Best MCW loadout for Warzone Season 5

Liam Mackay
MCW Assault Rifle in Warzone

The top meta weapons in Warzone have shifted drastically after the Season 5 buffs and nerfs arrived, but the MCW continues to be a popular choice.

Surprisingly the Assault Rifle can be used as both a powerful close-range weapon and a top-tier long-range weapon, and we’ve got the best MCW loadouts for you.

Best Warzone MCW loadout attachments

  • Muzzle: ZEHMN35 Compensated Flash Hider
  • Barrel: 16.5″ MCW Cyclone Long Barrel
  • Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
  • Underbarrel: Bruen Heavy Support Grip
  • Magazine: 60 Round Drum

To build the best MCW loadout, we kick things off with the ZEHMN35 Compensated Flash Hider which boosts the recoil control for the AR. Then, the JAK Glassless is my top Optic choice providing a clean sight. However, swap it for the Corio Eagleseye 2.5x Optic if you want to hit distant targets more easily.

We want to focus on boosting accuracy and range for long-range, and the 16.5″ MCW Cyclone Long Barrel and Bruen Heavy Support Grip combo grants this by improving the range and recoil control.

To wrap things up, the 60 Round Drum is the best choice for players tackling Trios or Quads playlists. If you tend to play Solos or Duos frequently, we suggest using the 40 Round Mag instead.

The MCW’s lower torso modifier was increased in Season 5. This equals its TTK to the upper torso and arms, leading to more “consistent long-range engagements.”

mw3 mcw long-range loadout attachments
The MCW remains a viable long-range pick.

Best MCW JAK Raven Kit loadout attachments

  • Muzzle: ZEHMN35 Compensated Flash Hider
  • Barrel: Second Line Mammoth Heavy Barrel
  • Underbarrel: DR-6 Handstop
  • Magazine: 40 Round Mag
  • Conversion Kit: JAK Raven Kit

The best close-range MCW loadout is a devastating option, especially in small Resurgence maps. Thanks to the JAK Raven Kit, the weapon hits like a truck with boosts to mobility, handling, rate of fire, and close-range damage.

The Second Line Mammoth Heavy Barrel will boost the weapon’s bullet velocity, range, aim walking speed, and steadiness. The ZEHMN35 Compensated Flash Hider will help keep the MCW under control, which is important even when using it as a close-range weapon.

The 40-round Mag is the ideal Magazine choice, giving you extra ammo and making sure the weapon remains light and mobile. Then, the DR-6 Handstop rounds out the loadout with buffs to ADS and sprint to fire speed.

If you’re comfortable losing some bullet velocity and range, we recommend using the RB Rapidstrike Grip instead of the Second Line Mammoth Heavy Barrel. This will make the weapon even faster, allowing you to quickly dispatch enemies with ease.

mw3 mcw close-range loadout attachments
When equipped with the JAK Raven Kit, the MCW turns into one of the best close-range weapons.

Best Perks & Equipment for MCW loadout

  • Perk 1: Double Time
  • Perk 2: Sleight of Hand
  • Perk 3: Tempered
  • Perk 4: High Alert
  • Lethal Equipment: Semtex
  • Tactical Equipment: Smoke Grenade

For starters, Double Time will allow you to travel across the map faster. Then, Sleight of Hand will speed up your reload time. If you’re using the close-range MCW loadout on Rebirth Island, you’ll want to opt for Mountaineer instead of Double Time to jump from higher places without taking substantial damage.

Meanwhile, Tempered will allow you to reach full health faster, by only needing two plates instead of three. High Alert rounds out the Perk selection, allowing you to snap onto any enemies that may be lurking.

For Equipment, the Semtex allows you to damage enemies inside buildings and behind cover, and the Smoke Grenade can help you make a quick escape in a tricky situation.

How to unlock MCW in Warzone

Players must reach Level 44 to unlock the MCW Assault Rifle in Warzone. This shouldn’t take long, but check out the fastest ways to level up to get there faster.

Best alternatives

The STG44 is a powerful alternative to the MCW featuring low recoil and a ton of damage. If you’d like another versatile AR, then the SVA 545 could be a great Sniper support option or a main weapon to combine with an SMG.

If you’re looking for more ways to up your game, check out the best audio setup and controller settings.