The PML 5.56, better known as the M249, has joined the Warzone arsenal via the Season 5 update. The classic LMG has featured in multiple CoD games, with its most recent Warzone appearance being the Bruen MK9 from Modern Warfare III (2023). While its hefty frame and clunky handling make it a poor fit for multiplayer, the weapon usually finds a place in the battle royale mode. With this in mind, we’ve put together a meta PML 5.56 loadout for Warzone to help you max out the weapon’s potential.
Best PML 5.56 Warzone Loadout
- Optic: Willis 3X
- Muzzle: Compensator
- Barrel: Gain-Twist Barrel
- Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
- Fire Mods: Recoil Springs
Our PML 5.56 Warzone loadout increases the LMG’s range, applies an optic to offer mid-range precision, and tightens up the weapon’s recoil. These attachments don’t address the PML 5.56’s poor mobility, but that’s because we recommend pairing the weapon with a swift SMG for those close-range scenarios.
Kicking off the loadout is the Willis 3X Optic, which has become the go-to mid-range scope for a majority of Warzone players. It offers ample magnification alongside a clean sight, making it ideal for an LMG. Next, we’ve got the Gain-Twist Barrel, which bumps up the weapon’s bullet velocity and improves its ranged performance. To offset the barrel’s recoil gains, we’ve opted for the ever-reliable Compensator.
The PML 5.56’s hefty recoil induces an upward kick that drags towards the right the longer you hold down the trigger. To help minimize the vertical recoil, slap on the Vertical Foregrip, and to clean up the rest, we recommend the Recoil Springs mod.
Best PML 5.56 Class Setup in Warzone
The PML 5.56 pairs an insane fire rate with solid damage output, making it a lethal LMG. But those qualities come with glaring caveats, such as long reload times and high recoil. These shortcomings mean that a PML 5.56 class needs a secondary weapon that players can fall back upon. And of course, you’ll also need to pick the best perks and equipment to go along with the package. On that note, here is our recommended class setup for the PML 5.56 in Warzone.
Secondary Weapon
- Barrel: Long Barrel
- Underbarrel: Ranger Foregrip
- Magazine: Extended Mag II
- Rear Grip: Ergonomic Grip
- Stock: Balanced Stock
The LC10 is currently the close-range meta in Warzone. With excellent TTK and surprisingly low recoil, the SMG dominates combat scenarios within 20 meters, and can also hold its own at medium ranges. These traits make it the perfect support weapon to switch to when the PML 5.56 requires a reload.
Perks & Equipment
- Perk 1: Scavenger
- Perk 2: Quick Fix
- Perk 3: Alertness
- Wildcard: Overkill
- Lethal: Semtex
- Tactical: Smoke Grenade
No matter how sizable the PML 5.56’s magazine capacity is, you’ll still find yourself running out of bullets frequently due to its rapid fire rate. For this reason, we recommend picking Scavenger in the first Perks slot, which lets you resupply ammo from eliminated enemies. Next up is Quick Fix, one of the best Perks Warzone has to offer, since it triggers health regeneration upon killing enemies and lets you insert armor plates one-handed.
Lastly, Alertness bolsters your situational awareness by notifying you when you’re being aimed at by enemies out of your sight. As for Equipment, we’ve gone with the always-reliable Semtex and Smoke Grenade combination.
And that wraps our Warzone PML 5.56 loadout guide. What are your impressions of Season 5 so far? Be sure to let us know in the comments.
