Call of Duty: Warzone has several assault rifle options that range from low recoil to high damage. While the meta constantly shifts, the Grau seems to reoccur on almost a seasonal basis. Known officially as the Grau 5.56, this well-rounded assault rifle appeared in Call of Duty: Warzone during Season 2 and was a rising star for several patches.
When it comes to legendary guns, none can match the esteem that the Grau 5.56 has within the game's community. The Grau has appeared in several franchise titles under different names depending on the Call of Duty game, and the weapon was once a reigning champion among competitive circles. Now, the weapon is considered subpar to many assault rifle options, but recent updates have brought it back into the spotlight once again.
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What the Grau 5.56 lacks in recoil control, it can easily make up for in its damage stats. Previously, the weapon was seen in multiple loadouts builds advertising its full damage potential. When properly geared, the Call of Duty: Warzone Grau 5.56 could output more damage than other assault rifles during its original season. Later on, more powerful weapons were released, and the Grau 5.56 fell out of favor among the community.
At its core, the weapon is a lightweight and maneuverable assault rifle with long-range potential. Using the proper barrels, this weapon can be equipped for confrontations at a variety of distances. Further, the gun has two fire modes by default and comes with a 30 round magazine in its standard loadout. Firing 5.56 NATO rounds, players can expect high-powered damage mixed with precision at the cost of recoil control.
When it comes to assault rifles, players must decide whether they are looking for long-distance damage or mid-range precision. This will end up determining whether or not a player invests in their barrel and laser first or instead leans towards their muzzle and optics. With the Grau 5.56, it is generally good to start with the Monolithic Suppressor as it is a competitive go-to attachment in Call of Duty: Warzone. Offering damage and silenced fire, this attachment can help improve the weapon dramatically. For a less stealthy option, the gun can also benefit from a Muzzle Brake for a slight damage increase.
The only laser worth using on the Call of Duty: Warzone Grau 5.56 is the 5mW laser which will offer better hip-fire accuracy and overall control. Players who would rather apply a barrel should use the Tempus 26.4" Archangel for range and damage, but some fans are quite fond of the FSS 11.8" Squall in close-combat situations. Depending on the range chosen, players can benefit from either a VLK 3.0x Optic or a Reflex Sight of their choice.
Most players generally avoid applying a stock, but No Stock is a good option to increase mobility. 60 Round Magazines are useful in extended confrontations, and players looking for an underbarrel should use the Operator or Merc Foregrip depending on their preferred recoil control. While the Grau 5.56 has its own recoil concerns, Call of Duty: Warzone loadouts tend to prioritize low-recoil attachments when it comes to underbarrel selection. That being said, it can be ignored and instead traded for a Rear Grip like the FTAC R-89 Rubber option.
As an assault rifle, the Grau 5.56 is built for frontal confrontations and mobile gunfights. Players should select tactical, lethal, and perk options that complement this playstyle. When it comes to mobile Call of Duty: Warzone tactics, fans should first look towards their perks, starting with Double Time or E.O.D as their main go-to options. While Double Time allows for quicker sprint and speeds, E.O.D. can help reduce damage from well-placed explosive traps. This is easily paired with Ghost to avoid UAVs but could also be paired with High Alert for additional information to avoid snipers. Finally, players should look towards Tracker as their last perk as it can help mark player locations when pursuing particularly dodgy targets.
Many fans enjoy pairing this weapon with flash or stun grenades in the tactical slot and thermal grenades in their lethal. The general goal is for the tactical option to allow for a breach point and the lethal to be a hard counter to shields and hiding players. Depending on the playstyle needed, fans can wield any combination at their preference. Call of Duty: Warzone loadouts also deploy secondary options, and the Grau 5.56 is best paired with a 1911 or similarly reliable pistol.
If ran with Overkill, it is advised to pair it with a Sniper Rifle or SMG, depending on their preference. The Sniper Rifle can easily be used to help level the playing field in long-range battles, but the SMG can often be vital to final circle confrontations. As a long to mid-range Call of Duty: Warzone weapon, the Grau 5.56 must be wary of close battles as ADS time will still be low, and the weapon is not often kitted for close combat. Some fans have been known, in previous meta builds, to compliment this weapon with a shotgun, but in the current season environment, this is not recommended.
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- Muzzle - Monolithic Suppressor
- Barrel - Tempus 26.4 Archangel
- Laser - 5mW Laser
- Optic - VLK 3.0x
- Underbarrel - Ranger Foregrip
This weapon attachment setup for the Call of Duty: Warzone loadout prioritizes stealth alongside damage. The goal is to reduce recoil allowing more shots to hit while extending the range and damage thresholds simultaneously. This is best paired with Double Time, Ghost, and Tracker as perks with a Thermal for Lethal and a Flash Grenade for a Tactical option. Players should wield a pistol secondary with the goal of replacing it with a sniper or SMG option from Call of Duty: Warzone boxes.
As far as the assault rifle meta goes, the Grau 5.56 can hold its own in most battles. Depending on player decision-making, understanding the weapon itself, and choosing tactically smart targets, fans can dominate the battlefield with this gun. Remember to keep mobile at all times when wielding this rifle, and watch out for Call of Duty: Warzone snipers looking for easy targets. As an assault rifle player, fans should prioritize cover, stay in buildings, and be careful when picking long-range battles.
Call of Duty: Warzone is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.