Best Modern Warfare 2 loadouts ranked

Loadouts are an integral part of any Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 player’s success. They largely determine how well a player performs in a match, as they can either make or break your weapons. In the closing part of MW2, several meta loadouts and attachments have remained and/or emerged for most weapons in multiplayer.

Today, I’ll be going over our picks for the top 10 loadouts in MW2. These loadouts will be for different guns, all of which can be considered to be a part of the current meta.

1. TR-76 Geist

The TR-76 Geist is one of the newest weapons in MW2, but it’s also one of the strongest. The new assault rifle has become a go-to weapon for any player who has it unlocked due to its high damage range and low recoil. You can play aggressive or passive with the TR-76 Geist, as it excels anywhere on the map.

• Barrel: LOC.5 Long Barrel
• Optic: Slimline Pro
• Comb: FSS Hardtop Comb
• Underbarrel: FTAC Ripper 56
• Rear Grip: STIP-66 Grip

2. TAQ-56

Next, I have the current meta pick for the assault rifle class. The TAQ-56 is the main competitive AR and is also quite a popular weapon in public matches as well. While not as fast as the M4, the TAQ features almost no recoil, high damage, and a great fire rate. Players should definitely keep themselves at a distance when using it, though.

• Muzzle: RF Crown 50
• Barrel: 17.5″ Tundra Pro Barrel
• Underbarrel: Edge 47 Grip
• Stock: TV XLINE Pro
• Rear Grip: Demo Cleanshot Grip

3. Vaznev-9K

The Vaznev-9K is the best overall submachine gun in MW2. While an argument can be made for other SMGs, the Vaznev excels in any range and has few weaknesses. It especially dominates up close thanks to its high damage and fast fire rate. If players want a balanced SMG, there’s no better choice than the Vaznev.

• Muzzle: AVR-T90 Comp
• Barrel: KAS-1 381mm
• Laser: STOVL Dr Laser Box
• Stock: Oztrezat Stock
• Rear Grip: True-Tac Grip

4. ISO 9mm

Speaking of weapons with fast fire rate, if you’re looking to be a hyper-aggressive SMG player, your best option is the ISO 9mm. This new SMG has quickly dethroned the Fennec 45 and the ISO 45 as the best high fire rate weapon in MW2, and it can absolutely dominate any enemy at close range.

• Muzzle: Bruen Pendulum
• Barrel: ISO 45 Factory
• Stock: Res 2
• Underbarrel: Agent Grip
• Rear Grip: EXP Shear

5. Kastov-74u

The bane of many players’ existence in multiplayer. The Kastov-74u has been arguably the strongest weapon in MW2 since release, and it has yet to truly be nerfed. There are perhaps no better all-around weapons than the 74u, so if you’re simply looking to use the best of the best, look no further.

• Muzzle: RF Crown 50 Muzzle
• Barrel: BR209 Barrel
• Underbarrel: Bruen Sync Shot
• Rear Grip: Demo-X2 Rear Grip
• Stock: Spetsnaz S10 Stock

6. SP-R 208

Like it or not, the SP-R has remained one of the best weapons in MW2 since its release. While many players would like to see the SP-R get a nerf, that hasn’t really happened as of yet. So, as of right now, the SP-R remains arguably the best overall sniping option in multiplayer.

• Barrel: 23.5″ Fluted R-67
• Laser: 1mW Laser Box
• Stock: ZRL T70 Pad Extension
• Bolt: FSS ST87 Bolt
• Magazine: 10 Round Mag

7. SP-X 80

For players searching for a traditional sniper, the SP-X 80 is the current meta pick by a wide margin. Thanks to its mix of damage and mobility, the SP-X has been players’ go-to sniper since Season 1 of MW2. While you might get some hitmarkers with it, it’s the best all-around sniper in the game.

• Barrel: 18.5″ Bryson LR Factory
• Stock: PVZ-890 Tac Stock
• Rear Grip: Schlager Match Grip
• Bolt: FSS ST87 Bolt
• Ammunition: .300 High Velocity

8. RPK

The RPK has gone from slightly under the radar to an over-picked monster in MW2. This weapon acts more like an AR than a light machine gun, and it has an incredible damage output and virtually no recoil. If players want to switch things up in multiplayer from the mundane AR/SMG combinations, they need to try out the RPK.

• Barrel: TAC 596 Barrel
• Laser: Corio LAZ-44 V3
• Optic: Cronen Mini Pro
• Underbarrel: FSS Sharkfin 90
• Ammunition: .762 High Velocity

9. P890

I know, but hear me out first. The P890 is the first secondary pistol you unlock in MW2, and at first glance, it doesn’t look like anything special. It’s a semi-auto pistol, and there are seemingly better options in the class; the .50 GS is an extremely lethal pistol, the Basilisk has the infamous Snakeshot Ammo and the X13 Auto is like a pocket-SMG.

However, once you use the P890 for a few games, you’ll immediately realize why I’ve picked it for my top loadouts list. It’s usually a two-shot kill, has little recoil, and has a decent fire rate. In the right hands, the P890 can be one of the best weapons in multiplayer.

• Muzzle: Forge DX90-F
• Barrel: XRK Tacops Barrel
• Trigger Action: Bruen Express
• Rear Grip: FJX DVF60
• Magazine: 10 Round Mag

10. Bryson 800

The Byrson 800 has gone from a lowly SMG that no one used in MW2 to an absolute menace that has been dominating multiplayer lobbies for over a month. After some buffs in recent updates, the Bryson 800 is easily the best shotgun in the game. However, if you decide to use it, prepare for the enemy team to throw some trash talk your way.

• Barrel: 29.5″ Rifled Barrel
• Muzzle: Bryson Improvised Choke
• Laser: Schlager ULO-66 Laser
• Guard: Demo X50 Tactical Pump
• Stock: Sawed Off Mod

That does it for our top 10 loadouts in Modern Warfare 2. We’re sure this list will change as the game progresses, so we’ll update it if any changes to the meta arise.

As a final note, you can use any of these loadouts and all other weapons in MW2 in the new Modern Warfare 3 and use this same loadout to great effect. However, you will need to change most of the rest of the class, as the perks have been entirely changed in the new multiplayer title. You can still use the same lethal or tactical as well as a similar secondary weapon. Of course, I suggest using some of the new content first so you can experience some of the fresh items in MW3.