Best MW3 Ranked Play classes & top meta loadouts for Season 3
Here are the best MW3 Ranked Play classes & top meta loadouts for Season 3 that are designed to help you earn as much SR as possible in your matches.
Ranked Play raises the stakes in Modern Warfare 3 in every match and as a result, equipping the best loadouts is essential for anyone who wants to climb the Skill Divisions. While you can earn SR with subpar setups, it makes your journey a lot harder, so having the strongest meta weapons for the Season 3 patch is advised.
So, whether you're a CDL fan or an MW3 competitor who is looking for a challenge, here are my recommendations for the best Ranked Play loadouts to dominate your foes in multiplayer.
Best Modern Warfare 3 Ranked loadouts & guns
Best Assault Rifle - MCW
MCW Ranked loadout
- Barrel: Second Line Mammoth Heavy Barrel
- Muzzle: ZEHMN36 Compensated Flash Hider
- Underbarrel: DR-6 Handstop
- Optic: Slate Reflector
- Rear Grip: RB Claw-PSL Grip
In terms of finding a premium AR for Modern Warfare 3 Ranked, it's hard to go wrong with the MCW. This is the number one choice by the majority of pros in the CDL and for good reason. While it did receive a nerf to its headshot multiplier in Season 3, it's still a powerful choice.
A steady recoil pattern, plenty of firepower, and solid mobility make this weapon deadly but most of all consistent. I believe there's no better weapon to have during high-pressure scenarios with SR on the line. You need a gun that will always deliver and as accuracy is the MCW's biggest strength, it's a no-brainer in the AR slot.
Best Submachine Gun - Rival 9
Rival-9 Ranked loadout
- Muzzle: ZEHMN35 Compensated Flash Hider
- Barrel: Rival-C Clearshot Barrel
- Rear Grip: Rival Vice Assault Grip
- Underbarrel: DR-6 Handstop
- Stock: EXF Close Quarters Assault Stock
Similar to the MCW, the Rival-9 is the SMG most favoured by the CDL pros and if the experts are using a gun, it's usually worth taking note. This loadout is a demon at close quarters and perfect for aggressive plays meant to surprise your opponents.
I've opted for the DR-6 Handstop for extra strafe speed, but if you're looking to improve your stability, the XTEN Phantom 5 may be a better way to go.
Best Secondary Handgun - Renetti
Renetti Ranked loadout
- Muzzle: Hole Punch Breacher
- Barrel: MLX Short Competition Barrel
- Optic: Slate Reflector
- Rear Grip: EXF Eclipsor Grip
The Renetti is the top-tier handgun for MW3 Ranked Play and means if you're caught in a pinch, you can always rely on the lethal burst fire of this impressive secondary.
While only suitable for close quarters, I like to think of it as more of an emergency option for when I don't have time to reload.
However, those clutch situations can be the difference between defeat and victory, so don't overlook this gun.
Curious about the best quickscoping loadout or those meta gun loadouts in MW3? We've got you covered. Be sure to also check out our Modern Warfare 3 homepage for all of the latest news and guides.
About The Author
Alex Garton
Alex is a Senior Writer at GGRecon. With a BA (Hons) in English, he has previously written for Dexerto & Gfinity. Specialising in Call of Duty & Apex Legends, he loves (attempting) to improve his aim in competitive shooters and will always make time for a single-player RPG.