Perhaps the least used weapon in Call of Duty: Vanguard's online play is the BAR. It's understandable, the firepower is nothing to write home about and it is in the red for speed, accuracy, and ammo when compared to the starting assault rifle (the STG44).
So in a game as competitive as Call of Duty: Vanguard, why would any player choose to use the BAR if it seems like nothing special? Well, instead of treating it as an assault rifle, it's better off being designed akin to an LMG, like it has been in previous titles.
Operator
- Any
Players who were counting the seconds down until the exact release time of Call of Duty: Vanguard will likely have several operators unlocked within the first day or two. The good news is that any of these characters will utilize the BAR just fine.
The bad news is that the BAR doesn't have any operator that provides bonus experience. It's not the end of the world and an average player will climb the ranks to the top after a week or two. After leveling up the BAR, there's no disadvantage.
Attachments
|
Muzzle |
G28 Compensator |
|
Barrel |
Chariot 18” Rapid |
|
Optic |
MK 3 Sunfilter |
|
Stock |
Chariot WR |
|
Underbarrel |
M1941 Hand Stop |
|
Magazine |
.50 BMG 30 Round Mags |
|
Ammo Type |
Incendiary |
|
Rear Grip |
Pine Tar Grip |
|
Proficiency |
Hardscope |
|
Kit |
Fully Loaded |
Boosting recoil helps this gun become much more consistent. Thanks to its new designation as an assault rifle, the BAR actually has a higher capacity for accuracy than its LMG cousins. Being between the two puts it in a unique place, giving the BAR an identity that it sorely needs.
Different versions of the game have different benefits, including attachments, but these attachments can all be unlocked after just a bit of leveling. It is well worth it, these boosts to recoil and accuracy make this automatic weapon feel like a sniper rifle.
Secondary Weapon
- MK11 Launcher
Although it can be nice to have a weapon that takes out vehicles, this build isn't weak against the majority of them. It's not pretending to be stealthy, so go ahead and let those spy planes fly. For bombing planes, stay indoors and in the fight.
There is no replacement for the MK11 Launcher, which was a star weapon on a number of campaign missions. This BAR will terminate anything that shows its face, but for enemies that don't like to show their faces, the MK11 Launcher will get them around corners.
Perks
|
Perk 1 |
Dauntless |
|
Perk 2 |
Piercing Vision |
|
Perk 3 |
Scavenger |
The perks are another area where the BAR makes its mark on the game. With Dauntless, several gadgets that would slow down the approaching BAR-wielding soldier no longer function. It's not that this build can ever be considered fast, but it does well with a nice press forward.
Piercing Vision is helpful for clean-up kills. Smart players will get out of the way when facing a BAR, but so long as at least one bullet was fired at the target, they'll be marked. Scavenger is needed so that no time is spent trying to pick up ammunition.
Lethal Slot
- Molotov Cocktail
Crafty players who utilize debris and shields will present a problem for the BAR. It's not an instant-death weapon, which is why Incendiary rounds work so well for it. But for when that damage-over-time isn't enough, the Molotov Cocktail can help complete the job.
Tactical Slot
- Stim
The Stim is usually reserved for shotgunners and SMGs, but the BAR makes a strong case to use it. Needing to use their secondary weapon and lethal slots, there is little room for taking a long break and healing.
For a nice, quick heal, use a Stim and then get ready for the next opponent to round the corner. Taking damage is just part of the game, so putting a floor on how many dings the BAR loadout can handle is important. This is a bruising build meant to take a few hits.
Killstreaks
- Intel
- Care Package
- Glide Bomb
This is a frontline damage dealer that will be killing often. The high-risk playstyle also means deaths won't be all that infrequent either. So don't bother with expensive killstreaks. Unless the opposing team is completely incompetent, expect to die after a handful of kills.
The Care Package is one of the best options for almost any build, providing over a 92% chance of getting a killstreak reward of equal or greater value than the four kills required to unlock it. Intel helps identify enemies and Glide Bomb will take out snipers and long-range fighters that refuse to participate in the indoor fighting.
Field Upgrade
- Armor Plates
There is usually no such thing as "tanking" in Call of Duty: Vanguard, but the Armor Plates are as close as it gets. Forcing enemies to try and hit headshots in the middle of heated combat is asking a great deal. Most veterans automatically target the center mass.
It's a slow recharge, but it is worth it. Realistically, players can expect to kill about two or three players actively firing upon them without reloading or taking cover with Armor Plates up. Of course, there is always the chance for bad luck headshots, but these are exceptional cases.
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.