Best Rival-9 loadout for Warzone

Liam Mackay
Rival-9 SMG in Warzone

Warzone’s Rival-9 was a top option in Season 1, only to drop down the rankings in subsequent seasons. The SMG is now proving its worth as an underrated pick that might not be forgotten for too long.

If you’re looking to run the best Rival-9 loadout, here are all the attachments, Perks, and Equipment you need to equip.

Best Rival-9 Warzone loadout attachments

  • Muzzle: ZEHMN35 Compensated Flash Hider
  • Barrel: Rival-C Clearshot Barrel
  • Underbarrel: DR-6 Handstop
  • Magazine: 50 Round Drum
  • Rear Grip: Rival Vice Assault Grip

The best Rival-9 loadout is built for increased aiming stability, highlighting the weapon’s excellent damage range relative to SMGs.

To keep the SMG under control you’ll want to equip the ZEHMN35 Compensated Flash Hider and Rival-C Clearshot Barrel. This was the perfect combination in the several games I took the weapon to Rebirth Island, seeing as they don’t hurt the Rival-9’s mobility too much.

The Rival Vice Assault Grip also helps with recoil control, while the DR-6 Handstop has consistently been one of the best mobility-boosting attachments for SMGs in the game.

Finally, the 50 Round Drum ensures you’ll have enough bullets to take down groups of enemies before reloading. When playing Duos or Solos, I prefer to switch to the 40 Round Mag instead. The extra mobility is a great bonus, and you’ll have plenty of ammunition to take down two enemies at a time.

Rival-9 Warzone attachments
The Rival-9 dominates thanks to its high mobility and fast TTK.

Rival-9 loadout best Perks & Equipment

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

Double Time is the ideal Perk for a run-and-gun SMG loadout. Then, Sleight of Hand will allow you to reload faster and take on one enemy after another.

If you’re looking to dominate Rebirth Island, you should consider using the Mountaineer Perk. It’s one of my favorite Perks in the game, and it shines when reducing fall damage on Rebirth Island.

Tempered will keep you ready for one fight after the next as the road back to full health is made shorter with only two plates required. Hight Alert rounds out the Perk selection to counter any players sneaking up on your position.

The Thermite is an underrated piece of Lethal Equipment as it can cause havoc when chucked between grouped-up enemies. Then, the Smoke Grenade will enable a quick escape.

How to unlock Rival-9 in Warzone

The Rival-9 is unlocked through Warzone’s Armory Unlock system at Level 25. Hit level 25 then complete three Daily Challenges and the SMG will be yours to level up and use.

Best alternatives

If the Rival-9 isn’t suited to your playstyle, you can try the Superi 46 and FJX Horus as both of these SMGs are dominating the meta.

Don’t forget to pair this underrated SMG with the best audio settings and controller settings to make the most of your matches.