There’s only a handful of weapons for light machine gun fans to enjoy in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to be excited about.
The 556 Icarus is one of these light machine guns, the chunkier cousin of the classic M4. With how weapon platforms work in MW2, it offers the same iron sight and several of the same attachments as the M4. So if you enjoy the AR, you could find a new friend in the Icarus, too.
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The Icarus is “a lightweight squad-support weapon in the M4 platform” that offers “increased ammo capacity” that “does not significantly impact mobility.” It’s a solid weapon in the platform you will need to use to level up the full suite anyway.
Here’s the best class to use for the 556 Icarus in MW2 during season three.
Best 556 Icarus loadout in Modern Warfare 2
- Muzzle: Forge-TAC Castle Comp
- Barrel: FTAC Coldforge 16″ Barrel
- Stock: Demo Precision Elite Factory
- Underbarrel: VX Pineapple Vert Grip
- Rear Grip: Sakin VX Grip
- Secondary: Preferred pistol
- Tactical: Stun Grenade
- Lethal: Semtex
- Perk Package: Battle Hardened and Double Time/E.O.D., Fast Hands, Ghost
- Field Upgrade: Trophy System
When it comes to base stats, the Icarus has better range, accuracy, and recoil control than the M4, but it falters in damage and handling and greatly suffers in mobility. None of this makes sense when considering it’s an LMG and the M4 is an AR, but the Gunsmith nullifies any of it.
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This set of attachments really leans into the LMG side of the gun, nearly maximizing its recoil control to help when holding down the trigger over long periods of time, while ignoring mobility and handling entirely. We don’t think it’s a good idea to run and gun with this setup since it’s meant instead for Sentinels, who really like their high-capacity magazines and powerful gunfire.
- Muzzle: Harbinger D20
- Optic: AIM OP-V4
- Underbarrel: Phase-3 Grip
- Ammunition: 5.56 High Velocity
- Rear Grip: Sakin ZX Grip
- Secondary: Preferred pistol
- Tactical: Stun Grenade
- Lethal: Semtex
- Perk Package: Double Time and E.O.D., Fast Hands, Ghost
- Field Upgrade: Dead Silence
Similar to a popular Warzone 2 build for the LMG, this loadout for the 556 Icarus is very solid for firing at mid-range and beyond, thanks to its big buffs to accuracy and range. The AIM-OP V4 can be swapped out for a different scope, but that’s currently one of the best in the game when it comes to visibility while firing, in our opinion.
