With Call of Duty: Warzone allowing players to carry two weapons, gamers should be equally selective about both their primary and secondary guns. While NICKMERCS has already shared his go-to primary, the pro has now taken the time to detail his favorite backup weapon in Call of Duty: Warzone.

Surprisingly, it is a Call of Duty: Modern Warfare gun, as none other than the AS VAL gets the honors of being NICKMERCS’ favorite secondary. While the gun may not be as broken as it was when it first arrived, it is still viable in certain situations, so much so that NICKMERCS recommends players use it in their games. Right off the bat, the pro player claims it is the “best pocket gun in the game,” citing its quick TTK and stellar damage as the main reasons to pick it up.

RELATED: Call of Duty: Warzone Streamer FaZe Swagg Reveals OP PPSH-41 Loadout

NICKMERCS also calls it the “highest damage” weapon, with the gun beating out the Fennec SMG as a go-to secondary in the pro’s eyes. However, NICKMERCS does warn that the gun has one downside that players need to work around. Even with the best possible attachments, the AS Val has an extremely low magazine size, meaning that players will need to consistently reload. A true secondary, those using the gun should only pull it out in close-range situations where they know they can hit their shots.

If used correctly, though, it can be a great companion piece to the Krig 6 or Grau Assault Rifles. NICKMERCS also cites the PKM as his go-to primary in several videos. As for what players should put on their weapon, 30 Round Mags is a necessity. While it does not fix the ammo issue, it does balance it out, allowing players to fo us on improving the AS Val’s already strong damage, accuracy, and range. With the gun also being a secondary, a slot does not need to be wasted on an optic.

The FaZe co-owner recommends the VLK 200mm Osa, with the attachment providing the usual range boosts that accompany an improved barrel. The Stovl 6P30 Skelet stock makes the gun a fair bit faster, something that is always useful in close-range encounters. With handling and range improved by the gun, NICKMERCS turns his attention to making recoil more manageable. To make the gun accurate, the Merc Foregrip is used. The Rubberized Grip Tape further improves the AS Val’s speed as well.

• Barrel: VLK 200mm Osa
• Underbarrel: Merc Foregrip
• Stock: Stovl 6P30 Skelet
• Rear Grip: Rubberized Grip Tape
• Ammunition: 30 Round Mags

With Call of Duty: Warzone fans having plenty of valid loadout options, the game’s meta has never been in a healthier place. For those searching for a strong secondary, though, the AS Val seems like a fine choice.

Call of Duty: Warzone is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.

MORE: Call of Duty: Warzone's Most Infamous Hacks And Exploits That Have Plagued the Game