Call of Duty: Warzone is filled with great weapons, though the SMG class has been dominated by the MAC-10 for over a month now. For any close-range Call of Duty: Warzone players bored with using the same gun in all their matches, there is a valid alternative in the AK-74u.
Keeping the series tradition alive, the AK-74u is an incredibly strong weapon in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, with the gun only being improved by the use of key attachments such as the Muzzle Brake 5.56 and the 9.3” Extended Barrel. However, the Call of Duty: Warzone version of the AK-74u is a completely different animal, with unique statistics compared to the Black Ops Cold War version. Requiring a separate build to be effective, one reliable source has players covered when it comes to their setups.
Call of Duty: Warzone loadout expert and FaZe member NICKMERCS posted a video detailing his AK-74u build, with the professional player believing that the AK-74u could eventually replace the MAC-10 as the game’s best SMG. His loadout sees the weapon getting major improvements in accuracy, with key additions made to improve the gun’s damage output as well. A quality weapon that works great as a second gun for close-up encounters, the AK-74u may become more prevalent soon.
- Muzzle: Spetsnaz Compensator
- Stock: No Stock
- Underbarrel: Spetsnaz Grip
- Rear Grip: Spetsnaz Field Grip
- Ammunition: 50 Round VDV Fast Mags
Like other loadouts from NICKMERCS, accuracy is prioritized, with the Spetsnaz Compensator providing some assistance in this area. No Stock is equipped to the AK-74u, allowing for an immense level of speed at the cost of a hit to accuracy — with the negatives being negated by equipping the compensator. A Spetsnaz Grip is also added, joining the Compensator and a Spetsnaz Field Grip to complete the trifecta of Russian-made attachments.
Rounding out the list is the 50 Round VDV Fast Mag, which gives NICKMERCS’ version of the AK-74u the potential to be fired for longer. With the Gallantry MAC-10 recently being nerfed to remove its pay-to-win status, the groundwork has been laid for future nerfs to Call of Duty: Warzone’s standout Submachine Gun. As such, it may be time for players to prepare for this change to the meta, with a switch to the AK-74u allowing players to get some practice in with the rising start of the SMG class.
While Call of Duty: Warzone players may be getting placed into some tougher lobbies depending on microtranscation purchases, this AK-74u build should allow them to put up a fight against even the strongest competition. While it may not be the best weapon in the battle royale currently, that could soon change.
Call of Duty: Warzone is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.