The Season 3 Reloaded update just flipped the Call of Duty: Warzone meta on its head. Long-time kings got nerfed, underdogs got buffed, and everything’s upended.
If you’re still rocking last season’s loadout, you’re already behind! Don’t worry, we have your back.
Here are the seven best meta loadouts to run in Warzone right now.
7. Strider 300
The absolute top-class sniper in Warzone | Credit: Activision
The sniper meta is about as definitive as it’s ever been post-update. The Strider 300 remains the absolute meta one-shot pick.
Pair it with a fast-moving SMG for a classic sniper-support setup that still dominates in open-map lobbies.
Recommended Setup:
Muzzle: Monolithic Suppressor
Barrel: 25″ Bowen Grooved Barrel
Secondary: KOGOT-7 or Carbon 57
6. AK-27
The most badass long-range assault rifle in the game | Credit: Activision
The AK-27 doesn’t need gimmicks; it’s still adept at shooting down enemies. It sits firmly in the top tier of rifles.
The AK-27’s low recoil makes it a reliable pick even if you’re not hitting every shot. A great choice if you aren’t looking for flashy weapons, but for those that do their job perfectly.
Recommended Setup:
Muzzle: Monolithic Suppressor
Barrel: Long-range control barrel
Underbarrel: Vertical recoil control foregrip
Magazine: Extended Mag
5. VOYAK KT-3
Another top-tier long-range assault rifle in Warzone | Credit: Activision
The VOYAK KT-3 just got even better after the Season 3 update! It received buffs to both its range and bullet velocity.
The VOYAK KT-3 is now even more efficient at long distances. The buffs haven’t dulled its charm either; it remains arguably the smoothest-feeling AR in Warzone.
Recommended Setup:
Muzzle: Monolithic Suppressor
Barrel: Range/ velocity-focused barrel
Underbarrel: Recoil control foregrip
Magazine: Extended Mag
Rear Grip: Control grip
4. Carbon 57
This close-range SMG obliterates everything in its path | Credit: Activision
The Carbon 57 is one of the most-used weapons in all of Warzone. There are solid reasons behind that as well.
It has an insane TTK, very manageable recoil, and it absolutely melts in close-quarters fights. If you love aggressive and fast-paced encounters, the Carbon 57 is tailor-made for you.
Recommended Setup:
Muzzle: Suppressor
Barrel: Control-focused barrel
Underbarrel: Recoil stabilizer
Magazine: Extended Mag
Stock: Mobility stock
3. KOGOT-7
One of the best close-range weapons in the current meta | Credit: Activision
We’ve all been there: a close-range encounter, and the rifle simply can’t react fast enough. That’s why KOGOT-7 exists, to counter that problem!
It’s one of the fastest TTK SMGs in the game right now. Pair it with a long-range rifle, and you’re ready to take on anyone in the lobby!
Recommended Setup:
Muzzle: Suppressor
Barrel: ADS/mobility barrel
Underbarrel: Horizontal recoil foregrip
Magazine: High-capacity mag
Rear Grip: Sprint-to-fire grip
2. MK.78
The finest LMG that Warzone has to offer | Credit: Activision
Let’s be real, the MK.78 is on another level compared to every other long-range option. It was already the single best long-range gun in Warzone.
Now it has received buffs to its range and ADS speed. That’s why choosing anything other than MK.78 for LMGs in the current meta is absolutely foolish.
Recommended Setup:
Optic: Fang Hoverpoint ELO
Muzzle: Monolithic Suppressor
Barrel: 22″ Impulse HB-762 Barrel
Underbarrel: VAS Convergence Foregrip
Magazine: Extended Mag
1. MXR-17
The new king of assault rifles in Warzone is the MXR-17 | Credit: Activision
The MXR-17 is the gun everyone is talking about right now! It was already S-tier before the update, but now it’s a completely different monster.
The Season 3 Reloaded updated buffed its damage and bullet velocity. So it has zero recoil, devastating TTK, and works devastatingly well at both long range and in mid-range scuffles.
Recommended Setup:
Muzzle: Monolithic Suppressor
Barrel: 15″ Wraith Barrel
Underbarrel: VLK Converted Foregrip
Magazine: VLK Extended Mag or Rhodes Drum Mag
Ammunition: FMJ Rounds
RankWeaponClassRoleBest Paired With#1MXR-17Assault RifleFlex / Long RangeKOGOT-7, Carbon 57, or VST#2MK.78LMGLong RangeCarbon 57#3KOGOT-7SMGClose RangeMXR-17 or VOYAK KT-3#4Carbon 57SMGClose RangeMK.78#5VOYAK KT-3Assault RifleLong RangeKOGOT-7 or Carbon 57#6AK-27Assault RifleLong RangeKOGOT-7 or Carbon 57#7Strider 300 / HawkerSniperLong RangeKOGOT-7, Carbon 57, or VST
Q: What is the best all-around loadout in Warzone right now (May 2026)?
The MXR-17 paired with a KOGOT-7 or Carbon 57 is the most well-rounded meta combo right now. The MXR-17 handles every mid-to-long range fight, while the SMG covers aggressive close-range pushes.
Was the MK35 ISR nerfed in Season 3 Reloaded?
Yes. The MK35 ISR took a significant hit to its range, damage, and torso multiplier. It dropped from S-tier to A-tier and is no longer in the top-tier meta conversation.
Which of these weapons do you plan to have in your loadout during your next Warzone session? Let us know in the comments.
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