Call of Duty: Warzone players may still be dealing with some frustrating exploits and hacks, but one thing that has gotten significantly better in Season 3 is the game’s weapon balancing. For the first time in a while, several weapons are viable, with players able to choose between far more than a few top-tier guns. As a result, FaZe co-owner NICKMERCS has shared numerous loadouts, with the pro player giving fans the best possible setups for the new meta.
Through NICKMERCS’ many loadout videos, players can find a Call of Duty: Warzone weapon that suits every playstyle. From LMGs to SMGs, the streamer has touched on a number of classes, ensuring that gamers have viable options for primary and secondary guns. While the meta could easily change again in Call of Duty: Warzone Season 4, right now the following weapons are the best in the game. Further, those aiming for the most effective setup for each need look no further, as NICKMERCS’ recommended attachments can all be seen below.
NICKMERCS’ PKM Loadout
On many occasions, NICKMERCS has stated that his go-to weapon in Season 3 is the PKM LMG. In fact, the pro player has stated that if he were to go into a tournament during this Season, the PKM would be his first choice for a primary weapon. Boasting solid damage alongside excellent accuracy and a huge magazine, the gun is well-rounded and reliable. With faster, close-range weapons used as a secondary, NICKMERCS gets the best of both worlds by equipping the gun alongside something smaller. For his PKM loadout, NICKMERCS uses the following attachments, making the most of the gun despite its slow fire rate.
- Muzzle: Monolithic Suppressor
- Barrel: 26.9” Extended Barrel
- Underbarrel: Snatch Grip
- Optic: VLK 3.0x Optic
- Stock: FORGE TAC Stalker
NICKMERCS’ M16 Loadout
For Call of Duty: Warzone fans that enjoyed the AUG meta, NICKMERCS recommends the M16. Carrying the torch following the AUG’s nerf, the M16 ensures that Tactical Rifles are still viable. Another burst weapon, the gun deals some solid damage with pinpoint accuracy. While it is useless at close range, pairing it with a good secondary weapon makes it a fine alternative to something like the PKM. A long-range killer through and through, the M16 setup designed by NICKMERCS is truly deadly.
- Barrel: 15.9” Strike Team
- Muzzle: Agency Silencer
- Optic: Arial Arms 3x
- Underbarrel: Field Agent Foregrip
- Ammunition: 45 Rnd
NICKMERCS’ FARA 83 Loadout
For those that would like to pair an Assault Rifle with the PKM or M16, the FARA 83 is a fine choice. Added as part of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Season 2, the weapon is normally built to excel at long ranges. However, NICKMERCS’ FARA 83 build refines the weapon to be more akin to an SMG. Prioritizing speed over everything else, the pro’s gun setup will see players dropping foes at close-range. While the gun can still do work from a distance as well, NICKMERCS believes that it works best as an SMG-like secondary.
- Muzzle: GRU Suppressor
- Barrel: 18.7” Spetsnaz RPK Barrel
- Stock: KGB Skeletal Stock
- Underbarrel: Infiltrator Grip
- Ammunition: Spetsnaz 50 Rnd
NICKMERCS’ Krig 6 Loadout
The Krig 6 was one of the most high-profile buffs at the start of Season 3, as the gun went from an afterthought to a viable option instantly. As highlighted in the video for NICKMERCS’ Krig 6 loadout, the gun always had the accuracy to compete with other Assault Rifles. Unfortunately, it lacked damage — though that has finally changed. With the gun now packing a punch and doing noticeable damage to the head, chest, and torso, it now has NICKMERCS’ stamp of approval. As such, the pro has provided fans with the best possible build for the gun.
- Muzzle: Agency Suppressor
- Barrel: 19.7” Ranger
- Optic: Axial Arms 3x
- Ammunition: STANAG 60 Round Mag
- Underbarrel: Field Agent Grip
NICKMERCS’ AK-47 Loadouts
Like the Krig 6, the AK-47 was also given a significant buff at the start of Season 3. The reverse of the Krig, the AK-47 always boasted a lot of damage but lacked the accuracy to reach its full potential. Now, it sports both, making it a well-rounded Assault Rifle for Call of Duty: Warzone players to use. With the gun being so versatile, NICKMERCS has shared two different loadouts for the weapon.
If players are interested in NICKMERCS’ SMG-style AK-47 loadout, they can equip the following attachments.
- Barrel: 15.5” Ultralight
- Underbarrel: Spetsnaz Speedgrip
- Ammunition: 45 Rnd
- Rear Grip: Serpent Wrap
- Stock: KGB Skeletal Stock
If players want more of a hard-hitting Assault Rifle, NICKMERCS’ max-damage AK-47 build consists of the following attachments.
- Barrel: 20” Spetsnaz RPK
- Muzzle: GRU Suppressor
- Optic: Microflex LED
- Ammunition: 45 Rnd
- Stock: KGB Skeletal Stock
NICKMERCS’ Grau Loadout
The Grau 5.56 Assault Rifle may struggle with accuracy, but NICKMERCS aims to eliminate the issue with certain attachments. If players use the pro’s build, they should have no problem making use of the gun’s solid damage and ranged capabilities. It also boasts some spectacular bullet velocity, ensuring that each shot fired hits its target without delay. With Call of Duty: Modern Warfare weapons set to be buffed soon as well, it could only get stronger in the coming months. For those interested, here is NICKMERCS’ weapon build for the Grau.
- Muzzle - Monolithic Suppressor
- Barrel - Tempus 26.2″ Archangel
- Optic - VLK 3.0x Optic
- Underbarrel - Commando Foregrip
- Ammunition - 60 Round Mags
NICKMERCS’ Bullfrog Loadout
As for the most underrated gun in Season 3, NICKMERCS believes that the honor should go to the Bullfrog. Also known as the PP19 Bizon, this SMG is incredibly fast following some recent buffs. On top of this, it deals a respectable amount of damage, with the gun’s range also being improved in Call of Duty: Warzone’s latest balancing pass. However, its biggest advantage is its massive magazine size. The same clips that give the gun its unique appearance also allow players to fire it for long periods of time, a feature that is useful in any scenario. For those interested in NICKMERCS' Bullfrog setup, the following attachments are recommended.
- Muzzle: GRU Suppressor
- Barrel: 7.4" Task Force
- Stock: KGB Skeletal Stock
- Ammunition: 65 Rnd
- Rear Grip: Serpent Wrap
NICKMERCS’ LC10 Loadout
As it turns out, one of the best guns in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is a solid choice in Call of Duty: Warzone. For players that want a secondary that can be pulled out quickly in close quarters scenarios, the LC10 SMG is a fine choice. While NICKMERCS does believe there are better options, as he cites the Bullfrog and MP5 as stronger, players can still make the LC10 work. A well-rounded weapon with good mobility and time-to-kill, the gun is only held back by its weak range average accuracy. Still, those interested should give the following attachments a try.
- Barrel: 13.9” Task Force
- Muzzle: Agency Suppressor
- Ammunition: STANAG 55 Rnd
- Rear Grip: Serpent Wrap
- Stock: No Stock
NICKMERCS’ Fennec Loadout
One of NICKMERCS’ most recent loadouts provides fans with a build for Call of Duty: Warzone’s Fennec SMG. While it may not be NICKMERCS’ favorite gun, and he does recommend using it as a secondary, he does also admit its potential. Another weapon that could be buffed alongside the other Call of Duty: Modern Warfare guns, its fast time-to-kill could only become faster in the near future. With NICKMERCS’ build, players can improve the gun’s range, accuracy, and overall handling speed.
- Barrel: ZLR 18” Deadfall
- Underbarrel: Merc Foregrip
- Stock: FTAC C6 Carbine PRO
- Ammunition: 40 Round Drum Mags
- Rear Grip: Stippled Grip Tape
NICKMERCS’ AS Val Loadout
NICKMERCS’ latest Call of Duty: Warzone loadout transforms the AS Val into what is arguably the strongest backup weapon in the game. Citing an even faster time-to-kill than the Fennec as the main reason to try the gun, NICKMERCS stresses that it too should be used as a secondary. However, if only pulled out when players need help in close quarters, its low ammo count can be worked around. If paired with something like the PKM LMG, gamers will have the quintessential loadout for Call of Duty: Warzone Season 3. NICKMERCS’ pocket AS Val requires the following attachments.
- Barrel: VLK 200mm Osa
- Underbarrel: Merc Foregrip
- Stock: Stovl 6P30 Skelet
- Rear Grip: Rubberized Grip Tape
- Ammunition: 30 Round Mags
Call of Duty: Warzone is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
