Since the game was released in October 2022, the Vaznev-9K has been widely regarded as the best competitive SMG on the platform. It’s so well-balanced, it hits hard, it allows the user to move quickly, and it both looks and sounds superb. It’s arguably the most popular weapon in Modern Warfare 2, behind the TAQ-56, at least. With this guide in hand, you’ll learn everything you need to know about assembling the best Vaznev loadout for Ranked Play in Modern Warfare 2.

Currently, the Call of Duty League – COD’s premier esports tournament – is built off the back of the dominating power of both the TAQ-56 and the Vaznev. For some, this is an ‘SMG game’, and those running the Vaznev will always have several key advantages – provided it’s built correctly, of course. It may only be a minute, 9mm-based weapon, but the Vaznev really is a powerhouse.

So, if you want to start winning matches and climbing the Call of Duty ranks, check out our guide to the best Vaznev loadout in MW2.

How To Unlock The Vaznev-9K

First, before we dive into the best Vaznev loadout money can buy, let’s quickly cover how to unlock the Vaznev in MW2.

In Modern Warfare 2, there’s a little more complexity when it comes to unlocking weapons. For the most part, you’ll need to use one weapon to unlock another weapon, but in the case of the Vaznev, you need to use three weapons before you can unlock it. It’s a little time-consuming, but it’s worth it to secure the weapon that many of the best Call of Duty players actively covet as we speak.

It all starts with the Kastov 762, which is a weapon that looks like the AK47. It’s available from rank 23, so you’ll need to put in a little work right off the bat. Once you’ve unlocked it, use it until it’s at level 13, and then you’ll unlock the Kastov 545. Then, rank that weapon up to level 13 to unlock the Kastov-74u, and finally, once that weapon has been ranked up to level 15, you’ll unlock the Vaznev-9K, and you can start taking advantage of this world-class build.

Best Vaznev Loadout for Ranked Play

This Vaznev build is favoured by Shotzzy, one of OpTic Texas’ most capable players and one of the most uniquely-awarded competitive gamers in the history of esports. He’s one of just two players to have secured a world championship title in two separate franchises – Halo and Call of Duty. He’s a movement genius, and with this top Vaznev loadout in his hands, he’s a whirlwind of domination, accuracy, and undeniable gains.

It may seem bizarre, but the best Vaznev loadout doesn’t actually use the full five attachments. Here’s what you’ll need to compile the hottest Vaznev build out there:

• Stock: Otrezat Stock
• Underbarrel: FSS Sharkfin 90
• Muzzle: Spiral V3.5 Flash Hider
• Rear Grip: True-Tac Grip

And then, of course, the skin, charms, and cosmetics are all entirely your choice.

This build isn’t just one of the best Vaznev loadouts for Ranked Play, it’s also one of the most dominating weapons you’ll use in any Modern Warfare 2 mode. It’s balanced, boasts manageable recoil, can kill in just a few shots, and it encourages a fast rate of play.

Good luck out there.