Our complete guide to Equipment in Call of Duty: Vanguard provides you with everything you need to know, and everything that is known about Vanguard's selection of Equipment.
Sledgehammer Games have shown a good level of self-control here. Vanguard's Equipment includes nothing too mental or overpowered, and all seems reasonably period-correct. We also award them a few brownie points for this fabulous set of equipment. In fact, one big takeaway that will surprise most players is that the S-Mine (effectively Vanguard's Claymore) is now in the Tactical Slot. That's an interesting change, and we hope to see it trialed in Warzone.
Call of Duty: Vanguard's Equipment Selection
Vanguard features a varied selection of different equipment. Most of this is pretty standard, with thinks like Frag Grenades and Molotov Cocktails offering little in terms of a surprise. That being said, it is a pretty solid list of equipment, split into two different types: lethal and tactical.
Vanguard's Lethal Equipment
Lethal Equipment in Vanguard are made up of things like grenades and throwing knives. These are smaller items that can have a significant impact on turning the tides of battle due to their deadly abilities. Detonate explosions, inflict stab wounds, and more, with this selection of Lethal Equipment in Call of Duty: Vanguard.
MK2 Frag Grenade
Your standard Frag Grenades, optimal for inflicting high levels of damage as well as forcing your opponents into retreat. Frags are largely unchanged from previous titles.
Gammon Bomb
Interesting, these reminded me most of Siege's impact grenades. Gammon Bombs are great for manipulating the environment, but not offensively strong.
Molotov Cocktail
There isn't much really to say here. They are a bottles with fuel insight... and a flaming rag. Throw them to set things on fire.
Demolition Charge
Demolition Charges are basically just C4. They are perfect for destroying heavier targets as well as for setting traps in corridors.
Thermite
Similar to Thermite from Modern Warfare 2019, but as a canister, Vanguard's Thermite worked a charm for us in the Beta.
Throwing Knife
You know what a Throwing Knife is. Seriously, we surely don't need to explain this to you.
Vanguard's Tactical Equipment
Tactical Equipment might not be deadly, but they can disrupt enemy attacks and create openings for victory. Honestly, Tactical Equipment is critical for turning the tides of war, as they are perfect for gaining an advantage over your opponents. Here are the five pieces of Tactical Equipment currently known to be coming Call of Duty: Vanguard.
M18 Smoke Grenade
Smoke Grenades are largely unchanged from previous Call of Duty games. Honestly, they can be pretty useful but can also cause trouble for yourself and your team mates. Use with caution.
No. 69 Stun Grenade
Again, these are largely unchanged from previous titles. That being said, Stun Grenades are profoundly useful and will certainly be meta when the game drops.
MK V Gas
MK V Gas is actually quite a lot better than it has been in the past. In Call of Duty: Vanguard, the gas seems to last for longer than usual.
Stim
It's good to see Stim making a return, and if it suits your playstyle, you'll find it as strong as ever. That being said, we do hope that it doesn't break the Warzone Meta like it did earlier this year.
S-Mine 44
Our older readers will remember Bouncing Betty's from World at War. That's what these are. Little more needs to be said except for: try out the S-Mine 44. Seriously!
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— Sledgehammer Games (@SHGames) October 28, 2021
Is There A Meta In Vanguard?
We would say that a selection of Thermite and Stun Grenades would be the meta Equipment in Vanguard right now. Overall, from what we've played of the Call of Duty: Vanguard Beta and Alpha, the meta loadout will look something like this:
- Primary Weapon: STG44 / MP40 / MG42 / NZ41 / Kar98k
- Secondary Weapon: Machine Pistol / Panzerschreck
- Lethal: Thermite
- Tactical: Stuns
- Perk 1: Ghost / Fortified
- Perk 2: Radar / Tracker
- Perk 3: Demolition / Overkill
- Field Upgrade: Armor Plates
The weapons, equipment, and field upgrades have been feeling great, but we're sure that there are still more unlocks we haven't seen yet. So expect the above meta speculation to change over time. We'll obviously continue to edit and change both this list of Vanguard Equipment, as well as the meta, once the game has dropped. Stay tuned, and also check out our full list of perks in Call of Duty: Vanguard!