Modern Warfare 2’s Ranked Play mode, developed by veterans Treyarch, has been all but unanimously liked. However, with certain weapons restricted and rules implemented, it can be tough to know what to use. Here are the best Ranked Play loadouts for MW2, including weapons, attachments, Perks and Field Upgrades.
Because Modern Warfare 2’s weapons are well balanced and we’re approaching the end of its life-cycle, there’s a lot of viable weapons right now. We’ve split them up by weapon type below, detailing the best options in each, as well as the best attachments for Ranked mode.
Best MW2 Ranked Play Weapons
SMGs
In terms of SMGs, it’ll be the Vaznev-9K for most. It was the pro SMG of choice throughout the MW2 CDL campaign, boasting strong damage and range alongside excellent handling. Even in light of Season 4 Reloaded’s nerfs to the Vaznev, it’s probably the best and most consistent option in the class.
The most common alternatives are the Lachmann Sub and VEL 46, both of which are as strong up close but do struggle at longer ranges. In the Lachmann’s case, this is down to the recoil of the gun. In the VEL’s case, this is down to its mediocre range.
There have been noticeable upticks in the PDSW 528 and MX9, both of which can hold their own. If you’re unsure which to opt for, we’d recommend trying your hand in general multiplayer and then dropping into Ranked with one of these loadouts.
| Weapon | Recommended Attachments |
|---|---|
| Vaznev-9K | Muzzle: Bruen Pendulum Underbarrel: Commando Foregrip Stock: Otrezat Stock Rear Grip: True-Tac Grip |
| Lachmann Sub | Muzzle: XTEN Razor Comp Underbarrel: FSS Sharkfin 90 Stock: FT Mobile Stock Rear Grip: Lachmann TCG-10 |
| VEL 46 | Barrel: Tango 228 Barrel Muzzle: XTEN Razor Comp Underbarrel: Demo Cleanshot 40 Rear Grip: Schlager Soldier Grip Stock: Demo RXT Stock |
| PDSW 528 | Muzzle: Bruen Pendulum Stock: Hollow Extended Stock Comb: TV TACCOMB Rear Grip: Bruen Q900 Grip |
| MX9 | Optic: Cronen Mini Pro Comb: FTAC C11 Riser Rear Grip: Bruen Q900 Grip Magazine: 32 Round Mag Barrel: 16.5″ STB Factory |
Assault Rifles
In terms of assault rifles, the most commonly used by some margin is the TAQ-56. The M4 was quickly restricted in MW2 and so the onus fell to the TAQ-56 to be the pros’ AR of choice. It’s got manageable recoil and excellent range, alongside good iron sights and strong damage.
Despite the praise for the TAQ-56, our go-to in Season 4 is the Kastov 545. It dominates mid-range, as well as being quicker and snappier than the TAQ. It certainly doesn’t have the range and there’s a bit more recoil to combat, but we’re standing by it as the next-best in MW2 Ranked right now.
A strong alternative, and a weapon that’s slowly increasing in popularity, is the M13B. It’s certainly not the meta choice and there is some recoil to manage. This stems from its fire-rate, which is among the very best in the entire game.
| Weapon | Recommended Attachments |
|---|---|
| TAQ-56 | Barrel: 17.5″ Tundra Pro Barrel Stock: TV Cardinal Stock Underbarrel: FSS Sharkfin 90 Ammunition: 5.56 High Velocity Rear Grip: Demo Cleanshot Grip |
| Kastov 545 | Muzzle: FTAC Castle Comp Underbarrel: Phase-3 Grip Ammunition: 5.45 High Velocity Stock: Kastov-Rama Rear Grip: True-Tac Grip |
| M13B | Rear Grip: Bruen Flash Grip Underbarrel: Bruen Flash V4 Stock Ammunition: 5.56 High Velocity Underbarrel: Lockgrip Precision-40 Muzzle: FTAC Castle Comp |
Sniper Rifles
Sniper Rifles can be used in Ranked Play and, unless you consider yourself a candidate for FaZe Clan, chances are you’re using one in Search and Destroy. If you’re good enough you can definitely use one in respawn modes – but expect complaints from teammates if you’re just becoming a hindrance.
With them generally suited to SnD, we are opting for more powerful snipers that are great for holding angles and getting one hits. That’s why the MCPR-300 is the best sniper there is. It’s powerful and usable without being as slow as the Victus XMR.
There’s also the FJX Imperium, a nod to the Intervention of the original Modern Warfare 2. Alongside the SP-X 80, they’re quicker and more forgiving options. They will yield the occasional hitmarker though, so be prepared to aim high to secure eliminations.
| Weapon | Recommended Attachments |
|---|---|
| MCPR-300 | Muzzle: 17.5″ Orca Barrel Stock: Cronen LW-88 Stock Rear Grip: Cronen Cheetah Grip Magazine: 5 Round Mag Ammunition: .300 Mag High Velocity |
| SP-X 80 | Optic: DXS Coriolis V4 Stock: PVZ-890 Tac Stock Rear Grip: Schlager Match Grip Bolt: FSS ST87 Bolt Ammunition: .300 High Velocity |
| FJX Imperium (Intervention) | Stock: FJX Kilo-Tac Bolt: FJX Blast Magazine: 7 Round Mag Carry Handle: Field-Wrapped Handle |
Pistol
There’s only one pistol allowed in Ranked: the X12. It’s a fast-firing pistol that’ll require some practice to fire rapidly and accurately. A knife lets you move slightly quicker but leaves you scrambling if you need to finish someone off and run out of primary weapon ammo. We’d always opt for a secondary for this reason, but some of the pros don’t. It’s your call.
| Weapon | Recommended Attachments |
|---|---|
| X12 | Muzzle: Comp 905F Pistol Barrel: XRK LUC-9 Trigger Action: XRK Lighting Fire Rear Grip: Cronen Lima-6 |
Best Ranked Play Perks
In terms of Perks, you’re way more limited in Ranked Play than typical multiplayer. Here, there’s no Ultimate Perk and your Bonus Perk has to be Fast Hands, letting you swap weapons and use equipment much faster.
For your Base Perks, you’ll want to choose two of: Double Time, Bomb Squad and Battle Hardened.
Double Time increases the duration of your Tactical Sprint; Bomb Squad improves your ability to withstand explosives; and Battle Hardened reduces the effects of enemy tacticals. All are important and the final decision is down to you. Don’t be afraid to change in-game if you notice your enemies are deploying a certain type of grenade especially efficiently.
Best Ranked Play Equipment
This is more straightforward. A stun grenade is perfect to disorient opponents ahead of storming an objective, while both Frags and Semtex lethals have their uses. Our personal preference is a Semtex because they allow for more accuracy, but they can’t be ‘cooked’ like a Frag. Again, it’s on you and your preference.
Best Ranked Play Field Upgrades
The final area of Ranked Play classes is Field Upgrades. For this, it’s between a Trophy System or Dead Silence.
Both are incredibly useful, but you’ll want to make your choice based on teammates and the mode. Dead Silence will be most useful in Search and Destroy, while Trophy Systems are perfect for making Hardpoint and Control points harder to break.
That’s not to discount Dead Silence in respawn modes though, as it can be great for a flank in Hardpoint or Control.
That’s all there is to know about the best Modern Warfare 2 Ranked Play loadouts. Bear in mind this guide will change as MW2 itself does, so check back for updates regularly.
