Best Modern Warfare 3 Ranked Play Loadouts

share to other networks share to twitter share to facebook
Modern Warfare 3 ranked players holding weapons with player inside ruined building in background
Credit: Activision
April 23, 2024: The weapon evaluation is now over so we've updated the best MW3 ranked play loadouts to reflect the new meta.

On the hunt for the best Modern Warfare 3 ranked play loadouts? We've got all the intel you need to secure victory in Call of Duty's latest take on a competitive playlist.

If you're looking to play like the pros, Modern Warfare 3 ranked play is the place for you to climb the ladder and potentially make it into the top 250 players in the world. Just like other game modes, selecting the best weaponry is key to succeeding but with ranked play featuring a wealth of restrictions, the meta looks significantly different to what you may see in Team Deathmatch and Domination.

But, before we take a closer look at the best Modern Warfare 3 ranked play loadouts, check out the best sniper rifle and when the next double XP event is expected to take place.

What Are the Best MW3 Ranked Play Loadouts?

Keep scrolling for a closer look at the best MW3 ranked play loadouts to use. Alongside the MCW and the Rival-9, we've also included other viable options capable of making an impact.

MCW

Since the launch of Modern Warfare 3, the MCW has dominated the assault rifle category thanks to its fast rate of fire and minimal amounts of recoil. This makes it the perfect option to lock down lanes throughout a ranked play match.

This particular build focuses on controlling the recoil to maximise long-distance performance. On maps such as Invasion and Karachi, the MCW is an ideal weapon to dominate the battlefield.

Modern Warfare 3 player aiming down sights of rifle with teammate in background
click to enlarge
+ 2
Credit: Activision

Rival-9

For those who prefer faster movement and getting up close and personal with the opposition, the Rival-9 is the strongest SMG to use in Modern Warfare 3 ranked play.

The build above minimises recoil while the rest of the attachments minimise any damage drop-off and boost its range so it can content at longer distances.

Renetti

Switching to your pistol is always faster than reloading the magazine and when split-second decisions make all the difference, having a Renetti in the back pocket is an excellent option in Modern Warfare 3 ranked play.

Due to the rules and restrictions, this build only features two attachments but this particular pairing is the best to use right now.

Modern Warfare 3 frag grenade placed on table
click to enlarge
+ 2
Credit: Screengrab via Activision

What are The Best MW3 Ranked Play Grenades?

  • Lethals: Semtex / Frag Grenades
  • Tacticals: Stun Grenade / Smoke Grenade

Picking the right pieces of equipment is just as important as picking the weapon that suits your style of play. For lethals, selecting a Semtex or Frag Grenade is the top choice for ranked play action.

The sticky nature of Semtex guarantees a kill if it sticks to an enemy but if you're master of specific nade spots, the Frag may be more useful.

Stun Grenades slow down the movement of anyone who stands near it when it detonates, making them easy pickings. The smoke grenade could prove more versatile as it blocks lanes and various lines of sight which could make all the difference when trying to secure control of an area of the map.

Best Modern Warfare 3 Ranked Play Perks

  • Vest: Infantry
  • Gloves: Assault / Marksman
  • Boots: Lightweight / Covert Sneakers
  • Gear: EOD Padding

Selecting the best perk combination ultimately comes down to your style of player. In Search and Destroy, you may want to opt for Covert Sneakers to keep your footstep audio quiet but in respawn modes, the additional mobility from Lightweight Boots is more beneficial.

What is the best MW3 ranked Field Upgrade?

  • Trophy System
  • Dead Silence

These are the very best Field Upgrades to use as part of a ranked play loadout. Trophy Systems block incoming grenades which comes in handy when stopping early grenades at the start of a Search and Destroy round or when locking down a Control point.

On the other hand, Dead Silence allows you to move around the map without any footstep audio without sacrificing a perk slot, making it easier to make flanks and to keep the enemy guessing.

Loading...

There you have it, that's all there is to know about the best Modern Warfare 3 ranked play loadouts. For more Call of Duty, head over to our Warzone page for the latest battle royale intel.

For more articles like this, take a look at our Guides , Call of Duty , Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 , and FPS pages.