The Best R9-0 Loadout in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Warzone

The R9-0 shotgun has been a total non-presence in Modern Warfare and Warzone for several seasons now, ironically after a nerf brought it down a peg. But now that subsequent nerfs have altered the current meta, alongside a secretly devastating new attachment, the R9-0 has shot back up to the top of the mountain. Paired with its new Dragon’s Breath ammo modifier, the R9-0 is the most lethal shotgun since, well, the FAMAS was glitched. And of course, an ideal loadout build for doing the most with this recent discovery is nice and easy.

Modern Warfare and Warzone Best R9-0 Dragon’s Breath Loadout

To understand what’s going on with the R9-0, and to figure out how to unlock the infamous Dragon’s Breath rounds, look no further than our own guide on the subject, linked below this paragraph. Here, we’re going to list and explain what many are considering the optimal build for taking advantage of the latest metagame imbalance. So while this build’s days may very well be numbered, now’s as good a time as any to have some fun with it while it lasts.

Related: Modern Warfare: How to Unlock R9-0 Dragon’s Breath Rounds

Since the R9-0 is a shotgun, you have to consider the basic pros and cons of a shotgun in Call of Duty. The main factors are accuracy, reloading, and range/pellet spread. What you don’t need are things like ADS speed or movement speed. This build maximizes what is and isn’t necessary for any shotgun, while maximizing the potential of Dragon’s Breath as well. Check it out as listed below:

• Choke
• FORGE TAC Sentry
• 5mW Laser
• Merc Foregrip
• Dragon’s Breath (natch)
• Sleight of Hand

This build gives you a little extra range for such a close-quarters weapon, helping you make sure you can spread that fire as much as possible. You’re also going to see a lot of ADS deficiencies, but in exchange your hip-firing is going to be much more of a utility. Combine that with some extra pellet spread control and you’re basically going to be a walking tank, spitting literal fire at anyone who gets too close. 

You barely even have to aim, as the lingering fire damage does so much work for you. Sleight of Hand is a Perk you definitely want to help out with reload speed, and everything else is really up to you as an individual. This is also not a stealthy approach by any stretch of the word, so don’t worry about being able to run in and out of an encounter. You’re using this build to finish them as soon as you jump into the fray. 

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That’s all for now! Thanks to its raw power and ludicrous, lingering fire effect, there’s no way the Dragon’s Breath is getting out on the other side of this intact. Infinity Ward is pretty good at interacting with and listening to the community, so we won’t be surprised to see the nerf hammer come down. But for now, this is a pretty fun way for a weapon to be overpowered. What do you think about all this? Let us know over at the Prima Games Facebook and Twitter channels!