As an avid Call of Duty player and content creator with over 10,000 hours clocked across the franchise, light machine guns have always held a special place in my loadouts. Their sheer bullet capacity and formidable damage profiles make LMGs absolute powerhouses in Warzone.
With the launch of Warzone 2.0 featuring all-new battle royale maps and revamped weapon mechanics, I’ve extensively tested all 6 available LMGs to determine the very best of the best.
Below you’ll find my comprehensive LMG weapon guide ranking the top light machine guns from my own gameplay experience and community feedback. I get into detailed statistics and niche strengths while also providing actionable loadout recommendations so you can dominate Al Mazrah with the #1 LMG.
Let’s get right into it!
Overview of Light Machine Gun Fundamentals
Before evaluating individual LMGs, it’s important to understand why players like myself gravitate towards light machine guns in Warzone:
High Ammo Capacity
Sustained suppressive fire is extremely viable with 60+ round magazines as standard. No need to reload mid-gunfight!
Impressive Damage Output
Most LMGs maintain fast time-to-kill speeds even at longer ranges thanks to hard-hitting firepower.
Large Magazine Unlock Flexibility
Having 100+ rounds ready enables flexibility to use attachments that would otherwise limit ammo.
However, weapon handling and mobility is where LMGs fall short compared to assault rifles. Heavier weight restricts movement speed along with longer reload times.
But with the right attachments and engagement discipline, these weaknesses can be mitigated…which leads us into ranking all six LMGs!
#1 Best LMG – RAAL MG
Unlocked Via: Get 5 kills with LMGs equipped with Scout Optics in 7 different matches
Fire Rate: 553 RPM
Body Damage: 37 – 34
Mag Size: 100 Rounds
Boasting formidable damage per bullet paired with excellent handling for an LMG, the RAAL MG currently stands as the undisputed #1 light machine gun in Warzone 2.0.
I unlock this .338 Norma Magnum beast as soon as possible every prestige because it just decimates enemies so efficiently across all engagement ranges. The RAAL rips through fully plated targets in only 3 shots out to nearly 100 meters away thanks to its high penetration rounds.
It does have some handling drawbacks inherent to LMGs like slower move speeds and aim down sight times. However, the RAAL MG features very manageable recoil control during rapid fire along with solid ammo capacity to spam 100 rounds before reloading.
Statistical performance metrics also showcase why the RAAL MG is so dominant:
| Performance | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Damage Profile | S-Tier | Formidable damage per bullet out to extreme ranges |
| Fire Rate | A-Tier | Respectable 553 RPM balances recoil vs firepower |
| Mobility | B-Tier | Average mobility for LMG class |
| Accuracy | A-Tier | Very controllable recoil for weapon size/caliber |
| Ammo Capacity | A-Tier | Large 100 round belt sustains firefights |
After running RAAL MG extensively since launch, I have dialed in the perfect attachment combination to truly optimize TTK potential:
Seraph’s RAAL MG Loadout
This configuration focuses almost entirely on damage range and bullet velocity to really max out the RAAL’s hard-hitting rounds. You’ll notice enemies dying almost instantly as the high-velocity rounds rip through armor and health pools.
I also throw on the Demo Nimble Stock to give a nice boost to movement speed and aim down sight speed to help offset the handling limitations of LMGs.
Overall, the RAAL MG‘s power, accuracy, and ammo capacity make it clearly the top LMG for slaying across core and DMZ Warzone 2.0 modes. No matter your playstyle, unlocking this beast ASAP should be your top priority!
#2 Best LMG – 556 Icarus
Unlocked Via: M4 Level 13
Fire Rate: 789 RPM
Body Damage: 42 – 32 – 31
Mag Size: 75 Rounds
If you‘re an extremely aggressive run-and-gun player like myself, look no further than the 556 Icarus to satiate your LMG desires. I typically flank and push building entries as an entry fragger for my squad – which is why the 556 Icarus is my #2 top LMG pick.
It sheds much of the mobility limitations endemic to LMGs thanks to a lightweight design focused on handling and faster ADS. I can quickly snap onto targets and track accurately at short to medium distances.
That faster fire rate amidst the 75 round mag allows me to absolutley melt fully plated enemies before they even have time react. And thanks to improved sprint speed, I can swiftly reposition to new angles and continue my flanking harassment.
Downsides to the 556 Icarus are visual recoil during rapid fire along with damage dropoff at extreme ranges. But my customized attachments help mitigate these limitations:
Seraph‘s 556 Icarus Loadout
I focus almost entirely on recoil stabilization and bullet velocity improvements to make the most of the 556 Icarus‘s high RPM. With controlled fire, the deadly stream of 5.56 rounds down enemies rapidly even in mid-range engagements.
This LMG suits aggressive attackers that value swiftness and CQB lethality. I can constantly reposition and swarm objectives, using flank routes and parkour to catch the enemy by surprise with a blistering barrage of fire.
Give the 556 Icarus a shot if you want a lighter, faster LMG compared to traditional belt-fed heavies!
#3 Best LMG – Sakin MG38
Unlocked Via: Available at Launch
Fire Rate: 657 RPM
Body Damage: 37 – 34 – 33
Mag Size: 100 Rounds
The Sakin MG38 fills the role of a classic belt-fed light machine gun – offering strong suppression fire capabilities thanks to a methodical 657 RPM rate paired with a thick 100 round box.
I typically lock this LMG down on high ground positions or mounted behind cover on objectives. The Sakin isn‘t ideal for highly mobile play – but it shines when you need to lock down lanes and pin teams into chokepoints.
Managing the recoil and slower handling attributes are key to success with the Sakin. Focus on mounting and sustaining fire on marked targets as your squad pushes up. I can continuously spam rounds to keep teams pinned, only stopping to reload after 100 discharged rounds finally empty the box mag.
If you love posturing on power positions and raining bullets, the Sakin MG38 will serve you well! My niche attachments here optimize recoil control and mobility:
Seraph‘s Sakin MG38 Loadout
This configuration keeps the Sakin steady during prolonged suppression – heavily reducing horizontal and vertical recoil off my preferred mount positions. I‘m also able to rotate a bit faster thanks to enhanced ADS and sprint-to-fire attributes.
But again, playing off angles and mounting is really how you need to run the Sakin. Attempting highly mobile flanking against ARs and SMGs will end in demise against equally skilled opponents. Let your squad draw fire on objectives as you suppress cross lanes!
4) RPK – Jack of All Trades LMG
Unlocked Via: Kastov 762 Level 16
Fire Rate: 750 RPM
Body Damage: 40
Mag Size: 75 Rounds
The RPK is one of the more balanced LMGs available immediately at launch. I consider it a "jack of all trades" option blending assault rifle handling with boosted ammunition capacity.
Mobility is fantastic thanks to lighter weight and faster aim down sight speed compared to traditional belt-fed LMGs. I have no issues swiftly transitioning between targets and tracking accurately even during rapid fire.
However, it does lack some raw firepower compared to heavier options. Damage dropoff starts kicking in past 50 meters requiring more sustained fire on target. Reloads are also a bit quicker which helps string multi-kills.
Overall, the RPK brings nice flexibility for moderate to shorter distance engagements. The balanced attributes allow me to play both mobile offensive roles and stationary defense equally well.
Seraph‘s RPK Loadout
My attachments here focus on improving bullet velocity and recoil stabilization to make the most of the RPK‘s flexible handling. I‘m also able to quickly swap between close quarters and ranged optics to adapt based on the engagement zone.
The RPK fills a nice niche bridging assault rifles and LMGs – give it a shot if you value mobility and well-rounded performance!
5) HCR 56 – Best CQB LMG
Unlocked Via: STB 556 Level 20
Fire Rate: 756 RPM
Body Damage: 48 – 35 – 33 – 32
Mag Size: 60 Rounds
Despite unlocking later at STB 556 Level 20, the HCR 56 niche is clear – devastating CQB lethality thanks to a lightweight 60 round mag blueprint. This lets me play extremely aggressively, swiftly navigating interiors and stairwells to mow down room campers.
I dash between cover positions before slicing the pie on door entries, catching defenders off guard with voluminous fire. The blazing fast 756 RPM fire melts before they can even squeeze the trigger!
However, it does lack effective range compared to top LMGs like the RAAL and Sakin. Damage dropoff is harsh past 75 meters, requiring 6+ hits on a single target. I typically pair the HCR 56 with a longer range secondary like a sniper to compensate.
Up close, the HCR 56 absolutely dominates thanks to its mobility-focused design. Here are the ideal attachments to max out its CQB potential:
Seraph‘s HCR 56 Loadout
This kit enhances aim stability for easier control of bursts during hectic interior fights. I also extended range as much as possible to make the HCR 56 slightly more viable in mid-range engagements.
The key is manipulating angles to force close quarters fights – which is where the HCR 56 overwhelms with sheer volume of fire!
6) RAPP H – Not Worth Unlocking
Unlocked Via: Lachmann 556 Level 16
Fire Rate: 813 RPM
Body Damage: 48 – 39 – 34 – 30
Mag Size: 75 Rounds
The RAPP H rounds out my LMG tier list at the #6 spot…which means I don‘t recommend even investing time unlocking it unfortunately. Even after extensive testing with tuned attachments, the handling limitations heavily overshadow its fringe benefits.
It does have a blazing 813 RPM rate of fire that shreds up close. But the visual recoil is completely unmanageable during sustained fire. I lose track of targets even within 20 meters making securing kills based mostly on luck.
And the mobility is agonizingly slow, making map traversal feel like running waist deep in mud. The sluggishness prevents effective aggressive flanking against equally skilled opponents running ARs or SMGs.
Maybe with some future updates the RAPP H will find more competitive footing. But as it stands now, steer clear and stick to the top 5 LMGs above for best results!
Final Thoughts on the Best LMG Loadout
And there you have it – my definitive LMG weapon tier list and loadout breakdown for Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0!
Across countless hours spent grinding gun levels and racking up kills, the RAAL MG stands head-and-shoulders above the competition as the #1 top dog. The raw TTK potential at nearly all practical engagement ranges gives it incredible versatility.
However, LMGs like the 556 Icarus and Sakin MG38 have their own niche strengths in mobility and suppression respectively. I encourage experimenting to find which playstyle you vibe with most!
I hope these insights from my gameplay experience help you demolish enemies across Battle Royale and DMZ with your new favorite LMG. Let me know which one you end up adding to your loadout!
Now get back out there, thank you for reading, and most importantly…have fun!
Game on,
Seraph
