Choosing the right weapon before attacking enemy players is crucial, as every player has more HP and can wear up to three armor plates in Warzone. Call of Duty: Warzone’s map Verdansk is massive and features many different areas, so players meet at all distances.
Unfortunately, not all weapons that can be used in COD Warzone are as good as others. The best weapons in Call of Duty: Warzone in season 5 are:
- FAL
- Bruen MK9
- Kar98k
- Grau 5.56
- HDR/AX-50
- M4A1
- MP5
- Kilo 141
All of these weapons perform extremely well in Warzone and get used by pro players as well. Please note that these weapons don’t work on every distance, as some only shine in specific situations. The best example would be the MP5, as this weapon is only made for close-quarter combat situations.
If you want to learn more about Call of Duty: Warzone, make sure to check out our game review over here.
Side note: In the patch notes for Patch 1.24.1, the FAL and Bruen MK9 received small balances; however, both weapons still perform exceptionally well in Warzone. We expect to see quite some changes in the meta, as Infinity Ward said they want to balance some weapons in season 5.
Before we talk about the best load-outs for these weapons, I want to show you some honorable mentions, which also perform very well in regular matches of COD Warzone:
| MP7 | M13 |
| PKM | Fennec |
Best FAL Loadout:
- Monolithic Suppressor
- XRK Marksman Barrel
- Merc Foregrip
- VLK 3.0x Optic / or No Stock
- 30 Round Mags
The FAL is one of the strongest close-range weapons in the current Warzone meta, but after the recent patch, this weapon also destroys enemies on greater distances.
With the best attachments equipped, the FAL shreds through teams, without any hesitation. If you can handle the increased recoil with the No Stock attachment, feel free to do so, as the increased aim-down-sight speed makes you even more competitive.
Best Bruen MK9 Loadout:
- Monolithic Suppressor
- XRK Horizon 23.0”
- Tac Laser
- VLK 3.0x Optic
- 60 Round Mags
With the 60-Round Mags, the Bruen MK9 feels more like an AR than a heavy SMG. After the Grau 5.56 got nerfed in season 4, the Bruen switched places and became the go-to weapon.
This weapon features fast reloads, good mobility, fantastic damage range, and excellent accuracy. In combination with an MP5, you have the strongest loadout in Call of Duty: Warzone.
Best Kar98k Loadout:
- Monolithic Suppressor
- Singuard Custom 27.6” Barrel
- Tac Laser
- Sniper Scope
- Stippled Grip Tape
Before the Kar98k got buffed, she was useful, but not very competitive. Now, the Kar98k can compete with other snipers as the AX-50 and HDR in terms of range, damage, and bullet velocity.
However, the Kar98k does less damage on body shots, so rather aiming for the head is recommended. But to compensate for this little disadvantage, the weapon features fast aim sight speed, and time to kill.
Best Grau 5.56 Loadout:
- Monolithic Suppressor
- Tempus 26.4” Archangel Battel
- Tac Laser
- Commando Foregrip
- 60 Round Mags
After its nerf in season 4, the Grau 5.56 is not the best weapon in the AR class anymore; however, it is still one of the best weapons for the COD Warzone. With the right loadout, there is almost no recoil, making it one of the most reliable weapons for any distance, in addition to a fast fire rate, fast TTK, and quick reloads.
Best HDR/AX-50 Loadout:
| Monolithic Suppressor | Monolithic Suppressor |
| 26.9” HDR Pro | 32.0” Factory |
| Tac Laser | Tac Laser |
| Variable Zoom Scope | Variable Zoom Scope |
| FTAC Stalker-Scout | Singuard Arms Assassin |
The best sniper rifles for Warzone clearly are the HDR and AX-50. Both weapons are very similar, but the HDR features almost no bullet velocity, supporting long-distance shots. On the other hand, the AX-50 has super fast aim down sigh speed and fire rate, making it perfect for aggressive sniping.
Best M4A1 Loadout:
- Monolithic Suppressor
- Corvus Custom Marksman Barrel
- Tac Laser
- G.I. Mini Reflex/Commando Foregrip
- 60 Round Mags
Besides the Grau 5.56 or Kilo 141, the M4A1 also counts as the best weapon for Warzone. This weapon features fast TTK, low recoil, fast reloads, and decent damage range. Unfortunately, the M4A1 has not the best iron sights, so players have to use a weapon blueprint, or choosing an optic to get around this disadvantage.
Best MP5 Loadout:
- Monolithic Integral Suppressor
- Merc Foregrip
- 45 Round Mags
- Stippled Grip Tape
- Sleight of Hand/Tac Laser
The MP5 is probably the best weapon for close-quarter combat. Its high damage shreds through teams, even if you use a hip-fire build. Since the launch of COD Warzone in March 2020, the MP5 was a popular pick for loadouts. This weapon features fast reloads, acceptable recoil, fast time-to-kill, and excellent hip-fire with some attachments.
Best Kilo 141 Loadout:
- Monolithic Suppressor
- Singuard Arms 19.8” Prowler
- VLK 3.0x Optic
- Commando Foregrip
- 60 Round Mags
Since the Grau got nerfed, players tested out new weapons to find a decent replacement. Besides the M4A1, the Kilo 141 is one of the best alternatives to the Grau 5.56. There is almost no recoil, it has a decent damage range, and can kill enemies in a short time. You should note that the Kilo 141 is not the best weapon for short ranges, as other weapons perform a lot better on these distances, like the MP5.
Conclusion
As we draw to a close, it’s clear that the battlefield of Call of Duty: Warzone is a dynamic and ever-changing landscape. The weapons we’ve discussed today, from the close-quarters prowess of the MP5 to the long-range precision of the HDR/AX-50, each brings their unique strengths to the game. It’s crucial to remember that the effectiveness of these weapons can shift with each new season, as developers at Infinity Ward continue to balance and tweak the game’s meta.
While mastering the top-tier weapons is crucial for competitive play in Call of Duty: Warzone, understanding the cost and benefits of the battle pass can also significantly enhance your overall experience.
The FAL, Bruen MK9, Kar98k, Grau 5.56, M4A1, and Kilo 141, each with their recommended load-outs, have proven to be reliable choices in Season 5. However, don’t overlook the potential of honorable mentions like the MP7 and M13. The key is to adapt and experiment with different weapons and load-outs to find what suits your play style and the specific situations you find yourself in on the vast Verdansk map.
Remember, the most potent weapon in Warzone isn’t necessarily the one with the highest damage or the fastest fire rate. It’s the one that you, as a player, can wield with confidence and strategy. So, whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the game, take this knowledge into your next match, and may your aim be true. Until next time, happy gaming!
