The Rival-9 SMG is perfect for aggressive, run ‘n’ gun, players in Modern Warfare 3, but not all class setups are created equally. If you want to perform well with this gun, you’ll need to add the right attachments, perks, and equipment.
You’re in luck, because we’ve got the best loadout for the Rival-9 in MW3.
Best Rival-9 loadout and class setup in MW3
The Rival-9 has become the go-to SMG for Call of Duty League pros, which means that you can’t go wrong with it in your loadout, either. This setup is similar to what the pros are using, so feel free to grab it and rock enemies online with it.
Best Rival-9 build in MW3
- Muzzle: Purifier Muzzle Brake S
- Stock: MTZ Marauder Stock
- Underbarrel: Bruen Pivot Vertical Grip
- Ammunition: 9mm High Velocity
- Rear Grip: Rival Vice Assault Grip
The downside of the Rival-9 is its lack of long-range power. Getting up close and personal is crucial to maximize this SMG’s damage and get consistent kills to remain at the top of the leaderboard. Due to its vertical recoil pattern and kick, the Rival Vice Assault Grip will help you maintain control and best utilize the fast TTK with consistent head and chest shots.
To unlock the Rival-9, you’ll have to do a bit more than you would for most guns. First, you’ll have to reach Level 25. After that, you’ll have to successfuly complete either three daily or bonus challenges before the Rival-9 is yours for the shooting.
The Purifier Muzzle Brake S and MTZ Marauder Stock will also help with recoil, while the 9mm High Velocity ammunition will buff your damage and keep you in every single fight.
This is the best SMG for MW3’s Ranked Play mode, too, so have fun with it while ranking up.
Best Rival-9 class setup in MW3
- Vest: Infantry Vest
- Handgun: Renetti
- Tactical: Stun Grenade
- Lethal: Semtex
- Field Equipment: Trophy System or Dead Silence
- Gloves: Commando Gloves
- Boots: Lightweight Boots
- Gear: Tac Mask
When it comes to equipment for SMG loadouts, you can never really go wrong with the Commando Gloves. Next, Lightweight Boots are the obvious choice for an SMG wielder to further boost their movement speed and maneuverability. Finally, EOD Padding is crucial to staying in the fight and allows you to constantly push the opposing team without fear of being taken out by enemy explosives.
For lethal, tactical, and field equipment, Stun Grenade and Semtex are great choices. Stuns will disorient your enemies, allowing you to get in close for the kill. Semtex is better in close-quarters battles over the Frag Grenade, as you can use it to push back or stick an enemy trapped in a tight spot. Finally, we recommend the Trophy System for its ability to protect objectives in any mode.
Run and gun to your heart’s content with this loadout, which maximizes mobility and firepower. With so much emphasis on speed, you’ll want to make sure you aren’t rushing into battles without having your Rival-9 properly reloaded.
Because speed is the priority when it comes to the perfect SMG class, a simple pistol will provide enough damage to finish off enemies at low health. You will primarily be using the Rival-9 in matches, so you’ll only switch weapons as a last resort in most battles. With a pistol as your secondary, the Infantry Vest is the obvious choice for tac sprint, tac stance, and sliding capabilities.
