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With the right loadout, it’s hard to deny that it has a right to be called the best. The range is incredible, the headshots are instant death, and the fire rate isn’t bad. It’s just a matter of bringing that pesky recoil into a place when players can get a few shots off. After that, congratulations on getting ahold of one of the most deadly weapons in Call of Duty: Vanguard.
Operator
Any
Sadly, the KAR98K isn’t listed as the favorite gun for any particular operator. This deprives it of the extra experience that comes when using a specific combination of operator and weapon. That means it will take longer to get the KAR98K up to max level.
Still, once it does reach max level, it’s all the same, so don’t stress out about it too much. Consider it an opportunity. After unlocking all of the operators, players who use the KAR98K can use their favorite character without the guilt of missing out on extra experience.
Attachments
After a round or two with a KAR98K that has all of the attachments in place, it is immediately apparent why it wasn’t listed as one of the automatically unlocked weapons at the start of the game. It has the feel of a gun that belongs in a sniper simulator.
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The range is absurd and should be the primary focus of this weapon. With three rounds, players only need to land one hit to the head or two hits anywhere on the body for a kill. All this will be done from the safety of being at the back of the map.
Secondary Weapon
MK11 Launcher
Imagine completing the “Ticket Please” achievement with the MK11 Launcher during the campaign. It would be too easy. And that’s exactly how it feels when killing enemies at mid-range with it. It’s a deadly device that will keep opponents from trying to get too close.
Due to the KAR98K’s killing distance, opponents will naturally try to bridge the gap. Many can be sniped down as they run, but the few who make far enough should be blown up with the MK11 Launcher. Consider it a savvy insurance policy.
Perks
This is a pretty common perk loadout for any ranged weapon, but it is amplified by the KAR98K’s range as a true sniper rifle. Players don’t get access to perks in the single-player because of how it would turn a number of campaign missions into a cakewalk.
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Being invisible to killstreaks won’t make this a stealth weapon by any stretch of the imagination, but players will often use killstreaks to take out snipers, so Cold Blooded is extremely useful. High Alert will give players the edge over snipers that spot the player offscreen. And Tactician further assists with defensive capabilities.
Lethal Slot
Demolition Charge
The majority of lethal weapons are completely pointless to the KAR98K because it will be so far away from the action that thrown weapons aren’t useful. However, the Demolition Charge doesn’t require being close to the action. Toss it down at a chokepoint, then run to the back.
Different editions of the game have different unlocks, but everyone will have access to the Demolition Charge after a few levels. Whenever the is a room or hallway that the KAR98K can’t see over, this should take care of enemies hoping to find cover.
Tactical Slot
S-Mine 44
Much like the lethal weapons, the majority of tactical weapons need to be thrown to be effective, which doesn’t vibe well with the KAR98K’s style. Thankfully, it feels like the S-Mine 44 was created for this sniper rifle, giving it a layer of protection against stealthy enemies.
The Tactician perk gives players a gradual and unending supply of these stun mines. Place them all around so that the KAR98K can stay focused on the field. It’s also wise to stack one on top of the Demolition Charge for a free kill.
Killstreaks
Care Package Glide Bomb Emergency Airdrop
Care Package and Emergency Airdrop require little explanation given their popularity. The Care Package has over a 92% chance of giving something equal to or better than the four kills it takes to unlock it. Per package, this increases to a 100% chance with the Emergency Airdrop.
Though very little should be out of range of the KAR98K, opposing snipers will often plant themselves in the back of the maps with structures in between. To Take out backline combatants, the Glide Bomb is a great burst of kills and a healthy wake-up call that nobody is safe from this loadout.
Field Upgrade
Supply Box
This loadout does burn through ammunition quickly. Despite being a sniper rifle, taking about three shots to kill an opponent is hard on magazines. Even the most accurate snipers that line up one-hit-kills will want some extra ammo so they don’t have to move from a perfect spot.
The Supply Box has a fast refresh rate, so tossing one down and using it frequently should be a natural part of the combat process. It also helps allies who retreat to the backlines as well, so it’s some good support of the KAR98K that often plays the lead role in death counts.
Call of Duty: Vanguard was released on November 5th, 2021, and is available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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