The MG42 is one of CoD Vanguard’s strongest LMGs and with the right setup, it can be nearly impossible to stop. We’ve got the perfect attachments and the best Perks right here with a complete guide on building the optimal MG42 loadout.
Compared to the more agile SMGs and ARs in CoD Vanguard, LMGs stand their ground as some of the most devastating weapons on offer. With some of the highest damage output in the game, getting the right LMG loadout could have you topping the scoreboards in every match.
As the first LMG unlocked in Vanguard, the MG42 comes in as one of the best picks in the category. Not only is it easy to control off the bat, but with the right attachments, it can be morphed into something even better.
To get you mowing down entire lobbies in no time, here’s our ultimate MG42 loadout in CoD Vanguard.
Contents
- Best MG42 Vanguard loadout
- Best MG42 Vanguard loadout (Perks, Equipment, & Field Upgrade)
- Best MG42 class Vanguard tips
- How to unlock the MG42 in Vanguard
- Alternative to the MG42 Vanguard loadout
Best MG42 CoD Vanguard loadout
- Muzzle: F8 Stabilizer
- Barrel: Krausnick 450MM B42MG
- Optic: ZF4 3.5x Rifle Scope
- Stock: VDD 64M
- Underbarrel: M1941 Hand Stop
- Magazine: 13MM Anti-Material 125 Round Drums
- Ammo Type: Blocked by Magazine
- Rear Grip: Stippled Grip
- Proficiency: Sleight of Hand
- Kit: Fully Loaded
With our optimal MG42 loadout, the goal is to boost overall damage while keeping your recoil in check. If you lean too far in either direction, it’s going to be a nightmare to control. However, a good mix will see you striking the right balance to form the most powerful yet reliable LMG in Vanguard.
Starting it all off we have the F8 Stabilizer Muzzle. This is a staple for just about any LMG class due its accuracy and damage range boosts. The extra 10% range will have you dealing full damage much further than the default setup.
Next is the Krausnick 450MM B42MG Barrel which fills the same role as our chosen Muzzle. Providing an extra 36.4% damage range to the MG42, along with 40% extra Bullet Velocity and recoil improvements to boot, this attachment can’t be overlooked.
While we’ve settled on the ZF4 3.5x Rifle Scope Optic, this category is purely down to personal preference. It’s worth keeping an eye out for Optics that come with positive boosts though. Some are purely visual upgrades, but others, like the ZF4 3.5x Rifle Scope, actually improve the MG42’s recoil.
The VDD 64M Stock is another must-pick for this MG42 loadout. A huge improvement to accuracy once again keeps your LMG firing like a laser even from long distances.
Now here’s where things get interesting with the 13MM Anti-Material 125 Round Drum Magazine. Although this option comes with huge downsides in terms of accuracy, we’ve countered most of the negative effects with other attachments. This attachment provides a huge 25% damage buff along with an extra 20% Bullet Velocity. It’s the most important attachment here and completely changes how the MG42 functions.
It’s worth noting, however, the Magazine is so powerful that it prevents you from picking an Ammo Type. Therefore, that attachment slot will be left empty for this particular loadout.
Moving on we have the Stippled Grip Rear Grip to once again counteract the recoil effects of the Magazine. This option provides another small boost to keep your shots on point even with the extra damage.
Closing things out, we’ve gone with the Sleight of Hand to increase the reload speed of this LMG, and the Fully Loaded Kit to start you off with far more ammo than usual.
Best MG42 CoD Vanguard loadout (Perks, Equipment, & Field Upgrade)
- Perk 1: Ghost
- Perk 2: Piercing Vision
- Perk 3: Double Time
- Secondary: 1911
- Lethal: Thermite
- Tactical: Stim
- Field Upgrade: Armor
For the rest of this MG42 build, your Perks, Equipment, and Field Upgrade should all complement a guns blazing playstyle.
As a result, we’ve settled on Ghost, Piercing Vision, and Double Time for the Perks. Ghost is crucial to keeping your streaks going as you reposition between lengthy gunfights and Double Time will help get you there faster.
Meanwhile, Piercing Vision is perhaps the most important Perk overall. Landing just one or two shots on an enemy reveals their position through walls, smoke, and anything else in between. Given the strength of the MG42, this allows you to keep firing with perfect accuracy.
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Running a 1911 as your Secondary is always handy if reloading isn’t an option. Whether you’re out of ammo or an enemy is simply too close for an LMG, quickly swapping to this deadly pistol will keep you in the fight.
Thermite and Stim are both great picks for lethal and tactical equipment here as the former can cover an area in lethal fire, while the latter will quickly heal you back up after a close gunfight.
Last but not least, the Armor Field Upgrade complements the LMG playstyle perfectly. A little extra health is always a good thing so equipping it with your MG42 is essential.
Best MG42 class Vanguard tips
The MG42 is currently one of the more popular LMGs in Vanguard due in part to its incredibly rapid fire rate. However, using an LMG comes with some very specific drawbacks.
Here are a few tips on how to maximize our best MG42 Vanguard loadout:
- This weapon is LMG. Therefore, you’re movement and handling speed will be significantly slower than Assault Rifles and SMGs. Holding lines of sight and pre-aiming is a great habit to develop.
- The perk “Double Time” allows you to tactical sprint for longer, which is important when using an LMG in Vanguard. Use this increased mobility to help you flank enemies or get to the objective faster.
- LMGs are easily some of the best weapons when it comes to “wall-banging” or shooting enemies through walls. With the perk Piercing Vision equipped, you’ll be able to see tagged enemies through walls and surfaces allowing you to take advantage of the MG42’s capabilities.
- The perk “Ghost” will allow you to reposition between areas without being spotted on the mini-map. Use this to get to better vantage points and post up with the MG42.
Also, remember to always develop a playstyle that feels the best for you. With that said, if you’re still struggling to succeed with the MG42, these tips should be helpful.
How to unlock the MG42 in Vanguard
You won’t need to do any grinding to start up with the MG42 as this LMG is accessible as soon as you unlock custom classes at level 4.
This means after just one or two games you can jump right in with the MG42 and start leveling it up to unlock every attachment.
Alternative to the MG42 Vanguard loadout
LMGs certainly aren’t for everyone in CoD Vanguard. If the MG42 isn’t doing it for you, an AR might be more up your alley. The AS44 is one such AR that still packs a solid punch just like this LMG setup.
With the best AS44 loadout, you can tick all the boxes on your way to dominating lobbies in Vanguard.
So that’s all there is to know about the very best MG42 loadout in CoD Vanguard. With new updates coming through almost every week, however, we’ll keep you posted here with any changes to the build as various attachments are buffed or nerfed.
For now, be sure to check out some other top-tier Vanguard loadouts before you jump back in:
Best Automaton loadout | Best Itra loadout | Best MP40 loadout | Best M1928 loadout | Best STG44 loadout
