There are two distinct builds for the AS44 in Call of Duty: Vanguard. On one hand, it feels a lot like an SMG, so the thought process is that tuning up the strengths and dumping the other stats can make this into a legitimate SMG.
The problem with that is that it will always lose against other SMGs in close quarters and also lose against assault rifles at midrange. The better bet is to shore up its weaknesses, turning it into a gun that wins one-on-one against other assault rifles in mid to short-range affairs that are all too plentiful in Call of Duty: Vanguard.
Operator
- Beatrice
Not every weapon has a perfect operator, but the AS44 does. Beatrice gets a natural experience boost both to herself and the AS44 while she's wielding it. Equipping her with it will greatly speed up the process of leveling up both of them.
Even players who were counting the seconds to the release of the game might not have her unlocked yet, however. It requires ten separate killstreaks of five or more to get her, which is one of the tallest orders for any operator. Give it some time, maybe level up another weapon first, and then get to work when she's finally available
Attachments
|
Muzzle |
Recoil Booster |
|
Barrel |
Kovalevskaya 615mm |
|
Optic |
Slate Reflector |
|
Stock |
Zac Skeletal |
|
Underbarrel |
M1941 Hand Stop |
|
Magazine |
30 Russian Short 60 Rounds |
|
Ammo Type |
Frangible |
|
Rear Grip |
Stippled Grip |
|
Proficiency |
Sleight Of Hand |
|
Kit |
Fully Loaded |
There are two ways to play this build based on these attachments. The first is to hang by other assault rifle users and fight with them. Because this loadout excels against other assault rifle fighters, this will generally yield favorable outcomes.
This loadout doesn't have the speed to be a pure backline attacker, but by taking the road less traveled, enemies will die and their teammates will be none the wiser. Different versions of the game have different unlocks, so some of these attachments will take some progression, but they are worth it.
Secondary Weapon
- M1 Bazooka
Anti-vehicle defenses are normally left to other stealthy classes like snipers or melee builds, but it works nicely for this layout. There is almost always someone trying to put a detector in the sky, so knock it down with the M1 Bazooka.
On a number of the campaign missions, players will be given the Panserschreck and might have a positive rapport with the weapon. It has identical statistics to the M1 Bazooka, but the latter obscures much less vision, so it gets the nod.
Perks
|
Perk 1 |
Ghost |
|
Perk 2 |
Engineer |
|
Perk3 |
Scavenger |
Ghost is a cinch here as staying invisible and catching unsuspecting enemies is critical to the way the AS44 is played. Otherwise, players will have to keep moving and hoping for advantageous situations instead of exploiting the same situation over and over.
Very few builds can use the Engineer perk the way that the AS44 can. It's got the range to actually do something about the killstreaks that it sees and doesn't need to fling itself into combat just to try and shoot enemies using their killstreaks. The attachments help a lot with ammunition, but with this gun's firing rate, it's best to be extra sure and grab the Scavenger perk.
Lethal Slot
- Thermite
Thermite can help when a situation gets dicey. Not every encounter is an opportunity to pick up kills; in fact, many outright firefights are just quick ways to die. In these moments, throw a can of thermite down and run like the wind.
While the thermite is burning, opponents will have to stay back and get scorched, giving the AS44 loadout plenty of time to hide and get comfy in a situation that better suits their weapon. This should be the first choice when a shotgun-wielding foe tries to close the gap.
Tactical Slot
- Decoy Grenade
Not many loadouts can use the Decoy Grenade as well as the AS44. Not just because it is silent, but because it can be close enough to attack targets that charge toward the Decoy Grenade. Snipers, for example, can use the grenade but have a hard time throwing it the distance that they need.
Enemies don't just magically wander over to mid-range hallways. Most of the experts know the dangers of trying to run up such corridors. But if they have the incentive of what they believe is a lone straggler on the wrong end, they'll swarm like fish to a baited hook.
Killstreaks
- Intel
- Counter Spy Plane
- Mortar Barrage
Keeping killstreak rewards nice and low is a good way to stay happy for most of the game. This silent loadout is nice but it is not invincible. The AS44 has an advantage in midrange fights, but a lucky or unlucky bullet here and there means this isn't a 100% guarantee.
Thankfully, the most useful gadgets are closer to the bottom. The Counter Spy Plane ruins the minimap for a while and it is shocking to see how many players are glued to using it. The Mortar Barrage can drive enemies away from one area and toward the danger zone for the AS44.
Field Upgrade
- Dead Silence
With a quick refresh rate, the Dead Silence field upgrade is perfect when needing to get to a perfect spot or escape from an imperfect spot. Footsteps are very loud in the game, even on soft dirt, so masking them is important to survival.
Using it offensively, players can sprint across most maps without any detection picking them up. Using the AS44 means not needing to go the length of the map, but if there is a nice elevated location toward the middle, it's nice to get there undetected.
Call of Duty: Vanguard was released on November 5th, 2021, and is available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.