The ISO SMG is based on the real-world Brugger & Thomet APC9, a PDW/SMG that recently won a contract to be adopted as the new SMG for the US Army. In real-world usage, it is meant to be a competitor to the MP5, but if it can topple the MP5 in Modern Warfare and Warzone is the main concern for most fans of the game. It has a quick rate of fire higher than the MP5 and lower than the Fennec, uses 9mm ammo just like the MP5, and has a very smooth, vertical recoil impulse. On paper, it may be an ideal weapon, but in-game experience reveals some quirks and caveats.
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ISO Attachments for Modern Warfare and Warzone
The attachments for the ISO are relatively standard when compared to other SMGs in Modern Warfare and Warzone. While some guns get their strength from one or two unique Warzone attachments, others are strong because of their versatility. The ISO is not extremely versatile, but it is no slouch either. As an SMG, it still has great mobility when kitted out for range, and it has enough customization options to compete with the likes of the MP7, P90, and Fennec. The attachments are all the usual suspects, but there are still some that are far better than the rest.
The most important attachments for the ISO are its ammunition options. While it doesn’t have as high a fire rate as the Fennec, the ISO will still deplete its 20-round mag far too quickly. Opting for the 30 round option will keep the gun mobile enough for Modern Warfare, but still provide just enough bullets to get through a few enemies before needing a reload. The 50-round drum mag is also a great choice, and may be preferable when dealing with enemy squads instead of lone opponents.
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Choosing a barrel is the other top priority for the ISO. The FSS Revolution is the best long-range option, and should be paired with a Monolithic suppressor for Warzone. Short barrels are great for added mobility, but the FSS Nightshade barrel includes an integral monolithic suppressor and is likely the best barrel option. The only other silencer to consider is the Lightweight suppressor, if stealth is still needed while maintaining ADS speeds.
Other good attachments to consider are the FTAC Vagrant stock for a bit more ADS speed and the Commando or Merc foregrip attachments, even though the ISO’s negligible recoil in Warzone doesn’t necessitate a foregrip to keep it under control. The FTAC Elite ISO grip does the job of the usual Stippled Grip Tape, improving ADS and sprint to fire speed, and both optics and lasers are pretty much up to preference. Lasers can undo a lot of stealth benefits, but they do provide amazing bonuses to handling when stealth isn’t a priority.
Best ISO Loadouts for Modern Warfare and Warzone
The best ISO SMG loadout for Warzone should focus on range and ammo counts, taking advantage of the SMG’s natural handling characteristics to make up for the decrease in speed. A Monolithic suppressor, the FSS Revolution barrel, and 50-round drum mags are all must haves. A mini-reflex optic of choice will aid with accuracy, and the Merc foregrip will finish off the build with great recoil control to help in ranged fights. While not as good at range as the MP5, the ISO should be a threat to the MP7’s position as a mobile, close-range shredder.
In Modern Warfare, a good run-and-gun build for the ISO would include the ISO 140mm CQB barrel, a 5mW laser, and the FTAC Vagrant stock. Unfortunately, the ISO has pretty terrible iron sights, so adding an optic is practically a must. 30-round magazines will help with its ammo count without dulling movement. Choosing the Commando foregrip instead of a laser is also viable, as a good way to reduce recoil while still maintaining a slightly less visible signature.
The best balanced build for the ISO takes advantage of the FSS Nightshade barrel for improved range and stealth while freeing up an attachment slot. An optic of choice is still necessary to get around the bad sights, while a 30- or 50-round drum is another necessity. A Merc foregrip and FTAC Elite ISO grip will combine to bring recoil down to a minimum and keep handling zippy. With a setup like that, the ISO still cannot beat out the MP5 though. The MP5 does better damage at point blank and has enough accuracy to get kills at farther ranges than practically any other SMG. The ISO is solidly mid-high tier, competing primarily with the Fennec as an alternative that won’t run out of ammo so quickly.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Warzone are available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
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