If you were looking for a new sniper rifle, the Kar98k is an old school choice that continues as rampant as ever as one of the best weapons in the game. The fast rate of fire, aim down sight speed and overall mobility make for a great combo. Although it’s a marksman rifle by nature, it has been one of the best sniper options in Warzone for a while, and for good reason. This page will cover how to unlock the Kar98k in both of its variants, and the best Kar98k loadouts and Kar98k class recommendations to make the most out each weapon’s potential. On this page: For more explainers, read our selection of best Warzone weapon recommendations, as well as deep dives into popular picks such as the CARV.2, FARA 83, Stoner 63, AK-47, Bullfrog and PPSh-41. One of these variants originates from Modern Warfare, while the other version is courtesy of Vanguard. The difference comes down to categorisation: the Modern Warfare variant appears as a marksman rifle while the Vanguard variant is in the sniper category. In order to unlock the Kar98k in Warzone, all you have to do is reach player level 33. To unlock the Kar98k in Vanguard, you need to reach player level 43 instead - so an extra ten levels. If you’re opting for Warzone alone, either battle royale or rebirth will be more than enough. The more time you manage to spend in matches, the higher the exp will be. Considering the nature of these modes, it won’t take you long to reach that level, even as a brand new account.
Muzzle: L Brake Barrel: Krausnick 560mm LWS03K Optic: Slate Reflector Stock: Warubachi Skeletal Underbarrel: M1930 Strife Angled Magazine: Skip this category Ammo Type: Lengthened (Unlocks at level 62) Rear Grip: Pine Tar Grip Proficiency: Quickscope Kit: Fully Loaded (Unlocks at level 42)
Let’s start with the muzzle. You’ll want to equip the F8 Stabilizer for this one, which adds +1 accuracy with no cons involved. As for the barrel, we opted for the Shiraishi 374mm, which increases aim down sight speed while reducing bullet velocity slightly. As per usual the optic is up for preference - we’ve found the Slate Reflector to be a well rounded option for this assault rifle, but again, up to you. The optic by default is good on its own too. In the stock slot, we went for the Short Stock. This adds +2 movement speed, and +1 to ADS, aim walking movement and sprint to fire speeds. It comes with a cost of -2 accuracy, -2 recoil control, -1 flinch resistance and -1 aim walking steadiness, but it’s worth the inclusion. The M1930 Strife Angled attachment makes for a great choice in terms of the underbarrel. It adds +2 accuracy and +1 to both aiming stability and aim walking steadiness with the slight cost of -1 to sprint to fire speed. For the magazine, we recommend not choosing any specific attachment as they all have big cons and won’t change your magazine capacity that much in either case. Then, Lengthened makes for a great ammo type as it adds +3 to bullet velocity. As for the rear grip, we’ll be gaining +1 ADS and sprint to fire speeds, as well as +1 hip fire recoil recovery thanks to the Fabric Grip. It comes with the cost of -1 to accuracy, but it’s a minor con. When it comes down to proficiency for this build, Quickscope is a great pair by adding +1 accuracy immediately after aiming down sight. Lastly, we went for Fully Loaded in the kit category, making you start with maximum reserve ammo.
Perk 1: E.O.D. (Unlocks at level 1) Perk 2: Overkill (Unlocks at level 38) Perk 3: Amped (Unlocks at level 1) Secondary: STG44 (Unlocks by reaching Player Level 1) Tactical: Heartbeat Sensor (Unlocks at level 1) Lethal: Claymore (Unlocks at level 1)
For the STG44, we recommend opting for E.O.D., as it will help to mitigate damage from non-killstreak explosives and fire. We recommend opting for Overkill as the second perk. On this occasion we went for the STG44 as our secondary choice. For anyone who suddenly shows up far from you, switching to this to better focus on a faster fire rate is a must. But again, it’s opt to you which gun you want to go with. For the third perk, we went for Amped over the others to ensure that you’re switching between the two weapons as swiftly as possible. Lastly, the Heartbeat Sensor is a perfect companion to prepare yourself ahead of time or track anyone who dared to escape from your line of sight. In case anyone manages to sneak past your vicinity, however, having a Claymore placed near you should provide for a helping hand when needed.
Muzzle: Monolithic Suppressor (Unlocks at level 33) Barrel: Singuard Custom 27.6" (Unlocks at level 45) Laser: Tac Laser (Unlocks at level 27) Optic: Sniper Scope (Unlocks at level 19) Stock: FTAC Sport Comb (Unlocks at level 43)
We’re kicking off with the muzzle. In this particular loadout we went for the Monolithic Suppressor, which increases damage range and adds sound suppression. Aim walking steadiness and aim down sight speed are affected by this, but don’t worry, since we’ll be compensating later on. The Singuard Custom 27.6" barrel is a vital inclusion in this build. Both your movement and ADS speed will be reduced, but only slightly, and this will be later compensated. As a trade-off, you’ll gain damage range, bullet velocity and recoil control. Yes, we know that adding the Tac Laser to a marksman rifle build sounds a tad ridiculous, but there’s a good reason for it. You’ll gain ADS speed, as well as both aiming stability and aim walking steadiness, which is a must for the Kar98k. The attachment that really puts it all together is the Sniper Scope. It comes with a cost to ADS speed, but since we’re already covering that from every possible angle, you really don’t have to worry about it. Lastly, we’re trading aiming stability for more ADS speed with the FTAC Sport Comb. ADS will be super fast with this build, making the most out of the bolt-action nature of the rifle. Warzone Season 5 is almost here! If you want to learn more about firepower from previously, we explain the best Welgun loadout, best Cooper Carbine loadout, best Gorenko Anti-Tank Rifle loadout, best STG44 loadout, best MP40 loadout, best Automaton loadout, best BAR loadout, best Combat Shotgun loadout, best Type 100 loadout, and best Kar98k loadouts.
Perk 1: Quick Fix (Unlocks at level 42) Perk 2: Overkill (Unlocks at level 38) Perk 3: Amped (Unlocks at level 1) Secondary: AK-47 CW (Unlocks by reaching player level 7) Tactical: Heartbeat Sensor (Unlocks at level 1) Lethal: Claymore (Unlocks at level 1)
Being such a speedy and lethal loadout for the already daunting Kar98k, you won’t take long to start taking down enemies. For this, we recommend starting health regeneration immediately after with Quick Fix. As usual, if level 42 sounds a bit steep, we recommend opting for E.O.D., as it will help to mitigate damage from non-killstreak explosives and fire until you can unlock this perk. As per usual we recommend opting for Overkill as the second perk. On this occasion we went for the AK-47 from Black Ops Cold War. It’s one of the best assault rifles in the game right now, and one that should both short to mid distances, pairing greatly with the speedy build for this sniper. For the third perk, we went for Amped over the others to ensure that you’re switching between the two weapons as swiftly as possible. Lastly, the Heartbeat Sensor is a perfect companion to prepare yourself ahead of time or track anyone who dared to escape from your line of sight. In case anyone manages to sneak past your vicinity, having a Claymore placed near you should provide for a helping hand.
