Best ranked loadouts in MW2 ahead of Season 3 (2023)

Updated: Apr 1, 2023 9:34 am

Ranked play in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is the ultimate arena to put your skills to the test. Arriving in Season 2 and fast becoming the center of competitive play in the game, gamers battle it out using the same modes, settings and maps used in the Call of Duty League (CDL).

Focusing on intense 4-v-4 gameplay with friendly fire enabled, your teamwork, accuracy and dexterity will be put to the test across a variety of modes, such as Control, Search and Hardpoint.

Every MW2 season, there are new weapons that come along, and with the imminent arrival of Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone 2 Season 3, we’re fully expecting the meta Ranked loadouts to change. That being said, throughout Modern Warfare 2’s lifespan, some weapons have stood the test of time – and we expect them to remain popular.

So, what are the best ranked loadouts in Modern Warfare 2? Our friends at Videogamer.com and ourselves have sunk hours into the game to come up with what we believe to be the best ranked loadouts in Modern Warfare 2. Let’s kick off.

Best weapons for ranked mode in MW2

Best TAQ-56 ranked loadout

The vanilla TAQ-56, otherwise known as the Scar, is a decent mid-range gun – perfect for the open expanses of Al Mazrah. Turning it into a competitive MW2 multiplayer weapon, though, does require some adjustments, which we’ve highlighted below.

Attachments:

• Muzzle:RF Crown 50
• Stock: ADS speed stock
• Barrel:17.5″ Tundra Pro Barrel
• Rear Grip:Recoil control

So long as you stick to the above, you’ll tame the weapon’s lively recoil and improve sight-speed, making it far more effective in close-quarters combat. We recommend fitting an optic of your choice but recommend trying the Aim OP-V4 in the first instance.

Pair the weapon with your choice of grenades – but we recommend stun and frag, the latter will allow you to keep a distance if suppressing an enemy from range,

Best Vaznev-9K ranked loadout

TheVaznev-9K may have been nerfed slightly in the last patch, but it’s still a a deadly gun that comes into its own in Ranked mode. Typically sub machine guns struggle at mid-range, and so are popular in close-quarters combat, but the Vaznev-9K can be adjusted to significantly improve mid-range performance. Please follow the below.

Attachments:

• Stock– Broadside FCT
• Rear Grip– True-Tac Grip
• Muzzle– Lockshot KT85
• Underbarrel– FTAC Ripper 56
• Barrel– KAS-1 381MM

Make sure to opt for iron sights in the first instance with Vaznev – they are perfectly serviceable, and adding any optic risks blunting the gun’s lightning fast ADS speed.

Best M13B ranked loadout

While theISO Hemlock no longer availableto use in Ranked, the powerfulM13Bassault rifle is a worthy runner up. Finding fame in the DMZ mode, the M13B packs a serious punch at close range, but stumbles in long-range combat if the right adjustments are not made.

We would not recommend the M13B to those new to Ranked as if you don’t master the weapon, faster more dynamic subs will rip it apart. Gamers using the M13B will often skim the map’s outer sections, picking off enemies who stray from more lively killzones.

While the below build does not solve for weapon’s less dynamic nature, it does amplify its strengths – namely damage and short-mid range accuracy.

Attachments:

• Optic– Aim OP-V4
• Rear Grip– Bruen GR-500
• Ammunition– 5.56 High Velocity
• Underbarrel– FTAC Ripper 56
• Barrel– 14″ Bruen Echelon

The Aim OP-V4 helps improve accuracy, while the high-velocity rounds increase damage at the expense of damage range. Coupled with 14″ Bruen Echelon, which compounds both bullet velocity and recoil control and you’ve got a serious short-mid range contender that packs one Hell of a punch. Pair with a frag and stun grenade to help solve for longer range encounters and to get you out of jam if surrounded.

Best Vel-46 ranked loadout

Vel-46 is a lively but surprisingly easy-to-use weapon, perfect for those who prefer rushing rather than sitting back. While some weapons were nerfed in the Call of Duty’s Season 02 Reloaded patch notes, the Vel-46 saw a boost to its performance, which has helped it become a popular weapon the mode.

Attachments:

• Optic– Cronen Mini Pro
• Rear Grip– ZLR Combat Grip
• Muzzle– Lockshot KT85
• Barrel– Lach-DX 203MM
• Underbarrel– FTAC Ripper 56

As is the case with a gun like the Vel – any loadout is about extracting as much accuracy as possible, while increasing damage range. This is primarily achieved through the Lockshot KT85 muzzle, while the Cronen Mini Pro fortifies ADS speed.

Best Lachman-Sub ranked loadout

An oldie but a goodie. The Lachman-sub, most commonly referred to as the MP5, is a staple weapon when it comes to ranked play. Well balanced, versatile and easy to master, the Lachman should be any beginner’s first choice when tackling ranked play in Modern Warfare 2. In stock form, the recoil can be lively, as too can the fire rate – so expect to reload a lot. In Ranked, this leaves you more vulnerable, so we recommend immediately upgrading your magazine.

Attachments:

• Optic– Cronen Mini Pro
• Rear Grip– LM Cronus Grip
• Magazine– 40 Round Mag
• Muzzle– Lockshot KT85
• Underbarrel– Edge 47 Grip

The Edge 47 Grip is masterful at aim stabilization, which is key for this weapon to be effective at mid range. The larger mag reduced reload frequency and gives you extra comfort if you’re in a battle with multiple foes.

Best secondary for ranked play in MW2

We won’t go into too much detail here, because you can only use the Combat Knife or X12 pistol in ranked. If you find yourself having to use one, you’ve likely misjudged a situation or have not monitored ammo.

What secondary you go for is entirely up to you. For those who are often in the thick of things, a combat knife can be incredibly effective and is far more deadly than the X12. That being said, the X12 is perfect for keeping enemies at bay for short periods of time. Beware, if a foe spots you using the X12 they’ll likely rush you as their main will dominate it – so only use it in absolute emergencies.

While there may be new additions to the list come Modern Warfare 2 Season 3, we believe mastering these weapons will stand you in great stead when the next wave of Ranked players decide to join the arena. Happy hunting!