Best Warzone loadouts & meta guns in Season 1
DexertoWarzone’s meta has shifted again following the launch of Season 1 and Black Ops 6’s integration, so to make sure your classes are still competitive, you need to update your loadouts.
The arrival of a whole arsenal of new BO6 guns, buffs & nerfs, and even the addition of a new map forces you to once again figure out what to use in Call of Duty’s battle royale.
The game’s top options offer a fast time to kill, great range, and low recoil, allowing them to outperform their peers. To help you figure out which guns are meta, we’ve put together this list of the best Warzone loadouts to use, with these recommendations putting you in the best position possible to dominate.
Absolute meta loadouts
If you’re looking to use the best guns in the game, you are going to want to use these weapons. They outperform everything else right now and define the current meta:
Long-range weapons (ARs, LMGs, Battle Rifles & Snipers)
GPR 91
Dexerto- Optic: Kepler Rod Dot
- Muzzle: Compensator
- Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
- Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
- Magazine: Extended Mag II
The GPR 91 has emerged as the best weapon in Black Ops 6’s arsenal, as well as the best overall gun in Warzone Season 1. It offers an incredible balance of accuracy and damage. In multiplayer, it is accurate but has a slow TTK, but in Warzone, this assault rifle has one of the best TTKs in the game yet maintains that low recoil that is perfectly suited to battle royale.
This is the ultimate long-range weapon in the current meta, filling the same role that the DTIR, STG, and SVA 545 have in seasons gone by. They are all still solid options but don’t have the mobility and handling to match up with the GPR 91, which is also a surprisingly mobile weapon given its many other strengths.
Model L
Dexerto- Optic: Kepler Red Dot
- Muzzle: Compensator
- Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
- Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
- Magazine: Extended Mag II
The Model L is an excellent assault rifle that, while not flashy, does everything you need a primary weapon to do. It’s accurate, easy to use, has a fairly large magazine, and deals enough damage to be competitive both at medium and long range. It’s a true jack of all trades option that has very few weaknesses.
In many ways, it feels similar to what the Grau 5.56 once was, albeit not quite that potent. Much like the legendary AR, the Model L has an almost exclusively vertical recoil pattern that is very easy to control, allowing it to laser enemy players from some distance. GIven how popular these kinds of weapons are, we wouldn’t be surprised to see this gun take over lobbies in no time.
DTIR 30-06
Dexerto- Muzzle: Quartermaster Suppressor
- Barrel: EXTND-10 Long Barrel
- Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
- Ammunition: .30-06 High Grain Rounds
- Magazine: 40 Round Mag
The DTIR 30-06 was the best gun in Warzone before Black Ops 6 but it has now lost top spot, with the newcomers being better all-around guns. Even so, this modern rendition of the BAR that once dominated Vanguard is still seriously strong, with its sensational accuracy at long range ensuring it will always have a place in the meta.
It offers both a fast time to kill and highly controllable recoil, making it easy to use regardless of skill level. The DTIR also has exceptional damage range, capable of lasering enemies from well over 100 meters. Its only real con is its slow rate of fire that can take some getting used to, but that alone isn’t nearly enough to stop it from being a top-tier option.
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
When the Kar98k returned to Warzone, it immediately became the best weapon in the game. This led to inevitable nerfs targeted at controller players, but the Kar98k remains an exceptional weapon even after even the introduction of the BO6 weapons. It was nerfed in Season 1, but its handling and mobility remain untouched, and they are the real reason why so many players love using the Kar98k.
This sniper has an effective one-shot range of 67 meters, which is slightly less than it had before the nerfs. Even then, it’s still the best option for playing aggressively, having effectively replaced the XRK Stalker in this role. It’s not that the XRK Stalker is bad, but rather that the Kar98k is so absurdly good that it’s hard to justify using anything else.
Close-range weapons (SMGs, Shotguns, Pistols)
Jackal PDW
Dexerto- Muzzle: Compensator
- Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
- Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
- Magazine: Extended Mag II
- Stock: No Stock
The Jackal PDW is an incredible SMG and the current top pick in the close-range meta. This powerful weapon has the fastest TTK of any Black Ops 6 gun at 616 ms, making it by far the most effective option if you land shots. It also has excellent mobility and handling, so those who enjoy rushing are going to fall in love with this loadout.
That high damage does come at the cost of versatility, with the Jackal PDW very much being a traditional SMG. It shreds up close but quickly falls off, so you’ll want to try and keep duels within 16 meters for the best results. This makes it arguably the best weapon in Resurgence modes, where close-range, fast-paced action matters more than anything else.
PP-919
Dexerto- Muzzle: Compensator
- Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
- Rear Grip: Ergonomic Grip
- Laser: Steady Aim Laser
- Fire Mods: Recoil Springs
It took over 20 years, but Call of Duty finally has a rendition of the PP Bizon that is worth using. The PP-919 is a laser-accurate SMG that is easy to use both up close and at medium range. Despite this, it deals surprisingly good damage, currently sitting as the sixth-fastest killing BO6 gun in Warzone.
That’s an incredible feat when you consider that it comes equipped by default with a 64-round magazine, so you effectively have a free attachment slot to use as you please. This ensures that the PP-919 is the most versatile SMG in the meta, as well as a top pick for those who prefer a more balanced weapon over something like the Jackal PDW, which is only effective up close.
Static-HV
Dexerto- Muzzle: Quartermaster Suppressor
- Barrel: Garrote-8 Long Barrel
- Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
- Stock: Spry 24 Light Stock
- Underbarrel: XTEN Phantom-5 Handstop
The STG44 wasn’t the only gun to takeover the meta when it was added in MW3 Season 5, as the Static-HV did much the same. However, it has fallen out of favor somewhat in the Black Ops 6 era, with hefty nerfs to its bullet velocity and damage range making it much more situational. The Static-HV still hits hard but no longer has the versatility it used to have.
Regardless, this SMG is still a good option for those who enjoy playing aggressively. It has retained its excellent mobility and handling stats, which were a big reason why so many players loved using it in the first place. As long as it doesn’t lose these and continues to deal good damage, it’s unlikely that the Static-HV will be leaving the meta anytime soon.
Superi 46
Dexerto- Muzzle: Quartermaster Suppressor
- Barrel: Lux 30 Heavy Barrel
- Stock: Rescue-9 Stock
- Underbarrel: DR-6 Handstop
- Magazine: 40 Round Mag
Back in MW3 Season 4, the Superi 46 took over Warzone, and it continues to see success even now in Season 1. Its mobility stats alone, which are among the best of any SMG in the game, are enough to make it meta, but it also has a fast TTK and even great recoil control. There’s not much that this gun can’t do, though recent nerfs to its damage range have made it less versatile than in the past.
Even with these nerfs, 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 hasn’t quite had the same legacy as those legends, you shouldn’t overlook how good this gun is. Even with the addition of seven new SMGs with Black Ops 6, this remains a top-tier weapon.
Meta loadouts
These guns certainly pack a punch but don’t quite compete with the Absolute Meta options. Even so, the meta loadouts listed below are still great in their own right and are well worth using:
Long-range weapons (ARs, LMGs, Battle Rifles, Snipers)
XMG
Dexerto- Optic: Kepler Red Dot
- Muzzle: Compensator
- Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
- Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
- Fire Mods: Recoil Springs
You never quite know how LMGs are going to perform, with them ranging historically from utterly useless to meta-defining. The XMG is neither of those, but it certainly strays closer to the latter, with this newcomer now being the best machine gun in Warzone, and by a good margin at that.
It’s main selling points are its impressive mobility for an LMG and its default 100-round magazine. You can even upgrade it to 150 rounds by equipping the Extended Mag I, which doesn’t even negatively affect handling stats. A magazine that big would cripple the handling of any MW3 LMG, giving the XMG a clear advantage over the very guns it has superceded.
STG44
Dexerto- Muzzle: Quartermaster Suppressor
- Barrel: Bruen Acrux Heavy Barrel
- Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
- Underbarrel: DR-6 Handstop
- Magazine: 50 Round Drum
To literally nobody’s surprise, the STG44 was incredibly strong when it was first added. In fact, it was the best all-around weapon in the game for quite some time, offering low recoil and a comically fast TTK. This led to multiple nerfs, with changes back in MW3 Season 6 greatly reducing its damage, a decision that Raven has now repeated in Season 1.
Following the nerfs, the STG44 is no longer so utterly dominant there’s no point using anything else, but it is still a strong assault rifle that can easily rack up kills. Its low recoil remains untouched, and even its post-nerf time to kill is still reasonably competitive. However, the WWII assault rifle’s bullet velocity was slashed in this patch, which makes it much more difficult to use at long range.
SVA 545
Dexerto- Muzzle: Quartermaster Suppressor
- 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 time where the SVA 545 wasn’t at least viable. Even in the Black Ops 6 era, it remains a very competitive weapon, largely thanks to its incredible performance at long range. Surprisingly, it didn’t receive many nerfs at all in Season 1, so it’s more or less exactly as strong as it was in the past.
What makes the SVA 545 so unique is its hyperburst. The assault rifle’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, giving the SVA unrivaled ease of use.
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 Warzone, it’s not a surprise that players are always 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 makes it a clear meta option. Both the MORS and LW3A1 Frostline are good alternatives too, but the KATT-AMR narrowly beats them, as its incredible bullet velocity makes it feel practically hitscan at any range.
MCW 6.8
Dexerto- Muzzle: Sonic Suppressor L
- Barrel: MCW Crown-30 Barrel
- Optic: Corio Eagleseye 2.5x
- Stock: RB Crotalus Assault Stock
- Magazine: 60 Round Drum
The MCW 6.8 has quietly featured in the meta for some time but has largely been overlooked. Why? Because it’s a semi-auto DMR, and most players aren’t interested in using weapons like this. However, there’s a lot of good reasons to consider giving it a go, with its high damage and impressive range being the two big ones.
It might not be a good choice for everyone, but if you do enjoy using these kinds of guns, the MCW 6.8 is an exceptional option that can outgun almost everything. Just make sure to avoid close-range gunfights, as this marksman rifle was not designed with CQB in mind. Also, it did receive some nerfs in Season 1, with its bullet velocity being reduced, so it’s better suited to medium-range encounters these days.
Close-range weapons (SMGs, Shotguns, Pistols)
Saug
Dexerto- Muzzle: Compensator
- Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
- Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
- Magazine: Extended Mag II
- Stock: Light Stock
From the Fennec 45 to WSP Swarm and FJX Horus, SMGs with a high rate of fire are no strangers to Warzone’s meta. There’s practically always at least one that is competitive, and Season 1’s new entry is the Saug. Added alongside the update, this submachine gun is an incredible option for close-range gunfights and racking up kills with ease.
It was practically made for Resurgence, with its excellent mobility allowing you to fly around the map, taking as many gunfights as you please. However, this does come at the cost of increased recoil, which limits its ability to compete beyond 13 meters. As such, it isn’t quite absolute meta, but here’s no denying that the Saug is still a highly competitive option that can dominate in the right hands.
WSP-9
Dexerto- Muzzle: Quartermaster Suppressor
- 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 very well. This rendition of the iconic Uzi hits hard, has great mobility, and is even competitive at medium range, unlike most other submachine guns. This is because its slower fire rate makes it easier to control and more accurate from further away.
However, that slower rate of fire is a double-edged sword, as it also makes the WSP-9 less forgiving. If you miss a couple of shots, its time to kill becomes significantly worse. Therefore, 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 dominate.
Striker
Dexerto- Muzzle: Quartermaster Suppressor
- Barrel: Striker Recon Long Barrel
- Underbarrel: Paracord Grip
- Ammunition: .45 Auto High Grain Rounds
- Magazine: 48 Round Mag
The Striker has been in and around the meta for some time but was never quite good enough to justify using over other SMGs. That changed after Raven buffed its damage ranges a while back, allowing it to finally take advantage of its main strength – its impressive versatility. It was nerfed in Season 1 like most other SMGs, but these changes haven’t affected the gun too much, with it still being a strong option.
This gun has low recoil and great range, letting it compete from further away than most other guns in its class. Despite this, it’s also competitive up close, having a TTK comparable to the Static-HV, in addition to good mobility and handling stats. It’s a true jack-of-all-trades SMG that works great regardless of what role you need it to fill.
FJX Horus
Dexerto- Muzzle: Quartermaster Suppressor
- 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 much more recoil. BIg buffs back in MW3 and the introduction of a 60 Round Drum elevated this to meta status, a position it maintains to this day. In fact, the base verison of this gun was not nerfed at all in Season 1, so it’s still just as good as you remember.
If you can keep gunfights up close, this often overlooked SMG dominates even the best guns in the game. As long as you are happy to use an old-school submachine gun that melts up close and has great mobility stats, the FJX Horus is a really good option that deserves its spot as a meta contender. The only real issue it has is that the Jackal PDW exists, which is largely just a better version of this.
Reclaimer 18
Dexerto- Muzzle: Bryson Choke
- Barrel: Ironbrand Long Barrel
- Stock: No Stock
- Underbarrel: Bruen Bastion Angled Grip
- Rear Grip: Haste XV Grip Tape
This shotgun can down enemies in just two shots, giving it a freakish TTK that simply shouldn’t be possible. Its absurd damage was assumed to be a bug at first, but that no longer appears to be the case since its still possible, even now in Season 1. However, Raven has nerfed both its range and overall consistency, so it isn’t as lethal as last season.
Regardless, using this will make everyone else in your lobby furious. They will send you angry messages, but you’ll have a great time winning more games. If that sounds like something you’d enjoy, it’s time to use this rendition of the SPAS-12 and bring it back to its former glory. Just be sure to utilize Tac-Stance as its iron sights with the stock folded are not pretty.
Best off-meta loadouts
These weapons aren’t a part of the meta right now, but they can hold their own and are a lot of fun to use. Consider trying these Warzone loadouts out if you want a competitive option that other players have overlooked:
Goblin Mk2
Dexerto- Optic: Kepler Microflex
- Muzzle: Compensator
- Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
- Underbarrel: Precision Foregrip
- Magazine: Extended Mag II
Unless they are extremely good, it’s hard to recommend using a semi-auto AR in Warzone. We’re talking ‘prime FAL in the MW19 days’ levels of broken to justify selecting these guns. However, the Goblin Mk2 is at least worth considering, as it is the second-fastest killing gun added alongside Black Ops 6. Since it has a fast rate of fire and good handling, that actually makes it a really good weapon up close.
Obviously, you’ll still need to land shots, and that’s harder to do with a semi-auto than an automatic gun, but you can’t ignore this entirely. For those who are skilled enough to make the most out of it, the Goblin Mk2 is a genuinely strong gun that can hold its own in any lobby. However, it isn’t meta because it’s simply too hard to use for the average player.
BP50
Dexerto- Muzzle: Quartermaster Suppressor
- Barrel: Lore-9 Heavy Barrel
- Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
- Stock: Moat-40 Stock
- Magazine: 45 Round Mag
The BP50 received several nerfs back in MW3 Season 4, but it was so freakishly good beforehand that this didn’t stop it from being one of Warzone’s best assault rifles. Given its many strengths, this gun remains a great option to this day, with it avoiding any substantial nerfs in Season 1. Essentially, if you enjoyed using this gun before Black Ops 6’s integration, you’ll still enjoy using it now.
From its excellent iron sights to its low recoil and effectiveness at just about any range, there are a lot of reasons to run the BP50. It may not quite be meta anymore, but it’s not that far off, and a return to the top would only take one or two relatively minor buffs. Who knows, maybe the BP50 could make a comeback in the near future.
Holger 556
Dexerto- Muzzle: Quartermaster Suppressor
- Barrel: Chrios-6 Match
- Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
- Stock: RB Addle Assault Stock
- Magazine: 40 Round Mag
For the longest time, the Holger 556 was really good but held back by its smaller magazine capacity at just 40 rounds. This limitation still exists, but various buffs have proven more than enough to make this gun worth using these days. Its damage range did take a hit in Season 1, but it still outranges most other guns, assuming you can control its recoil and keep shots on target.
In Solos and Duos, this is one of the best options in Warzone, but in Trios and Quads, it’s trickier to justify. That small magazine can lose you games if you run out of rounds at a crucial moment, which isn’t a problem that either the GPR 91 or Model L have. These BO6 guns are direct competitors, so you should only use the Holger 556 in playlists with smaller squads where this weakness is less problematic.
RAM-9
Dexerto- Muzzle: Quartermaster Suppressor
- Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
- Stock: HVS 3.4 Pad
- Magazine: 50 Round Mag
- Comb: Recon Comb
The RAM-9 was already in a decent spot, but various buffs to its damage range over the seasons have elevated it big time. It’s still not quite meta, and nerfs in Season 1 have stunted its comeback, but this SMG remains a good option for those wanting a well-rounded weapon with high mobility.
The overall feel of this weapon has a unique appeal that other submachine guns don’t really match. It’s difficult to describe, but if you get hands on and try it out, you’ll understand in no time. It truly is a one-of-a-kind weapon that has a great chance of becoming meta in the near future, especially if Raven intends to keep MW3 weapons relevant long term.
TAQ Eradicator
Dexerto- Muzzle: Quartermaster Suppressor
- Barrel: Conquer-70 Long Barrel
- Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
- Stock: Tactique Brute Stock
- Underbarrel: Bruen Heavy Support Grip
The TAQ Eradicator received a big buff a few seasons ago, with both its damage and effective range being boosted. That directly affected its TTK, which now competes with the best long-range weapons in Warzone. However, Season 1 did see this gun receive some notable nerfs, with its minimum damage and bullet velocity both being reduced.
Regardless, if there’s one thing Warzone players love, it’s a forgiving gun that anyone can dominate with, and that’s a perfect description of the TAQ Eradicator. It’s easy to use, hits hard, and has a big magazine, and as long as that remains true, it will remain a solid option regardless of the meta. Just don’t expect it to be quite as effective at extreme distances anymore.
All Warzone guns
Below you’ll find a list of every gun that’s currently available in Warzone across MW2, MW3, and BO6, with links to guides on the best loadouts for each of them:
Assault Rifles
| Weapon (MW2) | Guide | Weapon (MW3) | Guide | Weapon (BO6) | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M4 | Loadout | SVA 545 | Loadout | XM4 | Loadout |
| TAQ-56 | Loadout | MTZ-556 | Loadout | AK-74 | Loadout |
| Kastov 762 | Loadout | Holger 556 | Loadout | AMES 85 | WIP |
| Lachmann-556 | Loadout | MCW | Loadout | GPR 91 | Loadout |
| STB 556 | Loadout | DG-56 | Loadout | Model L | Loadout |
| M16 | Loadout | FR 5.56 | Loadout | Goblin Mk2 | WIP |
| Kastov-74u | Loadout | RAM-7 | Loadout | AS VAL | WIP |
| Kastov 545 | Loadout | BP50 | Loadout | Krig C | Loadout |
| M13B | Loadout | BAL-27 | Loadout | ||
| Chimera | Loadout | STG44 | Loadout | ||
| ISO Hemlock | Loadout | ||||
| Tempus Razorback | Loadout | ||||
| FR Avancer | Loadout | ||||
| M13C | Loadout | ||||
| TR-76 Geist | Loadout |
SMGs
| Weapon (MW2) | Guide | Weapon (MW3) | Guide | Weapon (BO6) | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VEL 46 | Loadout | Striker | Loadout | C9 | Loadout |
| MX9 | Loadout | WSP Swarm | Loadout | KSV | Loadout |
| Lachmann Sub | Loadout | AMR9 | Loadout | Tanto .22 | Loadout |
| Vaznev-9k | Loadout | WSP-9 | Loadout | PP-919 | Loadout |
| FSS Hurricane | Loadout | Rival-9 | Loadout | Jackal PDW | Loadout |
| Minibak | Loadout | Striker 9 | Loadout | Kompakt 92 | WIP |
| PDSW 528 | Loadout | RAM-9 | Loadout | Saug | Loadout |
| Fennec 45 | Loadout | HRM-9 | Loadout | ||
| ISO 45 | Loadout | FJX Horus | Loadout | ||
| Lachmann Shroud | Loadout | Superi 46 | Loadout | ||
| ISO 9mm | Loadout | Static-HV | Loadout |
Battle Rifles
LMGs
Sniper Rifles
Shotguns
Marksman Rifles
Pistols
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, out Black Ops 6 gun tier list will help you dominate in multiplayer too.