Best Guns in the MW4 Beta: Current Meta & Loadouts

The Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta is live now, and Infinity Ward has pushed another weapon tuning pass for the final day. The August 31 update buffs the ISO Nightshade, Han 86, and PPSh-41, while nerfing the FiNN LMG, Type 73, Oris 8.6, M4 Hurricane Apex, and several REZI 12 barrel setups.

Below are the best guns in the MW4 Beta right now, updated for the August 31 balance changes, current Multiplayer performance, and the strongest loadouts available.

These rankings focus on MW4 Multiplayer. Warzone Zodiac Resurgence uses separate weapon tuning for damage ranges, bullet velocity, ADS speed, sprint-to-fire speed, mobility, and other values.

For the complete arsenal, unlock requirements, and weapon levels, check our MW4 Beta weapons guide.

MW4 Beta Meta at a Glance

The M4 and ISO Nightshade remain the two safest meta weapons in the MW4 Open Beta. The M4 stays our best overall pick because its base weapon was untouched on August 31 and remains reliable across most maps and ranges. The ISO is even stronger at close range after its latest damage, range, and headshot buffs.

The Kastov 762 remains our #3 pick, especially with its Kastov 545 Apex setup. The conversion has been nerfed several times during Weekend Two, but it still gives the Kastov a smoother and highly competitive alternative to the base rifle.

The biggest mover in our ranking is the Han 86. Its maximum and minimum damage were both increased on August 31, while the PPSh-41 also received small range buffs. The FiNN LMG moves down after losing maximum damage and some medium-range reach.


The final-day patch strengthens the top of the meta more than it overturns it. M4 remains the safest all-round choice, ISO is stronger than it was yesterday, and Han 86 is now much more competitive with the other assault rifles.

Best Guns in the MW4 Beta Ranked

1. M4: Best Overall Gun in the MW4 Beta

The M4 remains our pick for the best overall gun in the MW4 Beta. It combines manageable recoil, good mobility, solid range, and enough flexibility to work on almost every Multiplayer map.

The Open Beta version is weaker at close range than the M4 used during Early Access. Infinity Ward reduced its maximum damage from 28 to 24.

At the same time, its maximum damage range was extended from 20.3 meters to 26.3 meters, while minimum damage increased from 16 to 19.

That gives the M4 a flatter damage profile. It no longer has the same explosive close-range damage, but it remains extremely consistent across normal Multiplayer distances.

The M4 unlocks at Player Rank 9.

Best M4 Loadout in the MW4 Beta

• Muzzle: FSS IS300
• Underbarrel: FSS Fireline Grip
• Rear Grip: Brace DX Grip
• Stock: PF1 Fixed Stock
• Laser: SA LAZ-500

The current M4 meta build focuses heavily on recoil control, stability, and consistent handling. It also skips an optic, allowing all five attachment slots to improve the weapon itself.

If you dislike the M4 iron sights, you can replace the laser or stock with a clean low-magnification optic such as the Slimline Elite.

Recommended Class:

• Perk 1: Quick Fix
• Perk 2: Fast Hands
• Perk 3: Blood Rush
• Tactical: Flash Grenade
• Lethal: Frag Grenade
• Field Upgrade: Trophy System or DDoS

Once fully leveled, the M4 unlocks the M4 Hurricane Apex Attachment. It converts the rifle into a top-loading 5.7x28mm configuration with different handling and fire-rate characteristics.

The Hurricane has now been nerfed again. On August 31, its maximum damage dropped from 30 to 27 and its head damage multiplier fell from 1.30 to 1.25.

That makes the standard M4 even easier to recommend as the all-purpose version. Hurricane is still a useful conversion, but it is no longer as dominant at close range as it was earlier in Weekend Two.

You can see exactly how the conversion works in our MW4 Apex Attachments guide.

2. ISO Nightshade: Best SMG in the MW4 Beta

The ISO Nightshade remains our best close-range gun in the MW4 Beta, and the August 31 update made it stronger again after its earlier Weekend Two nerfs.

Its maximum damage was increased from 20 to 21, while its maximum damage range moved from 9.9 to 10.1 meters. Its first medium damage range was also extended from 18.2 to 18.9 meters.

Infinity Ward also increased its head damage multiplier from 1.25 to 1.30.

The ISO still loses efficiency quickly when you challenge assault rifles across open lanes, but the latest buff reinforces it as the strongest aggressive SMG and one of the two safest overall Beta picks.

The ISO is available immediately.

Best ISO Nightshade Loadout

• Barrel: ZLR Carbon-900
• Muzzle: FSS Crackdown
• Underbarrel: FSS TAC90 Grip
• Rear Grip: Demo STP-1
• Laser: XRK Clutch-LS

This build improves recoil control and stability while keeping the ISO fast enough to play aggressively.

The Carbon-900 and TAC90 help stretch the weapon beyond point-blank range, while the STP-1 and XRK Clutch-LS help keep the gun responsive.

Recommended Class:

• Perk 1: Ninja
• Perk 2: Fast Hands
• Perk 3: Blood Rush
• Tactical: Concussion Grenade
• Lethal: Frag Grenade
• Field Upgrade: Trophy System

The ISO also has the ISO TRACE Apex Attachment. Its specialized RFID ammunition can mark enemies you hit and feed movement information to its integrated display.

For aggressive Hardpoint, Domination, Hijack, and close-range map routes, the ISO remains one of the hardest weapons to beat.

3. Kastov 762: Best Apex Assault Rifle

The Kastov 762 is back near the top of the MW4 Beta meta, especially once you unlock its Kastov 545 Apex Attachment.

The base rifle was heavily nerfed for Weekend Two. Maximum damage dropped from 34 to 30, medium damage dropped from 29 to 24, and minimum damage dropped from 23 to 21.

That sounds severe, but the weapon still offers high per-shot damage and strong ranged performance if you can control its recoil.

More importantly, its Kastov 545 Apex build remains one of the strongest complete weapon setups in Multiplayer.

The Kastov 762 unlocks at Player Rank 21.

Best Kastov 762 Loadout

• Muzzle: Gauge-12 Mono
• Underbarrel: FSS Fireline Grip
• Stock: Spetsnaz S10 Stock
• Optic: Slimline Elite
• Laser: XRK Clutch-LS
• Apex: Kastov 545

Remember that the Apex Attachment does not consume one of your five normal Gunsmith slots.

The Kastov 545 conversion fires 5.45x39mm ammunition and makes the weapon easier to handle during rapid follow-up shots. The current build combines that conversion with recoil control and stability attachments to create a much smoother rifle than the standard heavy-hitting Kastov.

Infinity Ward has nerfed the Kastov 545 several times during Weekend Two, including lower damage and much shorter effective ranges. Even after those changes, the complete Kastov setup remains one of the strongest high-level AR builds in the Beta.

4. KG-7 Vulcan: Best Sniper in the MW4 Beta

The KG-7 Vulcan remains the best sniper in the MW4 Beta.

Its raw maximum damage was not reduced in the Open Beta patch. Instead, its 102-damage maximum range increased from 56.8 meters to 67.5 meters.

There is one major downside. Infinity Ward increased the flinch received by all sniper rifles by 28%.

That makes positioning and landing the first shot more important, but the Vulcan's strong one-shot potential keeps it at the top of the sniper class.

Best KG-7 Vulcan Loadout

• Barrel: Haebang Naseon V.5 26"
• Muzzle: DS RKT-90
• Magazine: 6 Round Mag
• Stock: Bruen KG-7 Mk. IV
• Laser: XRK Clutch-LS
• Apex: KG-9 Drillcharge

This build keeps the Vulcan powerful at range while improving handling and giving you six rounds before reloading.

The KG-9 Drillcharge Apex also adds unusual utility. Its projectiles drill into surfaces before detonating, allowing you to pressure enemies hiding behind cover.

Recommended Class:

• Perk 1: Ninja
• Perk 2: Fast Hands
• Perk 3: Blood Rush
• Tactical: Concussion Grenade
• Lethal: Frag Grenade
• Field Upgrade: Portable Radar
• Secondary: Krait P68

The KG-7 Vulcan is especially useful on larger sightlines where you have more opportunities to take advantage of its extended maximum damage range.

Check our MW4 Beta maps and modes guide for the current Multiplayer lineup.

5. Han 86: Best Easy-to-Use AR

The Han 86 is one of the biggest winners from the August 31 weapon update. It remains easy to control and available immediately, but it now has enough extra damage to move much closer to the top ARs.

Infinity Ward increased its maximum damage from 22 to 23 and its minimum damage from 18 to 19. Its maximum damage range remains a useful 28.4 meters.

The Han still lacks some of the M4's flexibility and the Kastov's Apex ceiling, but the final-day buff makes it a much stronger all-round recommendation than it was at the start of Weekend Two.

Best Han 86 Loadout

For the current build, prioritize:

• Horizontal and vertical recoil control
• Gun kick control
• Damage range where available
• ADS speed
• A clean close-range optic if needed

You can also use Gunny's Balanced recommendation as a starting point and replace attachments that slow the rifle too much.

The Han 86 becomes more interesting once fully leveled because it unlocks the Han X20 Skybreaker Apex Attachment, which adds a 20mm airburst launcher.

It is also tied to the Beta Forged Weapon Blueprint at Player Level 30. You can see that and every other limited reward in our MW4 Beta rewards guide.

6. Patriot XMR: Best Late-Unlock AR to Watch

The Patriot XMR remains one of the more interesting late-unlock guns in the MW4 Open Beta.

It unlocks at Player Rank 25 and is built around high-impact automatic fire at mid-to-long range.

Infinity Ward reduced its maximum damage from 35 to 30 before Weekend Two, but its maximum damage range increased from 22.2 meters to 29.9 meters. Its headshot multiplier also increased from 1.22 to 1.3.

That gives the Patriot an unusual balance. It no longer has the same raw close-range damage, but it can keep its strongest damage value across a much longer distance.

The main weakness is recoil. Controlled bursts and a stable build are important if you want to take advantage of its damage.

Best Patriot XMR Loadout

The Patriot is still newer to normal Multiplayer progression than the M4, ISO, and Kastov, so its exact five-attachment meta is less settled.

For now, build around:

• Vertical recoil control
• Horizontal recoil control
• Aim stability
• Gun kick control
• A clean optic for mid-to-long-range fights

The Patriot also unlocks the Patriot XMR Volt Apex Attachment. It adds an underbarrel launcher that fires a spread of high-voltage darts designed to stun targets before you finish them with the rifle.

7. PPSh-41: Best Aggressive SMG Alternative

If you want an SMG built almost entirely around pressure and fire rate, the PPSh-41 remains a strong alternative to the ISO Nightshade.

Its best-in-class rate of fire and large ammunition capacity are still its main advantages. Weekend Two reduced its damage heavily, but the August 31 patch gave it a small range buff.

Maximum damage remains 19, but its maximum damage range increased from 10.4 to 10.8 meters. Its first medium damage range was also extended slightly, from 19.4 to 19.8 meters.

The PPSh is still heavily dependent on its extreme fire rate, but the latest change gives it a little more room to stay competitive before its damage begins dropping off.

Keep engagements short and avoid trying to turn it into a long-range rifle.

Best PPSh-41 Loadout

• Barrel: Hanbit Chimmuk-Intr
• Underbarrel: Mire-50 TAC Grip
• Magazine: 53 Round Mag
• Stock: Hanbit RDW-F
• Laser: XRK Clutch-LS

This build keeps the PPSh focused on sprint-to-fire speed, aggressive movement, and close-range pressure.

Do not overbuild the PPSh for recoil at the cost of movement. The main reason to use it instead of an assault rifle is its ability to move quickly and overwhelm enemies inside its strongest range.

Its PPSh-41 Ember Apex Attachment adds an underbarrel system that fires pyrotechnic projectiles and leaves burning areas behind.

8. FiNN LMG: Best LMG in the MW4 Beta

The FiNN remains our preferred LMG in the MW4 Beta, but it drops down the overall ranking after the August 31 nerf.

Infinity Ward reduced its maximum damage from 33 to 30. Its 28-damage medium range was also shortened, now ending at 43.7 meters instead of 47 meters. Minimum damage remains 26.

The FiNN still works well for lane control, sustained fire, and objective defense, but its raw damage advantage is smaller than it was earlier in Weekend Two.

Handling remains the main trade-off. It cannot match an M4 or ISO when constantly sprinting, sliding, and snapping between targets.

The FiNN is available immediately and has 52 weapon levels.

Best FiNN LMG Loadout

• Barrel: TT Seongun 508MM
• Muzzle: Corvus Lvl-40
• Underbarrel: Bipod
• Rear Grip: Schlager KM60-G
• Optic: Slimline Elite

This setup focuses on recoil control and ranged stability. The Bipod becomes especially useful if you are defending a lane or objective and can mount the weapon from prone.

Its FiNN Adverse Apex Attachment greatly increases the weapon's rate of fire. Sustained fire can overheat the weapon, so it works best in controlled bursts of extremely high-output fire.

Other MW4 Beta Guns Worth Using

The weapons above are our main recommendations, but several other guns remain useful depending on your playstyle.

Hyeon Burst

The Hyeon Burst unlocks at Player Rank 18 and uses three-round burst fire.

It received one of the larger Open Beta damage reductions. Maximum damage dropped from 36 to 30, medium damage from 31 to 24, and minimum damage from 28 to 22.

Its Hyeon Auto and Hyeon Hyperburst Apex Attachments still make it interesting. Hyperburst lost some effective range earlier in Weekend Two, while the base Hyeon received a small August 31 buff to its neck damage multiplier from 1.0 to 1.1.

The Apex versions remain more interesting than the standard burst setup in the current meta.

REZI 12

The REZI 12 remains the only shotgun in the Beta arsenal.

It works best on tight routes, indoor objectives, and situations where you can force very short engagements. Its effective ranges were shortened during Weekend Two, and the August 31 update reduced the range bonuses on the Haebang 635R-7 and ZLR Rogue 90 long barrels.

The shotgun is still dangerous up close, but trying to stretch it beyond its intended range is less effective than it was earlier in the Beta.

Type 73

The Type 73 is a fast-cycling LMG, but it was hit hard again on August 31.

Maximum damage dropped from 28 to 22, its maximum damage range shortened from 26 to 24.9 meters, and its medium damage dropped from 22 to 21. Infinity Ward partially compensated by increasing its neck and upper-torso multipliers from 1.0 to 1.1.

Its Apex setup remains worth experimenting with, but the FiNN is still our easier LMG recommendation for most players.

X-58 Nyx

The X-58 Nyx unlocks at Player Rank 27.

It combines integrated suppression, subsonic ammunition, low recoil, and strong stealth utility. However, it received one of the harshest damage adjustments before Weekend Two.

Maximum damage dropped from 29 to 22, its first medium damage value dropped from 22 to 18, and minimum damage dropped from 14 to 13.

Its headshot multiplier increased slightly from 1.2 to 1.25.

The X-58 Void Apex takes the stealth theme further by hiding enemy death markers and reducing directional hit information.

Signal .50

The Signal .50 unlocks at Player Rank 30, making it the final weapon unlock in the Beta progression track.

It offers strong .50 Cal stopping power and more stable follow-up shots than a traditional bolt-action rifle.

The Open Beta update reduced its upper-torso multiplier from 1.75 to 1.3 and slightly shortened one of its longer damage ranges. All snipers also received 28% more flinch.

The Signal is still a viable sniper, but the KG-7 Vulcan remains our stronger overall recommendation.

Best MW4 Beta Gun for Every Playstyle

If you do not want to compare every weapon, use this table as a quick starting point.


The best choice still depends heavily on the map. An ISO Nightshade can dominate inside buildings and around objectives, while the M4, Kastov, FiNN, Patriot, and KG-7 become more useful when the map gives you longer sightlines.

How the Latest MW4 Beta Weapon Changes Affected the Meta

Infinity Ward continued adjusting weapons through the final day of the Open Beta. The August 31 patch does not overturn the entire tier list, but it strengthens several already-viable weapons and pulls back some of the guns that were outperforming their class.

The most important current changes are:

• ISO Nightshade: Maximum damage increased from 20 to 21, maximum damage range increased to 10.1 meters, the first medium range increased to 18.9 meters, and the head multiplier increased from 1.25 to 1.30.
• Han 86: Maximum damage increased from 22 to 23 and minimum damage increased from 18 to 19.
• PPSh-41: Maximum damage range increased from 10.4 to 10.8 meters, with a small extension to its first medium range.
• FiNN LMG: Maximum damage reduced from 33 to 30 and its 28-damage medium range shortened from 47 to 43.7 meters.
• Type 73: Maximum damage reduced from 28 to 22, medium damage reduced from 22 to 21, and both main damage ranges shortened. Neck and upper-torso multipliers increased to 1.1.
• Oris 8.6: Its first two effective damage ranges were shortened, reducing how far it keeps its strongest damage values.
• Krait P68: Its third damage tier increased from 33 to 34 and now extends slightly farther.
• Hyeon Burst: Neck damage multiplier increased from 1.0 to 1.1.
• M4 Hurricane Apex: Maximum damage reduced from 30 to 27 and head damage multiplier reduced from 1.30 to 1.25.
• REZI 12: Damage-range bonuses on the Haebang 635R-7 and ZLR Rogue 90 long barrels were reduced.

Earlier Weekend Two tuning had already reduced damage across much of the arsenal and increased flinch on Sniper Rifles by 28% and Marksman Rifles by 17%. Several Apex Attachments, including Kastov 545, Hyeon Hyperburst, MAR-9 Auto, FiNN Adverse, Type 73 Assault, and REZI Apex Slugs, were also retuned.

The current result is still a fairly compressed meta. M4 and ISO remain the safest picks, Kastov 762 is still excellent with the right Apex setup, and Han 86 is much more competitive after its final-day buff. FiNN remains useful, but it no longer has the same damage advantage it held earlier in Weekend Two.

Do Apex Attachments Change the MW4 Meta?

Yes. Apex Attachments can completely change which version of a weapon is strongest.

They are not normal stat attachments. An Apex can change a weapon's caliber, firing mode, ammunition, utility, or add an entirely new secondary system.

Another major difference is that Apex Attachments do not consume one of your normal Gunsmith attachment slots. You can equip five normal attachments and then add the Apex separately.

The Kastov 545 remains one of the most important Apex builds in the current Beta, although Infinity Ward has reduced its damage and range several times during Weekend Two. The M4 Hurricane is also still useful, but its August 31 nerf lowered maximum damage from 30 to 27 and its head multiplier from 1.30 to 1.25.

That makes Apex selection more situational than it was at the start of the Beta. A conversion can still make a weapon dramatically stronger or more specialized, but the strongest Apex builds are now being tuned separately from their base guns.

Other examples include:

• M4 Hurricane: Converts the M4 into a 5.7x28mm configuration.
• ISO TRACE: Adds target-tracking RFID ammunition.
• Kastov 545: Converts the Kastov 762 to 5.45x39mm.
• Kastov ARC: Adds an RF disruption system.
• Han X20 Skybreaker: Adds a 20mm airburst launcher.
• PPSh-41 Ember: Adds pyrotechnic area-control projectiles.
• FiNN Adverse: Greatly increases the FiNN's rate of fire with an overheating mechanic.
• KG-9 Drillcharge: Adds drill-charge projectiles to the KG-7 Vulcan.
• X-58 Void: Improves stealth by hiding death markers and reducing directional hit information.

Apex Attachments unlock by leveling supported weapons. See our complete MW4 Apex Attachments list for every confirmed Apex and what it does.

How to Unlock and Level the Best MW4 Beta Guns

The Open Beta level cap is Player Level 30, which means all standard Multiplayer progression weapons can now be unlocked.

Double Weapon XP is live now, making the final Open Beta window the fastest time to progress these guns, unlock their normal attachments, and reach Apex Attachments on supported weapons.


If you want every exact weapon unlock, including Default Loadout and Campaign-only weapons, see our full MW4 Beta weapons list.

For the complete Beta schedule, progression system, rewards, maps, weapons, and other features, read our complete Modern Warfare 4 Beta guide.