Top picks from launch weekend testing
Following extensive play over Modern Warfare 4’s launch weekend and adjustments in the game’s Gunsmith, Nintendo Life identified eight weapons it recommends players focus on early in multiplayer. The list spans close-quarters SMGs, an assault rifle, a marksman rifle, an LMG and a shotgun, and is offered as guidance for players who want to prioritise which guns to level up ahead of the arrival of Season 1.
The eight weapons Nintendo Life highlights:
- Oris 8.6
- ISO Nightahde
- PPSH-41
- Patriot XMR
- KG-Vulcan
- M4
- FINN LMG
- Rezi 12
Why these guns made the list
Nintendo Life found that Modern Warfare 4’s movement and time-to-kill favor high-mobility close-quarters weapons, putting two SMGs in particular under the spotlight. The ISO Nightahde is recommended for players who prefer aiming down sights and strafing, while the PPSH-41 is noted for its extremely fast rate of fire.
For players who do not want to commit to a sprint-and-slash SMG playstyle, the guide points to more versatile options. The M4 is described as a dependable all-purpose assault rifle suitable for learning the game’s fundamentals. When fitted with the right attachments and paired with the Patriot XMR, Nintendo Life says players can dominate at mid-range, making those guns a good choice on maps such as Rooftops and Silkworm.
The guide also calls out the Oris 8.6 marksman rifle as an unexpectedly strong pick at launch, quickly becoming the author’s favored weapon in multiplayer. A shotgun, the Rezi 12, makes the list as well; Nintendo Life recommends tweaking its setup to boost fire rate and handling for fast hip-fire takedowns.
Notes on the FINN LMG and progression
One surprising inclusion is the FINN LMG. Nintendo Life notes that players will unlock the Demolition preset class early, which makes the LMG available at a low progression threshold and worth experimenting with despite its usual role as a heavier, slower-handling weapon.
Quick tips
- Focus on one or two SMGs if you plan to play aggressively with high mobility.
- Use the M4 or Patriot XMR for mid-range control on maps like Rooftops and Silkworm.
- Tweak the Rezi 12 for handling and fire rate if you want a viable close-range option.
This guidance is drawn from Nintendo Life’s launch weekend testing and Gunsmith adjustments; players should expect metas to evolve as Season 1 approaches and balance updates arrive.
