Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
MCW Ranked Play in MW3
Screenshot by The Escapist.
Category:
Guides
Video Games

Best MCW Loadout in MW3 Ranked Play Season 3

Even with nerfs, it's here to stay.
Image of Dan Wenerowicz
Dan Wenerowicz
|

Published: Apr 13, 2024 01:38 pm

Despite the nerf to the most popular Ranked Play weapon, an MCW loadout remains just as important to maintain in Modern Warfare 3 Season 3. This guide will cover what the best build is for the only Ranked assault rifle available after the changes.

Recommended Videos

Best MCW Loadout in Ranked Play MW3

The MCW can be used at any distance, but your goal isn’t to face submachine gun players head-on. Your own AR should be built for ranged fights and mid-range encounters where you can control the map. All the attachments below allow this rifle to stay versatile in any match.

  • Barrel: 16.5″ MCW Cyclone Long Barrel
  • Muzzle: T51R Billeted Brake
  • Underbarrel: XTEN Phantom-5 Handstop
  • Rear Grip: RB Claw-PSL Grip
  • Optic: Slate Reflector
MCW Ranked Play
MCW Ranked Play Loadout (Screenshot by The Escapist).

For Season 3, the most important change is made to the muzzle slot. The L4R Flash Hider was the best option for all of Season 2, but it also took a hit with the base MCW, so a new attachment was needed. We go back to the Billeted Brake for the vertical recoil control and the lack of an ADS penalty. Damage range reduction by 5% used to be a problem with the Billeted Brake. However, the nerf to our main AR means five shots are needed to kill at range anyway.

Related: Best WSP Swarm Loadout in MW3 Ranked Play

All the other attachments are par for the course. The Cyclone Long Barrel has been the best barrel option since day one, even if other options were in the running. Then we have the XTEN Phantom-5 Handstop and the Claw-PSL Grip for some added recoil control without any hits to our mobility on the map.

Best Class and Perks for the MCW in Ranked Play

Ranked is already limited in what perks you can use. The ones that are there can still make a difference, though, and the best MCW class will bolster the weapon even further. Just keep in mind that changes are needed in some cases when you switch game modes.

Vest

  • Infantry Vest

Perks

  • Gloves: Marksman Gloves
  • Boots: Covert Sneakers or Lightweight Boots
  • Gear: EOD Padding

Equipment

  • Tactical: Stun or Smokes for Search and Destroy.
  • Lethal: Frag Grenade or Semtex

Field Upgrade

  • Trophy System

That’s all you need for the full MCW loadout in MW3. Whether it’s for casual matches or another round of Ranked Play, this will be your main option to eviscerate the enemy team.

Post Tag:
Call of Duty
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
The Escapist is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
related content
Author
Image of Dan Wenerowicz
Dan Wenerowicz
Dan Wenerowicz is a Staff Writer at The Escapist, where he helps lead the team's guides coverage of FPS and action games such as Call of Duty, Elden Ring, Diablo 4, and Black Myth: Wukong. He has a Bachelor's in Writing and has worked as a video game journalist for four years, having written and edited for such prominent outlets as Prima Games, Screen Rant, Sportskeeda, GINX TV, and Gfinity. His work has been read by millions of people, and his expertise has helped them better understand and complete video games.