Best Warzone 2 weapons: Most popular meta loadouts & tier list (Season 5)
Finding the best Warzone 2 weapons to use in the current meta can be tough, especially when there are so many lethal guns in WZ2's Season 5 arsenal. While testing out countless options can be an effective strategy, oftentimes it's better to follow the trend and use what is considered a meta Warzone 2 loadout for the best results.
Although Season 5 has only just arrived, players are still looking for the best Warzone 2 guns to utilize in matches to dominate their foes on both Al Mazrah and Vondel.
To make the process simpler, we've put together a ranked list that outlines the best Warzone 2 weapons & meta loadouts in Season 5 based on their popularity, using data from WZRanked.
Top 5 meta Warzone 2 weapons & loadouts
5. Kastov 762
Click to enlargeBest Kastov 762 loadout in Warzone 2
- Muzzle: Zulu-60
- Barrel: KAS-10 584mm Barrel
- Optic: AIM OP-V4
- Underbarrel: FTAC Ripper 56
- Magazine: 40-Round Mag
The Kastov 762 stands as the only AR on the list, but it's certainly a strong representative of the category. With a 6.2% pick rate, the gun only just makes it onto the top five, but if it came down to raw firepower, it would top the charts.
Ever since the release of the game, the Kastov 762 has had a reputation for being hard to control, but all that kickback comes with a lot of damage.
So, if you want an AR that can truly decimate foes and you're willing to master the weapon, there's no better choice.
4. Cronen Squall
Click to enlargeBest Cronen Squall loadout in Warzone 2
- Muzzle: SA Leveler 55
- Barrel: HR6.8 Barrel
- Optic: AIM-OP V4
- Underbarrel: FTAC RIPPER 56
- Magazine: 50-Round Drum
The Cronen Squall is still holding a spot in the rankings despite being hit with another hefty nerf in Season 5.
With an 8.6% pick rate, the gun's devastating TTK wipes out enemies in an instant and can completely take over a match in the hands of a talented player.
If you want a rifle that can truly solo-carry a match and deliver you plenty of victories, it's hard to go wrong with the Cronen in Season 5.
3. ISO 45
Click to enlargeBest ISO 45 loadout in Warzone 2
- Muzzle: Spiral V3.5 Flash Hider
- Stock: Demo Fade Tac
- Barrel: 7" EX Raptor-V2
- Magazine: 45-Round Drum
- Rear Grip: A30 Stout
The ISO 45 had a huge impact on the meta after it was introduced as part of Season 4. Despite being nerfed in the Season 4 Reloaded update, it's still sitting as the second most popular SMG with a 9.8% pick rate.
Like all SMGs, it boasts a quick fire rate, whilst remaining nice and light so you can manoeuvre around the map quickly.
This makes it the perfect aggressive SMG for racking up kills and pulling off outplays, so if it's not part of your loadout list, you're missing out.
2. Lachmann Sub
Click to enlargeBest Lachmann Sub loadout in Warzone 2
- Barrel: L38 Falcon 226MM
- Stock: Meer Recoil-56 Factory Stock
- Laser: VLK LZR 7MW
- Magazine: 40-Round Mag
- Ammunition: 9MM Overpreassured +P
Following the July 24 balance patch that wiped out the X13 Auto & Basilisk with nerfs, the Lachmann Sub has managed to launch its way back into the close-range meta with a 10.7% pick rate.
The classic SMG has everything you need to dominate foes at close quarters and has always been a fan favourite weapon.
Equipped with strong mobility, damage, and stability, the Lachmann is a brilliant gun which is perfect for players who love to take aggressive skirmishes.
1. TAQ-V
Click to enlargeBest TAQ-V loadout in Warzone 2
- Muzzle: Sakin Tread-40
- Barrel: 18" Precision-6
- Optic: AIM OP-V4
- Underbarrel: FTAC Ripper 56
- Magazine: 50-Round Drum
As the Cronen has fallen down the rankings, the TAQ-V has risen up, with the devs replacing one OP Battle Rifle with another.
Packed with firepower and a devastating TTK, the TAQ-V sits well above the rest of the pack in Season 5 with a whopping 15.7% pick rate.
The gun makes short work of foes from afar and for now, is the stand-out option above any AR until more balance patches arrive.
What is the best gun in Warzone 2?
Click to enlargeOut of all of Warzone 2's weapons, picking out the best gun is an extremely difficult task, as oftentimes the best option for you will come down to personal preference.
However, based on the statistics and as shown above, the TAQ-V is the best weapon in Warzone 2 with a 15.7% pick rate.
The Battle Rifle's damage output, effectiveness at long range and stability have propelled it to the top of the meta, effectively making it a must-use gun in Season 5.
List of all weapons in Warzone 2
Click to enlargeWhile the Warzone 2 weapons and loadouts above are the strongest options in the current meta, there are countless other guns you can experiment with.
All of them have their strengths and weaknesses, meaning it's possible to find an off-meta weapon or hidden gem that hasn't been discovered by the rest of the community just yet.
Here's the full list of weapons in Warzone 2:
Warzone 2 SMGs
- Lachmann Sub
- Vaznev-9K
- VEL 46
- PDSW 528
- FSS Hurricane
- ISO 45
- MX9
- BAS-P
- Minibak
- Fennec 45
Warzone 2 ARs
- ISO Hemlock
- FR Avancer
- TAQ-56
- Kastov 762
- Chimera
- Kastov-74U
- M13B
- M13C
- M4
- Lachmann-556
- Tempus Razorback
- STB 556
- Kastov 545
- M16
Warzone 2 LMGs
- Sakin MG38
- RPK
- Raal MG
- Rapp H
- HCR 56
- 556 Icarus
Click to enlargeWarzone 2 Battle Rifles
- TAQ-V
- Lachmann-762
- FTAC Recon
- SO-14
- Cronen Squall
Warzone 2 Snipers
- Signal 50
- Carrack .300
- Victus XMR
- SP-X 80
- MCPR-300
- LA-B 330
- FJX Imperium
Warzone 2 Marksmen Rifles
- Tempus Torrent
- TAQ-M
- EBR-14
- Crossbow
- SA-B 50
- SP-R 208
- LM-S
- Lockwood MK2
Warzone 2 Shotguns
- KV Broadside
- Expedite 12
- Lockwood 300
- Bryson 890
- Bryson 800
Hopefully, that's caught you up on the best Warzone 2 weapons and loadouts to use in the current meta.
Remember, the meta is constantly shifting with every update, so we'll make sure to keep the list refreshed anytime there's a move in the rankings. Be sure to check out our Warzone 2 homepage for all of the latest news and guides.