MW3: Best Loadouts For Multiplayer [Top 6]

After spending 120+ hours and testing out a number of weapons from different categories, I recommend the following Loadouts for MW3!

With the latest Modern Warfare 3 release, you have more guns than ever in your arsenal. The developers have included all weapon types of different varieties and categories. Hence, it is important to know about some of the best MW3 loadouts in the meta that you can rely on.

Helpful Reads:

Key Takeaways
  • Modern Warfare 3 currently features around 115 weapons; more are to be added with upcoming updates.
  • With so many options available in each weapon category, players should know some of the best options to try on the battlefield. 
  • The selection of the best weapon and best equipment in MW3 is highly subjective and depends on the player’s usage and requirements
  • If players want a close-range beast, then SMGs and Shotguns will be the perfect fit.
  • In mid-range options that can also compensate in close and long ranges, then going for Assault Rifles is the perfect choice.
  • If players specifically want to focus on long-distance engagements, then selecting a Sniper Rifle will be most optimal. 

MW3 Best Loadouts

The following table represents some of the best Loadouts in Modern Warfare 3 that you can choose.

Serial NumberWeapon NameAttachmentsPerksEquipment
1.MCWMuzzle: L4R Flash Hider
Barrel: 16.5" MCW Cyclone Long Barrel
Stock: RB Regal Heavy Stock
Rear Grip: RB Rapidstrike Grip
Secondary Weapon: Renneti
Perks: Gunner Vest, Marksman Gloves, Stalker Boots, Tac Mask
Trophy System, Frag Grenade, Smoke Grenade
2.Holger 556Muzzle: FJX Fulcrum Pro
Laser: FSS OLE-V Laser
Stock: Rb Addle Assault Stock
Underbarrel: FTAC Tiger Grip
Rear Grip: Morn-20 Grip
Secondary Weapon: WSP Stinger
Perks: Infantry Vest, Commando Gloves, Covert Sneakers, Bone Conduction Headset
Trophy System, Semtex, Stun Grenade
3.Rival-9Muzzle: Shadowstrike Suppressor
Barrel: Rival-C Clearshot Barrel
Stock: Rb Crotalus Assault Stock
Magazine: 40 Round Mag
Rear Grip: Rival Vice Assault Grip
Secondary Weapon: TYR
Perks: Infantry vest, Tactical Pads, Commando Gloves, Bone Conduction Headset
EOD, Frag Grenade, Stun Grenade
4.Lockwood 680Barrel: Bryson Hammer forged Long Barrel
Stock: Sawed Off Mod
Guard: Matuzek Lightbearer Guard
Underbarrel: XRK Edge BW-4 Handstop
Bolt: Express Light Bolt
Secondary Weapon: WSP Stinger
Perks: Running Sneakers, Overkill Vest, EOD Padding, and Ordnance Gloves. 
Signal Jammer, Frag Grenade, Battle Rage.
5.LongbowMuzzle: Hmres Mod Suppressor
Stock: Kv Factory Stock
Underbarrel: XRK Edge BW-4 Handstop
Magazine: 10 Round Mag
Bolt: Sa-M Quickbolt
 WSP Stinger
Perks: Infantry Vest, Commando Gloves, Covert Sneakers, and Ghost T/V Camo
Trophy System, Semtex and Battle Rage
6.Bruen MK9Barrel: Shadowstrike Suppressor
Laser: VLK LZR 7mW
Underbarrel: XTEN Phantom-5 Handstop
Magazine: 60 Round Mag
Optic: Slate Reflector
Perks: Infantry Vest, Lightweight Boots, Quick Grip Gloves, Bone Conduction HeadsetMunition Box, Stun Grenade and Frag Grenade

MCW

Best early-game Assault Rifle in MW3
MW3 Best Loadout
MCW [Screenshot By Me]
  • Why I chose it: Beginner-friendly and easy to use.
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The MCW is a deadly beast among Assault Rifles. The firearm is hot in the meta and has the highest pick rate due to its exceptional capabilities. MCW is broadly used for its high damage output and considerably low recoil, which makes it easier to handle. The weapon has considerable base damage, and when paired with the right attachments, it can become an instrument of total destruction.

Attachments And Class Setup

You can use the following attachments with MCW:

  • Muzzle: L4R Flash Hider
  • Barrel: 16.5″ MCW Cyclone Long Barrel
  • Stock: RB Regal Heavy Stock
  • Rear Grip: RB Rapidstrike Grip

For class setup, I would recommend the following perks and equipment:

  • Secondary Weapon: Renneti
  • Perks: Gunner Vest, Marksman Gloves, Stalker Boots, Tac Mask
  • Equipment: Trophy System, Frag Grenade, Smoke Grenade

Here are some pros and cons of using MCW as your primary:

  • High DPS and controllable recoil
  • Suitable for both close-mid-range fights 
  • Good at long-range-steady sprays 
  • Has low recoil and decent stability
  • It lacks to some extent in close-range combat against SMGs 
  • Not the best option for Team Deathmatches

Holger 556

Best damage-dealing Assault Rifle
Holger 556 weapon in modern warfare 3
Holger 556 [Image By Me]
  • Why I chose this: Suitable choice in close-range combats.
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If you’re used to controlling an assault rifle’s recoil and want something that promises better damage, then the Holger 556 is a reliable choice. The weapon features slightly higher recoil than the MCW but has greater damage potential. Using the right attachments with the Holger can overcome the downsides and make it an absolute killing machine.

Attachments And Class Setup

  • Muzzle: FJX Fulcrum Pro
  • Laser: FSS OLE-V Laser
  • Stock: Rb Addle Assault Stock
  • Underbarrel: FTAC Tiger Grip
  • Rear Grip: Morn-20 Grip

Following is the best class setup for Holger 556:

  • Secondary Weapon: WSP Stinger
  • Perks: Infantry Vest, Commando Gloves, Covert Sneakers, Bone Conduction Headset
  • Equipment: Trophy System, Semtex, Stun Grenade

After using the weapon myself, I will list some of its pros and cons:

  • One of the highest damage-dealing weapons in its category
  • Better Range and Handling
  • Good option for close-mid range
  • Higher recoil, which might be a challenge for players.
  • Lower Mobility

Rival-9

Best SMG for high Mobility and Firing Rate
MW 3 Best Loadouts
Rival 9 [Screenshot By Me]
  • Why I chose this: It has an impressive Firing Rate.
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Rival 9 is truly a close-range beast with great precision and lethal DPS. The weapon features impressive mobility and weapon handling, which helps you perform quick reflexes and dodge enemy bullets with fast movements. You can dominate your opponents flawlessly when paired with the right class setup and attachments. 

Attachments And Class Setup

In my opinion, the following attachments are most optimal for Rival 9:

  • Muzzle: Shadowstrike Suppressor
  • Barrel: Rival-C Clearshot Barrel
  • Stock: Rb Crotalus Assault Stock
  • Magazine: 40 Round Mag
  • Rear Grip: Rival Vice Assault Grip

For class setup, you can go for the following: 

  • Secondary Weapon: TYR
  • Perks: Infantry vest, Tactical Pads, Commando Gloves, Bone Conduction Headset
  • Equipment: Signal Jammer, Frag Grenade, Stun Grenade

The pros and cons of using Rival-9 are:

  • High mobility and a lethal firing rate
  • The high DPS can outpower many weapons
  • High mobility allows you to maintain your movement
  • Effective in limited range
  • Hip-fire bullet spread

Lockwood 680

Best Shotgun for close-range combats
Lockwood 680
Lockwood 680 [Image By Me]
  • Why I chose this: Impressive performance in close-quarter interactions.
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When it comes to extreme close-range engagements, nothing can overpower a classic shotgun. The Lockwood 680 is a man-slaying firearm that has massive damage output and could take down opponents in one burst. When attached with the right attachments, it can become even more lethal and deadly.

Attachments And Class Setup

  • Barrel: Bryson Hammer forged Long Barrel
  • Stock: Sawed Off Mod
  • Guard: Matuzek Lightbearer Guard
  • Underbarrel: XRK Edge BW-4 Handstop
  • Bolt: Express Light Bolt

In my opinion, the following class setup goes best with Lockwood 680:

  • Secondary Weapon: WSP Stinger
  • Perks: Running Sneakers, Overkill Vest, EOD Padding, and Ordnance Gloves
  • Equipment: Trophy System, Frag Grenade, and Battle Rage

The pros and cons of Lockwood 600 are listed below:

  • One-shot kill capability
  • High TTK
  • Impressive performance in Zombie mode as well
  • Not suitable for long-range combats.
  • The shotgun has a lengthy reload time.

Longbow

Best MW3 Sniper for long-range engagements
MW 3 Best Loadouts
Longbow [Image By Me]
  • Why I chose this: Great choice for sniping over long distance.
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Snipers are experts in the long-range category and can not be missed when discussing the best loadouts of the game. For sniper lovers, I would recommend the Longbow, which is a top-tier rifle that has the ability to penetrate opponents with fine precision and accuracy. If you equip it with the right attachments, you can take clean and stealthy kills from afar without revealing your cover.

Attachments And Class Setup

For the Long Bow Sniper Rifle, I would recommend the following attachments:

  • Muzzle: Hmres Mod Suppressor
  • Stock: Kv Factory Stock
  • Underbarrel: XRK Edge BW-4 Handstop
  • Magazine: 10 Round Mag
  • Bolt: Sa-M Quickbolt

The following class setup will go well with Longbow:

  • Secondary Weapon: WSP Stinger
  • Perks: Infantry Vest, Commando Gloves, Covert Sneakers
  • Equipment: Ghost T/V Camo, Semtex, and Battle Rage

The Longbow comes with the following merits and demerits:

  • Features good precision and accuracy
  • High damage in long-range engagements
  • Increase Magazine capacity
  • Lacks in close-range combat.
  • Low Mobility and high Recoil

Bruen MK9

Best Heavy-Build Weapon
Bruen MK9
Bruen MK9 [Image By Me]
  • Why I chose this: Optimal choice to for offensive players.
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If you’re looking for a heavy build, then the Bruen MK9 is a decent choice. The weapon is an adaptable LMG that is truly unstoppable in close-range combat. It is most effective when you have to compete against squads. With this LMG, you can rush into the opponent with a continuous spray and break down the enemy’s defense.  

Attachments And Class Setup

With Bruen MK9, I use the following attachments:

  • Barrel: Shadowstrike Suppressor
  • Laser: VLK LZR 7mW
  • Underbarrel: XTEN Phantom-5 Handstop
  • Magazine: 60 Round Mag
  • Optic: Slate Reflector

For class setup, you can go for the following: 

  • Perks: Infantry Vest, Lightweight Boots, Quick Grip Gloves, Bone Conduction Headset
  • Equipment: Munition Box, Stun Grenade and Frag Grenade

The MK9 features the following pros and cons:

  • A versatile weapon that could fit in many types of game modes
  • Huge Magazine capacity
  • A reliable choice in MW3 Zombie mode as well
  • Intense Recoil
  • Bullet spread in long sprays
  • Reduced Mobility

My Opinion On Best Loaoduts

Huzaifa Malik Steam Profile
My Steam Profile

After spending 90+ hours in MW3 and testing out numerous weapons in different multiplayer modes, I came up with this list of loadouts that came out to be the most reliable for me. There are tons of options when it comes to weapons. Each category has numerous varieties with all kinds of variations.

If one weapon does not meet your requirements, move on to the next one and see if it fits you better. You can always try the above-mentioned weapons as they will surely not disappoint you if you use them well.

Now that you have selected your favorite loadout for multiplayer, make sure to check out Ayyon’s guide on COD Modern Warfare 3 crashing guide to encounter any kind of technical issues while trying out the game. Also, don’t forget to go through the best PC settings for Modern Warfare 3 to get high FPS and better optimization. 

Additionally, I suggest taking a look at Huzaifah Durrai’s comprehensive review of Modern Warfare 3 for an in-depth analysis.

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Huzaifa Malik is a Guides Writer on eXputer who’s been playing FPS games like Call of Duty for as long as he can recall. He is one of the most seasoned COD players on eXputer. He has several years of experience writing for games. By following his passion for games, he chose eXputer as his hub to deliver information-rich articles. Feel free to get more familiar with Huzaifa on his gaming profiles on Steam.

Experience: 3+ years || Education: Bachelor in Architectural Engineering.

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