I’ve been conducting informal surveys in Modern Warfare 3 multiplayer sessions since its release, curious to identify what players consider the most challenging weapon to master.
Interestingly, the response has been unanimous across the board: The Sidewinder battle rifle. Intrigued by this consensus, I decided to test it myself. After extensive gameplay, I can confidently say the community’s assessment falls short: The Sidewinder isn’t merely underperforming in MW3; it potentially ranks among the most disappointing firearms in Call of Duty’s extensive history.
However, there’s a silver lining – with the right approach and setup, you can make this weapon viable. Let me share the optimal loadout and class configuration for the Sidewinder in MW3.
Best Sidewinder loadout and class setup in MW3
The Sidewinder, a hefty battle rifle making its debut in MW3, immediately presents users with a major challenge in managing its recoil. Prior to season two, attempting to fire more than two consecutive shots in automatic mode almost guaranteed accuracy issues and missed targets. Following the season two update patches, the weapon received some improvements. The developers increased its bullet velocity to 600m/s and implemented “significant” reductions to both recoil and gun kick.
Best Sidewinder build in MW3
Conversion Kit: JAK Thunder LMG Kit
Barrel: Rattleback Deadeye 16″ Barrel
Stock: RB Regal Heavy Stock
Underbarrel: Holger Vertical Grip
Rear Grip: RB Borealis Grip
Currently, the Sidewinder’s most notable weakness is its sluggish fire rate. However, with appropriate class selection and attachment combinations, you can turn this limitation into a manageable characteristic.
My approach focuses heavily on recoil management, utilizing the Holger Vertical Grip and RB Borealis Grip as primary stabilizing components. The game-changer for the Sidewinder, though, comes from implementing the JAK Thunder LMG Kit.
This Conversion Kit transforms the battle rifle into a light machine gun, featuring a 50-round magazine with an accelerating fire rate based on trigger hold duration. It excels in providing objective-based team support and wall penetration capabilities, though its utility beyond these scenarios is limited.
Despite the season two updates reducing the weapon’s kick, stability remains a concern that necessitates careful attachment selection. The JAK Thunder LMG Kit, while not revolutionary, offers an entertaining alternative for casual gameplay.
Overall, despite investing time in maxing out this weapon and unlocking its full camo collection, its current performance leaves much to be desired. The game offers numerous superior alternatives across various weapon categories, not just within the battle rifle class.
While the recent enhancements are noteworthy, and its raw damage potential is impressive, it may evolve into a more competitive choice as season two unfolds. Nevertheless, many players might still find its conservative fire rate a significant drawback.
Best Sidewinder class setup in MW3
Vest: Gunner Vest
Secondary: Lockwood 680
Tactical: Stun Grenade
Lethal: Semtex
Field Upgrade: Trophy System
Gloves: Quick-Grip Gloves
Gear: Tac Mask or EOD Padding
This loadout prioritizes firepower over mobility, featuring a dual-weapon configuration effective at both medium and close quarters. The Lockwood 680, when configured for mobility and equipped with Quick-Grip Gloves, ensures close-range encounters can be decisively won with a single well-placed shot.
While the Sidewinder demonstrates competence at medium range, we recommend either Tac Mask or EOD Padding as gear options to counter tactical equipment and explosive threats. The Trophy System complements this defensive setup, providing crucial protection against projectiles for both you and your squad during objective-based gameplay.
Ultimately, mastering the Sidewinder demonstrates a player’s adaptability in MW3.