Best Call of Duty Weapons and Loadouts in 2026

In 2026, the Call of Duty franchise continues to evolve with new seasons, balance adjustments, and content for titles such as Black Ops 7 and Warzone. In this competitive environment, optimal weapons and loadouts change with each update. This article presents an updated and cross-checked overview of the most effective meta weapons in 2026, along with recommended configurations based on different playstyles.

Current weapon meta in Call of Duty

Trends in 2026, especially in Warzone and competitive multiplayer modes, show a clear dominance of assault rifles with strong recoil control and submachine guns with high mobility. These categories account for most effective engagements at short and medium range.

Assault Rifles

MCW

The MCW remains one of the most well-balanced assault rifles in the current meta. Its combination of consistent damage, recoil control, and effective range makes it viable in short-, medium-, and long-range engagements.

Recommended configuration:

• Muzzle: Shadowstrike Suppressor
• Barrel: 16.5" MCW Cyclone Long Barrel
• Optic: Corio Eagleseye 2.5x
• Underbarrel: FTAC Ripper 56
• Stock: Forge-TAC Elite

This setup prioritizes stability and accuracy for sustained firefights.

MXR-17

The MXR-17 stands out as a solid option for long-range engagements. Its controllable recoil and effective range make it a frequent choice on open maps.

Recommended use:
It performs best when paired with a mobility-focused submachine gun to cover close-range encounters.

Submachine Guns (SMG)

MPC-25

The MPC-25 dominates close-quarters combat thanks to its fast time-to-kill and high mobility. It is a common choice in confined areas and fast-paced engagements.

Recommended configuration:
Attachments focused on improving aim-down-sight (ADS) speed and overall weapon handling.

Carbon 57 (Black Ops 7)

The Carbon 57, introduced through seasonal content, offers a large magazine and versatile performance that allows it to compete even against assault rifles at medium range.

Suggested configuration:
A balanced setup focused on recoil control, effective range, and ADS speed.

Light Machine Guns (LMG) and support weapons

Holger 26

The Holger 26 ranks among the most commonly used LMGs due to its balance between firepower, stability, and sustained performance.

Primary role:
Zone control and team support, particularly in objective-based game modes.

Recommended loadouts by playstyle

Versatile playstyle

• Primary weapon: MCW
• Secondary weapon: MPC-25 or Carbon 57
• Suggested perks: Ghost, Overclock, Fast Hands

Long-range combat

• Primary weapon: MXR-17
• Secondary weapon: High-mobility submachine gun
• Key attachments: Medium-zoom optic and recoil control enhancements

Close-range combat

• Recommended weapons: MPC-25 or Carbon 57
• Configuration focus: ADS speed and overall mobility

In Call of Duty throughout 2026, the meta prioritizes assault rifles with strong recoil control and submachine guns with high mobility. Weapons such as the MCW, MXR-17, MPC-25, Holger 26, and Carbon 57 stand out for their consistent performance across different game modes. Optimal configurations depend on the player’s playstyle and the current balance adjustments.