The STG44 has been a part of Call of Duty since its first entry back in 2003, and Activision brought back the iconic AR for another run, with this loadout turning it into one of the Warzone’s best guns.
This World War II assault rifle last appeared in Vanguard in 2021. Back then, every Call of Duty League pro used the STG44 as the leading AR, and it’s easy to see why.
The hard-hitting weapon shredded through enemies in medium to long-range engagements, and that remains true in Warzone three years on. It is currently one of the best assault rifles and one of the best weapons in the meta, with its high damage being a big reason for that.
In saying this, the STG44 is up against stiff competition and isn’t flawless by any means. However, by using a meta loadout, you can fix these issues and create a truly incredible primary weapon.
Best Warzone STG44 loadout
- Muzzle: Quartermaster Suppressor
- Barrel: Heinrichter C70 Long Barrel
- Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
- Stock: DR79 Combo Stock
- Magazine: 50 Round Drum
Comparing the STG44’s TTK to other meta assault rifles like the SVA 545 and MTZ-556, it kills significantly faster than everything else up to 35 meters but suffers from a harsh damage drop-off outside of this range.
With that in mind, our loadout plays to the STG44’s strengths by improving accuracy and firepower. The Quartermaster Suppressor and DR79 Combo Stock drastically improve recoil, at a small cost of mobility, while also suppressing outgoing fire to keep you hidden.
Meanwhile, the Heinrichter C70 Long Barrel improves damage range and bullet velocity by 28%. Players can opt to use the Ferngewehr 792 Barrel instead, as it also improves recoil control, but the range benefits of that alternative barrel aren’t nearly as impactful.
Next, the JAK Glassless Optic provides the best sights of any short and medium-range optic in Warzone while also being one of the very few to improve firing aim stability. Lastly, the 50 Round Drum provides an extended magazine, which is essential for taking on multiple enemies, especially if you play large-scale modes like Trios and Quads.
Best STG44 class: Perks and equipment
- Perk 1: Double Time
- Perk 2: Sleight of Hand
- Perk 3: Tempered
- Perk 4: High Alert
- Lethal: Frag Grenade
- Tactical: Smoke Grenade
The best perks to use will vary based on playstyle, but Double Time is always a good choice, as it enhances the duration and refresh rate of Tac Sprint, letting you get around the map faster.
Likewise, Sleight of Hand is another perk that you’ll get plenty of use from, speeding up reloads to avoid getting caught out in the heat of a gunfight. With the 50 Round Drum equipped, the STG44’s reload speed is quite slow, so this becomes much more valuable.
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Armor Plates are always hard to come by, but Tempered reduces the full armor requirement from three plates to two, fixing this problem. Finally, High Alert pings your screen when an enemy is looking at you, which removes the feeling of being helpless in your surroundings.
For equipment, the two best options are the Frag Grenade and Smoke Grenade, a classic combination of defense and offense that provides either lethality and utility when you need it most.
STG44 pros and cons
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Fantastic damage range | Low rate of fire |
| Low recoil | Slow handling and mobility |
| Fast long range TTK | Fairly slow close range TTK |
| Unrivalled ease of use |
Where is the STG44 in the Warzone meta?
The STG44 is currently the best weapon in Warzone for medium to long-range engagements. Its incredible accuracy, low recoil, and fast time to kill make it impossible for any other assault rifle, LMG, or battle rifle to match up to it.
In many ways, the STG44 feels similar to the MCW, with both weapons having near identical range. However, the MCW’s TTK is inferior up to 50 meters, which is where the majority of gunfights take place in Resurgence. For this reason alone, the World War II assault rifle is the better option.
However, a nerf in Season 5 Reloaded reduced its close-range damage, leaving it outgunned by the best SMGs within 20 meters. It still dominates beyond this distance, but you should be careful when using the STG44 in close quarters, as it is no longer the jack of all trades powerhouse it was on release.
How to unlock the STG44
To get the STG44, you’ll need to unlock it through the armory by completing 5 daily challenges or earning points by surviving for long enough in Warzone matches.
Warzone STG44 alternatives
The MCW is comparable to the STG44, as it’s also a low-recoil, high-range weapon that is extremely easy to use. Even those in lower skill brackets will have no issues using this gun, with its laser-accurate fire making it more forgiving than just about any other option.
If you’re looking for other top-tier long range weapons to use in Warzone, check out our Pulemyot 762 loadout, as well as the best SVA 545 loadout and best BAL-27 loadout. Otherwise, you might want to try using the best sniper rifles if you want to take a break from the STG.