What is currently the best assault rifle? Which submachine gun is strong right now? What are the best weapons in their respective categories? We show you which firearms dominate their classes in the traditional multiplayer of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare in 2020 and therefore currently represent the best choice. These are the best weapons in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare in Season 5.
CoD Modern Warfare – Best Weapons in Season 5: After the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, there have already been numerous updates that adjusted the weapon balance in multiplayer. Many new weapons have been added to the game by now up to and including Season 5.
Therefore, we took another look at all the weapons in Season 5 and updated the list a bit.
What’s the deal with the selection? Call of Duty: Modern Warfare has a lot of weapons to offer. Especially in multiplayer, it is anything but easy for some players to decide on a specific firearm.
However, some specimens have stood out particularly and are very popular among many players.
How were the weapons selected? Keep in mind that the selection was made based on feedback, reviews, and opinions from the community, but the personal opinion of the author also played a significant role in the selection.
The weapons discussed here are aimed at players who specifically search for the strongest weapons of a class for their playstyle or specific challenges. Here we show you:
- The strongest assault rifle
- The strongest submachine gun (SMG)
- The strongest shotgun
- The strongest light machine gun (LMG)
- The strongest DMR
- The strongest sniper rifle
- The strongest pistol
- The strongest launcher
We exclude the riot shield and the combat knife or melee weapons, as they are either the only item in their category or the differences are marginal.
This article was created in January 2020 and was updated on August 19.
Keep in mind that the best weapons in the traditional multiplayer differ from the best weapons in Warzone, as different criteria may be more important there.
Are you looking for a good class setup to get started? Then check this out: This setup still works perfectly in Season 5: CoD Modern Warfare: The best class setup for getting into multiplayer
RAM-7 – The best assault rifle in Modern Warfare
The RAM-7 has replaced the M4A1 as the best assault rifle in traditional multiplayer some time ago. Statistically, they are almost identical, but with certain attachments and setups, the RAM-7 can be made significantly stronger than the M4.
Originally, the RAM-7 is a battle pass weapon from Season 1, but it can be unlocked through a challenge since the end of that season. Similar to the M4A1, it has precise shots and can be easily controlled, but is somewhat less stable. It has a higher fire rate and a slightly lower TTK than its competitor, making it the stronger of the two weapons ultimately.
In short: If you previously played the M4A1 and are now looking for a new, even stronger assault rifle, play the RAM-7 instead. However, also consider that assault rifles are much closer in their performance now, which means there are currently numerous alternatives available. Ultimately, personal preference for the handling of the weapon often determines the choice.
Possible Alternatives:
- Oden – lower fire rate, greater range and damage, strong all-rounder. Here is a strong setup for it: CoD Modern Warfare: This setup for the Oden is almost unfair
- The secret G36 – a variation of the Holger-26
- M4A1 – nearly identical stats
- Grau 5.56 – with a special setup, a top assault rifle
- AN-94 from Season 5
- CR-56 AMAX from Season 4
MP5 – The best submachine gun (SMG) in Modern Warfare
This MP was outstanding even in the beta. Although it has been nerfed multiple times since the release of Modern Warfare, this does not prevent it from claiming the throne of submachine guns – albeit just ahead of the MP7 (Perfect for run & gun playstyle) and the AUG. As with the SMGs, the top favorites have gradually come closer over time.
Even though the MP5 is classified as an SMG, its still decent range and precision make it behave almost like an assault rifle. Moreover, it has the same fire rate as the M4A1, has comparatively low recoil for SMGs, and is practically unbeatable among SMGs at medium to long ranges, while also mowing everything down in close quarters.
If you enjoy playing with submachine guns and prefer more than just a pure run & gun style, then the MP5 should be your first choice among submachine guns.
Here you can find a detailed guide to this top weapon: CoD Modern Warfare: MP5 Guide – The best setups and attachments
Possible Alternatives:
- MP7 – higher fire rate, but less damage and range
- PP-19 Bizon – slightly weaker stats, but significantly larger magazine and a beast with the right attachments
725 – Still the best shotgun in Modern Warfare despite nerfs
There have been long debates in the community about the 725. Many players felt it was simply too strong – that’s why the shotgun has already been nerfed 3 times.
However, in the shotgun category, it remains the strongest choice – even in Season 5. At close range, no one can match it; the shots are deadly and easy to hit, and it can still clear out opponents at medium range. The 725 is now quite balanced and has found its place.
If you play cautiously and pay attention to your movements, you can easily rack up a lot of kills with this weapon. The only downside to this powerful weapon is that it only holds 2 shots, which you can fire one after the other.
If you enjoy shotguns, you should definitely try this weapon.
Possible Alternatives:
- R9-0 – comparably strong stats, weaker at distance, a bit stronger and faster in close combat
- Origin 12 – semi-automatic, forgiving on misses, strong for short range
- Model 680 – a strong alternative with damage over time thanks to incendiary ammunition as an attachment
PKM – The best light machine gun (LMG) in Modern Warfare
Light MGs are a very strong weapon class in Modern Warfare (and in Warzone). Particularly as a mounted weapon and especially in objective-based modes of traditional multiplayer, where you can put objects under heavy fire at critical moments, they make an impact. Although the Bruen dominates in Warzone, the best weapon in this category remains the Russian PKM even in Season 5.
The LMG is a balanced weapon with decent handling and damage stats. The fire rate is also good, allowing you some leeway in direct duels if a shot goes astray.
Furthermore, the PKM is very precise and has 100 rounds in the magazine, which you can even push to 200 without any significant drawbacks. Positioned and planted in the right lane, you can shred entire teams in seconds. If you have neglected this MG until now, you should definitely try it out.
How you can further optimize the best LMG, you can find out here: Strongest LMG in CoD Modern Warfare – Best attachments and setups for the PKM
Possible Alternatives:
- MG34 – smaller magazine, but easier to control, better for hits at medium distance and has high damage
- SAR-87 – smaller magazine, but significantly faster to reload, behaves more like an assault rifle
- Bruen Mk9 – can combine the strength of an MG with the agility of an assault rifle with the right setup
MK2 Carbine – The best DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle) in Modern Warfare
DMRs are a kind of middle ground between assault rifles and sniper rifles. The best weapon of this kind in traditional multiplayer is the MK2 Carbine.
This weapon is very precise and can take down an enemy with just one shot to the upper body. At medium to long distances, you can drive the enemy to despair from the right position before they can actually spot you. The MK2 also has a relatively high fire rate and handles better than the other DMRs – albeit at the cost of range.
So if you want to try your hand as a sniper but don’t quite get along with proper sniper rifles, you should definitely give this weapon a try. This weapon is really fun to use and plays more like an assault rifle than a sniper, allowing less skilled or aspiring snipers to achieve some success.
Possible Alternatives:
- Kar 98k – significantly lower rate of fire, but higher damage, especially stronger at distance. Plays almost like a sniper.
If DMRs are your thing, you can also try the SCAR-17 assault rifle in DMR version.
AX-50 – The best sniper rifle in Modern Warfare
When it comes to sniper rifles, it heavily depends on the situation and the mode you are playing. In the end, you have to decide which of the three rifles works for you.
The AX-50, however, offers a solid foundation for all modes of traditional multiplayer and is so customizable that it can compete with the other two weapons in every category.
If you don’t want to adjust to a new weapon each time but love playing a sniper, you should go for the AX-50. Its great strength lies in modes with small areas and a lot of action, such as Free-for-All, Headquarters, or Team Deathmatch.
Possible Alternatives:
- Dragunov – semi-automatic, especially suited for medium-sized modes with important points like Domination
- HDR – “the” sniper rifle, extremely strong at long distances and in large modes like Ground War
- Rytec AMR – semi-automatic, high fire rate, high ADS speed, good at medium distance, plays more like a DMR
Renetti – The best handgun in Modern Warfare
Handguns are relatively rarely used and primarily serve as a backup, but if you are looking for a reliable pistol, the Renetti is a very good choice.
Even though this pistol looks a bit tame compared to the .357 revolver or the .50 GS, it outperforms these examples, especially at close range, with its high rate of fire, excellent handling, and its three-round burst you can add with attachments. A missed shot with the Renetti in the heat of a close combat is much more forgivable than with the aforementioned heavy guns.
The Renetti is practically the perfect all-rounder among pistols. It is easy to handle, reliable, accurate, fires relatively fast, and its burst fire deals significant damage. Thus, it represents the best choice for this slot.
Possible Alternatives:
- .50 GS – “Hand cannon” with enormous damage and optional high stopping power (Slowdown) but high recoil
- .357 – Similar damage and stopping power as the .50 GS, lethal even at medium distances, but long reload time
- X16 – also very fast, accurate, and easy to control, but with lower damage
PILA – The best launcher in Modern Warfare
Launchers are good against barricaded players, but they can also take down annoying drones and other aircraft. The all-around weapon and the best choice in this category is the PILA rocket launcher.
First of all, this is the first launcher you get your hands on. With it, you can already take down air-based killstreaks like helicopters or the VTOL jet early on and deny your enemies potential kills. Your team will thank you. Additionally, this launcher has the option to be fired freely, which allows it to take out entrenched enemies through windows or other openings.
While the PILA is not very effective against vehicles, it is the best choice against infantry and air targets. In Ground War, another launcher may be worthwhile, but in almost all other modes, you should stick with the PILA if you want to take a launcher with you.
Possible Alternatives:
- JOKR – targets and follows targets, stronger against tanks and killstreaks, useless against infantry
- RPG – large effect radius, but inaccurate and slower rockets, no automatic targeting system
- Strela – small effect radius, but very fast and precise rockets, no automatic targeting system
Which weapons are worth considering?
Many weapons offer you blueprints, with which you can equip pre-furnished and equipped weapons. These weapons are often especially useful for beginners or for players who struggle with the gunsmith feature.
However, those who know the subject a bit better or simply like to try new things can build up to 19 secret weapons in Modern Warfare. Some of them are quite powerful and change a weapon’s characteristics so much that it actually falls into a completely different category – like an AK-47 modified into a light machine gun that can compete very effectively with the PKM.
Are you looking for general tips to improve your gameplay? Then check out these articles:
- How to optimally use aim assist in CoD Modern Warfare
- CoD Modern Warfare: Expert tips – This training improves your aim
- 10 settings that could improve your performance in CoD Modern Warfare
- Controller vs. Mouse – Which plays better for CoD Modern Warfare?
- These are the best attachments in CoD Modern Warfare for better aiming
- Are suppressors worth it in CoD Modern Warfare? What do they really do?
- CoD Modern Warfare: What bullet speed is and why you need it?
What do you think of this selection? Do you have other preferences and would you rank other weapons at the top of certain categories? Or does this list align with your experiences? By the way, another new weapon will be added during the ongoing Season 5. Will it possibly be able to rise to the top of its class? Leak and roadmap for CoD MW & Warzone show: The next new weapon will be an MG
