Hardcore is seriously punishing. Being reduced to 30 health and having your HUD removed can really mess up even the most seasoned Call of Duty veteran. The best way to alleviate some of this is to use the best classes you can to set yourself up for success. Here, we've listed 5 of the best classes you can use in Hardcore. If you're more of a core player, do check out our other list on the Top 5 Classes for Modern Warfare Remastered.
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DMR
Unlike Core, bolt-action sniper rifles are at a huge disadvantage in Hardcore. Slow rate of fire means that they aren't as adaptive as their semi-auto counterparts and, whilst it is still possible to do phenomenal things with the M40A3 and R700, semi-automatic snipers are way more of a safe bet.
This class uses:
- M21
- M9
- Flash Grenade
- Bandolier
- Sleight of Hand
- Deep Impact
Attaching an ACOG sight to your M21 is always an option, but it is simply personal preference, and the M9 offers a large capacity magazine for CQC situations. Bandolier means you won't have to worry about running out of ammunition, Sleight of Hand speeds up those reloads to ensure you're always battle ready, and Deep Impact allows you to punch through walls and cover, increasing your effectiveness even further. It is possible to swap the M21 for a Dragunov or Barret 50 cal, both viable semi-automatic snipers. However, the M21 has a large magazine with high fire cap and low recoil, the ideal combo for Hardcore.
Stealth
Stealth is very important and useful in the Hardcore game mode. UAV's are extremely easy to acquire and the lack of HUD means players will be a lot more perceptive to gunfire nearby. This class offers a circumvention for these issues, giving users a silenced bullet hose with the P90, along with ways to avoid UAV detection and get the upper hand in any gunfight.
This class uses:
- P90 w/ Silencer
- USP .45 w/ Silencer
- Flash Grenade
- Special Grenade x3
- UAV Jammer
- Steady Aim
The huge ammo pool of the P90 means you'll be ready for any encounter, backed up by the powerhouse that is the USP .45. Use Flash Grenades to ensure you'll always have the upper hand on your opponents. UAV Jammer means you'll never be seen by the constant UAV spam, and Steady Aim increases your ability to spray down opponents that surprise you without having to worry about errant bullet spread.
LMG
The M249 Saw is a terrifying weapon in its own right, but really comes into a whole new realm in Hardcore. The ridiculous bullet penetration and blistering rate of fire, paired with its low recoil, offers a weapon that excels at all ranges.
This class uses:
- M249 Saw w/ Red Dot Sight
- Desert Eagle
- Bandolier
- Sleight of Hand
- Deep Impact
The M249 Saw unfortunately has quite obstructive iron sights, meaning a visual attachment is always a great help. The Desert Eagle offers a pocket handcannon with indomitable power. Bandolier will ensure you run out of ammo much less often, Sleight of Hand increases your reload speed for quicker engagements, and Deep Impact turns walls into dust but increasing the already insane penetration that LMG's have.
assault
Everyone needs that one class that, in most situations, just works, and this is exactly that. The M4 Carbine is readily available and highly popular, meaning you're very likely to encounter extra ammo for it out on the field. This sustainability, combined with a high rate of fire and lazer-like accuracy means you'll always have the upper hand with this class.
This class uses:
- M4 Carbine w/ Red Dot Sight
- M1911 .45
- Flash Grenade
- Bandolier
- Double Tap
- Deep Impact
This class really offers raw damage output in a sustainable form. Pairing Double Tap with Bandolier on a gun such as the M4 means you'll be filling the air with lead quicker than you can say "Helicopter Incoming". Deep Impact improves the average penetration of the M4 Carbine, meaning that thin walls are no longer such an obstacle between you and your next killstreak.
Destroyer
The name really does say it all with this class. The Destroyer will quite literally eviscerate your opponents in Close Quarters. Paired with a fast fire rate and even faster reload, you'll be hard pushed to find a player that can overcome the ridiculous power of this class.
This class features:
- M1014
- USP .45
- Flash Grenade
- Bandolier
- Sleight of Hand
- Extreme Conditioning
The M1014 is a seriously powerful shotgun. The W1200 is still a very viable option, but the nature of semi-automatic weapons in Hardcore means that this will offer you a better advantage in Close Quarters, regardless of the smaller clip size. Bandolier give you extra ammo for more engagements per life, Sleight of Hand means you can always be combat ready, and Extreme Conditioning allows you to rush with flexibility and confidence.
Hopefully these classes will put you on the path to greatness, and enjoying the highly underrated game mode that is Hardcore. Grab your weapon of choice and get matchmaking, greatness awaits.