10 Best Snipers in Warzone Season 03: Meta Tier List & Loadouts

Welcome to the definitive guide for long-range dominance in Warzone Season 03. Choosing the right sniper rifle is absolutely critical for success on Urzikstan or Rebirth Island. A powerful sniper can control sightlines, eliminate threats quickly, and secure victory for your squad. However, the meta constantly shifts with each new season and update. Buffs and nerfs change which rifles rise to the top. Finding the current king of long-range combat can feel overwhelming.

This guide simplifies that process for you. We've analyzed the latest changes and player data for Season 03. Consequently, we've compiled a comprehensive tier list of the top 10 snipers available right now. We will break down each rifle's strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, we provide the optimal loadout to maximize its potential on the battlefield. If you're searching for the best sniper in Warzone to elevate your game this season, you've come to the right place. Let's dive into the Call of Duty: Warzone rankings and find your perfect match.

Top 10 Sniper Breakdown & Loadouts​

1. KATT-AMR​

The KATT-AMR continues its reign near the top in Season 03. Its primary strength lies in its incredible damage output. This rifle consistently offers one-shot headshot potential across immense distances. Players value its reliability for securing instant eliminations. Therefore, it remains a popular choice for holding down power positions and controlling open areas effectively. The bullet velocity is also exceptional, making leading targets less challenging.

However, the KATT-AMR is not without its drawbacks. It suffers from a slow aim-down-sights (ADS) speed. This makes it less suitable for aggressive repositioning or quick-scoping engagements. Additionally, the rate of fire is quite slow, punishing missed shots severely. You need precision and good positioning to truly make this rifle shine. Despite these limitations, its raw power keeps it a strong contender for the best sniper in Warzone for dedicated marksmen.

Recommended Loadout:

• Muzzle: Sonic Suppressor XL
• Barrel: Zang-34 Barrel
• Laser: FSS OLE-V Laser
• Ammunition: .50 Cal Spire Point Rounds
• Bolt: Ephemeral Quickbolt

This build focuses on maximizing bullet velocity and range. The suppressor keeps you off the minimap. The laser and bolt slightly improve handling speeds, mitigating some weaknesses. This setup ensures your shots hit hard and fast at extreme ranges, solidifying its power.

2. XRK Stalker​

The XRK Stalker provides a fantastic blend of power and mobility. It burst onto the scene offering a compelling alternative to slower, heavier options. Its key advantage is a significantly faster ADS speed compared to the KATT-AMR. This allows for more aggressive plays and quicker reactions to enemy movements. Furthermore, it still retains one-shot headshot capability at impressive ranges, making it highly lethal.

While generally faster, the XRK Stalker does have slightly lower bullet velocity than the top-tier KATT-AMR. This means you might need to lead targets a bit more at extreme distances. Some players also find its visual recoil pattern takes some getting used to. Nevertheless, its combination of speed and lethal damage makes it incredibly versatile. Many players argue it's the best sniper in Warzone for those who like to reposition often.

Recommended Loadout:

• Muzzle: Sonic Suppressor XL
• Barrel: Fission 60 Barrel
• Laser: SL Razorhawk Laser Light
• Stock: No Stock (or FSS Guardian Stock Pro for stability)
• Ammunition: .50 Cal High Grain Rounds

This loadout prioritizes ADS speed with the No Stock option and laser. The barrel and ammunition enhance range and bullet velocity. If ADS speed feels sufficient, swapping the stock can add stability for follow-up shots. This build makes the Stalker incredibly snappy.

3. MCPR-300​

The MCPR-300 remains a reliable and user-friendly option in Season 03. It boasts excellent bullet velocity and manageable recoil. This makes hitting distant targets relatively easy, even for less experienced snipers. Its predictable performance and solid damage profile ensure consistency. The MCPR-300 has been a staple for a long time for good reason; it simply works well.

Its main drawback is that its one-shot headshot range isn't quite as extensive as the KATT-AMR or Stalker with certain builds. You might find yourself getting more hit markers at extreme distances. Additionally, its handling isn't the absolute fastest, though it's generally better than the KATT. It occupies a comfortable middle ground. For players wanting a dependable, low-recoil rifle, the MCPR-300 is a fantastic pick, even if not always considered the single best sniper in Warzone.

Recommended Loadout:

• Muzzle: Nilsound 90
• Barrel: 22" OMX-456
• Laser: FSS OLE-V Laser
• Optic: Forge Tac Delta 4 (or preferred scope)
• Ammunition: .300 Mag High Velocity

This build focuses heavily on maximizing bullet velocity and range. The Nilsound 90 suppressor adds to this while keeping you silent. The laser helps ADS speed slightly. This configuration makes hitting those long shots much easier due to the fast bullet travel time.

4. FJX Imperium (Intervention)​

Nostalgia meets performance with the FJX Imperium. This rifle, reminiscent of the classic Intervention, offers immense satisfaction with every kill. It features excellent handling characteristics and a relatively quick ADS speed for its class. Importantly, it can be built for reliable one-shot headshots. Many players love the clean scope and the overall feel of this sniper rifle.

However, achieving that crucial one-shot potential often requires specific ammunition attachments. This can sometimes come at the cost of bullet velocity or other stats. Depending on the build, it might feel less forgiving than the MCPR-300 at longer ranges if not perfectly optimized. Finding the right balance is key. It's a rewarding rifle for skilled players aiming for style and effectiveness.

Recommended Loadout:

• Muzzle: Nilsound 90
• Barrel: Fahrenheit 29"
• Laser: VLK LZR 7mw
• Ammunition: .408 Explosive
• Carry Handle: Field-Wrapped Handle (or Optic)

The explosive rounds are crucial for securing one-shot downs reliably. The muzzle and barrel boost range and velocity. The laser and handle improve ADS and sprint-to-fire times, enhancing its aggressive potential. This makes the FJX feel snappy and lethal.

5. Victus XMR​

The Victus XMR is another hard-hitting bolt-action sniper. It competes directly with the KATT-AMR and MCPR-300 in terms of damage and range. Its defining feature is arguably its extremely high bullet velocity when built correctly. This makes it arguably the easiest sniper for hitting moving targets at extreme distances. Leading shots becomes almost unnecessary in many engagements.

The trade-off for this velocity is typically slow handling. The Victus often feels quite cumbersome, with sluggish ADS and sprint-to-fire times. Similar to the KATT-AMR, it demands good positioning and foresight. Missing shots can be costly due to the slow bolt cycle speed. It’s a powerful tool, but requires a patient playstyle. For pure velocity, some consider it the best sniper in Warzone, especially on large maps.

Recommended Loadout:

• Muzzle: Bruen Counter-Ops
• Barrel: Mack 8 33.5 Super
• Laser: VLK LZR 7mw
• Ammunition: .50 Cal High Velocity
• Stock: XRK Rise 50

This build goes all-in on bullet velocity using the barrel, muzzle, and ammunition. The laser helps claw back some ADS speed. The stock provides aiming stability. Expect minimal bullet drop and lightning-fast travel time with this setup.

6. Signal 50​

The Signal 50 stands out as a semi-automatic option. Its main advantage is its rapid rate of fire compared to bolt-action rifles. This allows for quick follow-up shots, making it much more forgiving if your first shot doesn't connect or if engaging multiple targets. The recoil is surprisingly manageable for its class, enabling sustained pressure on enemies.

However, the Signal 50 cannot achieve one-shot headshots against fully plated opponents. This is its most significant drawback. You will always need at least two shots to secure a down. Furthermore, its bullet velocity and range aren't as impressive as the top bolt-actions. It excels in mid-to-long range harassment rather than instant eliminations. It's a different style, focusing on pressure over single-shot impact.

Recommended Loadout:

• Muzzle: Nilsound 90
• Barrel: 29" TV Kilo-50
• Laser: FSS OLE-V Laser
• Optic: Forge Tac Delta 4 (or preferred scope)
• Magazine: 7 Round Magazine

This build enhances range and velocity while managing recoil. The suppressor keeps you hidden. The laser aids ADS speed, crucial for a semi-auto. The larger magazine is essential for leveraging its rate of fire during extended fights.

7. Longbow​

The Longbow offers a unique, aggressive sniping experience. Technically a battle rifle modified into a sniper setup, it boasts an incredibly fast rate of fire and large magazine capacity. Its handling and ADS speed are also significantly faster than traditional snipers. This makes it exceptional for players who like to stay mobile and engage in rapid succession. It almost feels like a marksman rifle.

The major downside is its damage profile. The Longbow struggles to achieve one-shot headshots reliably, often requiring precise upper-torso or neck shots, or relying on headshots against already damaged opponents. Its bullet velocity is also generally lower than its bolt-action counterparts. It's a high-skill, high-reward rifle that excels in mid-range dominance rather than extreme long-range duels.

Recommended Loadout:

• Muzzle: HMRES Mod Suppressor
• Optic: Corio Eagleseye 2.5x (or preferred low-zoom optic)
• Stock: No Stock
• Bolt: SA-M Quickbolt
• Magazine: 40 Round Mag

This build maximizes speed and aggression. The suppressor keeps you off radar. A lower zoom optic complements its mid-range strength. No Stock drastically improves mobility and ADS speed. The quickbolt and larger magazine facilitate rapid firing for overwhelming opponents.

8. KV Inhibitor​

The KV Inhibitor is another semi-automatic option vying for attention. It sits somewhere between the Signal 50 and more traditional bolt-actions. It offers a decent rate of fire, faster than bolt-actions but slower than the Signal 50. Its damage profile allows for potential one-shot headshots under specific circumstances (range, attachments), though it's less consistent than top-tier bolt-actions.

Its recoil can be somewhat bouncy, requiring careful control for follow-up shots. Bullet velocity is respectable but not class-leading. The Inhibitor feels like a jack-of-all-trades, master of none within the sniper category. It provides flexibility but doesn't dominate any single area. For players wanting a semi-auto with a bit more punch than the Signal 50, it’s a viable consideration.

Recommended Loadout:

• Muzzle: Monolithic Suppressor L
• Barrel: KAS-10 584mm Mod Barrel
• Laser: FSS OLE-V Laser
• Stock: Ivanov Wood Stock
• Magazine: 20 Round Mag

This setup aims for a balance of range, velocity, and recoil control. The suppressor and barrel extend its reach. The laser helps with handling, while the stock provides stability. The larger magazine allows for more follow-up shots, crucial for its semi-auto nature.

9. SP-X 80​

The SP-X 80 is a more mobile bolt-action sniper rifle. It prioritizes handling and ADS speed over raw damage or bullet velocity compared to giants like the KATT-AMR or Victus XMR. This makes it feel much snappier and more forgiving for players who like to quick-scope or reposition frequently. It offers a satisfying feel for aggressive snipers.

However, its damage output and effective range are less impressive. Achieving consistent one-shot headshots at very long distances can be challenging without specific builds that may compromise its handling advantage. It often requires precise shots or operates better at medium-long ranges rather than extreme distances. It's a strong choice for Rebirth Island due to its speed.

Recommended Loadout:

• Muzzle: Nilsound 90
• Barrel: 22.5” Elevate-11
• Laser: FSS OLE-V Laser
• Bolt: FSS ST87 Bolt
• Stock: Max DMR Precision

This build enhances range and velocity slightly while maximizing handling. The muzzle provides suppression and velocity. The barrel boosts velocity and recoil control. The laser and bolt significantly improve ADS and rechambering speed, leaning into the SP-X 80's strengths.

10. LA-B 330​

Rounding out our list is the LA-B 330, another rifle focused on mobility. Similar to the SP-X 80, it offers good handling and ADS speed. It feels lightweight and responsive, suitable for players who don't want to be locked down in one position. The LA-B 330 provides a smooth experience for those who value speed over maximum power.

Its main limitation is its damage and range potential compared to the meta heavyweights. Like the SP-X 80, securing those crucial one-shot kills at extended ranges can be less consistent. It often performs better in mid-range engagements where its speed provides a distinct advantage. It’s a viable alternative if you find other bolt-actions too slow for your preferred playstyle.

Recommended Loadout:

• Muzzle: Nilsound 90
• Barrel: 23.5” Fluted R-67
• Laser: FSS OLE-V Laser
• Bolt: FSS ST87 Bolt
• Comb: ZLR T70 Pad Extension

Similar to the SP-X build, this focuses on speed and usability. The muzzle and barrel provide a necessary range and velocity boost. The laser enhances ADS speed. The quick bolt and comb attachment further improve handling and aiming stability, making it feel fast and accurate.

The Bottom Line​

Choosing the best sniper in Warzone ultimately depends on your individual playstyle and preferences in Season 03. If you prioritize raw power and one-shot potential above all else, the KATT-AMR remains a dominant force, provided you master its slow handling. For a better balance of speed and lethality, the XRK Stalker offers a compelling and versatile alternative. Meanwhile, rifles like the MCPR-300 provide reliable, user-friendly performance. Don't overlook options like the FJX for style or the Victus for pure bullet velocity.

Experimentation is key. Take these loadouts as starting points and tweak them to suit your needs. Consider whether you value mobility, rate of fire (like the Signal 50 or Longbow), or ease of use. The meta will inevitably continue to evolve, so staying adaptable is important. Hopefully, this tier list and the provided loadouts give you a strong foundation for achieving long-range supremacy. Now, grab your preferred rifle, dial in your attachments, and start clicking heads across the map! Good luck out there.