The XRK Stalker is one of the strongest weapons in MW3, especially when used with a meta loadout that takes advantage of its incredible damage.
When it was introduced back in Season 1, the XRK Stalker quickly became everyone’s favorite sniper. It wasn’t as well received in Warzone due to its previous inability to one shot down, but it has always been a great option in multiplayer.
The XRK Stalker is a powerful weapon that offers both fantastic handling and a reliable one-shot kill. This makes it a top-tier primary that can dominate on every MW3 map as long as you hit your shots.
It has only gone from strength to strength, with huge buffs in Season 5 making it the most consistent sniper rifle in the game, bettering even the KATT-AMR.
Best XRK Stalker MW3 loadout
- Barrel: Handler LKP Short Barrel
- Laser: SL Razorhawk Laser Light
- Optic: SP-X 80 6.6x
- Stock: No Stock
- Bolt: XRK Stalker Light Bolt
When building an XRK Stalker, the number one priority is to make its handling as fast as possible. The most impactful attachment for this is the SL Razorhawk Laser, which is a better version of the FSS OLE-V Laser that used to be meta.
The XRK Stalker’s ADS Speed can be improved further by using both the No Stock and Handler LKP Short Barrel attachments. No Stock is a particularly strong attachment, as it boosts several key stats like aim down sight speed, sprint to fire speed, and movement speed.
It’s also recommended to use a meta optic like the SP-X 80 6.6x. This is a great scope that is zoomed in to an ideal magnification for multiplayer, while also providing a clean reticle that is easy to use.
Last but not least is the XRK Stalker Light Bolt, which boosts the gun’s rate of fire. A faster fire rate makes the sniper more forgiving if you either miss your opening shot. Without this attachment, you will rarely get off a second shot before being gunned down, making it an essential pick.
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Best XRK Stalker class: Perks & equipment
- Vest: Overkill Vest
- Gloves: Marksman Gloves
- Boots: All-Terrain Boots
- Gear: Threat Identification System
- Lethal: Throwing Knife
- Tactical: Stun Grenade
- Field Upgrade: Dead Silence
The Overkill Vest works great with the XRK Stalker, as it lets you use another primary weapon to cover its weaknesses up close. We recommend partnering it with a meta SMG like the Superi 46 or Static-HV for the best loadout possible.
Equally, the Marksman Gloves are also a great option with any sniper, as they reduce idle sway and flinch while aiming in. This added precision can be further enhanced by using Threat Identification System, a gear slot perk that automatically pings enemies whenever you aim at them.
All-Terrain Boots are a less obvious option, increasing movement speed at the cost of disabling Tactical Sprint. As the XRK Stalker’s sprint to fire speed is so slow, you’ll be avoiding Tactical Sprint anyway, making this perk a surprisingly good choice, even if you don’t intend to run around quick scoping.
A Throwing Knife gives you an emergency lethal that can be thrown to secure kills in a pinch, while a Stun Grenade is ideal to slow down enemies pushing you, turning the fight in your favor. Finally, Dead Silence is the best overall Field Upgrade, as it silences your footsteps and provides a small mobility boost, which is perfect for when you want to play more aggressively.
How to unlock XRK Stalker
The XRK Stalker is unlocked through the Armory accessible from Level 25 onward, by activating the sniper rifle and then completing three daily challenges or winning three games.
Best XRK Stalker alternative in Modern Warfare 3
If the XRK Stalker doesn’t work for you, then the MORS is another strong alternative, with the railgun sniper offering both a forgiving one-shot kill and great handling stats.
For more options, be sure to check out MW3’s current meta, as well as the best assault rifles in the game. You’ll also want to make sure you are using the best controller settings and best PC settings to streamline your experience and rack up kills with ease.