Best MSBS Loadout in Call of Duty: Ghosts
October 29, 2026 · Updated November 10, 2026 · 3 min read
Original-game build
Original-game guide from the October 2026 editorial snapshot. Accessible sources confirm the attachment names; this is not a claim of a majority consensus or current Warzone compatibility.
Source check: 2026-11-10 · 2 independent source families
- Sights
- Holographic Sight
- Barrel
- Muzzle Brake
- Underbarrel
- Foregrip
- Perks
- Focus, Deadeye, Hardline
Source review — 10 November 2026: This is an original-game loadout from the dated guide below. Accessible source pages confirm the listed weapon attachment names. Perks and equipment retain their original dated attribution; the source review does not imply hands-on testing or a fresh balance-patch analysis.
The MSBS is the three-round burst rifle of Call of Duty: Ghosts, with the highest damage in its class according to Gameranx, which called it the best gun in the game at launch. Our verdict is to build it around burst accuracy with a sight and Muzzle Brake. This applies to launch-era Ghosts multiplayer, using sources from November and December 2013.
Best MSBS loadout
Build from Gameranx's MSBS guide (21 December 2013). Its earlier article (10 November 2013) also backs an optic and Muzzle Brake. Running all three attachments needs the Extra Attachment perk, which GamingBolt describes as three attachments on the primary weapon.
| Slot | Pick | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Sights | Holographic Sight | Gameranx: extra zoom that helps you get on target |
| Barrel | Muzzle Brake | Gameranx: better performance across a wider range |
| Underbarrel | Foregrip | Gameranx: reduces the effects of recoil |
| Perks | Focus, Deadeye, Hardline | Gameranx: Focus is a necessity; Deadeye is expensive but worth it later; Hardline helps earn it |
Why this build works
Gameranx's December guide says it can kill at close range in 2 shots, with or without a headshot, and needs five at range (four with a headshot). It fires 450 RPM, or about 900 RPM within a burst. Recoil is high, the magazine holds 30 (45 with Extended Mags) and reload is 2.63 seconds. The November article adds that its 42-meter range and high damage make extra mods less necessary.
How to play it
Stay in burst mode. Because hipfire is poor, Gameranx suggests getting to point-blank range to use its full damage, and warns recoil will sometimes force a second burst. It also says a tuned MSBS is the best gun in Ghosts for building high killstreaks. Stalker and Focus are the November article's perk pair: Stalker for moving quickly while aiming, Focus for one-on-one accuracy.
Alternative setups
Close quarters (Gameranx, 21 November 2013): Automatic mod replaces the burst with full auto. The article says this suits close range and is weaker at longer distances, while the November 10 piece advised skipping it because it hurts recoil.
Lean (Gameranx, 10 November 2013): any optic plus Muzzle Brake, avoiding a Silencer because it reduces range and one-shot kill range, and treating grips, shotguns and Extended Mags as unnecessary.
Sources
- Gameranx: Call of Duty Ghosts MSBS Guide
- Gameranx: The Best Gun In The Game, And How To Soup It Up
- Gameranx: Fire Mode Attachments Guide
- Gameranx: Perks List Guide
- GamingBolt: Call of Duty Ghosts Mega Guide
- Game Loadouts: MSBS
Checked: 30 October 2026. Reflects launch-era balance as of December 2013; later title updates were not checked.