Updated on March 5, 7:14 p.m. (GMT+8): Added relevant guides.

With the release of the new season update, it’s time to list out each of the best meta loadout Season 2 has to offer in Ranked Play of Modern Warfare 3 — and there are quite a few options.

The latest MW3 update brings a plethora of changes, spanning gameplay adjustments, the introduction of fresh maps and weapons, and the addition of ranked play.

Modern Warfare 3 best settings guide for PC
Credit: Activision, ONE Esports
Modern Warfare 3 best settings guide for PC — improve your performance

These alterations inevitably shift the meta, elevating certain weapons above others from the previous patch.

Given the constant evolution, it’s essential to keep meta loadouts updated. Here, we present the top meta loadouts for MW3 Season 2.

Best meta loadout in Modern Warfare 3 Season 2 Ranked Play — we have options

Best meta loadout Season 2 MCW
Credit: LunchTime YouTube Channel

Meta loadout Season 2 — Assault Rifle: MCW

We’ve opted for the 16.5” MCW Cyclone long barrel to enhance stability and bullet velocity, addressing crucial needs. Leaving the stock attachment empty surprisingly boosts the weapon’s efficiency.

Warzone best settings guide on controller, graphics, and audio
Credit: Activision, ONE Esports
Best Warzone settings guide: Controller, graphics, and audio

Additionally, the rear grip enhances aim stability and reduces recoil during firing.

When it comes to aiming down sights, managing recoil, and improving sprint-to-fire speed, the XTen Phantom-5 Handstop stands out as the top choice.

SLOTATTACHMENT
Barrel16.5” MCW Cyclone Long Barrel
MuzzleT51R Billeted Brake
UnderbarrelXTen Phantom-5 Handstop
OpticMK3 Reflector
Rear GripRB Claw-PSL Grip

Meta loadout Season 2 — Handgun: Renetti

Best meta loadout Season 2 Renetti
Credit: LunchTime YouTube Channel

The Ster45 Skyfury Compensator XS muzzle attachment aids in managing the pistol’s recoil, albeit at a slight cost to aim down sights (ADS) speed.

Xbox gift card
Credit: Xbox
MAKE SOMEONE'S DAY: $70 Xbox Gift Card

Pairing it with the MLX Short Competition barrel enhances stability and improves hipfire accuracy. Moreover, the Renetti Wood Grain Grip facilitates quick drawing for swift engagements.

SLOTATTACHMENT
MuzzleSter45 Skyfury Compensator XS
BarrelMLX Short Competition
Rear GripRenetti Wood Grain Grip

Meta loadout Season 2 — Sniper: Katt AMR

Best meta loadout Season 2 Katt AMR tactical engineering
Credit: LunchTime YouTube Channel

Opting out of the barrel attachment is best for bullet velocity. The MV50 muzzle effectively reduces vertical recoil and enhances firing aim stability.

Incorporating a stock pad aids in aim down sights (ADS) speed, while selecting an appropriate bolt improves rechambering speed.

Modern Warfare 3 best video settings guide for PS5 and Xbox
Credit: Activision, ONE Esports
Modern Warfare 3 best video settings guide — improve your console settings

Finally, the Phantom grip significantly enhances sprint-to-fire speed for optimal performance.

SLOTATTACHMENT
MuzzleMV50 Muzzle Brake
StockTactical Stock Pad
BoltEphemeral Quickbolt
Ammunition.50 Cal High Velocity
Rear GripPhantom Grip
OpticAkalina LR Stock

Meta loadout Season 2 — SMG: Rival-9

Best meta loadout Season 2 Rival9
Credit: LunchTime YouTube Channel

The Rival-C barrel primarily improves aim idle sway and bullet velocity. Selecting the preferred muzzle reduces horizontal recoil and enhances firing aim stability.

MORE CALL OF DUTY GUIDES
Breaking down the BP50 — Modern Warfare 3’s Newest Assault Rifle
Modern Warfare 3 voice service unavailable error and how to fix it
MW3 Horde Hunt event: Duration, challenges, and rewards
Modern Warfare 3 Hordepoint Mode explained — Zombies meets Multiplayer
Best RAM-9 loadout in Modern Warfare 3 — full class setup to dominate

Despite a tough decision, the DR-6 underbarrel stands out, providing excellent aim walking stability and aim down sights (ADS) speed. Incorporating the MTZ Marauder stock further minimizes recoil.

Lastly the rear grip complements the build by enhancing gun kick and bolstering recoil control.

SLOTATTACHMENT
BarrelRival-C Clearshot
StockMTZ Marauder Stock
MuzzlePurifier Muzzle Brake S
UnderbarrelDR-6 Handstop or XTen Phantom
Rear GripRival Vice Assault Grip

That sums up our guide for all the best meta loadout Season 2 options in MW3.

Just a heads up, some of the links on ONE Esports are affiliate links. This means if you click on them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. It’s a way for us to keep the site running and provide you with valuable content. Thanks for your support!

READ MORE: Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 Season 2 Patch Notes