Best UGM-8 Vanguard loadout: Attachments, Perks, Setup

Best UGM-8 LMG loadout in VanguardActivision

The UGM-8 is a brand-new LMG for players to get to grips with in Vanguard Season 4, offering them a more lightweight, mobile option in that category. Here’s our best Vanguard UGM-8 loadout to help you make the most of this new weapon.

Vanguard Season 4 has landed and there’s plenty for players to be excited about. There’s a fresh Battle Pass crammed with shiny unlockables to work towards, as well as the return of the iconic Shi No Numa map to Zombies mode.

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There are also two brand-new weapons available from day one, one of which is the UGM-8. This mobile LMG allows players to make use the of huge ammo clips the category is known for, without having to sacrifice too much movement.

But before you take the gun into a multiplayer, it’s best to have the right build equipped. We’ve got you covered with the best UGM-8 loadout in Vanguard, right here.


Contents


Best UGM-8 Vanguard loadout

Vangaurd Operator firing UGM-8Activision
The UGM-8 could be a meta Vanguard weapon with the right setup.
  • Muzzle: Recoil Booster
  • Barrel: Bernard XL214 736mm
  • Optic: Slate Reflector
  • Stock: Bernard Forte VII
  • Underbarrel: M1941 Hand Stop
  • Magazine: 6.5mm Sakura 125 Round Box
  • Ammo Type: Subsonic
  • Rear Grip: Fabric Grip
  • Proficiency: Tight Grip
  • Kit: Fully Loaded

The UGM-8 is incredibly fast firing compared to other Vanguard guns in its class, so our build plays to its strengths while also keeping some of its recoil under control. To kick things off, we’ve gone for the Recoil Booster and for a boost in fire rate which lowers the overall TTK.

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Next up we have the Bernard XL214 736mm, Bernard Forte VII, and M19141 Hand Stop. These two drastically improve the UGM’s accuracy to make it far more effective at range and also give the fire rate another nudge. The Tight Grip Proficiency also helps massively in the accuracy department.

When it comes to the Magazine, 6.5mm Sakura 125 Round Boxes are the clear standout thanks to huge buffs in recoil control, on top of extra ammo capacity to make it feel more like a normal LMG. We then load them with Subsonic rounds to stay off the minimap and use the Fully Loaded Kit to ensure we have max ammo.

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LMGs have a notoriously slow ADS speed, so the Fabric Grip will help to ease that problem slightly. Optics largely come down to personal preference, but we chose the Slate Reflector as it’s the cleanest and easiest to use.

Best UGM-8 Perks & equipment in Vanguard

Operator using UGM-8 LMG Activision
Vanguard Season 4 has two new weapons at launch.
  • Perk 1: Fortified
  • Perk 2: Forward Intel
  • Perk 3: Lightweight
  • Secondary: Machine Pistol
  • Lethal: MK2 Frag Grenade
  • Tactical: Stun Grenade
  • Field Upgrade: Armor Plates

This new LMG is geared towards to players who like to rush around the map, so we’ve picked a selection of Perks that fit a similar playstyle. First, we’ve gone for Fortified, allowing you to tank explosive and fire damage as you tear into enemy territory.

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In the second slot, Forward Intel lets you know where enemies are spawning, so can quickly assume the best position. Lastly, you’ll want to choose Lightweight for even more mobility, so you can zip around the map picking off enemies before they can react.

Equipment-wise you can’t go wrong with the combination of Frag Grenades and Stun Grenades. Then the Armor Plates Field Upgrade is perfect for soaking up even more damage and giving you a slight edge in close fights.

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How to unlock UGM-8 in Vanguard

Unlocking the UGM-8 is pretty straightforward, all you have to do is reach Tier 31 of the Vanguard Season 4 Battle Pass.

Even better, this is one of the free tiers, so you don’t have to splash any of your own money to unlock the new weapon. Simply hit the right level and it’s all yours.

Alternatives to UGM-8 in Vanguard

DP27 in VanguardActivision
There are plenty of other weapons if the UGM-8 isn’t working for you.

If the UGM-8 isn’t quite cutting it for you, then perhaps the DP27 will suit you better. This is another highly mobile LMG with impressive damage that has established itself as the best in its class since Vanguard launched.

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If you want something that packs more of a punch, the MG42 could be the way to go. It’s much bulkier than its peers but is ideal for mounting on a wall to hold down a position on the map.


For more on CoD Vanguard, be sure to check out our other loadout guides: