MW3 expert reveals new Ranked Play SMG build to replace Rival-9

Nathan Warby
MW3 Ranked Play players with Iridescent skins

The Rival-9 has been the go-to SMG in Modern Warfare 3 Ranked Play ever since it launched, but a CoD guru has revealed a new meta option that he believes could take its crown.

Following the reset at the start of Season 2, Modern Warfare 3 Ranked Play fans are still hard at work grinding the Skill Divisions to ensure they start Season 3 as high as possible. The competitive mode mimics the same rules and regulations as the CDL, meaning it has the same limited arsenal of guns.

With much less to choose from, certain weapons have naturally dominated the mode since launch. The MCW has been the Assault Rifle of choice, while SMG users have flocked to the Rival-9.

Plenty of MW3 players are growing tired of using the same handful of guns, but luckily CoD expert LunchTime has revealed an SMG build that can compete with the Rival-9 as the main close-range option in Ranked Play.

In his March 12 video, the YouTuber picked out the WSP Swarm, which he claimed was going “under the radar” in Ranked matches.

The Swarm has played second fiddle to the Rival for most of Ranked Play’s lifespan, mostly due to its higher recoil. However, with the help of the new JAK Glassless Optic, it’s a force to be reckoned with in competitive games.

Check out the build below.

LunchTime’s best WSP Swarm loadout for MW3 Ranked Play

  • Muzzle: Zehmn35 Compensated Flash
  • Barrel: WSP Reckless-90 Long Barrel
  • Underbarrel: Kimura Ryn-03 Vertical Grip
  • Stock: FSS Fortress Heavy Stock
  • Optic: Jak Glassless Optic

The main aim of LunchTime’s best WSP Swarm loadout for MW3 Ranked Play is to keep its recoil in check. This is done mostly through the Jak Glassless Optic, which offers extra stability on top of a clean Optic to pick off enemies at mid-range.

Then, the Zehmn35 Compensated Flash, WSP Reckless-90 Long Barrel, Kimura Ryn-03 Vertical Grip, and FSS Fortress Heavy Stock all buff the SMG’s recoil control, as well as improving its bullet velocity and range.

While this WSP Swarm build can go toe-to-toe with Rival-9, LunchTime did warn that the gun is fairly “situational.” He recommended running it in Karachi or Rio, while its competitor might still be the best choice on the likes of Higrise.

So, be sure to give this loadout a try in your next MW3 Ranked Play match. For more, take a look at all the maps and modes, as well as the rewards up for grabs.