14 May 2024 9:47 AM +00:00 UTC

Best XDefiant Vector Loadout and Build

A Vector build placed above a blurred background of XDefiant gameplay, with two characters fighting in close range, one holding an energy shield.

Unlike its inspiration, XDefiant’s SMGs are very much designed to be close-quarter killers. Lacking severely in the range department and packing significant recoil, you’ve got to get up close and personal to reap the rewards. There’s no finer example of this than the best XDefiant Vector loadout, which trades range for raw stopping power.

Providing you can play to its strengths, this Vector build is arguably one of the best XDefiant guns in the meta right now. Sure, you have to get close enough that you could pluck their hair out it rewards you with one of the fastest time-to-kill stats in the entire game within 10 meters - a statistic I tested extensively in the firing range. Yes, this Vector loadout really is that deadly.

Best XDefiant Vector Loadout

The best XDefiant Vector build is:

Muzzle: Barrel Extender
Barrel: Chrome-Lined Barrel
Magazine: Quick Mag
Rear Grip: Quick Draw Grip
Stock: Precision Stock

The SMG weapon type lacks range across the board, though the Vector suffers the most by default. While other SMGs like the MP7 have just enough range to get by, the Vector does need a helping hand to reliably kill enemies at 10-15 meters - which is a common distance to find yourself going toe to toe with an enemy. This is especially important as the Vector’s default magazine doesn’t have any wiggle room to afford to miss shots. Luckily, after some very scientific in the practice range, both of these issues can be solved quite easily.

A Vector build in the loadout screen in XDefiant, showing all the equipped attachments on the SMG.

To make up for the Vector’s extremely limited range, I found the Barrel Extender muzzle and the Chrome-Lined Barrel to be the two most important attachments in this build. The Barrel Extender increases both short and medium range by 10%, though it comes at the expense of recoil recovery and sprint-shoot time. Likewise, the Chrome-Lined Barrel buffs short and medium range by a whopping 20% each, while reducing movement speed by 5% and ADS speed by 15%. We then use the Precision Stock to bring the recoil under control, and then this Vector build can hold its own outside of extreme close range.

Although these are some annoying drawbacks for an SMG, the range increase of these attachments and the improved recoil control are just enough to push the effective damage range to a more reliable level.

A first-person screenshot of a Vector loadout in action in XDefiant, with the player aiming and firing at a distant enemy inside a stadium.

Remember, most maps have some pretty long sightlines. The standard 19 damage per shot upwards of 11 meters, and 11 damage per shot between 11 and 17 meters is incredibly limiting. With these attachments, you’ll now be able to deal 19 damage per shot upwards of 16 meters, and then 11 damage per shot within 23 meters - though the Vector is nowhere near accurate enough for that.

We can make up for the mobility hit with the Quick Draw Grip, which offers 10% improved sprint-shoot time and ADS speed. This brings back mobility to normal levels, letting you rush around the XDefiant maps. Speaking of rushing, the default Vector magazine is just 25, making the Quick Mag a necessity. Increasing magazine size by five and reload speed by 15%, the Quick Mag is essential if you want to reliably kill multiple opponents before needing to reload. Having tried to swap the Quick Mag out for another attachment myself, trust me, it’s not worth it.

The stats screen for a Vector loadout in XDefiant, showing various important statistics. — The increased close-range damage is incredibly helpful, and not much mobility is sacrificed to achieve it.

The increased close-range damage is incredibly helpful, and not much mobility is sacrificed to achieve it.

If you’d rather focus solely on close-range lethality, I recommend using the Muzzle Booster, Rapid Fire Barrel, Superlight Grip, Quick Draw Grip, and Quick Mag. Just remember that you really have to get up in your enemy’s face as this alternative build shoots like a firehose. Nevertheless, it’s great for those XDefiant game modes where you can flank objectives for some quick kills.

XDefiant Vector Class Setup

With your trusty Vector build dominating close-range, the rest of the class setup needs to make up for its shortcomings.

This starts with the 686 Magnum, which I’ve found to be the best sidearm for this class. Equipped with the Muzzle Booster, Quick Draw Grip, and Reflex Sight, the 686 Magnum is perfect for taking down foes at slightly longer ranges, when the Vector is out of its depth. Given its high damage, you can also use it to finish off an enemy with a single shot if your Vector’s mags have run dry. If you’re not a fan of the Magnum though, the D50 is a great alternative.

A Vector class setup in the loadout screen in XDefiant, showing the Vector, the 686 Magnum, and the Frag Grenade.

As for the throwable equipment, there’s really no wrong choice here. I swap between the Frag Grenade and the Sticky Grenade depending on the mode. The Sticky packs more of a punch but the ability to lob the Frag and cook it for the perfect detonation is handy in its own right.

Well, that’s all you need to know to create the best XDefiant Vector loadout. Although its limitations are clear, the Vector is one of the most popular weapons in the XDefiant guns list for a reason. So, give this build a go and see how you do. If you see yourself fancying more range, then perhaps the best XDefiant ACR loadout is more your style. While you're waiting to load into your next match, read up on all the latest XDefiant roadmap and Season 1 news.

For more articles like this, take a look at our Guides , FPS , and XDefiant pages.

Rory Norris

Guides Editor

FPS Expert and Guides Professional

As our Guides Editor, Rory makes sure you’re never stumped in the latest and greatest games. If he’s not cooking up the best builds and loadouts, there’s a good chance he’s waxing poetic about Deep Rock Galactic instead.

Why trust Gfinity Esports ?

Gfinityesports.com started as a community platform for competitive gamers to engage, play & compete with like-minded people. The site moved into producing content for these communities in 2019. All our editors & writers are passionate gamers with 1000's of hours of play time in their favourite titles. All content is written & edited by staff who have played & researched the games.

At Gfinity Digital Media, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of editorial conduct, ensuring the integrity and quality of our content. Editorial independence is fundamental to our mission, allowing us to deliver unbiased verdicts on products and companies while avoiding conflicts of interest. Our editorial staff adheres to a stringent editorial policy to uphold this principle.