Vanguard Weapon Setup Guides - The MG42

For every gun, we have an astonishing amount of attachments to choose from, and we can use ten at once! But, where do you even begin? What attachments do you need on the MG42?

MG42 Main
Probably the best LMG in Vanguard. | © Activision

The MG42 shreds everything

In our opinion, the MG42 is the most powerful LMG in CoD: Vanguard. It has great recoil control, an incredible rate of fire, and is nowhere near as slow as it looks. Used correctly, you will cut up any opponent. If you don't like reloading and want to shred an entire team, you should definitely test the MG42. Also check out the best guns in Vanguard if you want to know where it stands in the rankings right now.

Note: This is an MG42 loadout for Vanguard multiplayer, for a Warzone build you're looking for this guide.

The Best MG42 Setup

MG42 Setup
It's worth levelling this puppy because it also slaps in Warzone. | © Activision Blizzard
MuzzleF8 Stabiliser

Barrel

Krausnick 450mm B42MG
OpticG16 2,5x
StockVDD 64M
UnderbarrelHeavy Foregrip
Magazine13MM Anti-Material 125 Round Drums
Ammo TypeBlocked By Magazine
Rear GripFabric Grip
ProficiencyTight Grip
KitFully Loaded

With this setup we get a little more range but also increased mobility. The magazine is interesting because it makes the weapon a touch more difficult to control, but it does a lot more damage. The subsonic ammunition also saves us the silencer, but you can exchange subsonic for hollow-points if you want more limb damage. Overall, with this setup, we get one of the strongest LMGs in CoD: Vanguard. If you'd rather try another one, we do of course already have a complete ranking of all LMGs in Vanguard.

Equipment & Perks for an MG42 Loadout

A good setup alone doesn't make you a monster in Vanguard. Here we've got a rundown of the best secondary weapon, the best perks, grenades and the best field upgrade for an MG42 loadout.

The best secondary Weapon for the MG42

Vanguard Secondary Machine Pistol
The submachine gun is the best close combat support. | © Activision

We recommend the machine pistol as a secondary weapon. Sure, with a thicc LMG you might also consider packing overkill and an SMG like the M1928 or MP-40, but we want to avoid the use of overkill as much as possible. The machine pistol is only strong out to about 15 meters, but it can do bits. With our setup, it's definitely a first-class choice as a secondary weapon.

The best Equipment for the MG42

Vanguard Equipment Thermite Stun
In our opinion, Thermite is the most versatile | © Activision

No big surprises here, thermite and stun grenades are a hit. Find a good position from which you can cover as much as possible with the MG42 and throw thermite to temporarily block doors or narrow corridors. Stun grenades aren't required in an MG42 loadout, but we find they can be very helpful. Are you being pushed and want to change positions? Throw a stunt and you can run away.

The best Perks for the MG42

Ghost Radar Demolition
This combination of perks is particularly strong. | © Activision

We recommend Ghost, Radar and Demolition for the MG42. Ghost is always a good choice as it will prevent you from being tagged by spy planes. Radar is used to target enemies on the minimap who shoot without a silencer, and Demolition gives you an extra grenade. The third slot can theoretically be used for other purposes, it's up to your personal taste.

The best Field Upgrade for the MG42

Armor Plates
Armor Plates are simply the best Field Upgrade. | © Activision

Armor plates are once again the best choice. Taking a few more hits is never wrong. These things work the same way in Vanguard as they do in Warzone, but take a long time to recharge. Also, always remember that they only protect your torso - headshots will tear you apart just as quickly with armor plates as without.

How do you unlock the MG42?

The MG42 is immediately available as soon as you can create your own loadouts at level 4. Just play 2-3 matches, and you can pack the fat LMG into one of your loadouts and start grinding. So no annoying challenges and no other stressful leveling. The MG42 is the first LMG that is available to you in Vanguard. It can be a bit frustrating until you have all the attachments unlocked, but it doesn't take long to have them all.

What is the best Alternative to the MG42?

DP27 in game
The DP27 is a good alternative to the MG42. | © Activision

In our opinion, the best alternative to the MG42 is the DP27. This LMG is much more mobile and can also be played a bit like a slow assault rifle. Sure, the weird pizza magazine can be a bit annoying as it takes up half the screen, but give it a try. If you ever get fed up with the MG42, you have a decent alternative here. Of course, we have also prepared a DP27 loadout for you.

That's it for the best MG42 loadout, enjoy!

Jon Ramuz

Jon has a BA and an MA in English Literature, and as Content Lead for EarlyGame has written over 1,500 articles. He focuses on shooters, but also writes about entertainment and gaming in general....