Call of Duty: Warzone is in the midst of a new meta taking shape, with the previous one recently coming to an end via some much needed nerfs. As such, a few new guns have quickly filled the role of the game’s best options, with one in particular seeming like the clear favorite amongst fans. While this meta may be changing in May due to the upcoming release of Season 3, players should keep the following guns in mind when making their loadouts over the next few weeks.

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The Guns To Avoid

Call of Duty: Warzone’s worst weapons in the current meta are the same as they have always been, with guns like the Dragunov remaining at the bottom of the barrel due to their low damage. The KSP 45 and the Fennec are ineffective, as are many other SMGs, while the QBZ-83 Assault Rifle from Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is another gun to stay away from. Shotguns like the JAK-12 are also hard to recommend, limiting players a bit regarding what they can use in-game.

However, Call of Duty: Warzone players will want to add two new guns to the list of weapons to avoid, and they were actually the two best options in the free-to-play game only a few weeks back. First, the FFAR Assault Rifle is not what it once was. While the gun is still usable, it is on par with every other Assault Rifle, as it has taken a major hit to its speed. Not only does the gun take much longer to aim now, but its bullets take longer to reach their targets. This velocity change no longer sees it behaving like a ranged SMG, making it an average weapon that fits in its class as opposed to a jack-of-all types.

The other weapon that players should take off their loadouts is the AUG Tactical Rifle. Once a powerhouse that would kill in two bursts from any range, the guns major hit to recoil sees it unable to take down opponents from a distance. This makes it a good bit less viable, as players require ranged accuracy to be able to succeed inside Verdansk. While it can still kill quick at mid-range, as Call of Duty: Warzone’s TTK problems remain unsolved, the gun now has a noticeable weakness that it did not have before.

The Gun To Use

While gamers may be pleased to see the FFAR and AUG meta coming to an end, the latter gun has unfortunately lived on in spirit. Another Tactical Rifle from Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War has filled the position of best gun, and if that was not enough, it too is a burst fire weapon. Essentially, the M16 is like the AUG was prior to the patch. The gun hits like a truck, and it does so with the accuracy that the AUG once had. A full-on spiritual successor, players have already started to equip the M16 in an attempt to dominate against their Call of Duty: Warzone opponents.

Loadout expert and FaZe member NICKMERCS has already provided a build for the M16 in Call of Duty: Warzone, and players looking to take advantage of the weapon can equip specific attachments to find success. First, players should use the 15.9” Strike Team barrel, as the attachment increases both the damage and fire rate of the gun. While it hurts the weapon’s range and accuracy slightly, both negatives are outweighed by the positives. Players should also equip an Agency Silencer in the muzzle slot, as it will help keep them off enemy radars.

For a sight, Call of Duty: Warzone fans will want to equip the Axial Arms 3x scope. A reliable optic with a great reticle, the zoom provided by the attachment is perfect for ranged engagements. Next, the Field Agent Foregrip should be thrown in the Underbarrel slot, as it will improve the gun’s accuracy. Essentially eliminating the accuracy hit taken by using the Strike Team barrel, this grip is a must. Lastly, a 45 Round magazine should make a major difference in how long players can fire their gun before needing to stop and reload. For those looking to create the best possible version of the M16, this setup is the way to go.

Barrel: 15. 9” Strike Team Muzzle: Agency Silencer Optic: Arial Arms 3x Underbarrel: Field Agent Foregrip Ammunition: 45 Rnd

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Alternate Options

Call of Duty: Warzone fans tired of the burst fire meta can make use of a few other guns, though. While they will not be as effective as the M16, having other options is always a good thing, and the following two weapons should prove useful for those needing variety. The Bruen MK9 is one of the viable alternatives, and while the gun is nowhere near the monster that it was back when it first came to Call of Duty: Warzone, it can still get the job done from all ranges. Boasting solid accuracy, damage, fire rate, and reload speed, this full auto LMG is a well-rounded and safe choice for players. The best attachments for the Bruen MK9 can be seen below.

Barrel: XRK Summit 26. 8” Muzzle: Monolithic Suppressor Laser: Tac Laser Optic: Corp Combat Holo Sight Ammunition: 60 Round Mags

For players looking for something that is different from anything else in Call of Duty: Warzone, the truly special Stun Launcher class would be worth giving a try. Transforming the already solid CR-56 AMAX Assault Rifle into a weapon built around stunning opponents, the entire build hinges on the use of the gun’s underbarrel grenade launcher. In this slot, players can equip the M203 40mm Concussive rounds to essentially fire off stun grenades at their enemies. While only one can be launched at a time, a stunned player is essentially no longer a threat, making the gun amazing for single targets. The Sleight of Hand perk allows players to instantly switch between the grenades and regular rounds, making the process of cleaning up the kill much easier.

Barrel: XRK Zodiac S440 Ammunition: 45 Round Mag Laser: 5mW Laser Perk: Sleight of Hand Underbarrel: M203 40mm Concussive

While the weapon additions that come in Call of Duty: Warzone Season 3 could change the meta further, and a balancing pass could see the M16 fall from grace, right now the Tactical Rifle is the best choice players can make. The Bruen MK9 and CR-56 AMAX are also valid options, with the three guns coming together to form the post-FFAR and AUG meta. With two of the three guns being from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, it seems like there is finally a fair bit of weapon diversity in the popular battle royale game.

Call of Duty: Warzone is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.

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