How to Unlock Your Favorite Weapons in COD Warzone: The Ultimate 2021 Guide

Mastering the meta in Call of Duty: Warzone requires more than just aim; it demands the right loadout. As of July 29, 2021, the integration between Modern Warfare, Black Ops Cold War, and Warzone has created a massive arsenal, but many of the top-tier weapons are locked behind specific challenges. Whether you are chasing the long-range dominance of the Krig 6 or the close-quarters lethality of the MAC-10, understanding exactly how to unlock these assets is the first step toward victory in Verdansk.

Navigating the Weapon Unlock System

In Warzone, weapons are generally unlocked in one of three ways: leveling up your overall rank, completing specific in-game challenges, or purchasing weapon blueprints via the Store. While blueprints provide instant access to a weapon, they do not necessarily grant you the base version or the ability to customize attachments until you unlock the base weapon through gameplay. Most Cold War weapons are unlocked by hitting a specific player level, whereas Modern Warfare weapons often require a specific, task-oriented challenge.

Unlocking Black Ops Cold War Weapons

Cold War weapons currently dominate the Warzone meta. Because these weapons were integrated later, their unlock requirements are tied directly to your profile level. If you see a weapon you want to use, check the "Create-a-Class" menu. If it says "Reach Level X," you simply need to earn XP by playing matches, completing contracts, and securing kills.

To speed up this process, focus on Plunder mode. Plunder allows for unlimited respawns, meaning you can drop into high-traffic areas, complete Recon or Supply Run contracts, and accumulate massive amounts of weapon and player XP without the stress of a Battle Royale elimination.

Unlocking Modern Warfare Weapons

Modern Warfare weapons often feature more granular unlock criteria. For example, some weapons require you to get a certain number of headshots with a specific weapon class, or a specific number of kills while crouching.

If you are trying to unlock a specific Modern Warfare weapon, navigate to the Gunsmith menu. Hover over the locked weapon, and the UI will display the specific challenge required. If the challenge says "Get 2 kills while sliding in 15 different matches using SMGs," you must equip an SMG and focus your gameplay on that objective. Note that in many cases, you must complete the match for the progress to count. If you quit early, the progress will not be saved.

The Power of Plunder for Rapid Unlocks

Plunder is arguably the most efficient tool for unlocking weapons. Because the match duration is fixed and respawns are constant, you can finish specific weapon challenges much faster than in Battle Royale.

To maximize efficiency:

Focus on Contracts: Scavenger and Recon contracts offer the highest XP payouts. Pick up a contract, complete it, and move to the next.
Use XP Tokens: Before starting a session, ensure you have activated your Double XP tokens. These are earned through the Battle Pass and seasonal events. Pairing Double XP tokens with contract farming will see you fly through level requirements.
Equip the Base Weapon: If you are grinding to unlock attachments for a weapon you already have, ensure it is equipped in your loadout. If you are grinding to unlock a new weapon, focus on the specific category required by the challenge.

Understanding the Meta and Prioritizing Unlocks

Not every weapon in the game is worth the time required to unlock it. As of late July 2021, the focus should remain on the meta-defining weapons. Currently, the Cold War ARs (like the FARA 83 and the Krig 6) and SMGs (like the Bullfrog and the MAC-10) are the priority.

The FARA 83: This assault rifle is known for its high fire rate and minimal recoil. To unlock it, you generally need to reach the required level in the Cold War/Warzone progression system.
The MAC-10: This SMG remains the king of mobility. It is unlocked by reaching the required player level. If you find yourself struggling with movement, this is the first weapon you should target.
The Swiss K31: For snipers, the Swiss K31 is a top-tier choice due to its fast aim-down-sight (ADS) speed. It is unlocked by reaching the appropriate level.

Troubleshooting Locked Weapons

There are instances where a weapon remains locked even after you believe you have completed the requirements. This is often a visual bug or a sync error between the Cold War and Modern Warfare servers. If this happens:

Restart the Game: A simple restart forces the game to re-sync your account data with the servers.
Check the Challenges: Ensure you are using the correct weapon class. Sometimes, the description says "SMG," but the game only tracks progress for a specific sub-type or a weapon from a specific era (Modern Warfare vs. Cold War).
Complete an Additional Match: Sometimes, the progress bar lags behind your actual performance. Play one more match to force a data update.

Tips for Modern Warfare Weapon Challenges

For those specifically aiming for Modern Warfare weapons that require headshots or slide kills, load into "Shoot the Ship" playlists (Shoot House and Shipment) if they are active. These maps are small and chaotic, making it significantly easier to rack up the high kill counts required for specific unlocks. If you are struggling with a "get X kills in Y matches" challenge, remember that once you secure the required kills in a single match, you can switch to a different weapon for the remainder of the round to continue leveling up your primary kit.

Utilizing Free-to-Play Mechanics

Warzone players who do not own the full Modern Warfare or Cold War games are at a slight disadvantage regarding weapon leveling, but they are not barred from unlocking weapons. The unlock requirements are the same for everyone. If you find the grind too slow, look for "Free Access" weeks that Activision periodically hosts for Cold War or Modern Warfare. During these windows, you can access Multiplayer modes, which provide a significantly faster environment for leveling weapons compared to the large-scale map of Warzone.

The Role of Blueprints in Unlocking

A common misconception is that purchasing a bundle in the store unlocks the base weapon. While the blueprint allows you to use that specific weapon immediately with pre-configured attachments, you do not technically "unlock" the ability to customize that weapon until you reach the level or complete the challenge associated with the base version. If you want to use your own optics, magazines, or muzzle attachments, you must prioritize the base unlock. Use the blueprint to get a feel for the weapon’s recoil pattern and fire rate, then commit to the grind to fully master it.

Maximizing Efficiency with Tactical Planning

Before jumping into your next Warzone lobby, check the "Challenge" tab in your menu. Some weapons have hidden challenges or requirements tied to the Battle Pass. If a weapon is part of a free tier of the Battle Pass, you simply need to reach that tier level. This is often the easiest way to unlock weapons without needing to grind kills or contract completions.

Always monitor the "Store" for free bundles. Occasionally, Activision releases free items that include weapon blueprints, which can serve as a shortcut for players who are just starting their journey. While these may not be "meta" weapons, they provide a baseline for your loadouts while you work toward the high-tier meta options.

Sustaining Progress in the Meta

The Warzone meta is fluid. What is considered a "must-unlock" weapon today may be nerfed in the next patch. Consequently, the best strategy is to diversify your loadout. Do not just unlock the weapon that is currently at the top of the charts; unlock a variety of ARs, SMGs, and Snipers across both the Modern Warfare and Cold War lineups. By having a broad arsenal, you ensure that you are never left without a viable weapon when the developers decide to adjust the weapon damage profiles.

Final Thoughts on Weapon Mastery

Unlocking your favorite weapons is a foundational skill in Warzone. By leveraging Plunder contracts, utilizing Double XP tokens, and focusing on the most efficient game modes, you can drastically reduce the time spent grinding. Remember that the objective is not just to possess the weapon, but to understand its recoil, bullet velocity, and optimal range. Once unlocked, take the weapon into a few games of Plunder or limited-time modes to get accustomed to its specific quirks before heading into the high-stakes environment of Battle Royale. Stay informed on patch notes, monitor your level progression, and stay focused on the specific weapon challenges that align with your preferred playstyle. With the right approach, your armory will be fully stocked with the meta-defining tools needed to secure your next Warzone victory.