If you play Warzone 2, you probably know this: your loadout—a pre-configured weapon set—is a major boost on the battlefield. When you have your favorite gun with the right attachments, perks, and gear at hand, the game feels completely different. But the mechanics of acquiring gear in Warzone 2 differ from the original Warzone, and if you're a newcomer or haven’t played in a while, it’s easy to get confused.

Let me explain how to get a loadout and use it effectively.

Methods How to Get Loadout in Warzone 2

The method to buy loadouts has significantly changed in Warzone 2.0, but Raven Software brought them back to Buy Stations. Players can acquire their preferred Modern Warfare 2 primary weapons, Perks, and Equipment through this method.

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Ways to Get a Loadout in Warzone 2  

In Warzone 2, there’s no single universal "get loadout" button. The developers made the system more complex by adding multiple paths—from direct purchases to clearing fortified areas. Each method has its pros, cons, and risks.

Method 1: Buying Weapons from Buy Stations

If you have cash and want to get your weapons and perks without unnecessary risks, the Buy Station is your best friend. This is the most straightforward way to grab a loadout in Warzone 2, especially if you don’t like storming strongholds or hunting public drops.

But there’s a catch: you don’t buy the entire loadout at once like in the first Warzone. Instead, you purchase your primary weapon separately, while perks and secondary weapons come from a Loadout Drop Grenade (more on that later).

Primary weapon per player costs $2,500.

Pros:

  • Fast—if a Buy Station is nearby, you’ll have your dream gun in a minute
  • Relatively safe—no need to fight AI bots
  • Can be bought mid-fight if you find the cash

Cons:

  • Not a full loadout—you only get one primary weapon (no perks, secondary, tacticals, or lethals)
  • Not always available—stations may be camped, looted, or occupied by enemies

Tip: Don’t rush to buy at the start if the area isn’t secure. Clear the surroundings first, gather more cash, then make your purchase. Also, remember—Buy Stations offer more than just guns: UAVs, self-revives, armor, and other essentials are available too.

Method 2: Loadout Drop Grenades

If you don’t want to collect weapons one by one as in the first method, go for the Loadout Drop Grenade. This is a crate you throw, and after a few seconds, your full loadout appears—guns, perks, gear—everything you pre-set before the match. And yes, your whole squad can use it, making it a great team investment.

Cost:

  • $8,000 — Solo
  • $16,000 — Duo
  • $24,000 — Trio
  • $32,000 — Full squad

Pros:

  • Quick and convenient—one throw, and everyone gets their loadout
  • Everything at once, no extra hassle

Cons & Risks:

  • Expensive, especially for solo players
  • The crate drops loudly, attracting enemies like free pizza in a dorm
  • If enemies see where it lands, expect company

Tip: Don’t throw it in the open. Aim for cover or rooftops if you’re accurate. Also, cover your teammates while they grab their loadout—otherwise, enemies might get free loot.

Method 3: Public Loadout Drops

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These return to the battlefield as timed events. You can’t buy them—they just fall from the sky somewhere on the map, and anyone can grab them. If you’re lucky, it lands nearby with no enemies. If not? Well, get ready for a mini "King of the Hill" tournament.

When they appear:

  • First drop: Usually mid-match, after the first or second circle closes
  • Second drop (sometimes): Later in the game, but not always

Pros:

  • Free—just be the first to reach it
  • Full loadout, same as with a grenade
  • Great if you’re broke

Cons & Risks:

  • It’s a shared drop, not personal—multiple squads will fight for it
  • Late-game drops can be death traps in open areas
  • Sometimes it lands too far to reach in time

Method 4: Strongholds & Black Sites

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If you’re up for some PvE action while looting top-tier gear, welcome to Strongholds and Black Sites. This isn’t just a way to get a loadout—it’s a mini-raid inside the match, with its own rules and rewards.

A few minutes into the match, several Strongholds appear—buildings guarded by AI bots. These aren’t just target dummies; they’re accurate, armored, and dangerous. Clear them, defuse the bomb, and you’ll get loot plus a Black Site Key.

Black Sites are next-level: tougher bots, aggressive AI, and even an armored boss helicopter. Besides a loadout, you can get high-tier loot, weapon blueprints, and unique items.

Pros:

  • Guaranteed loadout if you succeed
  • Extra loot and gear
  • Chance for bonus content

Cons & Risks:

  • Enemy squads may rush the gunfire
  • Bots don’t miss (especially in Black Sites)
  • Squad wipes are possible if unprepared

How to Use Loadouts Effectively in Warzone 2

Getting a loadout is only half the battle. The real key is using it wisely, adapting to the situation, and not losing it 30 seconds later. Here are some proven tips I use every match:

Match loadouts to your playstyle. Aggressive? SMG + speed perks. A camper? Sniper + recon tools. Support player? Smokes + "Bird’s Eye" perks.

Consider the circle. Don’t carry a long-range gun into a final zone full of close-quarters chaos. And if the zone is open early, skip the shotgun. Sounds obvious, but many forget.

Control the moment. If going for a public drop, don’t rush blindly. Scout with UAVs or drones, move as a team, and watch your flanks.

Strongholds = strategy. If no enemies are nearby, clearing one gives great loot and map control. But if top squads are around, maybe wait.

In Warzone 2.0, loadouts can be obtained in multiple ways: buying, drops, clearing zones. Experiment with setups and adapt to dominate the game!

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