Best Kar98k loadout, class build in MW3

Everyone’s favorite bolt-action rifle, the Kar98k, is back in Call of Duty once again. The Kar98k has featured many times across the series, debuting with the very first game in 2003, and is often one of the best guns every time. In Modern Warfare 3, the best Kar98k loadout can delete enemies with one shot.

In the Marksman Rifle category, there is no better fit than the Kar98k for fast-paced bolt-action fun and quick-scoping around every corner. It deals a seriously impressive amount of damage per shot, so when coming up with your build, there’s no need to worry too much about increasing that aspect. Instead, you can focus solely on mobility.

Here’s the best Kar98k loadout in Modern Warfare 3 and all the details on how to get your hands on the modernized WWII gun.

How to unlock the Kar98k in MW3

To unlock the Kar98k in Modern Warfare 3 Season 4, you must complete Sector 5 in the battle pass. Rather than the start for the battle pass being in the bottom-left corner like usual, it’s now two tiers over to the right; Sector 5 is just another two over in the same direction. So complete Sectors 1 and 3, then 5 will be available to you. As is the case with all battle pass weapons, it’s free to unlock so you don’t need to invest in the premium version.

Best Kar98k loadout in MW3

Here is the best Kar98k loadout in Modern Warfare 3:

• Barrel: Bryson Carbine-S Barrel
• Underbarrel: XTEN Phantom-5 Handstop
• Optic: Corio Eagleseye 2.5x
• Stock: Repeller Tac Stock
• Sling: Target Sling

This build focuses solely on staying mobile and quick-scoping, rather than holding down a position, although you can slow things down if you need to for a short while. That means the aim is to improve the aim-down-sight speed wherever possible, along with retaining as much accuracy as possible. The Bryson Carbine-S Barrel is imperative for this because although it slightly nerfs the recoil control and bullet velocity, the aim-down-sight and aim walking speeds are improved, as is the hipfire and tac stance spread.

The XTEN Phantom-5 Handstop underbarrel is commonly found on most marksman and sniper rifles when geared toward faster paced gameplay, so use it again here thanks to how it buffs both the aim down sight and sprint to fire speeds. Meanwhile, any 2.5x optical attachment will do the job (it’s the perfect balance between range and speed). Our preference is the Corio Eagleseye — arguably the most traditional to a standard sniper scope.

Generally in a gun like this, you’d choose to go with a No Stock, but doing that removes the ability to equip a sling, which is worth the tradeoff here. So the next best option is the Repeller Tac Stock, which is all about improving aim speed and steadiness. This is merely an enabler for the Target Sling though, which offers a significant buff to aim-down-sight speed.

Best Kar98k class in MW3

Image: Sledgehammer Games/Activision via Polygon

Here is the best class to use alongside the Kar98k in Modern Warfare 3:

• Vest: Overkill Vest
• Secondary: FJX Horus
• Tactical: Stun Grenade
• Lethal: Throwing Knife
• Gloves: Marksman Gloves
• Boots: Stalker Boots
• Gear: Tac Mask

The Kar98k is supported by a fairly standard class template, with the most exciting addition being another primary weapon thanks to the Overkill Vest. Our top recommendation is the FJX Horus because it’s the best SMG at ultra-close range, for those moments you need to switch from the Kar98k. (However, if you opt for a different vest, pick the WSP Stinger to fill the same role.)

The Stun Grenade choice is always reliable to disorient enemies, and Throwing Knives are handy because they can be picked up again and if you find yourself needing to reload mid-fight, just chuck one of these instead.

On the gear side of things, the Commando or Quick-Grip Gloves would be the best choice, but the Overkill Vest already offers their perks, so the Marksman Gloves are next in the pecking order. Almost all of the boots are decent here too, but the Stalker Boots increase your aim-down-sights movement speed — as we’ve determined, that’s especially helpful when quick-scoping. Finally, the Tac Mask is a standard pick to nerf the effects of tactical grenades that could impact your accuracy.

For more Modern Warfare 3 guides, see how to switch to Tactical Stance, and check our guides on the best Superi 46 loadout, best TAQ Evolvere loadout, best Striker loadout, best SVS 545 loadout, best XRK Stalker loadout, best MCW loadout, and best AMR9 loadout.

If you’re jumping into the campaign, find all of the items and weapons in “Precious Cargo” and “Reactor,” see how to earn the Back in the Field trophy and the A Shot Blocked achievement, or check out our walkthrough for “Deep Cover.”