Top 10 Call of Duty Multiplayer Weapons

Appearing in only one campaign mission in “Ghosts”, this light machine gun packs quite a punch in the realm of multiplayer. The Chain SAW's most notable element is its built-in laser sight, which provides increased accuracy and compensates for the lack of aiming down its sights. Being an LMG it handles best at short ranges, though players can also take advantage of its relatively reduced impact on mobility and smaller-than-expected bullet spread to great effect.

Speaking of LMGs, here's one that takes a step further into fearsome territory. A fully-automatic machine gun, the Gorgon has found a place as many players' preferred support weapon. What makes it worthwhile in this capacity is its damage potential; two bullets from the Gorgon are enough to instantly kill an opponent, from any range. That kind of sheer killing power, balanced by careful limitations on its accuracy and mobility, ensures its suitability for defensive positions and standing one's ground.

If mastered, this pistol can be magnificent in action. Prominently shown as the weapon used to assassinate President Al-Fulani in the campaign of “Call of Duty 4”, the Desert Eagle quickly established how dangerous it can be. Those who adapt to its high recoil and deliberate firing rate will find a side-arm capable of two-shot kills, with the highest hip-fire accuracy of any weapon in “Modern Warfare” to boot. Later versions of the Eagle would allow for use of Akimbo and Tactical Knife attachments, giving players more tactical options.

Being a common weapon doesn't make it any less handy in a tense fight. The MP40 primarily shows up in World War II-era “Call of Duty” games, as a widespread submachine gun used by Nazi Germany. The value of the MP40 lies in its area-clearing power – its more-than-fair accuracy and automatic fire complement the high damage rate for devastating results. On top of that, the large magazine gives combatants a good chance of taking out multiple foes in short succession.

It may not kill quick but it gets the job done. Built to hold a 50 round magazine and fire bullets at 937 RPM, the P90 submachine gun stands above its counterparts by way of overall speed and resistance to recoil. It makes for an effective weapon in close encounters, with its high rate of fire ensuring fatal damage over time and its ammunition count cutting down on unnecessary reloading. This is the epitome of cost-effective combat savvyness.

When it takes a patch to tone down a weapon's power, you know something's gone right. Typically wielded Akimbo-style, the Model 1887 lever-action shotgun amplified its killing power with one little detail: its greater-than-standard range. Capable of hitting targets about 11 meters away in Akimbo form – and around 17 meters normally – it was widely considered the most potent shotgun in “Modern Warfare 2”. Even after the 1.07 patch, the Model 1887 remains a deadly implement, whether used for flanking in close proximity or blasting foes from afar.

Though it may seem to have limits in short-range firefights, the ACR assault rifle is masterful at long distances. Its controlled firing and damage rates, matched by a near-absence of recoil, earns the ACR its reputation for being a highly accurate and effective weapon. The ACR also excels in reload cancelling and ease of use, meaning waste of bullets is rarely an issue. It proved so popular that “Modern Warfare 3” would feature a higher calibre version, the ACR 6.8. Talk about paying tribute to an enduring legacy.

As they say, one shot, one kill. This is the philosophy of the CheyTac M200 Intervention, a bolt-action sniper rifle first featured in “Modern Warfare 2”... and boy is it a nice weapon. Its 65 RPM in multiplayer and high sway disguises its sheer ability to kill instantly – requiring only one bullet to the head, neck, chest or stomach. The Intervention is most commonly used by rushing players and quick-scoping combatants, with its learning curve making it all the more cathartic to bring down one's rivals.

It's used by many, and quite the fitting tool for ambushing foes. A virtual recreation of the USSR-produced assault rifle in service since 1949, the AK-47 makes one thing particularly clear when used: its 705 RPM firing rate isn't to be doubted. Capable of killing rival players rather quickly, the rifle is at its finest in close and mid-range encounters. While it can sport more than a few special range-boosting sights and scopes, nothing beats charging forth with the AK and cutting through enemy ranks.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

Thompson Machine Gun
“Call of Duty” (2003)

MG42
“Call of Duty” (2003)

AK-74u
“Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare” (2007)

VMP
“Call of Duty: Black Ops III” (2015)

Fast, deadly and supported with attachments – the balance here is spectacular. This assault rifle found its way into “Call of Duty” by way of the “Modern Warfare” sub-series, drawing in players with its quick draw speed and rate of fire. However, the M16A4 is at once efficient and powerful; among its attributes are its limited sway when firing, its ammo-saving three-burst setting and its plentiful damage multipliers. Add to that a fairly extensive list of weapon attachments that includes Grenade Launchers and Red Dot Sights, and it's clear the M16A4 offers a little something for everyone.

Do you agree with our list? What’s your favorite weapon in Call of Duty's multiplayer suite? For more expansive Top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.