s fast paced gameplay.

With no Covert Sneakers, Ghost T/V Camo, or a suppressor other players are going to know where you are and inevitably push you. Therefore it’s best to use the Bone Conduction Headset to increase awareness and reduce the likelihood of an enemy catching you off guard. Keep in mind though, this gear does not counter Covert Sneakers so you’ll still need to be aware of your surroundings.

A Frag Grenade is always a strong choice in the lethal slot as it can be cooked to detonate at the perfect moment leaving opponents with no chance of escape. Equally, a Flash Grenade is another Call of Duty classic that blinds enemies making them easy to outgun.

How to unlock HRM-9 in Modern Warfare 3

The HRM-9 is unlocked through the Armory first accessible from Level 25. After activating the HRM-9 in the Armory, complete 3 Daily Challenges or Win 3 Matches to obtain it. Alternatively, acquiring the HRM-9 and sucessfully extracting with it in MWZ will also unlock the SMG.

Best alternative to HRM-9 in Modern Warfare 3

The Striker is a direct competitor to the HRM-9 with both being fast-firing SMGs that are strong up close yet still hold their own at medium range. The HRM-9 has more recoil but a better TTK whilst the Striker is easier to use but has a lower skill ceiling.

For more top-tier classes like this HRM-9, check out these MW3 loadout guides:

Best MW3 Guns: Ultimate Tier List | Best AMR9 loadout | Best WSP-9 loadout | Best Rival-9 loadout | Best WSP Swarm loadout