Best M5A3 Assault Rifle loadout for Battlefield 2042

Liam Mackay
M5A3 in Battlefield 2042 Orbital map

Battlefield 2042 has launched and players can get immediate access to the M5A3 Assault Rifle. This AR already looks to be a powerful choice, so here are the best loadout attachments, Specialist, and Gadget to equip.

Assault Rifles, especially the M5A3, already appear to be the dominant weapon choice in Battlefield 2042, so players will be looking to find the best loadout. This is the perfect time for players to experiment and try out different stuff before the launch of Season 1.

Battlefield 2042 uses the Plus System to change attachments, so they can only be changed after you spawn in. But, you can keep changing them as much as you like mid-game. Using the Plus System, here are the best attachments, Specialist, and Gadgets you can use with Battlefield 2042’s M5A3 Assault Rifle.

Best Battlefield 2042 M5A3 loadout attachments

Battlefield 2042 M5A3 in plus system attachment screen
  • Barrel: Extended Barrel
  • Sight: Maul Hybrid 1.5-3x
  • Ammo: Standard Issue
  • Underbarrel: Cobra Grip

This Battlefield 2042 M5A3 loadout is designed to help you fight targets at medium to long range. But, with its Hybrid scope, you can quickly change to a close-range optic to easier see and track close-range targets.

To start, the Extended Barrel will be a major boost to the weapon’s range. You’ll get much more bullet velocity, which means your bullets hit targets quicker and you don’t need to lead your shots as much when they’re moving.

Next, we’ve opted for the Maul Hybrid 1.5-3x sight. The 3x is perfect for the kind of engagements you’ll get into in the massive maps, so you’ll get the most use out of it. While you can change to a 1.5x by pressing the Melee button, you can also just use the Plus System to add a Red Dot sight.

For Ammo, we recommend sticking with the Standard Issue as there are no downsides. The other magazines have significant tradeoffs – the close-range mag reduces your damage range and the heavy mag significantly reduces bullet count.

And finally, the Cobra Grip will improve your accuracy while you’re standing still. If you stop and crouch to shoot, you’ll find the M5A3 a much more powerful weapon.

Best Specialist to use with M5A3 in Battlefield 2042

Mackay Specialist in Battlefield 2042

For the best Specialist to run with the M5A3, we recommend Mackay, the agile Assault Specialist.

His Grappling Hook will allow you to get onto rooftops, where you can easily hold down an objective using the M5A3’s versatility. And his Nimble trait allows you to quickly strafe while shooting, making yourself an extremely hard target to hit.

Best Gadget to use with the M5A3 in Battlefield 2042

Battlefield 2042 ammo crate gadget menu

We recommend using the Ammo Crate Gadget with the M5A3. One thing we’ve noticed is that you’ll quickly burn through your ammo with the M5A3, so using the Ammo Crate will keep you topped up.

How to unlock the M5A3 in Battlefield 2042

Luckily in Battlefield 2042, you immediately get access to the M5A3. You just need to keep using it and you’ll quickly level up and unlock all of the attachments needed for the best loadout.


And that’s everything you need to dominate with the M5A3 Assault Rifle in Battlefield 2042!

For more 2042 guides, check out everything you need to know about its crossplay, including how to disable it.

Image Credit: DICE / EA

About The Author

Liam is CharlieIntel's Editor who focuses on Call of Duty but also plays lots of fantasy RPGs or anything else in his massive gaming backlog. After graduating in Journalism from Edinburgh Napier University, Liam freelanced in games journalism before joining CharlieIntel in November 2020. You can contact Liam at [email protected].