The best ranked play loadout in Modern Warfare 2

Ranked play has finally arrived in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, adding another layer of accomplishments for CoD players to chase down in multiplayer.

The camo grind has been over for a while for most players, so the new grind begins in the ranked ladder. Offering several skill divisions, rewards, and bragging rights for players to hop online for, the hours will be long and the sweat will be aplenty.

If you’re hopping into MW2’s ranked play, you’re going to need a loadout that will keep you on top of your game and on top of the leaderboards. That’s what we’re here for.

Even after a slight nerf to the two most popular and powerful weapons in season three of MW2, they’re still the go-to picks when it comes to specific roles in the competitive ladder.

Here are the best loadouts and classes to run with in MW2’s ranked play, keeping in mind all of the restricted weapons and items.

Best SMG for MW2 ranked play in season 5

• Muzzle: Lockshot KT85
  • Weight: +0.15 oz
  • Length: +0.16 in
• Barrel: KAS-1 381mm
  • Weight: +0.10 lb
  • Length: +0.40 in
• Stock: Otrezat Stock
  • Weight: -1.16 oz
  • Length: -0.31 in
• Underbarrel: FSS Sharkfin 90
  • Weight: +0.80 oz
  • Length: 0.00 in
• Rear Grip: True-TAC Grip
  • Weight: -0.23 oz
  • Width: -0.45 in

Secondary: Combat Knife
Tactical: Stun
Lethal: Semtex
Perks: Battle Hardened and Double Time, Fast Hands
Field Upgrades: Dead Silence and Trophy System

If you want to climb the ranks as an SMG player in MW2’s ranked ladder, this is the loadout to start with. It’s the standard setup for even the best SMG slayers in the world in the CDL, and it will serve you just fine when making the climb to the Iridescent rank. I absolutely adore this setup.

Related: Best VEL 46 loadout and class setup in MW2

I always make sure to use Dead Silence on approach, and save up my Trophy System for holding down objectives. As the SMG player, I love to be at or around the objective in Hardpoint and Control, and protecting myself and my team from incoming explosives is key.

Best AR for MW2 ranked play in season 5

• Muzzle: Komodo Heavy
  • Weight: -0.10 oz
  • Length: +0.10 in
• Barrel: 17.5″ Tundra Pro Barrel
  • Weight: +0.50 lb
  • Length: +0.40 in
• Stock: TV Cardinal Stock
• Underbarrel: FTAC Tiger Grip
  • Weight: +0.80 oz
  • Length: +0.40 in
• Ammunition: 5.56 High Velocity
  • Weight: +0.70 g
  • Load: 0.00 gr

Secondary: Combat Knife
Tactical: Stun
Lethal: Frag
Perks: Bomb Squad and Double Time, Focus
Field Upgrades: Dead Silence and Trophy System

Assault rifle players, this is the one for you. Hardpoint anchors will want to be able to post up with a TAQ-56 like this that has buffs to its range, accuracy, and recoil control. This is the go-to weapon for CDL pros, so it’ll work just fine in the hands of ranked players everywhere.

Related: The best TAQ-56 loadout and class setup in Modern Warfare 2

This setup works in any of ranked play’s three modes but is especially handy in Search and Destroy, where playstyles are slower and more methodical. The TAQ-56 dominates at range, so I like to keep my distance. If you use this loadout and grind, you should be ranking up in no time.