Best STG44 Warzone loadout: Class setup, attachments, perks, more

The STG44 has been a part of the Call of Duty franchise since the series very first entry back in 2003, and Activision brought back the iconic AR for another run in Warzone.

Before MW3, the STG44 last appeared in Vanguard in 2021. Every Call of Duty League pro used the STG44 as the leading AR that season, and it’s easy to see why.

The hard-hitting weapon shreds through enemies in medium to long-range engagements, and that same devastating profile transitions seamlessly to Warzone. It has emerged as the best assault rifle and one of the best weapons in the current meta, with its high damage being a big reason for that.

In saying this, the STG44 is up against stiff competition and isn’t flawless by any means. However, by using a meta loadout, you can fix these issues and create a truly incredible primary weapon.

Best STG44 Warzone loadout

• Muzzle: Quartermaster Suppressor
• Barrel: Heinrichter C70 Long Barrel
• Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
• Stock: DR79 Combo Stock
• Magazine: 50 Round Drum

Activision

Comparing the STG44’s TTK to other meta assault rifles like the SVA 545 and MTZ-556, it kills significantly faster than everything else up to 35 meters but suffers from a harsh damage drop-off outside of this range.

With that in mind, our loadout plays to the STG44’s strengths by improving accuracy and firepower. The Quartermaster Suppressor and DR79 Combo Stock drastically improve recoil, at a small cost of mobility, while also suppressing outgoing fire to keep you hidden.

Meanwhile, the Heinrichter C70 Long Barrel improves damage range and bullet velocity by 28%. Players can opt to use the Ferngewehr 792 Barrel instead, as it also improves recoil control, but the range benefits of that alternative barrel aren’t nearly as impactful.

Next, the Jak Glassless Optic provides the best sights of any short and medium-range optic in Warzone while also being one of the very few to improve firing aim stability. Lastly, the 50 Round Drum is essential for taking on more than one enemy, especially if you play large-scale modes like Trios and Quads.

Best STG44 class: Perks and equipment

• Perk 1: Double Time
• Perk 2: Sleight of Hand
• Perk 3: Tempered
• Perk 4: High Alert
• Lethal: Frag Grenade
• Tactical: Smoke Grenade

Dexerto

The best perks to use will vary based on playstyle, but Double Time is always a good choice, as it enhances the duration and refresh rate of Tac Sprint, letting you get around the map faster.

Likewise, Sleight of Hand is another perk that you’ll get plenty of use from, speeding up reloads to avoid getting caught out in the heat of a gunfight. With the 50 Round Drum equipped, the STG44’s reload speed is quite slow, so this becomes much more valuable.

Armor Plates are always hard to come by, but Tempered reduces the full armor requirement from three plates to two, fixing this problem. Finally, High Alert pings your screen when an enemy is looking at you, which removes the feeling of being helpless in your surroundings.

For equipment, the two best options are the Frag Grenade and Smoke Grenade, a classic combination of defense and offense that provides both lethality and utility.

How to unlock the STG44

To get the STG in MW3 and Warzone, you will have to unlock it through the Season 5 Battle Pass, with it being unlocked after completing Sector 7.

You’ll need to finish Sectors One, Two, and Four before you can start working on the Seventh Sector to unlock the STG44, so getting your hands on this powerful AR does require a bit of a grind.

Best STG44 alternative in Warzone

Following its buffs in Season 5, the SVA 545 is more powerful than before, thanks to an improved max damage range of 36.83 meters, up from 31.75.

The MCW also received a much-needed buff in the recent update, increasing its lower torso modifier. It’s not a massive change, but the AR is in a good spot and worth considering.

If players need a weapon to pair with the STG or any of these alternatives, check out our guide on the best SMGs in Warzone.