The Sakin MG38 is the bulky boy of the MW2 LMG arsenal, with some of the highest base damage rounds in the game. However, the Sakin MG38 has some serious downsides, as it is by far one of the slowest primary weapons in the game, and its recoil makes it noticeably a challenge while on the move. This build page aims to help players manage those side effects, with the best Sakin MG38 loadout in MW2 and a suggested Sakin MG38 class and perk setup.

Read More: MW2 Tier List

View Full-size

Here is a closer look at the best Sakin MG38 loadout in MW2, and the best Sakin MG38 class and perks to match.

The best Sakin MG38 Loadout in MW2¶

At the time of writing, players have only been able to test the Sakin MG38 in the default class with attachments, or with no attachments in the custom class. While we can’t suggest specific attachments at the moment, we do have an idea of what the best Sakin MG38 loadout attachments will feature:

• Muzzle: Compensator for vertical recoil control or Silencer with recoil smoothness.
• Barrel: Extended barrel to increase bullet velocity and recoil control in some form.
• Underbarrel: Precision-40 since it seems to be a universal attachment to control vertical recoil.
• Rear Grip: A rear grip to improve ADS speeds.
• Option 5 is either a precision stock to control recoil even more, or a sight to further improve the player’s accuracy

The general impression we got from the Sakin is that its ADS speed is slow, and the recoil control is somewhat weak. So, you will need attachments to improve them is the general feeling. We also had a good field test with the 556 Icarus, which is somewhat similar to the Sakin MG, albeit slightly more accurate and faster to move with, but at the offset of weaker rounds.

When we get our hands on the gun in live multiplayer, we will update the page with the best Sakin MG38 loadout in MW2 to be more precise with our theory.

Best Sakin MG38 Class in MW2¶

We can tell you what an ideal MG38 class in MW2 looks like since we got to test that in the beta, and experiment with other class features. The best Sakin MG338 class in MW2 allows you to support your slow-moving weaknesses, or areas you have on lockdown:

• Secondary X13 Auto pistol or Expedite-12
• Tactical: Flash or Stun Grenades
• Lethal: Proximity or Semtex
• Field Upgrade: Ammo Box

Your purpose of your secondary is to help you with your closer range and hip fire firefights. Your LMG’s hipfire will not suffice when you need to fight that close, and ADS doesn’t cut it. The X13’s rate of fire is very useful, and the Expedite 12’s one-shot potential is also a valuable asset.

The tactical of choice depends on your preference. Flashes blind and deafen, which is good for stopping overly aggressive players or prep a room breach. Meanwhile, the stun grenades slow and make it harder for enemies to aim, which is great for any awkward close-range fights you need to buy time to kill them or switch to a secondary to finish the job.

On the other hand, the lethal depends on playstyle, objective and map. The proximity is good if you enter the game’s bipod mode behind cover. It’s a good way to play an LMG, as it really helps center your accuracy. However, this exposes you to flankers. Proximity Mines or Claymores cover those flanks so you can feel safer in your hunker-down spot. If you’re more on the move, the Semtex is a quickly detonating explosive that can flush objectives or rooms you believe an enemy is camping in.

The Field Upgrade you want is an Ammo Box. Restoring ammo with an Ammo Box is a much safer option to continue your killstreak, rather than using Scavenger, as you are a slow mover and put yourself at too much risk with Scavenger.

Best Sakin MG38 Perks in MW2¶

The best Sakin MG38 Perks are the ones that support the class’ ability to frag and survive. These are:

• Basic Perk 1 - Overkill
• Basic Perk 2 - Tracker
• Bonus Perk - Fast Hands
• Ultimate Perk - Bird’s Eye

The two basic perks you want are Overkill and Tracker. Tracker allows you to stay informed about the movement of enemy players, so you can plan ahead to pre-aim and track enemy players, rather than chasing them with speed. Smart map movements will offset your slow movement speed with the Sakin MG38. Secondly, the Overkill perk offers you a better secondary option for those awkward close-range fights you will have.

The only Bonus Perk you need is the Fast Hands perk. Fast Hands improves your reload speed, drastically shortening its 9 seconds base reload speed. It allows you to swap weapons quicker, which is handy for close-range hipfire moments. Fast Hands is easily the best Sakin MG38 perk in MW2 and is necessary to make the best Sakin MG38 loadout in MW2.

Finally, you have the Bird’s Eye ultimate perk. While UAVs are annoying, you’re kinda slow and load, so you’re easy to track anyway. So, you may as well get Bird’s Eye, and improve your minimap tracking. This will allow you to get to a better position, bipod up and then mow enemies down with your Sakin MG38. Once again, knowing more about map information is the key to getting the most out of your long-range, high-damage LMG.

Therefore, these are the best Sakin MG38 perks for MW2, as they drastically increase your character’s overall effectiveness. They help to support you and bring the best Sakin MG38 Loadout in MW2 to life.