SMGs have always been the golden child of Call of Duty games, and MW3 is no different. The Rival-9 is the contender for the best weapon of its class in both MW3 and Warzone, but utilizing the Gunsmith can be a daunting task. That’s why we have constructed this guide on the best Rival-9 loadout for your viewing pleasure.
Best Rival-9 Loadout in Warzone
Best Rival-9 Attachments
Few SMGs can claim their spot at the top of the mountain that is the META, but the Rival-9 is one of the biggest competitors to the title. A comfortable fire rate, good accuracy, and surprisingly competent range make this weapon a supremely strong pick.
- Barrel: Rival-38E Fire Starter Barrel
- Underbarrel: XTEN Phantom-5 Handstop
- Ammunition: 9MM Overpressured
- Magazine: 40 Round Magazine
- Stock: EXF Close Quarters Assault Stock
As an SMG, the Rival-9 is a master of movement speed, but even the best need a little help, so we use the Rival-38E Fire Starter Barrel for added ADS speed and movement. The XTEN Phantom-5 Handstop is used for further handling increases, but with a helping hand towards recoil control. Next, we have the 9MM Overpressured ammunition for extra stopping power and to keep up with higher damaging SMGs.
Lastly, we use the 40-round magazine to kill enemy players with the full plate health and the EXF Close Quarters Assault Stock for further recoil and gun kick control.
Best Rival-9 Perks
Here we recommend perks for general Warzone as weapons do not gain as much value as they do in MW3. You can swap out any perks that you prefer, but for those wanting an all-around stable perk package then read on.
The best perks are as follows:
- Perk 1: Sleight of Hand
- Perk 2: Double Time
- Perk 3: Temepered
- Perk 4: High Alert
Reloading faster has saved me from death several times and I will stand by this perk for it always manages to save me from disaster. Double Time is a must-have as it allows faster rotations, escapes bad gunfights, and storms buildings much faster. Tempered is an incredibly efficient perk that allows you to plate up to full health 33% quicker than other players and almost doubles the efficiency of each armor plate in your backpack. Finally, High Alert has saved me from countless losses by warning me of enemies before they can take a shot. I cannot undersell the value of High Alert in Warzone.
Best Rival-9 Loadout in Modern Warfare 3
Best Rival-9 Attachments
The Rival 9 is the second-best SMG in the MW3 right now, only barely falling short against the most beloved MW2 (2009) weapon. Still, the Rival 9 has unparalleled mobility that allows you to dodge, dip, dive, duck, and dodge through a gunfight.
Its TTK is nothing to turn your nose at either. It can contend with some ARs at medium range, especially for its high fire rate. Run and gun has never been an easier tactic, and with the addition of Tac-Stance, the game favors these quick SMGs more than ever before.
The best attachments are as follows:
- Muzzle: Shadowstrike Suppressor
- Optic: MK. 3 Reflector
- Rear Grip: Rival Vice Assault Grip
- Stock: MTZ Marauders Stock
- Magazine: 40 Round Mag
Our suppressor is perfect for keeping us concealed while we sprint across the map and sports no downsides whatsoever. The Rival Vice Assault Grip and MTZ Marauders Stock, meanwhile, keep the weapon’s handling to the highest degree without sacrificing too much in the recoil department.
Our MK. 3 Reflector is by far my favorite optic in the game but can be swapped out for your desired choice. Finally, the 40-round mag further allows outplays and 1vX situations where you need the ammunition to gun everyone down.
Best Rival-9 Perks
Modern Warfare 3 marks the first time perks have been revamped in years, wherein they are now specific pieces of body gear that can be swapped in and out to suit the needs of your loadout. The Rival-9 is a fast-paced mobile SMG, so we want our Perks to reflect that.
The best Perks are as follows:
- Vest: Infantry Vest
- Gloves: Scavanger Gloves
- Boots: Covert Sneakers
- Gear: EOD Padding
The Infantry Vest is a must-have for mobility classes that wish to rotate throughout the map. No other class of weapon chews through ammo faster than SMGs, as you’re constantly assaulting enemy players with bursts of bullets that can be very costly to your reserves. Thanks to the prized Scavenger Gloves, we can keep the snowball rolling and ammo train chugging. Combat Sneakers remove the footstep audio (Dead Silence), allowing you to catch enemies off-guard as you full sprint your way into their spawn.
To top it all off, we have EOD padding that will keep you safe from stray frag grenades or the firepower of killstreaks.
And there you have it. That’s the best Rival-9 loadout in Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone. Be sure to stick with us at Twinfinite as we continue to cover all the latest developments surrounding the Call of Duty franchise.
