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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Weapon Tier List

Craig Robinson

Call of Duty Modern Warfare (2019) has been out for over a month. During this time, we have seen numerous balance patches come in and tone down the worst offenders. The most recent balance changes seem to have addressed most balance issues. With most weapons now finding their place in the meta, this tier list offers a list of all primary weapons, with brief explanations on their placing.

Which guns sit at the top of our Call of Duty: Modern Warfare tier list (Image via Activision Blizzard)

Which guns sit at the top of our Call of Duty: Modern Warfare tier list (Image via Activision Blizzard)

The weapons are separated into their weapon category. The grades range from S-C, with S ranking as the most OP, the C being the least viable. A-tier weapons are perfectly viable; they are just not over tuned. As for B-tier weapons, they too are viable. They are just underutilized or fit a niche strength.

Assault Rifles Tier List

M4A4 – S

The M4A4 is, by and large, the most consistent assault rifle. The weapon has great range, high damage, a decent rate of fire and strong accuracy. The way the weapon can be modified in the gunsmith provides many unique options to progress it into your playstyle and still be effective. However, the M4A4 has seen several nerfs since launch, so it’s not quite as dominant. Although, you should still respect its remaining strength.

Kilo 141 – S

The Kilo 141 is easy to use and is one of the higher RPM assault rifles putting it atop our AR tier list (Image via Newsweek)

The Kilo 141 is easy to use and is one of the higher RPM assault rifles putting it atop our AR tier list (Image via Newsweek)

The Kilo is one of the entry assault rifles. The weapon is easy to use and is one of the higher RPM assault rifles in the game. On baseline stats, the Kilo only falls short behind the M4A4 by the slightest margins. Since the M4’s nerfs to damage at range and accuracy adjustments, many players have fallen back to the Kilo for its ease of use. As time progresses expect more people to run the Kilo as the go-to assault rifle.

FN Scar 17 – A

The Scar unlocks at one of the higher levels, and it is clear why. The weapon is one of the better long-distance assault rifles, with great accuracy modifiers and packs a punch. The weapon takes three-four rounds to kill, depending on range and fits its purpose as a mid to long-distance rifle. The only downside is its low magazine count, but that’s arguably its balancing point.

AK 47 – A

The AK-47 is, once again, a highly popular AR in CoD (Image via GFinity)

The AK-47 is, once again, a highly popular AR in CoD (Image via GFinity)

The AK 47 is a staple rifle to any FPS title. The AK in Modern Warfare continues to be high-usage amongst players. The weapon is a deadly rifle, with high base damage. The AK can also be modified to make it like an SMG for run and gunfights or remain as a high damage rifle with 7.72 rounds.

Oden – A

The Oden is one of the strongest single fire assault rifles. The weapon is a two-shot in most cases and can be built with range in mind. When an adept player runs this weapon, it can become unstoppable. Whys isn’t it higher on the tier list? However, the Oden is countered via high rate of fire weapons, and the opponent making it harder to hit them. The Oden clearly has its pros and cons. Overall, the Oden is a great alternative playstyle in the assault rifle class.

M13 – B

The M13 doesn't pack the punch you would expect and falls down the tier list (Image via GFinity)

The M13 doesn’t pack the punch you would expect and falls down the tier list (Image via GFinity)

The M13 unlocks later in the ranks and is one of the more disappointing later weapons unlocks. The M13 is one of the best weapons for its rate of fire, but it isn’t as strong as one might think. The damage per round is noticeably weaker than everything in its class. This weapon is great for those that like to hurl rounds at the opponent at distance, but that’s about it. The weapon is simply outclassed classed by most upgraded SMGs in short-range, and most assault rifles at mid and long ranges.

FR 5.56 – B

The FR is not so much a bad weapon, it’s more of a high skill weapon. As the game describes, the weapon is deadly with a well-placed burst shot, and that’s the key to using it. The single fire is more of a hindrance to the player. In most single fire situations, it will be outclassed by snipers or long-range assault rifles. Becoming good with crosshair placement whilst the burst fire in close to mid-range fights is how to use the FR. This is the case of an S tier weapon in the right hands or just average in the wrong hands.

Fal – C

The Fal has seen a fall from grace from its previous modern warfare iterations. The Fal suffers from awkward recoil, and its damage per rounds isn’t ideal. Taking Stopping Power Mags in equipment and FMG perk is crucial to its success. However, needing an external source of damage restricts is effectiveness to brief windows per match. Just use the Oden and you’ll get a better experience than the FAL.

On a side note, the FAL is open to PC macroing. The FAL can fire rounds at 0.25 seconds in macroed bursts. This one trick makes the FAL incredibly good, however, it may be considered cheating and should be avoided.

SMG Tier List

MP5 – S

The MP5 is simple and easy to use, making it a great gun in Modern Warfare (Image via Dextero)

The MP5 is simple and easy to use, making it a great gun in Modern Warfare (Image via Dextero)

The MP5 is an easy to use SMG. It packs a punch, has great hip fire, mobility and does everything an SMG needs to do. When the MP5 gains the 10mil rounds, it ascends into new heights. The MP5 is simply the best in its class as a strong and effective SMG.

MP7 – S

The MP7 is just as great as the MP5, but it has a better fire right and the hip-fire spread at range feels much better. Like with the MP5, the more attachments you unlock, the better it gets. The MP7 is the last SMG to unlock, and it takes a bit of a grind to get to its OP status. But when you get there, it’s great.

P90 – A

The damage and rate of fire in tight quarters makes the P90 a great gun (Image via GFinity)

The damage and rate of fire in tight quarters makes the P90 a great gun (Image via GFinity)

P90 is another entry-level SMG that does the job. Not as effective as its hip-fire masters in the S tier, but this is a great ADS SMG. Its rate of fire and damage at close range is amazing, and it’s enough to take down most unsuspecting assault rifles users.

PPBizon – B

The PPBizon is one of the most interesting weapons in the game. It has a high capacity magazine, with the strongest rounds for any SMG. This weapon is not exactly the run and gun SMG we are used to. This is perhaps better as a support SMG, who assists their assault rifle teammate. The high round count and damage make it a legitimate threat when used will with the team. One-on-one, however, you’ll need to be better than your opponent.

Uzi – B

The Uzi is a solid all-around SMG but lacks a greatness of others on our tier list (Image via GFinity)

The Uzi is a solid all-around SMG but lacks a greatness of others on our tier list (Image via GFinity)

The Uzi also seems a great supportive SMG choice to your assault rifle user. The weapon is likely the jack of all trades for SMGs. It can be built with longer range in mind, a hip-fire run and gun, or with emphasis on ADS. It’s not exactly a powerhouse in any department, but it’s a fun alternative to use that works.

Aug – B

The Aug started off slow as an under tuned weapon. The Aug still has its issues with build choices; however, a recent buff to 5.56 rounds gives it a purpose. This is crucial to Aug’s success as a hybrid weapon. It will still be outclassed in as a hip-fire and ADS SMG but learning to use it as an AR with SMG mobility is its technical trick. This is a very niche weapon, but utilizing it correctly makes the weapon.

LMG Tier List

PKM – A

The PKM is the Russian’s face melter. It has a great rate of fire, strong, and carries a high ammo count. Further upgrades bolster its range, stability, and ammo capacity. For an alternative playstyle, this is one of the best weapons to use.

M91 – A

The choice between the M91 and PKM comes to preference

The choice between the M91 and PKM comes to preference

Like with the PKM, the nato equivalent does the exact same. The M91’s base stats differ slightly to the PKM, as it is the stronger option, with slightly less stability. They also build similarly to each other. The choice between the M91 and PKM comes to preference for extra damage or stability.

MG34 – C

The MG34 isn’t particularly viable by any means. It is a strong LMG and makes a great prone weapon to use. However, its lack of rounds and mobility make it sub-optimal everywhere else. If you like the WW2 homage and fancy a laugh, this is a fun choice compared to other C tier weapons.

L87 – C

Compared to the PKM and the M91, this weapon is bad. It is significantly weaker, worse RPM, less ammunition. It has greater range and mobility, making it much more suited to pushing the map. However, that’s not the ideal playstyle of the LMG class. Just stick to the A tier options.

Shotgun Tier List

725 – S

This is the most infamous weapon in the game. Endless nerfs have attacked it for its range and one-shot capabilities. Now, the weapon has a much better spot in the meta. Slug rounds with range modifiers make it the mid-range one-shot we know it is. Taking other builds makes it much more balanced at close range. It is not as OP as it was, but its still a meta choice.

Model 680 – B

(Image via GFinity)

The Model 680 is exactly what you would expect from a pump handle shotgun (Image via GFinity)

The bog-standard pump-action shotgun. It does exactly what you expect and that’s great. It’s a great overkill option for snipers and it’s also nice to hold angles and sites with. Not much else to say than other it does it’s job just fine.

Origin 12 – B

The Origin 12 the auto shotgun of the game. The weapon is effectively useless unless point-blank. And that’s the charm. You most likely won’t run it without a game strategy in mind. Its main purpose belongs in a mobility build, with a pathing or objective pushing playstyle.

R9-0 – C

This is the other dual-chamber weapon. With the 725 in position its in, this is outclassed. In comparison to the other two shotguns, it doesn’t excel in those positions either. Even with range attachments it only just meets the 725’s base range. This weapon simply doesn’t have a place right now.

Marksman Tier List

MK2 Carbine – A

The MK2 carbine’s viability is often overlooked. The weapon fits a harder to play playstyle, but getting it right is great. The potential for one-shot kills can be further improved with damage and range modifiers, and in most cases, it’s a two-shot kill like the Oden. It takes much more work to get good with, but it is noticeable when a good player uses it.

Kar98K – B

(Image via GFinity)

The KAR98K is a great gun but its one in the chamber design makes it high-risk, high-reward (Image via GFinity)

The WW2 MM rifle is a great addition. It can one-shot kill players at both long and close range. You can make the rifle a point man builds or upgrade it into a sniper rifle build. Both work well. However, its one in the chamber makes it harder to use. It’s a fun weapon and it has its place in the game.

EBR-14 – C

The beginner MM rifle seriously lacks its punch. In most cases, the MK2 is better than it, but it’s only shining factor is its semi-auto factor. This weapon gives players a taste of the class’s playstyle, but it can do a good job turning them away. It is notably outclassed by almost every weapon from other playstyles. Besides, the Kar98k is better than it as a sniper, and the MK2 is better at close and mid-range fights. Just skip this weapon.

Sniper Tier List

AX-50 – A

The AX-50 is easily the top sniper in our tier list (Image via IGN)

The AX-50 is easily the top sniper in our tier list (Image via IGN)

The 50-caliber sniper. Guaranteed one shot to the chest or head at any distance. It is the sniper playstyle everyone expects it to be. It also has decent mobility and rate of fire, making it less punishing. The AX-50 is an all-around great weapon to use made better with maps like Piccadilly for example.

HDR – B

Great power comes with a great cost. This is much more powerful than the AX-50, although, if you miss your shot, you’re a sitting duck. It’s one in the chamber takes time to reload, and that puts you at risk. It’s also less mobile to the AX-50, so changing positions puts you at a greater risk. Only use it if you don’t have access to the AX-50.

Dragunov – C

The semi-auto sniper, with decent mobility. However, it’s just terrible at being a sniper with its low damage rounds. Better to avoid unless you’re a completionist.

Craig Robinson

Craig Robinson

Craig is passionate about two things: History and Gaming. Whilst at university, Craig focused his degree on history and voluntarily wrote about esports on the side. Nowadays, he tends to write about esports whilst enjoying history as a hobby.

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