The Kastov-74u is easily one of the best early-game weapons in Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2. In fact, it was so powerful that has been slightly nerfed following the MW2 beta.
Take nothing away from the Kastov, though. This is one powerful mid-short range Assault Rifle. Not dissimilar to the AK47, the Kastov is available from the off in the default Hunter loadout and unlocked for custom loadouts at level 7.
Its early accessibility doesn’t mean that the Kastov-74u is strictly for newcomers to Modern Warfare. Even as you progress and unlock more Assault Rifles, the Kastov-74u remains a viable and deadly choice for many matches.
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Its efficacy may drop in maps with primarily open spaces, but it excels anywhere with corners, corridors, and the potential for up-close engagements – if you can control its lively recoil.
Best Kastov-74u Loadout in MW2
You’ll rarely go wrong with Assault Rifles in Modern Warfare 2. Boasting high rates of fire and good damage potential at most ranges, ARs are a great way to get to grips with the game and are even more deadly in the hands of an expert.
The Kastov-74u trades out a little bit of this broad usefulness for increased performance at shorter distances. While you’re unlikely to be able to compete with BRs or Marksman Rifles in long-range engagements, the Kastov will absolutely rip through targets as soon as you can get up close or catch them unawares, performing more on the level of an SMG.
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When Playing Modern Warfare 2 with the Kastov-74u, you should be looking to gain ground on your opponents whenever possible. Force them into indoor engagements if you can and rely on the Kastov’s rapid-fire action to do the rest.
Modern Warfare 2’s speedy TTK may at times incentivize careful, incremental movement. But with a weapon like the Kastov, it provides a real boost to aggressive gameplay and forward momentum.
The Kastov’s incredible maneuverability and Handling set it apart from the AR pack, so make use of that and engage the enemy on your own terms.
Best Kastov-74u attachments in MW2
The best Kastov attachments tame the gun’s recoil, whilst also reducing noise. Opt for the following attachments for the Kastov.
- Muzzle: Echoline GS-X Suppressor
- Laser: 4MW Laser Box (optional – depending on playstyle)
- Underbarrel: FSS Sharkfin 90
- Optic: Cronen Mini Red Dot
The above gives you plenty of control, while the Cronen Mini Red Dot sight gives you a simple but clear line of sight to your target. The laser is an optional pick here – some may choose to focus on adding more grip. However, the laser does increase hip-fire accuracy, which can be useful in close-quarters combat.
Best Perks To Equip With The Kastov-74u
| Recommended Perks | Alternatives |
|---|---|
| Overkill | Base Perk: Tracker |
| Double Time | Bonus Perk: Cold Blooded |
| Ultimate Perk: Quick Fix |
Overkill
While not strictly a necessity, Overkill comes incredibly recommended when wielding the Kastov-74u. Rather than being locked into mid to short-range efficacy, being able to equip a second primary weapon can completely cover the Kastov’s shortcomings, freeing it up to do what it does best.
Using a Marksman Rifle and then switching to the Kastov at close range will allow you to be effective in almost any scenario. And if you’d really like to double up on being a close-range powerhouse, taking a shotgun along in your secondary slot will make you a room-sweeper to be feared.
Double Time
Doubling the duration of your Tactical Sprint will allow you to use the Kastov in close quarters much more frequently than before. Increased movement potential is incredibly important for this gun, and that’s something that Double Time delivers in spades.
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Best Weapons To Pair With The Kastov-74u
Lockwood MK2 Marksman Rifle
The Lockwood MK2 excels in the few areas where the Kastov lacks, delivering powerful, accurate single shots at mid-long range. The Lockwood allows you to remain a threat at ranges where the Kastov-74u’s accuracy and damage fall off dramatically.
While its clip size and reserve are somewhat lacking, this weakness is significantly mitigated by using the Lockwood as an effective subweapon rather than your main piece of kit.
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X12 Handgun
If you don’t want to use up one of your basic perk slots on Overkill, you can’t go wrong with the X12 as a subweapon. While the X13 Auto Handgun comes with a higher rate of fire, it’s eclipsed in almost all areas by the Kastov itself, providing little to benefit the loadout in Modern Warfare 2.
The X12 won’t hold up against most primary weapons, but it can cover for the Kastov where it counts, with accurate shots to finish off wounded foes, or offering more accurate options in long-range engagements where getting closer isn’t a practical choice.
Best Kastov loadout MW2 FAQ
What is the best gun in MW2?
The Kastov-74u is regarded as one of the strongest weapons of the game. It bears a striking similarity to the AK47.
How do you unlock attachments for the Kastov-74u?
Simple. You need to rack up kills with it on Modern Warfare 2, which increases the weapon’s level. This in turn unlocks attachments, camos and more.
