The best Warzone guns

best Warzone guns
(Image credit: Activision)

What are the best Warzone guns? Most firearms will see you through the early game, but you'll need a powerful weapon for when the competition heats up later on. Impressive stats are important, but it's also worth experimenting with different guns to select the best fit for your playstyle.

With over 60 weapons to peruse, finding ten builds that are worth the price of a loadout drop can feel daunting. So, I'm here to help you choose wisely. Here are the best Warzone guns and how they fit into the Season 2 meta loadouts.   

These are the best guns in Warzone

  • CR-56 AMAX
  • FFAR 1
  • Grau 5.56
  • M4A1
  • Kilo 141
  • RAM-7
  • MAC-10
  • MP5 (Cold War)
  • AK74-u
  • LC10
  • ZRG 20mm
  • HDR
  • Pelington 703
  • LW3 Tundra
  • Kar98k
  • SP-R 208
  • M16
  • DMR 14
  • AUG (Cold War)
  • Diamatti 
  • PKM
  • Bruen Mk9 
  • Gallo SA12
  • Streetsweeper

Assault Rifles

(Image credit: Activision)

Warzone class: Best Assault Rifles

CR-56 AMAX

When a new season drops, it's not uncommon for older, but still powerful weapons to be overlooked. This is the story for the CR-56 AMAX. You'll need to complete a challenge to unlock it, but it's proficiency in mid-range firefights is unrivalled. It's also relatively lightweight, making it easier to duck behind when necessary. 

FFAR 1

What the FFAR 1 lacks in mobility and ammo capacity, it makes up for in fire rate. It's quick to reload and can shred through a squad in seconds. I recommend adding a suppressor as you're safest when your weapon is silenced in Warzone. The builds in my best FFAR 1 loadouts guide do an excellent job of adapting this AR into a run-and-gun monster.

Grau 5.56

Arrived in Season 2 (2020) the Grau 5.56 has the stats to withstand the ever-changing tides of the Warzone meta. It's modular setup means that it's highly versatile, so you can just as easily fashion it into a silent assassin, as you can a close quarters killer. Learn how to customise it yourself with my best Grau loadouts list.

M4A1

The M4A1 has been in Warzone since it launched, and it's the perfect example of how keeping things simple is often the best approach. It's fully automatic, so it's effective when an opponent springs up from nowhere. My best M4A1 loadout guide covers how to modify this AR for more accurate shots that'll land at longer distances.

Kilo 141

If you're struggling to find a reliable AR, consider taking the Kilo 141 for a spin. While it isn't the flashiest gun in its class, it's an accessible everyman’s rifle that'll feel very familiar if you like the M4A1. Morgan has a few ideas on how to take advantage of its strengths in his best Kilo 141 loadouts guide.

RAM-7

The RAM-7 was introduced in Modern Warfare, and it's managed to stand the test of time. You can't fault its accuracy and its range stats rival those of the FFAR 1 and FARA 83. If you're bored of the MA41 and need a reliable alternative, this is the gun for you.

SMGs

(Image credit: Activision)

Warzone class: Best SMGs

MAC-10

No one was quite ready for the MAC-10's calamitous introduction to Warzone. It suffered a swift nerf, but it's still one of the best SMGs in the game. It's range is superior to other competitors in its class, and you'll be hard-pushed to find another submachine gun with similar mobility stats. If you're searching for the best MAC-10 loadout, Morgan's got you covered.

MP5 (Cold War)

There are now two versions of the MP5, and while the Modern Warfare variant offers exceptional range, the Cold War edition's fire rate ultimately sees it come out on top. If you're looking for low recoil in a snappy SMG, this is your best option.

AK-74u

The AK-74u is the prime damage-dealer in its class. If you're switching to this from another SMG, take extra care when trying to shoot while moving. It's best to send out controlled bursts while stationary with the AK-74u. Stick to close ranges, and you won't be beaten.

LC10 

The LC10 joined the submachine gun family in Season 2 and can be unlocked at tier 31 in the battle pass. It's base version isn't as appealing as other weapons in its class, but if you invest the time and unlock the right attachments, you can turn it into a competent firearm. I've outlined the best LC10 loadouts to help you take advantage of its strengths.

Sniper Rifles

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Warzone class: Best Snipers

ZRG 20mm

The ZRG 20mm is Warzone's newest sniper rifle, and it's not easy to get hold of. You'll need to earn two Longshot medals in ten different matches with a sniper rifle to unlock it for free, or purchase a blueprint in the store. It's a bit early to make a judgment call on whether this is the game's best sniper, but it certainly looks promising. If you love scouring the horizon for opponents in the distance, I recommend unlocking this as soon as possible and trying your luck in Verdansk and Rebirth Island.

HDR

This Modern Warfare sniper is still an old favourite, despite its age. While the Cold War additions offer more variety to the class, the HDR wins for its long-range accuracy. It deals significant damage, even when your opponent is just a speck in the distance, and I also find it much easier to use than the other snipers in Warzone.

Pelington 703

One shot to the head or chest with the Pelington 703 will send your enemies to the Gulag, but you'll need to be patient. Find decent cover, and steady your aim before attempting to take shots with this bolt-action behemoth. If you're not quite ready to commit to the Pelington 703 in Warzone, consider testing it out in Cold War first, using one of our best Pelington 703 loadouts.

LW3 Tundra

If you need a sniper that you can quickly switch to on-the-go, the LW3 Tundra is a solid choice. It offers improved mobility over the Pelington 703, AX-50, and HDR, so you can safely skitter out of danger if you're caught out in the open. Unlike the Pelington, it'll also down an enemy if you manage to tag their shoulder. 

Marksman Rifles

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Warzone class: Best Marksman Rifles

Kar98k

The Kar98k promises precise shots and clean kills. It's possible to take out squads in seconds using this Marksman rifle, but you'll want to keep an AR or SMG handy for mopping up stragglers. Pair it with a Sniper Scope or Cronen C480 Pro and watch your K/D stats soar.

SP-R 208

If the Ka98k isn't your cup of tea, you can always trade it in for some more firepower. The SP-R 208 has a little more recoil, but you can tweak your setup to negate most of it. Overall, it's a worthwhile trade-off for the extra damage and range that you'll gain, as you'll find out in Morgan's best SP-R 208 loadouts guide.

Tactical Rifles

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Warzone class: Best Tactical Rifles

M16

Opting for a burst-fire weapon may not be your first instinct in Warzone, but the M16's ability to gun down others at speed may change your mind. While its base range and accuracy are lower than the DMR 14 and Type 63, you only need to equip a few attachments to bring it in line with these other tactical rifles. It's the meta tactical rifle at the time of writing, and continues to perform well.

DMR 14

The DMR was indisputably broken when it launched, but it's in a much better state now. If you're not a fan of the M16 and AUG's burst-fire modes, consider this tactical rifle instead. If you need some help fine tuning its attachments, here are the best DMR 14 loadouts to help you survive as Warzone's circles shrink smaller.

AUG (Cold War)

The DMR 14 may have stolen the show when the Cold War guns were added to Warzone, but with  nerfs in mind, it's always a good idea to have a backup. With the help of my best AUG loadouts guide, you can turn the AUG into a sneaky tactical rifle with a stellar fire rate.

Handguns

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 Warzone class: Best Handguns

Diamatti

It's fair to say the Diamatti was busted when it arrived in Warzone. It's seen a few adjustments and it's still a great handgun that lets you choose the Ghost perk, rather than Overkill. It's fine to use on its own, but you can dual-wield this handgun if you're not bothered about aiming down sights. Either way, my best Diamatti loadouts guide will steer you in the right direction.

LMGs

Warzone class: Best LMGs

PKM

It's safe to say that you'll never be out of ammo with this gun. If you're sick of running into Juggernauts in the final circles, get your hands on the PKM to take them down swiftly. It also makes quick work of players trying to use exploits like the dreaded stim glitch, which just keeps coming back.

Bruen Mk9 

You can always rely on the Bruen MK9 to clear the way, whether it's other players, or heavily armored trucks blocking the path ahead. This is more accurate than the PKM, and it's also slightly easier to control. Bear in mind that it won't be quite as potent, but with this many rounds to spare, you won't feel it too much.

Shotguns

Warzone class: Best Shotguns

(Image credit: Activision)

Gallo SA12

Admittedly, the Gallo feels like a wildcard, but it's perfect for sweaty fights in tight spaces. You'll want to equip a reliable assault rifle that you can switch to for ranged firefights, but it's worth it when you can down nearby enemy squads in just a few heavy shots.

Streetsweeper

The Warzone Streetsweeper hasn't been in the game for long, but it's quickly established itself as the best fully automatic shotgun. It's packing a higher ammo capacity than the alternatives, making it perfect for lurking in buildings. You'll need to score three kills without dying in 15 different matches, or buy a blueprint before you can begin sweeping up, though.

Emma Matthews

As PC Gamer's guides writer, Emma is usually juggling several games at once. She loves competitive first-person shooters like CS:GO and Call of Duty, but she always has time for a few rounds of Hearthstone. She's happiest when she's rescuing pugs in Spelunky 2.