The 5 Best ARs for Call of Duty: Warzone (Season 5)

Image: Activision

Human Made

Penned by Summer Watts

Summer has been an avid gamer ever since she was a young girl. She graduated from the University of California Davis in 2019, and completed an inte... Read more

Reviewed by Benjamin Barr

Assault rifles are some of the most powerful, adaptable, and accurate weapons in Call of Duty: Warzone, making them the most reliable choice for any loadout. While trying different assault rifles and loadouts is key to finding what works best for you, what works best for you never stays the same for long. The developers are constantly changing with every new season and update. Staying up to date on the best weapons and loadouts is one of the best ways to stay ahead of competition, and have the most fun. In this guide, we will be going over the top five best ARs in Warzone Season 5 so that you know what to experiment with this season.  

Looking for the best CoD settings? Peruse our guide here.

Popular Destinations..

Call of Duty: Warzone Waystone | Navigation Page

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 – All SMGs Ranked

5 Best ARs and Loadouts in Warzone

Below, I’ll be going into detail about how to play each AR effectively and some loadout tips.

1. C58 

My #1 top pick is a robust and high-damage long-range rifle that has consistently stayed at the top since its release during Season 4. Although its recoil was recently increased in an attempt to bring it down from its high pedestal, it is still considered one of the best AR’s in Warzone today. Like the EM2, it has a low rate of fire, slow movement, and slow aim-down sight speed, however it deals disgusting damage at close-range. Its mid and long-range damage are also better than most other AR’s.

Due to its clunkier attributes, it requires much more skill than your average Krig 6. But once again, with the right attachments, perks, and player behind it, it will dominate any mode in Warzone. One of its strongest loadouts is included below: 

• Muzzle: Agency Suppressor (Unlocks at level 46)
• Barrel: 18.7” Ranger (Unlocks at level 30) 
• Optic: Axial Arms 3x (Unlocks at level 22) 
• Underbarrel: Field Agent Grip (Unlocks at level 41) 
• Ammunition: STANAG 55 Rnd (Unlocks at level 34) 

To unlock the C58, you’ll need to get a Long Shot kill in 15 different completed matches with your assault rifles. This will take a decent amount of work, but it’s not too bad if you choose a mode like Plunder where you can respawn and have more opportunities to get your shot. In Plunder you also will be able to choose your C58 loadout and perks, which will allow you to complete this objective much faster.

Many of these attachments, while extremely powerful on the C58, will take some hard work to earn. The Agency Suppressor will keep you hidden on the mini-map and improve your vertical recoil control. The 18’5 Task Force will boost your bullet velocity, and further improve your vertical recoil control. Axial Arms 3x will provide zoom magnification for those long-range fights, while Field Agent Grip will give a powerful boost to horizontal and vertical recoil control. Lastly, the STANAG 55 Rnd will help immensely, since the C58 starts out with only 25 round mags. With it, you’ll be able to put many more lethal shots on your targets during high-intensity gun fights.  

Given the C58’s setbacks in speed and handling, you will want to equip Overkill so that you can add an extra primary weapon to your loadout. Just like the EM2 loadout, you will want to pair your bulky C58 with a fast and smooth SMG so that you can compete in close quarter situations.

After acquiring Overkill, you will want to get Ghost so that you can hide from UAVs, Radar Drones, and Heartbeat Sensors. E.O.D will reduce the amount of damage you take from explosives, which will help you survive longer. Amped is also a recommended perk because it will increase your speed when switching weapons. It is especially useful in close combat situations. Finally, like most of the previous loadouts, equipping Heartbeat Sensor for your tactical equipment is never a bad idea if you want to locate and take down your enemies faster. 

2. Krig 6

With the Krig 6, we move back towards a classic AR that is much easier to use. Like the EM2, it specializes in mid-long range attacks, and especially excels at long-range; however it does considerably less damage. It also has very high accuracy, a much lower recoil, and a faster rate of fire. All of these characteristics give it smooth handling and more stability. Although this AR may feel like it does BB gun damage, it is one of the easiest AR’s to use, which makes it one of the most reliable and consistent choices. Because of this, it is by far one of the most popular AR’s in Warzone today. 

The Krig 6 unlocks at level 16 in Warzone, making it relatively easy to unlock. While the Krig 6 may be one of the easiest to use, its low damage output means that you will need an especially powerful loadout to compete with EM2 and C58 damage. Below is a highly recommended loadout that seeks to optimize the the Krig’s long-range, and low recoil: 

• Muzzle: Agency Suppressor (Unlocks at level 46)
• Barrel: 15” CMV Mil-Spec (Unlocks at level 39)
• Optic: Axial Arms 3x (Unlocks at level 22) 
• Underbarrel: Field Agent Grip (Unlocks at level 41)
• Ammunition: STANAG 60 Rnd Mag (Unlocks at level 51) 

Although you’ll have put in some work to achieve this loadout, it is an extremely powerful build that will place you at the top. The Agency Suppressor will hide you from your enemies and improve your vertical recoil. The 15” CMV Mil-Spec will further improve your recoil, increase your range, and bullet velocity. Axial Arms 3x will supply your Krig with zoom magnification, which will strengthen its effectiveness in long-range battles.

The Field Agent Grip will decrease the Krig’s recoil even more, making it even more accurate and easier to control. Finally, you will want to maximize your rounds by taking the STANAG 60 Rnd Mag so you can get as many shots off onto your opponent as possible. 

The Krig 6 will definitely need a secondary weapon that alleviates its low-damage output and its slower aim down sight speed. Once again you will want to equip Overkill so that you can have two primary weapons in your loadout. Like the EM2, the Krig 6 will highly benefit from an SMG like the MP5 or Tec-9 that packs a heavier punch, and responds quickly when you’re in a tight spot. Balancing the Krig 6’s long-range precision with an SMG’s high damage and fast aim down sight speed will help you be better prepared for any situation.

Additionally, you will want to equip Amped so that you can quickly switch from one weapon to the other in high-intensity fights. Lastly, you’ll want to have E.O.D which will reduce the damage you take from explosives, and Heartbeat Sensor which helps you find enemies that are nearby. Once you upgrade your weapon to level 42, you’ll unlock a higher-tier perk called Quick Fix, which will grant you health regeneration right after you down an enemy. This will help you hang on to your killstreak, and come out on top in high-intensity fights.         

3. EM2

The EM2 is a bulkier and newer AR that will not disappoint when it comes to damage output. 

Despite its clumsy handling and its higher recoil, it delivers a powerful punch that can be felt from long-range distances. Although it suffers from a slow rate of fire, it makes up for it with its incredible accuracy. The EM2, unlike the M13 and M4A1, is definitely a more challenging AR to master because it demands more of a focus on accuracy. It is slower, but deadlier and much more precise than ARs like the M13 and M4A1 that excel in fast paced, close-range combat.

To unlock the EM2, you will need to reach tier 15 of the battle pass in season 5. Once again, playing limited time modes or plunder is a great way to level up faster because of the XP bonuses that they provide and the continual re-deployment. Below is my recommended EM2 loadout: 

• Muzzle: Agency Suppressor ((Unlocks at level 46)
• Barrel: 25.8” Task Force (Unlocks at level 48) 
• Optic: Axial Arms 3x (Unlocks at level 22)
• Underbarrel: Field Agent Grip (Unlocks at level 41)
• Ammunition: 35 Rnd Speed Mag (Unlocks at level 25)

The EM2’s best loadout requires a little more of a grind than previous loadouts. It mainly focuses on controlling the EM2’s unpleasant high recoil to increase its stability and handling. The Agency Suppressor will improve vertical recoil control, while the 25.8” Task Force will boost bullet velocity, damage range, and horizontal recoil control. The Field Agent Grip will further improve vertical and horizontal recoil control. Axial Arms 3x will give the EM2 zoom magnification, making headshots and body shots easier to hit. Finally, the 35 Rnd Speed Mag offers more rounds and boosts reload speed. 

While this EM2 may require a great deal of practice to master, it will put you well above the competition if you can successfully focus on and execute your targets. It may take a while to get used to its high recoil and sluggish aim down sight speed; however with the right attachments, this AR can absolutely annihilate your opponents.

The Overkill perk will be essential to equip because it will enable you to mitigate the EM2’s weaknesses with a second primary weapon. This long-range tank pairs very nicely with a close-range SMG like the MP5 that will give you the speed and stability that the EM2 lacks in a close range battle.

The Amped perk (level 1 unlock) will increase your speed when switching weapons, which will be useful in an intense gunfight. E.O.D (level 1) will help reduce the damage you take from explosives, giving you a better chance of surviving when you can’t respond quickly enough. Finally, you will want to take the Heartbeat Sensor for your tactical equipment, so that you can find your enemies location and rush in for the kill.   

4. M4A1

The M4A1 is very similar to the M13, however in contrast it is one of Warzone’s starting weapons. The M4A1 offers more damage and a slightly slower rate of fire, but it has the same low recoil. These characteristics in an AR are invaluable because they allow a player to respond quickly in a chaotic and close-range situation, and they highly increase ease of play.

While both the M13 and the M4A1 are easy to use and smooth to handle, the M4A1 is better at mid-long range combat. While it is not considered a long range weapon, its strong mid-range damage can be enhanced with attachments to give it long-range damage capabilities. Its close-range and mid-range strengths, coupled with its long-range potential make it a very well rounded and reliable weapon in Warzone. 

Despite mid-season updates that were released on September 9th that included new gameplay modes, maps, and significant weapon balance changes, the M4A1 was untouched by these updates, making it an even more reliable choice. However, that means that it will need the right attachments in order to contend with more powerful weapons such as the C58 and the Groza. I have included my preferred loadout below: 

• Muzzle: Monolithic Suppressor (Unlock at level 58)
• Barrel: Stock M16 Grenadier (Unlock at level 16)
• Optic: Operator Reflex Sight (Unlock at level 7), or the VLK 3.0 Optic (Unlock at level 33) 
• Underbarrel: Commando Foregrip (Unlock at level 4)
• Ammunition: 50 Round Mags (Unlock at level 24)

Like the M13, many of the M4A1’s most effective attachments can be unlocked at lower levels. Although you will ultimately want the Monolithic Suppressor, the Tactical Suppressor that unlocks at level 12 is an excellent lower tier option that you can use until you unlock the Monolithic Suppressor. Both suppressors will increase your stealth, but only the Monolithic Suppressor will improve your damage range.

To make the M4A1 more of a long-range steamroller, you will want to equip the Commando Foregrip and the Stock M16 Grenadier. While the Commando Foregrip significantly improves weapon stability, the Stock M16 Grenadier increases damage and range boost. When considering optics, the Operator Reflex Sight is a solid choice for close-mid range precision. The VLK 3.0 Optic, while a bit clunkier than the Operator Reflex Sight, offers a magnification boost with clearer vision and improved accuracy. Since the M4A1 is a rapid fire AR, equipping 50 round mags give you more time before your reload to shoot down your target. 

Experimenting with different attachments and secondary weapons is key, as it will help you figure out what works best for you. The Overkill perk (level 38 unlock), which allows you to equip two primary weapons, can create an absolutely devastating M4A1 loadout. With this perk equipped, you can either pair your M4A1 with a marksman or sniper rifle for more long-ranged attacks, or you can couple it with a powerful, rapid fire SMG such as the LC10. 

E.O.D (level 1 unlock), which lessens the damage you take from lethal equipment such as grenades and semtex, also allows you to be more aggressive with your M4A1’s powerful damage and rate of fire. Ghost (level 24 unlock) will improve your stealth by hiding you from UAVs, radar drones, and Heartbeat Sensors. Finally, the Heartbeat Sensor (level 30 unlock) is also a must for equipment because it enables you to locate your enemies location and secure a close range kill. 

5. M13 

Although many would argue that this AR belongs near the bottom of the totem pole, it is definitely one of the most underrated ARs in Warzone. Although the M13 does not become available until you level your character up to level 39, the grind that is required to unlock it is definitely worth it. Playing limited time modes such as plunder is a great way to level up faster because you can continue to respawn. It is especially skilled at close-range combat, and its low recoil makes it a reliable companion in a tight space.

What this AR lacks in power it makes up for with ease of use. It is an excellent choice for beginners, and it is especially easy to master when compared to other clunkier ARs. This AR is also very versatile when it comes to attachments. Below I have included one of its best loadouts: 

• Muzzle: Tactical Suppressor (Unlock at level 2)
• Barrel: Tempus Mini (Unlocks at level 15)
• Optic: Corp Combat Holo Sight (Unlocks at level 7) 
• Underbarrel: Merc Foregrip (Unlocks at level 9)
• Ammunition: 50 Round Mags (Unlock at level 24)

There are many different kinds of powerful loadouts you can experiment and have fun with. Some of the M13’s best attachments can be unlocked at levels 2-15, so you don’t have to worry so much about grinding your way to the highest levels to unlock the best attachments. The Tactical Suppressor will hide your location from enemies on the mini map when you are firing. Your target will also have no idea where you are firing from.

Other attachments like the Tempus Mini and the Merc Foregrip will add powerful boosts to aim down sight speed, aim stability, and recoil control. With these boosts equipped, the M13 turns into a significantly more lethal close and mid-range powerhouse. Equipping 50 round mags will also make the M13’s slow reload time more bearable by enabling you to put more rounds on your target. 

Finally, the Corp Combat Holo Sight that unlocks at level 7 is a basic optic that can be used to improve the M13’s vision while aiming down the sights. Since the M13 is more of a close to mid-range weapon, a smaller optic such as the Corp Combat Holo Sight that allows you to still respond quickly in close quarter situations is the better way to go. If you prefer to focus more on the M13’s mid-range capabilities, the VLK 3.0x Optic that unlocks at level 31 will give you a magnifying scope with clearer vision, but a slower aim down sight speed.

Applying the right perks and tactical equipment to your M13 loadout will give you even more of an upper hand in combat. The Heartbeat Sensor, which unlocks at level 30, will allow you to zero in on nearby enemy locations so that you can sneak up on them for a close range kill. The Ghost perk that unlocks at level 24 hides you from UAVs, Radar Drones, and Heartbeat Sensors, while the Tracker perk that unlocks at level 51 reveals an enemies footprints. 

Join the High Ground

While doing your research on the best weapons and loadouts in Warzone will help you jump ahead in the competition, it only gets you half-way there. Practice makes perfect, and finding the weapon and loadout that suits you best can take time. Once you find what works best for you, you’ll really begin to start having the most fun that you can have in Call of Duty: Warzone. Don’t forget to follow us on social and subscribe to our newsletter.

Happy gaming!