Ultimate Call of Duty Loadout Guide Cheatsheet

Introduction

The right loadout can make all the difference between domination and frustration in Call of Duty. This comprehensive cheatsheet covers optimal weapon configurations, class setups, and strategic recommendations across different playstyles. Whether you’re an aggressive rusher or a tactical support player, this guide will help you build the perfect loadout to maximize your effectiveness on the battlefield.

Core Concepts of Loadout Building

Key Components of a Loadout

• Primary Weapon: Your main gun for most engagements
• Secondary Weapon: Backup weapon for specific situations
• Tactical Equipment: Utility items (stun grenades, heartbeat sensors, etc.)
• Lethal Equipment: Damage-dealing items (frag grenades, semtex, etc.)
• Perks: Passive abilities that enhance your character
• Field Upgrade: Special equipment with cooldown timers
• Weapon Attachments: Modifications to improve weapon performance
• Killstreaks/Scorestreaks: Rewards for consecutive kills or score

Weapon Stats That Matter

• Time-to-Kill (TTK): How quickly a weapon can eliminate an enemy
• Aim Down Sight (ADS) Speed: Time to transition from hip-fire to aiming
• Bullet Velocity: Speed at which projectiles travel
• Damage Range: Distance before damage drop-off occurs
• Recoil Pattern: Predictability and control of weapon kick
• Magazine Capacity: Rounds available before reloading
• Mobility: Movement speed while wielding the weapon
• Sprint-to-Fire Time: Delay between sprinting and shooting

Meta Weapon Loadouts by Class

Assault Rifles

1. Versatile AR Setup

   • Weapon: M4A1/XM4
   • Attachments:
     • Muzzle: Compensator (recoil control)
     • Barrel: Long-range barrel (damage range)
     • Optic: Red dot or holographic sight
     • Underbarrel: Foregrip (stability)
     • Magazine: Extended mags
   • Playstyle: Mid-range versatility, objective play
   • Best Maps: Medium to large maps with varied sightlines

2. Long-Range AR Setup

   • Weapon: Kilo 141/Krig 6
   • Attachments:
     • Muzzle: Monolithic Suppressor
     • Barrel: Longest barrel option
     • Optic: 3x or 4x scope
     • Underbarrel: Commando Foregrip
     • Rear Grip: Stippled Grip Tape
   • Playstyle: Power positions, map control
   • Best Maps: Large open maps with long sightlines

SMGs

1. Aggressive Rush SMG

   • Weapon: MP5/MP7
   • Attachments:
     • Muzzle: Compensator
     • Barrel: Task Force/Rifled
     • Stock: No Stock/Raider Stock
     • Underbarrel: Bruiser Grip/Merc Foregrip
     • Magazine: Extended mags
   • Playstyle: Aggressive rushing, close-quarters combat
   • Best Maps: Small to medium maps with tight spaces

2. Mid-Range SMG

   • Weapon: Bullfrog/P90
   • Attachments:
     • Muzzle: Agency Suppressor
     • Barrel: Task Force/Rifled
     • Optic: Microflex LED
     • Stock: SAS Combat Stock
     • Underbarrel: Field Agent Grip
   • Playstyle: Flexible SMG for varied engagements
   • Best Maps: Medium maps with mixed engagement ranges

Tactical Rifles/Marksman Rifles

1. Semi-Auto Precision

   • Weapon: M16/AUG
   • Attachments:
     • Muzzle: Agency Silencer
     • Barrel: Strike Team Barrel
     • Optic: Axial Arms 3x
     • Underbarrel: Field Agent Grip
     • Magazine: 45 Rnd
   • Playstyle: Mid to long-range precision fire
   • Best Maps: Medium to large maps with long sightlines

2. Quick-Scope Setup

   • Weapon: Kar98k/Swiss K31
   • Attachments:
     • Muzzle: Sound Moderator
     • Barrel: Combat Recon
     • Laser: SWAT 5mw Laser Sight
     • Stock: Raider Stock
     • Rear Grip: Serpent Wrap
   • Playstyle: Aggressive sniping, quick target acquisition
   • Best Maps: Maps with predictable enemy movement lanes

Sniper Rifles

1. Traditional Sniper

   • Weapon: HDR/LW3 Tundra
   • Attachments:
     • Muzzle: Wrapped Suppressor
     • Barrel: Tiger Team Barrel
     • Optic: Variable Zoom Scope
     • Underbarrel: Infiltrator Grip
     • Rear Grip: Airborne Elastic Wrap
   • Playstyle: Long-range support, holding power positions
   • Best Maps: Large maps with open areas and long sightlines

2. Aggressive Sniper

   • Weapon: SPR-208/Pelington 703
   • Attachments:
     • Barrel: Combat Recon
     • Laser: Tac Laser/SWAT 5mw
     • Stock: Raider Stock
     • Rear Grip: Serpent Wrap
     • Magazine: 9 Rnd (for follow-up shots)
   • Playstyle: Mobile sniping, mid-range engagements
   • Best Maps: Medium maps with good rotation opportunities

LMGs

1. Anchor LMG

   • Weapon: PKM/Stoner 63
   • Attachments:
     • Muzzle: Agency Suppressor
     • Barrel: Task Force Barrel
     • Optic: Axial Arms 3x
     • Underbarrel: Field Agent Grip
     • Handle: Airborne Elastic Wrap
   • Playstyle: Holding objectives, locking down lanes
   • Best Maps: Objective-based modes on medium-large maps

2. Mobile LMG

   • Weapon: RPD/Bruen Mk9
   • Attachments:
     • Muzzle: Compensator
     • Barrel: Division Barrel
     • Laser: Tiger Team Spotlight
     • Stock: Raider Stock
     • Handle: Serpent Wrap
   • Playstyle: Push-oriented support, less stationary
   • Best Maps: Objective modes where mobility is important

Shotguns

1. Close-Quarters Shotgun
   • Weapon: Gallo SA12/R9-0
   • Attachments:
     • Muzzle: Agency Choke
     • Barrel: Task Force
     • Body: Steady Aim Laser
     • Stock: Wire Stock
     • Magazine: Extended Tube
   • Playstyle: Building clearing, objective defense
   • Best Maps: Small maps with tight interiors

Pistols (Secondary)

1. Fast-Swap Pistol

   • Weapon: Diamatti/Renetti
   • Attachments:
     • Muzzle: Sound Suppressor
     • Barrel: Task Force
     • Laser: Tiger Team Spotlight
     • Magazine: Extended Mags
     • Handle: Serpent Wrap
   • Use Case: Quick switch when primary runs dry

2. Stealth Pistol

   • Weapon: 1911/Sykov
   • Attachments:
     • Muzzle: Sound Suppressor
     • Barrel: Chrome Lined
     • Trigger Action: Lightweight
     • Magazine: Extended Mag
     • Rear Grip: Speed Tape
   • Use Case: Ghost class secondary, silent operations

Class Setups by Playstyle

Aggressive Rusher

• Primary: MP5/MAC-10 with mobility attachments
• Secondary: Fast-swap pistol or melee weapon
• Tactical: Stun Grenade/Stim Shot
• Lethal: Semtex/Throwing Knife
• Perks:
  • Perk 1: Double Time/Tactical Mask
  • Perk 2: Ghost/High Alert
  • Perk 3: Ninja/Gung-Ho
• Field Upgrade: Dead Silence/Trophy System
• Wildcard: Perk Greed/Gunfighter
• Playstyle Tips:
  • Use slide cancelling for faster movement
  • Clear corners with pre-aim
  • Use tactical equipment before entering rooms
  • Constantly reposition after kills

Objective Player

• Primary: Versatile AR (M4A1/XM4) or reliable SMG (MP7)
• Secondary: Launcher for taking out equipment
• Tactical: Smoke Grenade/Trophy System
• Lethal: Thermite/Frag Grenade
• Perks:
  • Perk 1: Flak Jacket/E.O.D.
  • Perk 2: Trophy System/Cold-Blooded
  • Perk 3: Tactical Mask/Battle Hardened
• Field Upgrade: Trophy System/Deployable Cover
• Playstyle Tips:
  • Play for captures rather than kills
  • Use smoke to cover advances
  • Deploy trophy systems on objectives
  • Coordinate push/defense with teammates

Long-Range Support

• Primary: Sniper Rifle or Tactical Rifle
• Secondary: Close-range SMG or Shotgun
• Tactical: Heartbeat Sensor/Snapshot Grenade
• Lethal: Claymore/Proximity Mine
• Perks:
  • Perk 1: Cold Blooded
  • Perk 2: Overkill/Ghost
  • Perk 3: Amped/Shrapnel
• Field Upgrade: Ammo Box/Tactical Insertion
• Playstyle Tips:
  • Establish overwatch positions
  • Watch common enemy movement lanes
  • Communicate enemy positions to team
  • Reposition after multiple kills from same spot

Stealth Flanker

• Primary: Suppressed SMG or AR
• Secondary: Suppressed Pistol
• Tactical: Heartbeat Sensor/Flash Grenade
• Lethal: Execution Knife/Finishing Move
• Perks:
  • Perk 1: Cold Blooded
  • Perk 2: Ghost
  • Perk 3: Ninja/Tracker
• Field Upgrade: Dead Silence/Field Mic
• Playstyle Tips:
  • Move along map edges
  • Use suppressed weapons consistently
  • Execute rather than shoot when possible
  • Target enemies focused on teammates

Power Position Holder

• Primary: LMG or Long-Range AR
• Secondary: Shotgun or SMG
• Tactical: Gas Grenade/Stim
• Lethal: Claymore/Proximity Mine
• Perks:
  • Perk 1: E.O.D./Tactical Mask
  • Perk 2: Restock/Overkill
  • Perk 3: Amped/Battle Hardened
• Field Upgrade: Trophy System/Deployable Cover
• Playstyle Tips:
  • Control high-traffic areas
  • Set up defensive equipment at entry points
  • Watch multiple lanes from single position
  • Have an escape plan when position is compromised

Comparison Table: Weapon Class Strengths

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge 1: Struggling in Close-Quarters Combat

• Solutions:
  • Improve hip-fire accuracy with laser attachments
  • Use shotgun or fast-firing SMG as secondary
  • Pre-aim when approaching corners
  • Use tactical equipment before entering rooms
  • Practice snap-aiming and centering
  • Adjust sensitivity for quicker target acquisition

Challenge 2: Difficulty with Long-Range Engagements

• Solutions:
  • Build weapons for recoil control and damage range
  • Use higher zoom optics (3x-4x)
  • Mount weapon when possible for stability
  • Take a momentary pause between shots
  • Single-fire or burst-fire at extreme ranges
  • Pick engagements carefully; don’t force long shots

Challenge 3: Dying Too Quickly

• Solutions:
  • Improve map positioning (use cover, avoid open areas)
  • Use E.O.D./Flak Jacket to survive explosives
  • Consider running Stim for quick health regen
  • Check minimap frequently for enemy positions
  • Practice slide cancelling to make yourself harder to hit
  • Use perks like Quick Fix for faster health regeneration

Challenge 4: Running Out of Ammo

• Solutions:
  • Use Scavenger perk to pick up ammo from dead players
  • Equip extended magazines
  • Carry a secondary from a different ammo type
  • Use Munitions Box as field upgrade
  • Be more selective with shots
  • Pick up enemy weapons when necessary

Best Practices and Tips

Tip 1: Weapon Selection Strategy

• Match weapon to your typical engagement range
• Consider map size when selecting primary weapon
• Keep track of current meta changes after patches
• Have different loadouts ready for various maps
• Test new weapons in private matches to learn recoil patterns
• Balance TTK with handling characteristics

Tip 2: Attachment Optimization

• Prioritize attachments that address weapon weaknesses
• Avoid stacking multiple attachments that hurt the same stat
• Consider the trade-offs (e.g., range vs. mobility)
• Build for your playstyle, not just what’s popular
• Adjust optics based on map and engagement distances
• Balance ADS speed with other performance factors

Tip 3: Perk Selection

• Tier 1: Survivability perks (E.O.D., Flak Jacket)
• Tier 2: Information perks (High Alert, Tracker) or stealth (Ghost)
• Tier 3: Movement perks (Ninja, Lightweight) or equipment (Amped)
• Consider perk synergies (e.g., Restock + Shrapnel)
• Adapt perks to game mode (e.g., Spotter for objective modes)
• Use Wildcards/Specialist for advanced perk strategies

Tip 4: Equipment Usage

• Use tactical equipment to gain advantage before gunfights
• Place lethal equipment at common enemy paths
• Trophy Systems on objectives in respawn modes
• Smoke grenades for objective captures
• C4/Semtex for vehicles and campers
• Stim shot for aggressive play styles

Resources for Further Learning

YouTube Channels

• JGOD (weapon stats and analysis)
• XclusiveAce (in-depth weapon breakdowns)
• TrueGameData (statistical analysis)
• IceManIsaac (movement tutorials and loadouts)
• HusKerrs (pro player strategies)

Websites and Tools

• TrueGameData.com (stat comparisons)
• COD Tracker (performance tracking)
• Sym.gg (weapon builder and stats)
• COD Loadout.com (community builds)
• r/CODLoadouts (Reddit community)

In-Game Practice

• Custom games for recoil pattern learning
• Private match movement drills
• 1v1s for gunfight practice
• Hardcore mode for weapon familiarization
• Ground War/Plunder for long-range practice

Quick Reference: Optimal Attachment Focuses by Weapon Type

SMGs

• Focus on: Mobility, Sprint-to-Fire, Hip Fire
• Key attachments: No Stock, 5mW Laser, Short Barrel

Assault Rifles

• Focus on: Recoil Control, ADS Speed, Damage Range
• Key attachments: Compensator, Commando Foregrip, Extended Barrel

LMGs

• Focus on: Recoil Control, ADS Speed, Ammo Capacity
• Key attachments: Infantry Compensator, VLK 3.0x Optic, Tac Laser

Sniper Rifles

• Focus on: ADS Speed, Bullet Velocity, Stability
• Key attachments: Tac Laser, Long Barrel, Focus Perk

Shotguns

• Focus on: Damage Range, Pellet Spread, Movement Speed
• Key attachments: Choke/Marauder, Extended Barrel, 5mW Laser

Tactical/Marksman Rifles

• Focus on: Fire Rate, Recoil Recovery, ADS Speed
• Key attachments: Compensator, Tactical Grip, Precision Stock

This comprehensive Call of Duty loadout guide provides the essential information needed to create effective class setups across all playstyles. Remember that the meta evolves with patches and updates, so always be ready to adjust your loadouts accordingly. The best players continuously refine their setups to match both their personal playstyle and the current state of the game.