Best Warzone 2 ranked play loadouts (Season 5)


Screenshot showing Warzone 2 players advancing up staircase holding a submachine gun
Credit: Activision
August 2, 2023: Season 5 kicks off today! Find the best Warzone ranked play loadouts in our guide.

The best Warzone 2 ranked play loadouts are a key ingredient when it comes to achieving success in Warzone's competitive playlist. With so many guns to choose from and with Season 5 officially underway, there are several guns and weapons that stand out from the crowd thanks to their superior performance.

Weapons armed with a low time-to-kill (TTK) will prove popular and with the arrival of the FR Avancer and Carrack .300, there's a chance the competitive meta will receive an adjustment.

Before we reveal the best Warzone 2 ranked play loadouts, take a look at our other guides showcasing the best sniper rifle and when the next double XP event will take place.

What is the best Warzone 2 ranked play loadout?

The best Warzone 2 ranked play loadout features the SO-14 and the ISO 45 submachine gun (SMG). This particular combination gives you plenty of mid-range and close-quarters firepower, making it perfect for any scenario you may find yourself in over the course of a ranked match. Here's a closer look at the strongest attachments to use.

SO-14

  • Muzzle: Lockshot KT85
  • Barrel: 22" Boremaster Barrel
  • Optic: Hybrid Firepoint
  • Ammunition: 7.62 High Velocity
  • Magazine: 50 Round Drum

This set of attachments bolsters damage output, range, accuracy, and recoil control which is perfect for making an impact in Al Mazrah. Although mobility and handling take a hit, the laser-like accuracy guarantees your shots hit the target in the heat of battle.

Screenshot showing Warzone 2 player firing Cronen Squall battle rifle in front of burning plane wreckage
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Credit: Activision

ISO 45

  • Muzzle: Bruen Pendulum
  • Barrel: 7" EX Raptor-V2
  • Stock: Mace 650
  • Ammunition: .45 Auto Hollowpoint
  • Magazine: 45 Round Drum
  • Grenades: Semtex/Smoke Grenades

This set of attachments hinders mobility and handling but the enhancements to accuracy, range, and damage make all the difference. The XTEN RR-40 improves damage range and bullet velocity while the Demo-X2 Grip guarantees minimal recoil so your shots always land where you want them to.

Honourable mentions

With plenty of weapons to choose from, there are other Warzone 2 weapons that make for viable options in ranked play. Here's our list of other guns that are likely to prove popular in Season 5:

Best Warzone 2 ranked play perks

Once you've mastered the weapons featured in your loadout, it's important to select a perk package that improves your performance even further. With ladder points on the line, you'll want every advantage possible. Here's a closer look at the best Warzone 2 ranked play perks:

  • Base: Overkill
  • Base: Double Time
  • Bonus: Fast Hands
  • Ultimate: Ghost

Overkill and Double Time as the base perks are a no-brainer. Overkill allows you to select two primary weapons in the same loadout while Double Time doubles the length of Tactical Sprint which comes in handy when navigating Al Mazrah.

Up next is Fast Hands. The faster reload speed and the ability to use equipment quicker makes all the difference in those heated engagements where one wrong move means a trip to the gulag.

Last and by no means least is Ghost. This allows you to remain undetected by any UAVs patrolling the skies and anyone using a heartbeat sensor to track your location.

Screenshot of Warzone 2 ranked play players holding guns
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Credit: Activision

Best Warzone 2 ranked play equipment

  • Lethal: Throwing Knife
  • Tactical: Smoke Grenade

Using a Throwing Knife is an excellent option in Warzone 2 ranked play as it allows you to eliminate any downed opponent without wasting any ammunition.

The Smoke Grenade is just as useful. Throw it for some improvised cover or rotating into the next circle makes all the difference when attempting to outplay an enemy.

There you have it, that's all there is to know about the best Warzone 2 ranked play loadouts. For more, check out our guide showcasing the best AR and all there is to know about how to unlock the 21 Savage Operator.

For more articles like this, take a look at our Guides and Call of Duty: Warzone 2 page.