Best MW3 Ranked Play classes & top meta loadouts for Season 3

Best MW3 Ranked Play classes & top meta loadouts for Season 3
Images via Activision

Written by 

Alex Garton

Last updated 

15th Apr 2024 16:56

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 MW3 gunsmith
Click to enlarge

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 gunsmith MW3
Click to enlarge

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 Handgun CoD
Click to enlarge

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.

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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.

Alex Garton
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.
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