The Best Warzone 2.0 STB 556 Loadout | An SMG/AR Hybrid

We have the best STG 556 setup and loadout for Warzone 2.0. The AUG, or STB 556, is a very strong close-range option in Warzone 2. It absolutely should not be used as your main long-range option, but alongside an LMG built for range or a sniper, the STB is perfect.

STB PNG
This is the best Warzone STB-556 loadout. | © EarlyGame

Before Warzone 2 launched, when we could only test these weapons in MW2, the STB 556 was absurd. It had faster sprint-out-times than SMGs. Not on the same level, no, it was actually faster! That's just illogical for an AR. Now, when Warzone 2 was released, they did actually implement some balance changes that increased it's sprint-out to be the same as SMGs. But even if it's not as fast as it once was, to have an SMG-level sprint-out time on an AR still makes the STB incredibly effective as a short-range AR.

To be clear, you cannot use this as a long-range option, but as a sniper-support style AR, the STB is fantastic. If you're still interested in levelling an AUG for Warzone, you can find the current meta attachment setup below.

The Best Attachment Setup For The STB 556 In Warzone 2

STB
Sadly, 42 round-mags are the max. | © Activision / EarlyGame
Slot

Attachment

Unlock RequirementsAttachment Tuning
MuzzleXTEN Havoc 90Kastov 762 to Level 10 Kastov 545 to Level 8Aim Down Sight Speed (-0.65 oz) / Gun Kick Control (+0.30 in)

Laser

VLK LZR 7MWSTB 556 to Level 5Default
Optic

Slimline Pro

Lachmann-762 to Level 13 → Lachmann-556 to Level 12 → Lachmann Sub to Level 11Default
Rear Grip

Bruen Q900 Grip

Victus XMR to Level 22Aim Down Sight Speed (-0.75 oz) / Sprint To Fire Speed (-0.35 in)
Magazine42 Round MagSTB 556 to Level 9Default

As we said above, our focus here is on maintaining that great handling and mobility, to make this able to compete with SMGs in close-range. The only attachments that are going to slow us down are the muzzle brake and the extended magazine, but we need at least 42-rounds for anything other than solos, and the muzzle brake does a huge amount of recoil mitigation for a relatively low cost, so we feel that it's an efficient tradeoff.

For optics, we've gone for our favorite 1x, the Slimline Pro (which you'll remember as the G.I. Mini Reflex from MW2019). Any 1x or 2x will do well here, but we wouldn't advise going up to 3x or greater with a short-range AR build.

  • If you need to grind some weapons for these attachments, here's a link to buy Modern Warfare 2.

The Best Loadout For The STB 556: Secondary, Perks & Equipment

Secondary: RPK

RPK
This is our long-range RPK build. | © Activision

Alarm bells will be ringing for many of you, "why the hell have they chosen to take an AR with an LMG, they'll never have enough ammo". But in Warzone 2 we can of course stow ammo in our backpack beyond the max of 210, so this is a non-issue. Also, standard AR/LMG/BR ammo is quite plentiful on Al Mazrah, so finding sufficient supplies won't be an issue.

Now we've addressed that possible concern, here's why we chose an RPK. The RPK, especially with the build above, is one of the most controllable and effective options for long-range, and in Warzone 2 there's almost nothing that can compete with it besides the RAAL, the Lachmann-556, and possibly the M13B. So get it levelled if you haven't already!

Perks (Base, Bonus & Ultimate)

In Warzone 2. 0 we have to choose a pre-made perk package, which, if we want to play Overkill, can only be Weapon Specialist.

Perk Package Weapon Specialist

Base Perk

Overkill, Strong Arm

Bonus PerkSpotter
Ultimate Perk

Survivor

Yep, we're forced to pick pre-made perk packages. For Overkill, as you can see, we need to take pretty rubbish perks in other slots. Strong Arm is very situational compared to other base perks, Spotter is weak for the same reason, and players can get the benefits of Survivor in Warzone without even needing the perk. Still, we have to do what we must for Overkill.

Equipment (Lethal & Tactical)

LethalSemtex
Tactical

Flash Grenades

There are lots of great options here, but we tend to recommend the Semtex because it's effective against vehicles and infantry, and it's easy to use for all skill levels. And in the tactical slot we've gone for Flash grenades as these are frankly broken in MW2 and Warzone 2 right now. Seriously, they will complete blind opponents and have a huge radius of effect.

If you're looking for other weapons to use instead, or to pair with the STB, you can find a complete tier list of every weapon in Warzone 2 here.

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....