Here are the best weapon classes and setups for getting started on Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3!
Release Date | November 8, 2011 |
Developer | Treyarch, Infinity Ward, Sledgehammer Games, Raven Software |
Platform | PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii, Microsoft Windows, Classic Mac OS |
IGN Rating | 6/10 |
Steam Rating | 9/10 |
The Modern Warfare 3 (MW3) Beta has been released on PlayStation, sending the gaming community into an excited frenzy. The latest installment promises to uphold the series’ legacy with its intense action and classic movement mechanics. The game is still capturing hearts of both seasoned players and newbies as we dive into 2023.
Along with several known maps, including Favela, Estate, Skidrow, and Rust, the beta offers a variety of combat scenarios to test players’ abilities. However, it can take some time to level up weapons in the beta in order to utilize them fully.
Like any Call of Duty game from this generation, MW3’s default classes are essential to the gameplay. We’ve compiled an extensive guide detailing the top MW3 weaponry and the greatest MW3 loadouts and builds for essential weapons to give you an advantage over the opposition. With an emphasis on MW3 2023 preset classes and default loadouts, we will examine the top MW3 2023 default classes.
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3: MCW – The Assault Rifle King
In Modern Warfare 3, the MCW is a new assault rifle addition lineup. The gaming community frequently compares this weapon to the ACR from the first MW3 because of its many similarities.
Similar to its predecessor, the MCW is a well-rounded performer that can be used by players of all skill levels. It is a flexible weapon.
With a 5.56 caliber, this gun has exceptional control over recoil and versatility in a lightweight package. It’s a gun that manages to mix nostalgia and excellent performance smoothly, offering a well-rounded setup that can perform effectively in various combat situations.
Best MCW Loadout MW3 Beta
- Muzzle: VT-7 Spiritfire Suppressor
- Barrel: KR Midnight 13″
- Optic: MK. 23 Reflector
- Magazine: 40 Round Mag
- Rear Grip: RB Talon-X3 Grip
How can I unlock the MCW in Modern Warfare 3?
Modern Warfare 3’s MCW is great overall, with outstanding mobility, a formidable damage range, and little recoil. You can unlock it by leveling up to 44 in the game. You can also get experience points by doing tasks like getting kills and hitting targets during the matches.
Once unlocked, you can include the MCW in your loadouts for additional customization and leveling. However, if you want to use the MCW before reaching level 44, you can do it by using the ‘Counter-Invasion’ preset loadout. Although there aren’t many modification choices for the weapon or class with this setup, it does help level the gun quickly. Compatible attachments for the MCW can be accessed by leveling other weapons.
Modern Warfare 3 MCW – Best Gear and Equipment
When creating the optimal setup for your character in MW3, there’s greater flexibility than usual because of the game’s various approaches and overhauls. This flexibility extends to both the build and equipment choices, as well as the attachment setup for the MCW.
Here’s the recommended gear and equipment to help you build the best MCW class:
- Vest: Gunner Vest
- Perk 1 – Gloves: Commando Gloves
- Perk 2 – Gear: Mission Control Comlink
- Secondary Weapon: Lockwood 680 Shotgun
- Field Upgrade: Munitions Box
- Lethal: Frag Grenade
- Tactical: Flash Grenade
The Gunner Vest enhances ammo and reload speed, allowing for the inclusion of another primary weapon in the Secondary slot. The Lockwood 680 Shotgun serves as a backup for close-quarters engagements.
In the Gloves slot, Commando Gloves enable reloading while sprinting, enhancing the ability to stay locked and loaded. For the Gear Perk slot, Mission Control Comlink (formerly known as Hardline) reduces the kill requirement for killstreaks.
Field Upgrade is personal, but the Munitions Box is suggested for quick ammo and equipment replenishment. The Tactical and Lethal options include the classic Flash and Frag Grenade combo, but players can mix and match based on preference.
Vests play a crucial role in determining the loadout’s playstyle. Players may opt for the Infantry Vest for a more mobile approach, sacrificing boosted ammo and a second primary weapon for increased Tac Sprint duration and reduced cooldown, along with a traditional 3-perk selection.
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3: Striker SMG – The All-Rounder
The Striker SMG takes center stage in the Modern Warfare 3 Beta, a weapon that shouldn’t be underestimated. With a .45 Auto chambering, this submachine gun offers a potent combination of power and control, making it a dependable and versatile choice for close to mid-range engagements. The Striker proves highly effective, whether taking long shots from the rooftops of Estate and Favela or engaging in close-quarters combat in Skidrow’s central building. Its .45 Auto caliber provides a well-balanced mix of firepower and manageability, ensuring seamless adaptation to various maps and combat scenarios. So, this configuration offers a tactical advantage in a variety of encounters if you’re going for a Striker loadout that prioritizes speed, agility, and quick target acquisition.
Best Striker Class MW3 Loadout Beta
- Muzzle: Monolithic Suppressor
- Laser: Sapphire-12 Laser
- Optic: MK. 23 Reflector
- Stock: Lachmann Recon Series
- Magazine: 60 Round Mag
Modern Warfare 3 Best Striker Perks and Gear
Check out our comprehensive guide on the best Perk and Gear Loadouts for a loadout that maximizes the Striker’s inherent strengths. Our recommended Striker loadout focuses on enhancing Movement Speed, Sprint to Fire Speed, Aim Down Sight Speed, and Recoil Control, leveraging the shotgun’s advantages for swift and effective gameplay.
To start, we’ve chosen the Colossus Suppressor for increased Recoil Control and the ability to stay off the Radar, providing a tactical advantage.
The Striker Recon Long Barrel is our next pick, offering a substantial 18.3% improvement in the Effective and Minimum Damage Range and a 14.7% boost in Bullet Velocity. While the Striker may not outperform Assault Rifles at a distance, this attachment enhances its mid-range capabilities and ensures faster bullet delivery to your target.
To counterbalance the slight reductions in Mobility and Handling from the previous attachments, we’ve selected the VLK LZR 7MW laser and Xten Phantom-5 Handstop underbarrel. Both contribute significantly to Recoil Control, ADS Speed, and Sprint to Fire Speed. Although the VLK LZR 7MW adds a visible laser when aiming, the loadout’s fast-paced playstyle mitigates potential issues.
Lastly, we recommend the MK3—reflector for improved accuracy for its clean appearance.
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3: Rival-9 – The Mobile SMG
The Rival-9 SMG in the Modern Warfare 3 Beta is ideal for those pursuing a weapon emphasizing speed and swift, room-clearing abilities. This nimble submachine gun, utilizing 9mm ammunition, is crafted for players who excel in fast-paced gameplay. Whether navigating the confined corridors of the Skidrow or rapidly clearing rooms on the Estate map, the Rival-9 stands out as a formidable option. Its exceptional mobility and rapid-fire features, coupled with its 9mm caliber, strike a perfect balance between speed and firepower, making it highly efficient for room clearing. Tailored for agility, the Rival-9 is a superb selection for those favoring a run-and-gun playstyle, ensuring adaptability in various close-quarters combat scenarios.
How can I unlock Rival-9 in Modern Warfare 3?
In Modern Warfare 3, unlocking the Rival-9 SMG involves reaching Level 25 to access Armory Unlocks and completing three Daily Challenges. If you have completed three Daily Challenges, wins will also count towards unlocking. Therefore, actively playing the objective and securing victories can contribute to obtaining all the Armory Unlocks and gaining access to the Rival-9 SMG.
Best Rival-9 Loadout In MW3 Beta
- Vest: Infantry Vest
- Gloves: Commando Gloves
- Gear: Ghost T/V Camo
- Boots: Covert Sneakers
- Lethal: Semtex
- Tactical: Flash Grenade
- Field Equipment: A.C.S
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3: Holger 556 (Assault Rifle)
The Holger 556 is the best weapon for a variety of situations if you want to have unrivaled power in your hands. Its reliability, accuracy, and range allow this weapon to perform exceptionally well in almost all combat situations. This weapon, in fact, is so powerful that a lot of professional players and tournament websites have prohibited using it.
The Holger 556 proves versatile for players of all skill levels, excelling in various situations in multiplayer. It has become a popular choice due to its remarkable agility, low recoil, and three-shot kill capability.
How Can I unlock Holger 556 in Modern Warfare 3?
You can unlock the Holger 556 at level 37. However, as previously mentioned, you can get to it early using the Armory Unlock system at level 25. Early access to weapons regarded as some of the best in the game, such as the Holger 556 or MCW, gives you a strategic advantage.
Best Holger 556 Attachments
- Muzzle: L4R Flash Hider
- Optic: MK.3 Reflector
- Stock: R8 Addle Assault Stock
- Rear Grip: Morn-20 Grip
- Ammunition: 5.56 High-Velocity
Modern Warfare 3 Best Holger 556 Perks and Gear
The recommended loadout includes the CCT Comms Vest, Marksman Gloves, Covert Sneakers, Ghost T/V Camo, Bone Conductions Headset, and a choice between Munition Box, Portable Radar, or A.C.S.
This loadout optimizes the already impressive base stats of the Holger 556, enhancing its range, accuracy, recoil control, and bullet velocity. The only drawback is that firing won’t keep you off radars, as we prioritize the L4R Flash Hider for its superior recoil control, Gun Kick Control, and Muzzle Flash Concealment.
Alternatively, if staying off radars is a priority, you can select the HMRES Mod Suppressor. While it reduces recoil control slightly, this is offset by our RB Addle Assault Stock and Morn-20 Grip attachments, both significantly improving Recoil Control, Gun Kick, and flinch resistance. With these additions, recoil becomes almost negligible.
To further boost bullet velocity by 20%, we recommend the 5.56 High-Velocity rounds, extending the time it takes for bullets to reach your target.
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3: TAQ-56 (Assault Rifle)
The TAQ-56 is the epitome of a dependable Assault Rifle, particularly suitable for beginners in Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. Formerly known as the SCAR-L in the original Modern Warfare trilogy, it didn’t achieve the same popularity and potency as other guns like the M4 when it reappeared in MW2. Despite not being at the pinnacle of excellence in Modern Warfare 3, with some adjustments, it remains a reliable firearm capable of efficiently eliminating opponents.
How Can I Unlock the TAQ-56 in Modern Warfare 3
To unlock the TAQ-56 in MW3, you must complete an Operator Kill challenge in MW3 or play MW2. Since it’s a weapon from the previous year, it’s not tied to the standard progression track in MW3. The good news is that you can efficiently complete the challenge if you didn’t unlock the weapon in the previous COD game (MW2).
Best Attachments and Loadout for the TAQ-56 in MW3
Most players will identify the TAQ-56 as the top assault rifle from MW2, and even in Modern Warfare 3, the weapon retains some commendable traits. If you’re nostalgic for your old gun from the previous title, an enhanced loadout revives the Scar and makes it even better.
- Barrel: 17.5 Tundra Pro Barrel
- Muzzle: L4R Flash Hider
- Underbarrel: Kimura RYN-03 Vertical Grip
- Rear Grip: Demo Cleanshot Grip
- Stock: TV Cardinal Stock
Three attachments here are from Modern Warfare 2, and they still give the same ADS or range stats we wanted from the previous year of builds. But MW3 also gives us a whole new selection of attachments with tons of recoil control and minimal negatives to worry about. This is the set of five that I like the most after trying all the fresh attachments in the game.
Modern Warfare 3 Best Perks and Gear for the TAQ-56
- Vest: Infantry Vest
- Gloves: Assault Gloves
- Boots: Covert Sneakers
- Gear: Ghost T/V Camo
- Tactical: Stim
- Lethal: Frag Grenade or Semtex
- Field Equipment: Trophy System
- Sidearm: Renetti
The crucial perks in this loadout are Covert Sneakers and Ghost T/V Camo, providing a sense of true freedom around the map and catching enemies off guard. The additional components, such as Stims, enhance survival and on-the-fly utility for objectives.
Counter Invasion Class MW3
The Counter-Invasion loadout in MW3 is a versatile preset class designed for tactical supremacy. Anchored by the MCW Assault Rifle, unlocked at level 44 or instantly available through the preset, this loadout excels in medium to long-range engagements. Optics like the MK.23 Reflector and attachments like the 16.5″ MCW Cyclone Long Barrel and L4R Flash Hider enhance accuracy, bullet velocity, and recoil control.
Perks like Recon, Hardline, and SitRep contribute to situational awareness and efficient killstreak progression. The Gunner Vest adds ammo and reload speed benefits, while the Lockwood 680 Shotgun is a close-quarters backup. Tactical tools like the Munitions Box, Frag Grenade, and Flash Grenade provide strategic utility.
Unlocking the MCW and customizing attachments can be done through gradual leveling or immediate access via the preset loadout. Commando Gloves and Mission Control Comlink further refine the loadout, offering reloading while sprinting and accelerated killstreaks. The Counter-Invasion class MW3 excels in countering enemy advances or aggressive pushes, making it a game-changing choice for MW3 players in 2023.
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