Best MCW MW3 loadout, attachments, class & perks

Best MCW MW3 loadout, attachments, class & perks
Sledgehammer Games

Written by 

Jack Marsh

Last updated 

10th Nov 2023 17:30

Contents

Already, the best MCW loadout is dominating Modern Warfare 3, as the ACR-esque assault rifle has landed as the first pick-up for most players and is quickly moving from strength to strength as the meta begins to develop.

Although MW3 is in its infancy, the AR has seen the MCW be adopted quickly over any other gun of its class, and custom loadouts are making it even stronger.

But with so many new bells and whistles to play with, you might need some guidance in exactly how to mold your best MCW MW3 loadout, attachments, class, and perks. That's where we come into play...

Best MCW MW3 loadout

Click to enlarge

Attachments

  • Barrel: 16.5" MCW Cyclone
  • Magazine: 40 Round Mag
  • Underbarrel: Bruen Tactical Vertical Grip
  • Stock: MCW Ironbark Tactical
  • Optic: MK.23 Reflector

When getting to grips with your own MCW MW3 loadout, you'll first want to get yourself a nice optic. Unfortunately, the iron sights aren't too pretty, and neither is the 2x that automatically unlocks, meaning you're actually best leveling up the other assault rifle, the MTZ-556, to level two, which will then unlock the MK.3 Reflector for your MCW.

Then, the MCW is all about accuracy, as it needs no help in the movement department. You'll next want to add the MCW Ironbark Tactical and the 16.5" MCW Cyclone Barrel to your weapon, maximizing range, recoil control, and stability.

The Bruen Tactical Vertical Grip is almost a given for the MCW MW3 loadout as it helps the gun be more compatible at short range, as you'll be much snappier tracking through the narrow streets of Favela.

Finally, the 40 40-round mag is a must-use attachment that'll ensure you never run out of bullets in the middle of a skirmish. It also means you can kill multiple enemies without having to reload.

Best MCW MW3 class: Equipment & perks

Click to enlarge

Perks

  • Gloves: Quick Grip
  • Boots: Lightweight
  • Gear: Tac Mask
  • Vest: Infantry

Equipment

  • Lethal: Frag
  • Tactical: Battle Rage
  • Field Upgrade: A.C.S

Starting with perks, the new formula makes for some nice assault-rifle-centric builds, and the first port of call will be Quick Grip, serving similarly to the old Quickdraw attachment by allowing you to get your gun up "quickly".

Lightweight and Tac Mask will also help you get around the map into those power positions with ease, while the Infantry Vest is the perfect all-around protection for those newcomers.

As for equipment, Battle Rage is extremely overpowered so you'll want that on to avoid death, and the A.C.S has become a perfect ploy for objective players, who can then skirt around the edges of the hills and flag while your drone does the dirty work.

How to unlock the MCW in MW3

In order to unlock the MCW in Modern Warfare 3, you'll need to reach level 44. This may take some time, but it's well worth the grind, especially if you want a top-tier AR to customize.

Best MCW alternative in MW3

If the MCW is a little bit too straight and narrow for you, then the best MCW alternative is the MTZ-556, which is a little less hard-hitting, especially at extremely long distances, but offers a much better mobility rate and can mix it up among the SMGs if it needs to.

Again, you'll need some stability attachments, but for the most part, the MTZ-556 is a viable MCW alternative. 

So, that's it for the best MCW MW3 loadout and you're familiar with the setup, why not check out the Striker so you have a top-tier SMG to pair alongside it? For any more weapon loadouts, check out our Modern Warfare 3 homepage.

Jack Marsh
About the author
Jack Marsh
Jack is an Esports Journalist at GGRecon. Graduating from the University of Chester, with a BA Honours degree in Journalism, Jack is an avid esports enthusiast and specialises in Rocket League, Call of Duty, VALORANT, and trending gaming news.
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