Best Guns in the MW4 Beta: Current Meta & Loadouts

The Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta is live now, and the weapon meta is starting to settle after Infinity Ward's huge Weekend Two balance pass. Every Beta weapon was adjusted, many of the strongest ARs and SMGs lost damage, and several Apex Attachments were also changed.

Below are the best guns in the MW4 Beta right now, based on the latest Open Beta weapon tuning, current Multiplayer meta, 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 is our best overall pick because it works across almost every map and range, while the ISO remains the stronger option for aggressive close-range fights.

The Kastov 762 has moved back up our ranking. Its base weapon was nerfed, but the Kastov 545 Apex build is currently one of the strongest complete setups in the Beta.

The KG-7 Vulcan remains the sniper to beat. The Patriot XMR is also emerging as one of the most interesting Rank 21-30 weapons, while the FiNN LMG remains a strong option for sustained fire and objective play.


The Level 21-30 weapons are now available through normal Open Beta progression, so the late-unlock meta is much clearer than it was at the start of Weekend Two. The exact order can still move if Infinity Ward releases another balance update before the Beta ends.

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 was nerfed in the Open Beta balance pass, but it remains one of the strongest Apex setups available. The standard M4 is still the easier all-purpose build, while Hurricane gives you another high-end option once the weapon is fully leveled.

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. It was hit hard by several balance changes, but its speed, mobility, and fire rate still make it one of the strongest Multiplayer weapons.

Its maximum damage was reduced from 23 to 20. Infinity Ward also removed one of its previous damage ranges and shortened its overall effective range.

Its headshot multiplier received a small increase from 1.2 to 1.25.

The result is a weapon that remains excellent inside its intended range but is less forgiving when you challenge assault rifles across open lanes.

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 is currently 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 shortened several damage ranges on the Kastov 545 during Weekend Two, but the complete build remains extremely competitive.

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 and Weekend Two maps 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. Patriot XMR: Best Late-Unlock AR to Watch

The Patriot XMR has quickly become one of the most 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.

6. FiNN LMG: Best LMG in the MW4 Beta

The FiNN is our preferred LMG in the MW4 Beta.

Many of the strongest Weekend One weapons lost significant close-range damage during the Open Beta balance pass. The FiNN avoided the same treatment.

Its maximum damage remains 33 and its medium damage remains 28. Infinity Ward also increased its maximum damage range, extended its medium damage range, and raised its minimum damage from 24 to 26.

The downside is still handling. It cannot match an M4 or ISO when constantly sprinting, sliding, and snapping between targets.

However, if you hold lanes, defend objectives, or play larger maps, the FiNN is still a strong choice.

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.

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. However, the Open Beta patch reduced its damage heavily.

Maximum damage dropped from 22 to 19, while its first two medium damage values were also reduced. Its minimum damage increased slightly from 11 to 12.

The PPSh is therefore more dependent on its extreme fire rate than before.

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. Han 86: Easy-to-Use AR Alternative

The Han 86 remains one of the easiest rifles to use from the moment you start the Beta, but it sits below the M4, Kastov, and Patriot in the current AR meta.

Its maximum damage fell from 26 to 22. Infinity Ward also removed its previous medium damage tier and reduced its neck and upper-torso multipliers from 1.1 to 1.

The trade-off is a longer maximum damage range, which now reaches 28.4 meters.

It is still smooth, forgiving, and available immediately. It simply does not have the same raw killing power it had earlier in the Beta.

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.

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. The Apex versions are more competitive 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 slightly for the Open Beta, so staying close matters even more now.

Type 73

The Type 73 is a fast-cycling LMG with balanced recoil and strong sustained fire.

It received lower damage through most of its profile, including maximum damage dropping from 30 to 28 and medium damage from 27 to 22.

Its Apex setup remains worth experimenting with, but the FiNN is 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 Open Beta Weapon Changes Affected the Meta

Infinity Ward made its biggest weapon balance pass of the Beta before opening Weekend Two.

Instead of increasing player health, the developers changed weapon damage directly to produce a slightly longer TTK. Every weapon in the Beta received an update.

Some of the most important changes for the current meta include:

• M4: Maximum damage reduced from 28 to 24, but its strongest damage range was extended and minimum damage increased.
• ISO Nightshade: Maximum damage reduced from 23 to 20, with a small headshot multiplier increase.
• Kastov 762: Maximum damage reduced from 34 to 30, with lower medium and minimum damage.
• Han 86: Maximum damage reduced from 26 to 22 and torso bonuses removed.
• PPSh-41: Maximum damage reduced from 22 to 19, with lower medium-range damage.
• Patriot XMR: Maximum damage reduced from 35 to 30, but its maximum damage range increased to 29.9 meters and its headshot multiplier increased.
• FiNN LMG: Minimum damage increased from 24 to 26 and several damage ranges were extended.
• KG-7 Vulcan: 102-damage range extended from 56.8 to 67.5 meters.
• X-58 Nyx: Maximum damage reduced from 29 to 22.
• Sniper Rifles: Received 28% more flinch.
• Marksman Rifles: Received 17% more flinch.

Several Apex Attachments were also adjusted, including the M4 Hurricane, Kastov 545, Hyeon Hyperburst, MAR-9 Auto, and Type 73 Assault.

The main result is a more compressed meta. The M4 and ISO remain clear top choices, but weapons such as the Kastov 762, Patriot XMR, KG-7 Vulcan, and FiNN now give you several competitive alternatives.

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 is especially important in the current Open Beta meta. The Kastov 762's strongest current setup uses the 545 conversion, while the M4 Hurricane also remains a high-end Apex option despite its Weekend Two nerf.

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.


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.