Call of Duty nostalgia hits hard in Modern Warfare 3, thanks to its combination of old-school maps and reimagined favorite guns. To make the most of a weapon, you need the perfect class setup like our best Striker loadout in MW3.
One of the new weapons in MW3 that’s also a returning gun from CoD in the past is the Striker SMG. More commonly known as the UMP 45, its in-game description calls it “a hard-hitting and controllable submachine gun chambered in .45 auto” that is “reliable at close to mid-range.”
The Striker may be outshined by a handful of weapons, but it’s still a favorite in MW3 during season one. New SMGs will become meta options in MW3 over time, but as it currently stands, the Striker is still one of the better options for close-range engagements in the game.
This is the best Striker loadout in MW3 so far.
Best Striker loadout and class setup in MW3
Best Striker build in MW3
- Barrel: Striker Recon Long Barrel
- Underbarrel: XRK Edge BW-4 Handstop
- Ammunition: .45 Auto High Grain Rounds
- Rear Grip: SAKIN ZX Grip
- Stock: Lachmann MK2 Light Stock
This loadout does its best to help shore up the Striker’s weaknesses, by adding damage range, recoil control, and accuracy. It’s a solid overall loadout for the SMG that will keep you in most fights.
The Striker, or UMP 45, is reliable at close range and will give you a fighting chance at medium range, too. Don’t bother trying to take on an AR player at long range but if you’re playing the SMG like an SMG player should, you’ll find yourself in situations that benefit the playstyle.
The Striker’s iron sights aren’t the best, but the rest of the attachment slots are needed to help the gun reach its max potential.
When it comes to flying around the map, slaying enemies, and playing the objective, one of the best SMG options in MW3 so far is the Striker. That may change over time, but for now, pro players and amateurs alike are having a ton of fun with this gun, and so am I.
Best Striker class setup in MW3
- Vest: Infantry Vest
- Handgun: Renetti
- Tactical: Flash Grenade
- Lethal: Semtex
- Field Equipment: Trophy System
- Gloves: Marksman Gloves
- Boots: Lightweight Boots or Covert Sneakers
- Gear: Tac Mask
The basic go-to class setup in MW3 multiplayer for any kind of SMG works well here. The Infantry Vest is the catch-all for great classes without going too weird, since it allows you to use all pieces of available gear and perks.
Marksman Gloves, Lightweight Boots, and Tac Mask will all help you stay on the move while dodging gunfire and tactical grenades, and this is very important when playing the role of an objective player or slayer in CoD.
I’ve always been more of an AR player, but the Striker holds its own even in my hands when it comes to the submachine gun class in MW3. It’s one of the best choices in the early months of the game, so make sure to level it up and use the Gunsmith to help it reach its maximum potential. This gun was dominant in the MW3 beta, then felt like it got over-nerfed.
Upon MW3’s launch, it felt underpowered but got a big buff shortly after launch in November 2023 to help bring it back to its former glory. It’s not quite as dominant as it once was, but it’s still very good in season one.
