Best Ranked Play classes for MW2 and Warzone 2.0, explained

Dominate Ranked Play like a CoD pro

Ranked Play is now here in both Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone 2.0. These game modes are the ultimate challenge for players, queuing them up with and against players of roughly the same skill level. If you want to see how you stack up against talented players and even CoD pros, you’ll want the best Ranked Play classes.

Best Ranked Play classes for MW2

Starting with MW2, here are the best Ranked Play classes for this game. There are only a few weapons available in this restrictive mode, and to make matters worse, the attachments are severely limited. Because of this, less is typically more here.

You don’t want to waste attachments on optics or lasers most of the time, as they slow down your weapon and give away your position. In fact, you don’t even want to reach the max five-attachment limit for most loadouts, as you’ll put yourself at a disadvantage.

These are the loadouts that will treat you well across Hardpoint, Search & Destroy, and Control.

Vaznev 9K

The Vaznev is the go-to pro SMG weapon. It is balanced quite well across the board, with a solid fire rate, great range, and decent damage. Here is the best Ranked Play loadout for this weapon:

• Muzzle: Bruen Pendulum
• Underbarrel: Commando Foregrip
• Stock: Otrezat Stock
• Rear Grip: True-Tac Grip

TAQ-56

The TAQ-56, or Scar, is the best assault rifle for Ranked Play. It has excellent range and handling that keep it from swaying even under fire. Here is the loadout you can use to max out your potential with it:

• Barrel: 17.5” Tundra Pro Barrel
• Underbarrel: FSS Sharkfin 90
• Muzzle: Komodo Heavy
• Rear Grip: Demo Cleanshot Grip
• Stock: TV Cardinal Stock

Vel-46

The Vaznev is the preferred SMG, but the Vel-46 is an underrated option. Not too many players use it, but it is excellent on some of the Hardpoint and Control maps, such as Himmelmatt Expo, Fortress Hardpoint, and Embassy.

• Underbarrel: FSS Sharkfin 90
• Magazine: 30 Round Mag

SP-X 80

When it comes to sniper rifles, the preferred rifle is the SP-X 80. Of the bolt-action rifles, it is the best across the board in terms of accuracy, recoil, damage, and range. If you want to eliminate opponents in a single shot from across the map in Search & Destroy, this is the loadout you need:

• Barrel: 22.5” Elevate-11
• Stock: Max DMR Precision
• Rear Grip: Schlager Match Grip
• Ammo: .300 High Velocity

Best Ranked Play classes for Warzone 2.0

Warzone 2.0 finally received its own Ranked Play mode with the arrival of Season 3. Players can now rise and fall through various skill tiers, depending on how well they perform in battle royale matches. While there are plenty of loadouts to use in this rather open experience, these are the best ones to try out.

ISO Hemlock

The ISO Hemlock is far and away the best assault rifle. It has fantastic range coupled with unshakable accuracy that will help you to dominate those mid-range fights. Here is the Hemlock loadout you should use:

• Barrel: Fielder T-50
• Underbarrel: FTAC Ripper 56
• Muzzle: Harbinger D20
• Magazine: 45 Round Magazine
• Optic: Aim OP-V4 or Cronen Mini Pro

Signal 50

The Signal 50 is the go-to sniper rifle in battle royale. While its handling is a bit rough at times, its speed of fire makes up for that and gives it a unique forgiving stance while still allowing for one-shot eliminations.

• Barrel: 29” TV Kilo-50
• Underbarrel: FTAC Ripper 56
• Muzzle: Bruen Counter-Ops
• Ammo: .50 Cal High Velocity

Vaznev 9K

The Vaznev returns from MW2 as one of the best SMGs to use in Ranked Play here. It is best used as a secondary weapon due to its limited range in the larger battle royale maps, but it is essentially the best in close-range fights. Here is the loadout for it in Warzone 2.0, which is slightly different:

• Barrel: KAS-1 381mm
• Stock: Otrezat Stock
• Rear Grip: True-Tac Grip
• Magazine: 45 Round Magazine

Kastov 74u

The Kastov 74u is the most balanced and versatile weapon around. Though it is an AR, it can function unbelievably well as an SMG. This makes it perfect for both mid and close-ranges alike. If you want to have a do-it-all weapon, this is the loadout you need to use:

• Barrel: BR209 Barrel
• Underbarrel: FSS Sharkfin 90
• Rear Grip: Demo X-2 Grip
• Magazine: 45 Round Mag
• Ammo: 5.45 High Velocity