The best HRM-9 loadout in Warzone season 3

The WSP Swarm escaped unscathed from a nerf in the MW3 Season Two Reloaded update, but Sledgehammer Games did the next best thing by introducing a new competitor in the form of the HRM-9.

The Call of Duty: MW3 devs describe the HRM-9 as a “light yet stable 9mm submachine gun for close-quarters combat and putting down enemies quickly.” An impressive combination of mobility and handling, paired with the ability to shred through enemies easily, made Warzone’s new SMG an immediate contender.

And now, a season later, it’s rocketed to the top of the meta. Here is everything you need to know about maximizing the lethal SMG’s potential in the best HRM-9 build for Warzone.

Best HRM 9 loadout in Warzone

Based on weapon stats, the HRM-9 has a time-to-kill of 612 milliseconds in Warzone. That TTK originally extended to 20 meters, but the season two update reduced the SMG’s maximum damage range to 12.9 meters. It’s still one of the most-used weapons in the game, though, so it’s working just fine.

The HRM-9 is arguably the best short-range meta weapon in season three, even after being nerfed, after other more harsh nerfs to several meta SMGs in the game. It now sits alone atop the throne, for now.

Best HRM 9 build in Warzone

• Muzzle: L4R Flash Hider
• Barrel: Princeps Long Barrel
• Underbarrel: DR-6 Handstop
• Stock: Folding Stock
• Magazine: 50 Round Drum

The HRM-9 suffers from a difficult-to-control recoil pattern, so our loadout focuses on improving accuracy without losing mobility. To start, the L4R Flash Hider and Folding Stock improves recoil and gun kick control. Meanwhile, the Princeps Long Barrel improves bullet velocity and range and removes some aiming idle sway.

Next, to keep up with other close-range meta options, the DR-6 Handstop provides improved handling and mobility at the small cost of hip-fire spread and aim walking steadiness.

A 30-round magazine isn’t enough to take down multiple enemies with 300 health fully armored, so we recommend bumping that ammo count up to 50. Finally, don’t worry about using an attachment slot on an optic, as the HRM-9’s iron sights resemble the Grau’s iconic, clean sightline from the original Warzone.

Best HRM 9 perks and equipment in Warzone

• Perk Package
  • Perk One: Double Time
  • Perk Two: E.O.D.
  • Perk Three: Tempered
  • Perk Four: High Alert
• Secondary weapon: RAM-7 or SOA Subverter
• Lethal: Frag Grenade
• Tactical: Smoke Grenade

Our custom Perk Package is designed to increase mobility and make your operator harder to kill with how fast the TTK can sometimes feel. Let’s start with Double Time, which increases the tac-sprint duration and reduces its refresh rate. Next, E.O.D. received a buff in Season One Reloaded, so enemies can only do a maximum of 120 damage with a grenade when the perk is equipped.

We believe Tempered is the best perk in Warzone as it makes it possible to achieve full armor with two plates instead of three. To round out the package, High Alert counters Warzone’s fast time-to-kill by warning you when an enemy is looking in your direction.

The SMG pairs best with a long-range meta weapon like the RAM-7 or SOA Subverter. Finally, frag grenades and smoke grenades make for a great one-two punch to finish off a downed enemy or escape a gunfight.