The single-shot rifle FAL is gaining more fans in Call of Duty: Warzone. Pro “Nickmercs” is now among them and showcases a wild close-combat setup that allows anyone to benefit from this fierce assault rifle.
Why does the FAL rock so much in Warzone? The only assault rifle in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare that comes with a single shot by default, is pulling ahead of its competitors in Warzone after a buff.
The Belgian manufactured “FAL” has long been leading the damage comparison of ARs, but since the strengthening with the big mid-season update in Season 4, it is even further ahead.
The big Warzone streamer “Nickmercs” demonstrated in one of his new videos how you can also benefit from the OP weapon. With his close-combat setup, he grills rushing enemies like a bloody steak – quickly and with high heat. MeinMMO presents his close-combat setup and explains why “Nickmercs” sees the FAL as the “most overpowered weapon”.
Warzone FAL setup for close-combat dominance
Why do I need a special close-combat setup? The single-shot rifle FAL is not for everyone. It plays significantly differently at longer ranges compared to the stable Grau 5.56 or the popular M4A1. In close quarters, however, it is somewhat different. Here you can acclimate to the single shot more easily, and the low TTK even allows misses against other SMGs without automatically losing.
In his English video, “Nickmercs” explains right at the start why the FAL is a real powerhouse for him at the moment:
He played with a “green loot FAL” and wiped out a fully equipped team within moments. At that moment, he probably got a little carried away with the weapon. “Nick” then built a close-combat setup and says: “I can only strongly encourage everyone to watch this video, pack the setup, and get to work.”
What does the setup look like? “Nickmercs” turns the single-shot weapon, which at first glance seems more like a long-range rifle, into a close-combat monster:
Nickmercs FAL setup for close combat:
- Barrel: 18″ Ultra-light
- Laser: Tactical Laser
- Stock: No Stock
- Under-barrel: Command Grip
- Perk: Sleight of Hand
The setup maximizes the FAL’s mobility. Barrel, laser, and stock improve the “aim down sights” (ADS) time, and you are ready for targeted shots in just 194 ms. A top value at submachine gun level.
The Command Grip helps with horizontal recoil. With the FAL, this means you only need to compensate for the vertical recoil upwards, which is considered easier to manage. You can also try the “Mercenary Grip”. This grip reduces vertical recoil and provides a hidden speed buff – but slows down your ADS time.
Instead of a larger magazine, the streamer relies on the perk “Sleight of Hand”. Thanks to the single shot and high damage at close range, you usually manage with the normal magazine and save yourself the mobility penalties of ammunition attachments.
FAL nearly wins every TTK comparison at short distances
Is the weapon really that strong? In fact, it can be said that the FAL is the strongest SMG, despite its classification as an assault rifle. The values clearly speak for themselves:
In the chart, you can see the time-to-kill comparison for chest hits along with two of the most popular and strongest weapons in Warzone: the MP5 and the Grau 5.56 assault rifle. You can find the setups used for the comparison in our extensive list of the best weapons in Warzone.
The FAL’s lead is clear and distinct. Even the MP5, specialized for close combat, hits the target nearly 100 ms after the FAL. With a good trigger finger, you can even get off another shot from your weapon in that time. A strong advantage if one shot misses in the heat of battle. At no range can the MP5 keep up with the FAL’s TTK, and the ADS time is only a few tenths of a second faster.
The Grau cannot compete at close range against the close-combat FAL at all. If you have a Grau with you, switch to your secondary weapon if you expect fights at distances under 30 meters. Otherwise, you will be at a serious disadvantage, especially against FAL users.
Our comprehensive MeinMMO analysis of the FAL shows the weapon’s further strengths, which are slowly but surely making their way into the loadouts and hearts of Warzone players.
