Best Warzone loadout: the best class setups for Warzone Caldera

What is the best class for your Warzone Loadout Drops?

Guide by Charlie Biggerstaff Contributor

Updated on Dec. 27, 2021

Looking for the best loadouts in Warzone Caldera? Winning on Caldera requires the most powerful Warzone loadout you can get your hands on. One of Warzone’s defining features as a Battle Royale is the user-created custom class, which you can access via Loadout Drops purchased at Buy Stations around the map.

There's three games worth of weapons now, so there's a lot to learn. Thankfully, we’re here to help by guiding you through several contenders for the best loadout in Warzone.

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Best Warzone loadout and class setups

Here are the very best Warzone loadout and class setups in Warzone Caldera:

Automaton and M1912
STG 44 and Kar98k
NZ-41 and MP40
EM2 and OTs 9
Grav and Tec-9
QBZ and MP5
Kar98k and AK-47
Stoner 63 and MAC-10
Swiss K31 and AK74u
Bruen and PPSh
M4A1 and Kar98k
PKM and Bullfrog
ZRG and FARA 83
Grau and MP7
C58 and Tec-9
LW3 Tundra and XM4

Below we'll walk you through each of these loadouts, including details on which attachments to use for each gun, and why each of these Warzone class setups is so powerful.

Automaton and M1912 loadout

The Automaton is the new long-range king of Warzone. With the right build, you can take the Automaton’s damage drop-off range out past 100 meters, by far the furthest in the Assault Rifle category. Its damage is fairly low, but with an excellent rate of fire, low recoil, and that otherworldly range the Automaton can dominate Caldera’s longer sightlines. Plus, it has some enormous magazines that help you beam down full squads better than nearly any other weapon in Warzone. Here’s our recommended build.

Muzzle: MX Silencer
Barrel: M1941 Hand Stop
Underbarrel: Anastasia Sniper
Optic: ZF4 3.5x Rifle Scope
Magazine: 6.5mm Sakura 75 Round Drum
Ammunition: Lengthened
Grip: Leather Grip
Stock: Empress Broadsword/Anastasia Padded
Proficiency: Sleight of Hand
Kit: Fully Loaded

The M1912 shares the Automaton’s affinity for huge magazines. With default drums of 50 rounds and extended mags as large as 100, the M1912 puts lead downrange at a volume unmatched in the SMG class. Add in great mobility and an excellent rate of fire, and you have all the makings of a top-tier SMG. The M1912 can be a hipfire monster or a respectable mid-range option with a few tweaks. Here’s our build to complement your Automaton.

Muzzle: Mercury Silencer
Barrel: CGC 14.5” Shrouded
Underbarrel: M1915 Steady
Optic: Nydar Model 47
Magazine: .45 ACP 100 Round Drum
Ammunition: Frangible
Grip: Pine Tar
Stock: CGC S Adjustable
Proficiency: Sleight of Hand
Kit: Fully Loaded

STG 44 and Kar98k

The 10-attachment Vanguard gunsmith provides tons of flexibility in your builds. The STG 44 is emblematic of that flexibility, with options that provide for excellent long and close-range builds. Long-range is a crowded space for Assault Rifles these days, but in a close to mid-range, sniper support capacity the STG 44 stands out. You can adjust this rifle for excellent mobility and handling to help dual SMGs up close and other Assault Rifles at mid-range, making it an excellent backup for any Sniper Rifle.

Muzzle: Mercury Silencer
Barrel: VDD 320mm 02B
Underbarrel: SMLE Pistol Grip
Optic: Nydar Model 47
Magazine: 8mm Kurz 45 Round Drum
Ammunition: Frangible
Grip: Fabric Grip
Stock: Krausnick S11S Folding Stock
Proficiency: Vital
Kit: Fully Loaded

The Kar98k has been a franchise staple since Call of Duty 2, and things are no different in Warzone. The Modern Warfare version of this rifle has been firmly entrenched in the Warzone meta for nearly two years now, with no signs of leaving. With snappy ADS speed and one-shot headshots, the Kar98k will always be relevant. The Vanguard edition is slower handling, but with higher bullet velocity, fitting it into a longer-ranged niche. The build below is for the Modern Warfare edition, but both are fine choices.

Muzzle: Monolithic Suppressor
Barrel: Singuard Custom 27.6”
Laser: Tac Laser
Optic: Sniper Scope
Stock: FTAC Sport Comb

NZ-41 and MP40

If you’re a fan of slow-firing, high-damage rifles like the EM2 and CR-56 AMAX, the NZ-41 will likely be an instant favorite. It performs most like the EM2, with an extremely low rate of fire and rock-solid range. Its massive base damage also leads to massive heashot damage. If you have the accuracy to hit a couple of headshots, you will obliterate enemies with the NZ-41. This minimum-recoil build will help you achieve that.

Muzzle: MX Silencer
Barrel: Orbweaver 360mm BC
Underbarrel: M1941 Hand Stop
Optic: ZF4 3.5x Rifle Scope
Magazine: None
Ammunition: Lengthened
Grip: Rubber Grip
Stock: Orbweaver E Pack
Proficiency: Brace
Kit: Fully Loaded

The MP40 in Warzone makes for an excellent, high-mobility partner to long-range rifles. This is one of the easiest weapons to manage in the class, with low recoil and solid peripheral stats. The MP40 is just a very well-rounded weapon, that will remind users of the Milano’s long-gone golden age. If you’re looking for an SMG you can equip and immediately take over a game with, the MP40 is the gun for you. Our optimized build below will make it even easier to dominate.

Muzzle: Mercury Silencer
Barrel: VDD 285mm Shrouded
Underbarrel: Mark VI Skeletal
Optic: Nydar Model 47
Magazine: 9mm 64 Round Drums
Ammunition: Frangible
Grip: Granular
Stock: Krausnick 33M Folding
Proficiency: Steady
Kit: Fully Loaded

EM2 and OTs 9 loadout

The EM2 is finally gaining popularity equal to its power. This high-damage rifle is one of if not the best long-range Assault Rifles in Warzone. It packs a real wallop, has controllable albeit high recoil, and comes with a built in optic if you want to free up an attachment slot. This weapon is top tier in long-range fights with the build below, but the sniper support build still works too. Check out our full EM2 guide for more on that build.

Muzzle: Agency Suppressor
Barrel: Task Force
Optic: Axial Arms 3x
Underbarrel: Field Agent
Ammunition: 50 Round Mags

Meanwhile, the OTs 9 remains one of the best close-range SMGs in Warzone. This compact SMG has few competitors in close quarters. It has unreal damage, excellent mobility, and top-tier handling. Its only weakness is a 40 round magazine, but with DPS like this, it hardly matters. This SMG dominates Solos and contends nicely in team modes.

Muzzle: GRU Suppressor
Barrel: Task Force
Ammunition: 40 Round Mags
Laser: Tiger Team Spotlight
Stock: KGB Skeletal Stock

Grav and Tec-9 loadout

The Grav launched with some recoil problems at the start of Cold War Season 6, but a quick buff gave it a noticeable boost. The Grav is still bouncier than the average weapon, but its damage is phenomenal. With the right build and a little practice, the Grav will shred. Its damage is great at all ranges too, so you can pair it with a sniper if you prefer. For long range though, this is the best Grav build.

Muzzle: Agency Suppressor
Barrel: Task Force
Optic: Axial Arms 3x
Underbarrel: Field Agent Grip
Ammunition: 50 Round Magazine

The Tec-9 is as powerful as it is unusual. By default, it fires in semi-automatic, which is odd for an SMG. However, it has muzzle attachments that make it fire in three-round-burst and full-auto. Turns out, the semi-automatic and full-auto configurations are both pretty darn good, at least on paper. Full-auto is the way to go in most cases, including the build below.

Muzzle: Full Auto Repeater
Underbarrel: Bruiser Grip
Ammunition: 48 Round Mag
Laser: Tiger Team Spotlight
Stock: Raider Stock

QBZ and Cold War MP5 loadout

The QBZ is a lot like the Krig, but with a slightly better damage profile, especially after a string of Krig nerfs. It has a somewhat inconsistent damage profile but will melt if you can hit chest shots. Many players looking for a zero-recoil AR still haven't abandoned their Krig, but we definitely recommend you give the QBZ. It's the better gun by pretty much every metric.

Muzzle: Agency Suppressor
Barrel: Task Force
Optic: Axial Arms 3x
Underbarrel: Field Agent Foregrip
Ammunition: 60 Round Magazine

The Cold War MP5 has some killer mobility and damage on par with the OTs 9. If you want a few more shots to work with, it’s an excellent choice. You can opt for a Modern Warfare MP5 too, but it lacks the excellent mobility of Cold War SMGs. The younger sibling's speed will give you an edge over most players.

Muzzle: Agency Suppressor
Underbarrel: Bruiser Grip
Ammunition: 50 Round Mags
Laser: Tiger Team
Stock: Raider Stock

Kar98k and Cold War AK-47 loadout

Our first Sniper Rifle loadout (okay, fine, Marksman Rifle loadout) features an old favorite; the Kar98k. This gun has been part of the Warzone meta since day one. It has incredible ADS speed, solid mobility, and the power to one-shot headshot enemies at any range. If you like sniping on the move, this is the gun for you.

Muzzle: Monolithic
Barrel: Singuard Custom 27.6
Stock: FTAC Sport Comb
Laser: Tac Laser
Optic: Sniper Scope

The AK47 on the other hand has a spottier history in Warzone. The Modern Warfare version has always been awful, but the Cold War AK-47 is a standout star. This AR hits like an absolute truck up close. It can compete with most SMGs at the closest ranges, and will destroy them at mid-range. The CW AK is, and likely will always be, one of the best sniper supports in Warzone. It's actually quite good at long range now too, but we've gone with the traditional close-range build below.

Muzzle: GRU Suppressor
Barrel: Liberator
Laser: Tiger Team
Stock: KGB Skeletal Stock
Ammunition: 45 Round Magazine

Stoner 63 and MAC-10

The Stoner 63 is a really excellent LMG that has remained popular in spite of a few nerfs. It still has killer damage, great range, and, the usual perk of an LMG, a huge magazine. This Stoner 63 class makes for a great long-range Warzone loadout.

Muzzle: Agency Suppressor
Barrel: Task Force
Optic: Axial Arms 3x
Ammunition: 120 Round Magazine
Underbarrel: Field Agent Grip

It’s nice to have a more mobile option on an LMG Warzone class, and the MAC-10 has mobility in spades. This is just a phenomenal run-and-gun SMG, even after a few nerfs. The MAC-10 has very low recoil too. You’ll have no trouble shredding enemies with it.

Muzzle: Agency Suppressor
Barrel: Task Force
Laser: Tiger Team Spotlight
Stock: Raider Stock
Ammunition: 53 Round Magazine

The Swiss K31 Sniper Rifle in Call of Duty: Warzone

Swiss K31 and AK74u loadout

The Swiss K31 in Warzone is like the Kar98k’s distant cousin. They fill a similar role as the best mobile Sniper Rifle in Warzone. While the Kar98k is faster, the Swiss K31 hits harder to the body. If you want something that’s a bit more forgiving when your aim is low, look no further.

Muzzle: GRU Suppressor
Barrel: Combat Recon
Optic: Royal and Kross 4x
Grip: Serpent Wrap
Ammunition: 7 Round

Now that the Milano has been banished back to the lower-tier depths after an unlisted nerf, the AK74u is primed to be a top sniper support SMG. The compact Kalashnikov has a huge headshot multiplier and very reasonable recoil when built properly. If you can keep your sights on the top half of your target, you can melt enemies even at mid-range with this AK74u loadout.

Muzzle: GRU Suppressor
Barrel: Task Force
Underbarrel: Field Agent Grip
Grip: GRU Elastic Wrap
Ammunition: 40 Round Mag

The Bruen Mk9 LMG in Call of Duty: Warzone

Bruen and PPSh loadout

The Bruen is back on the menu. In the ancient days of Modern Warfare, this off-beat LMG dominated with its signature 60 round magazine attachment, functioning essentially as an Assault Rifle. Now it excels as a more traditional LMG, with excellent accuracy and range. This is a fantastic long-range LMG for any player.

Muzzle: Monolithic Suppressor
Barrel: XRX Summit
Laser: Tac Laser
Optic: VLK 3.0x
Underbarrel: Commando Foregrip

The PPSh has been an underrated SMG in Warzone for a while now. It has great mobility, great range, and a huge, 71-round magazine. This old-school weapon works great as a flexible SMG backup for long-range guns that struggle in mid to close-range; namely, the Bruen. Here’s the best PPSh Warzone loadout for that purpose.

Muzzle: GRU Suppressor
Barrel: Task Force
Laser: Tiger Team Spotlight
Stock: Raider Stock
Ammunition: 71 Round Magazine

M4A1 and Kar98k loadout

Speaking of back on the menu, the M4A1 has really caught a second life in Warzone. This classic AR was never really bad, but nerfs to some competition have made it really solid again. It makes a really great sniper support even with limited attachments, which makes the M4A1 the best choice for a Fully Loaded sniper class in Warzone to help you restock ASAP.

Muzzle: Monolithic Suppressor
Barrel: Corvus Custom Marksman
Laser: Tac Laser
Perk: Fully Loaded
Ammunition: 50 Round

If you do want a Fully Loaded sniper loadout, the Kar98k is your best bet. The base ADS speed is so good that you can get away with trading in the FTAC Sport Comb stock for the Fully Loaded perk.

Muzzle: Monolithic Suppressor
Barrel: Singuard Custom 27.6
Laser: Tac Laser
Optic: Sniper Scope
Perk: Fully Loaded

PKM and Bullfrog loadout

The PKM isn’t the most popular LMG in Warzone, but it has always been top one or two in power. It has very low recoil, great range, and better time-to-kill than the Stoner up close. Seriously, this thing should be used way more than it is. Give this PKM loadout a shot, you won’t be disappointed.

Mussle: Monolithic Suppressor
Laser: Tac Laser
Barrel: 26.9 Extended Barrel
Underbarrel: Commando Foregrip
Optic: VLK 3.0x

We’re rounding out this PKM Warzone loadout with a similarly smooth SMG. The Bullfrog has much more linear recoil than the MP5s and OTs 9, but slightly lower damage. However, it has a massive headshot multiplier and an enormous magazine to help close the gap. If you want a pair of mag-dump friendly, low-recoil guns, this loadout is for you.

Muzzle: GRU Suppressor
Barrel: Task Force
Laser: Tiger Team Spotlight
Underbarrel: Bruiser Grip
Ammunition: 85 Round Mags

ZRG and FARA 83 Loadout

The ZRG is the absolute monarch of extreme-range sniping in Warzone. Not even the HDR can touch the ZRG’s bullet velocity. With the right ZRG Warzone class, you’ll hardly have to lead shots or compensate for drop at most practical ranges.

Muzzle: Agency Moderator
Barrel: Combat Recon
Grip: Airborne Elastic Wrap
Underbarrel: Bruiser Grip
Ammunition: 5 Round Magazine

The FARA 83 has somehow become underrated. This fast-firing rifle is still really, really strong in Warzone. It works very nicely as a sniper support and provides a flexible backup for your ZRG that excels at both close and mid-range. It is great for long-range too. Check out our full FARA 83 Warzone loadout guide for more on that.

Muzzle: GRU Suppressor
Barrel: Liberator
Stock: Raider Stock
Laser: Tiger Team Spotight
Ammunition: 45 Round Magazine

Grau and MP7 Loadout

This is another Fully Loaded Warzone class, although both of these guns are great for other purposes too. The Grau in particular though just needs so little to get going. All of its base stats are so solid that you can very easily forgo an attachment for Fully Loaded. Here’s the Grau loadout we prefer.

Muzzle: Monolithic Suppressor
Barrel: Tempus 26.4" Archangel
Laser: Tac Laser
Ammunition: 60 Round Magazine
Perk: Fully Loaded

The MP7 has similarly excellent base stats. You could look at any number of MP7 builds and pretty easily find something to sacrifice for a Fully Loaded Warzone class. It makes a very nice sniper support, but this MP7 Warzone loadout is geared towards close range to compliment the Grau build above.

Muzzle: Monolithic Suppressor
Barrel: FSS Strike
Laser: Tac Laser
Ammunition: 60 Round Magazine
Perk: Fully Loaded

C58 and Tec-9

The C58 has fallen off the mountain after a couple of nerfs, but it’s still very good. Its damage can't quite match the mighty EM2, but the C58 has much better handling. This gun has respectable range, great damage per shot, and a huge headshot multiplier. It only takes a single headshot to make it one of the fastest killing ARs in the game, and that’s very doable with the below C58 Warzone loadout.

Muzzle: Agency Suppressor
Barrel: Task Force
Optic: Axial Arms 3x
Ammunition: 55 Round Drum
Underbarrel: Field Agent Grip

The full-auto Tec-9 is a great compliment to the C58. It handles close-range fights extremely well with its blistering rate of fire. The Tec-9 has excellent mobility too. You really can’t go wrong with this Tec-9 loadout.

Muzzle: Full Auto Repeater
Underbarrel: Bruiser Grip
Laser: Tiger Team Spotlight
Ammunition: 48 Round Magazine
Stock: Raider Stock

LW3 Tundra and XM4 loadout

The LW3 Tundra is a beast at range and a great alternative to the ZRG. The ZRG might have better peak bullet velocity, but the LW3 Tundra has comfier handling and doesn’t need an extended magazine. Get a smoother ride for long-range sniping with this LW3 Tundra loadout.

Muzzle: Wrapped Suppressor
Barrel: Combat Recon
Optic: Royal and Kross 4x
Stock: SAS Combat Stock
Grip: Airborne Elastic Wrap

The XM4 remains a popular pickup, and it really shines as a sniper support in Warzone. We particularly like it with the LW3 Tundra because the XM4 holds up better at mid-range than the Cold War AK-47. You won’t want to be dueling a Swiss K31 with your LW3 Tundra inside of 100 meters, and the XM4 will serve you nicely in that range.

Muzzle: Agency Suppressor
Barrel: Ranger
Stock: Raider Stock
Ammunition: 45 Round Magazine
Laser: Tiger Team Spotlight

MG82 and OTs 9 loadout

The MG82’s popularity is starting to climb after recent nerfs to long-range Assault Rifles. LMGs are looking very strong right now, and this is perhaps the best LMG in Warzone. It will actually drop enemies quicker than the other LMGs on this list at most ranges, it just has a lot more recoil. If you can get a handle on it though, the MG82 is a fantastic pickup.

Muzzle: Agency Suppressor
Barrel: Task Force
Underbarrel: Field Agent Grip
Opitc: Axial Arms 3x
Grip:Airborne Elastic Wrap

We’re going with the OTs 9 again on this Warzone loadout, but with a slightly altered build. Because the MG82’s damage at close-range is good, we’re giving up some range to get even more mobility on this OTs 9. If you want that extra range and recoil reduction though, stick with the earlier build.

Muzzle: GRU Suppressor
Underbarrel: Bruiser Grip
Ammunition: 40 Round Mags
Laser: Tiger Team Spotlight
Stock: KGB Skeletal Stock

Best Equipment in Warzone 6

Equipment choices in Warzone are about as standard as Perks. Your equipment isn’t quite as important so feel free to play around a bit, but if you’re looking to stack up wins these are your best bets.

Lethal: Semtex

Semtex is the best general-purpose lethal equipment. You get a lot of the same utility as a frag grenade, with the added bonus of potential one-shots. Anyone you stick with a Semtex is going down, even if they have EOD.

Lethal: Thermite Grenades

Thermite Grenades are great for two things; area control, and destroying vehicles. These are great to cut off an angle or trap enemies in a corner. They’ll drop them fairly quickly with a direct hit too. Big-time vehicle damage is the icing on the cake.

Lethal: Proximity Mines

Proximity Mines are the more passive alternative to Thermite. These are great for covering your back, especially in solos. They’re also your best bet when you’re staring down a charging truck. Wait until you see the whites of their eyes, drop a Proximity Mine, and run.

Lethal: Throwing Knife

The Throwing Knife is an evergreen style points pick in the Call of Duty franchise, but it has some niche utility in Warzone. You can use a Throwing Knife to instantly finish a downed player. That sounds like a small thing in a game where you can, you know, shoot that downed player with a gun, but you'll be surprised by how often the Throwing Knife option saves you. The Throwing Knife saves your ammo, and avoiding a mid-fight reload will keep you alive and in the game.

Tactical: Heartbeat Sensor

The Heartbeat Sensor does get countered by Ghost, but it is very nice for tracking enemies during the early game. Information is power in Battle Royale games, and the Heartbeat Sensor is the best information tool short of a UAV.

Tactical: Stun Grenades

Stun Grenades offer a more direct approach to taking on foes. The stun effect they impose almost always spells death for their victims. If you know where the enemy is, toss a stun around the corner and collect your free kill.

And with that, we'll wrap up this guide. Hopefully you've got a few things to think about, and perhaps to try the next time you're dropping in Caldera or Rebirth Islandk. Why not also check out one of our other Warzone guides in the interim? Our guide to th.e best Warzone guns is particularly useful, and we've got a guide to Caldera to prepare you for the new map.