Players are always looking for that gun that feels most like a laser in Call of Duty: Vanguard. Of course, wanting a weapon that works as a point-and-squeeze death beam is something the developers are well aware of, and they aren't going to just give the players a weapon so obviously overpowered.
If there ever was an opportunity to create such a gun in Call of Duty: Vanguard, the Automaton is the one, as it is not only the most accurate of the assault rifles, it also has very little recognizable recoil. This loadout aims to capitalize on this advantage and give gamers the death beam they've been hoping for.
Operator
- Any
Much of this guide will be very particular, but the operator is truly a matter of player preference. For some guns, a specific operator gives a bonus to the experience, but sadly the Automaton has no such perfect fit. There aren't any bad fits, but no good ones either.
Players who were hotly anticipating the release of the game have been diligently unlocking operators. That work will help for some guns, but the Automaton will work with any default operator given.
Attachments
|
Muzzle |
MX Silencer |
|
Barrel |
VDD 760MM 05B |
|
Optic |
1229/Slate 3.25x Custom |
|
Stock |
VDD 34S Weighted |
|
Underbarrel |
M1941 Hand Stop |
|
Magazine |
8mm Kurz 45 Round Drums |
|
Ammo Type |
Lengthened |
|
Rear Grip |
Stippled Grip |
|
Proficiency |
Vital |
|
Kit |
Fully Loaded |
If the theme here looks like a lot of accuracy and reduced recoil at the expense of aiming down sights and movement, that's because it is. Some players might try to make this gun more well-rounded by sacrificing the recoil and accuracy, but that makes it not much more than an average assault rifle.
Some editions will vary in their unlocked attachments, but all of these will be achievable within a week of game time, even by a casual player. After getting them all attached, it truly does make this the most unique of all the assault rifles.
Secondary Weapon
- MK11 Launcher
The other secondary weapons are better against vehicles, but they are cumbersome and make it tough to hit a quickly-moving vehicle. The best defense is a good offense, as they say, and it's better to focus on stopping killstreaks than playing disaster prevention.
The explosive nature of these rounds annihilates opponents in a number of campaign missions, but it works fantastically in multiplayer just as well. Enemies seeking cover or hiding behind a Combat Shield will be on notice.
Perks
|
Perk 1 |
Cold Blooded |
|
Perk 2 |
High Alert |
|
Perk 3 |
Tactician |
Since this loadout focuses on finding a good camping spot and staying there, many of the perks aren't relevant. It is necessary to stay in place for as long as possible, so perks like Cold Blooded that help disguise locations help out a great deal.
High Alert is a lifesaver when opposing players appear outside of the scope. Simply back out when the screen flashes, there's no need to constantly look back and forth for enemies that might be sneaking around. Lastly, Tactician will give players more mines, vital to taking out any enemies who attempt to sneak around.
Lethal Slot
- Demolition Charge
Since players will be looking at a very narrow field anyway, why not set up a demolition charge at any point where enemies might crawl? The first time they come into view, instead of trying to get off a clean trigger squeeze, simply detonate the charge and give them no chance to try and shoot their way out of it.
Tactical Slot
- S-Mine 44
The S-Mine 44 is a strong defense for everyone, but Automaton users will be able to take advantage of them more than average. By placing mines all around areas where opponents can sneak up from, players can protect themselves from behind and acquire the easiest of kills in the process.
Whenever hearing a blast from behind, just turn around and take out the stunned target. During the course of the game, this will be a frequent occurrence.
Killstreaks
- Care Package
- Mortar Barrage
- Local Informants
Care Package is a fan favorite. It provides a random killstreak benefit at four kills. Since only one benefit requires fewer kills, that means that there is over a 92% chance to get a killstreak reward that is equal or greater to the reward provided.
Mortar Barrage drives shy enemies away from the back lines and into the front where the Automaton will gleefully take care of them. Local Informants is the toughest reward to earn, requiring twelve kills, but unlocking it gives the entire team a perfect view of the enemies. Since this loadout doesn't take a lot of risks, there is always a chance of getting a few rounds where the player doesn't die.
Field Upgrade
- Tactical Insertion
Player movement looks like everyone is dipped in honey, even without any decreases in movement speed. Because this loadout is about as slow as possible, running to an ideal vantage point is not ideal. Random spawns are often deep in enemy territory and dying once can turn into a series of consecutive deaths.
Use Tactical Insertion with the Automaton loadout. Put it in a nice place with great sight and ideal places to put mines. Consider this the cherry on top of a great build.
Call of Duty: Vanguard was released on November 5th, 2021, and is available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.