Step into the fast-paced world of Modern Warfare 3 with the HRM-9, the SMG that’s reshaping the meta across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. Whether you’re dominating close quarters or holding mid-range angles, our expertly crafted HRM-9 loadout and class build guide will unlock the full potential of this versatile weapon, ensuring you stay one step ahead in every firefight. Ready to master the HRM-9 and elevate your gameplay? Let’s dive into the best attachments, perks, and tactics that make this SMG a game-changer in MW3 and Warzone.
As of season 2, the HRM-9 is one of the best guns in MW3, and after some testing, we’re sure we’ve nailed down some of the best HRM-9 loadouts. While our optimal attachments below are geared towards using this SMG at mid-range, we’ve also got some alternate attachments to try out if you want to get up close and personal.
Here is the best HRM-9 loadout in MW3, the best class to use alongside it, and how to unlock the HRM-9 in the first place.
How to unlock the HRM-9 in MW3
To unlock the HRM-9 in Modern Warfare 3, you need to complete all the challenges in Sector A21 of the Season One Reloaded battle pass. This includes getting 10 SMG kills while aiming down sights, 10 hip-fire kills, 10 critical kills, and 10 kills in Tac Stance against Operators or Special Zombies. After completing these challenges, you must get 20 additional kills with an SMG while moving. Alternatively, if you missed the battle pass, you can unlock the HRM-9 through the Armory Unlocks by reaching level 25 and completing daily challenges or purchase it directly from the in-game store as part of a bundle.
To unlock the HRM-9, you must complete sector A21 on the Season 1 battle pass map. This is located next to sectors A1-6, so if you’ve been playing Modern Warfare 3 since Season 1 began, chances are you’ve completed enough sectors to jump straight into A21 with your next battle pass token. If you’re looking to unlock the HRM-9 SMG after Season 1 has finished however, you must complete Armory Unlock challenges to get your hands on it.
Best HRM-9 loadout in MW3
The best HRM-9 loadout in Modern Warfare 3 focuses on maximizing recoil control, damage range, and mobility to fully exploit the weapon’s high rate of fire and versatility. A top build includes the ZEHMN35 Compensator Flash Hider for improved recoil and reduced radar ping, the Princeps Long Barrel to boost bullet velocity and range, and the FTAC MSP-98 Handstop for enhanced recoil control and movement speed. Optics like the MK.3 Reflector or Slate Reflector provide quick target acquisition, while the Folding Stock balances recoil control and firing stability with minimal ADS speed loss. This setup excels in ranked play and mid-range engagements, making the HRM-9 a formidable SMG choice in MW3.
Here is the best HRM-9 loadout in Modern Warfare 3:
- Muzzle: Sonic Suppressor S
- Underbarrel: VX Pineapple
- Optic: Slimline Pro
- Stock: Folding Stock
- Rear Grip: PCS-90 Assault Grip
As mentioned above, this HRM-9 loadout is geared towards mid-range engagements. So while it can still hold its own at close range, it’s primarily focused on buffing the accuracy, recoil control, and range, in lieu of a minor hit to the handling and mobility. The Sonic Suppressor S muzzle attachment is the biggest contributor to this, as it buffs the bullet velocity and damage range, alongside removing your gunshots from the minimap.
All the other attachments here do pretty much the same thing, although the VX Pineapple underbarrel could be switched out for another similar vertical grip, while the Slimline Pro optic choice is also personal preference.
If you want to build your HRM-9 to decimate enemies at close range via hipfire and rarely ever aim down the sights however, consider using the following build, which is a little less cookie cutter:
- Barrel: Taciturn-7 Suppressed Barrel
- Laser: Point-G3P 04
- Underbarrel: TV Wrecker Grip
- Magazine: 50 Round Drum
- Stock: No Stock
This setup massively improves the handling and mobility, though you lose a little in accuracy, recoil control, range, and damage. If you want to sprint everywhere, sliding all over the place, use this loadout.
Best HRM-9 class in Modern Warfare 3
The best HRM-9 class in Modern Warfare 3 focuses on maximizing the weapon’s strengths as a well-rounded SMG with excellent recoil control, bullet velocity, and mobility. A top-tier loadout includes the Folding Stock for improved recoil and stability, the ZEHMN35 Compensated Flash Hider muzzle to reduce recoil and radar visibility, and the 50 Round Drum magazine to sustain fire in close-quarters combat. The 9mm High Grain Rounds enhance bullet velocity and damage range, compensating for the HRM-9’s typical SMG range limitations. Complementing this setup with tactical equipment like Flash Grenades and lethal options such as Semtex, along with gear that boosts reload speed and enemy detection, creates a highly effective class for aggressive playstyles in both multiplayer and Warzone modes.
Here is the best class to use with the HRM-9 in Modern Warfare 3:
- Vest: Assassin Vest
- Handgun: Renetti
- Tactical: Stun Grenade
- Lethal: Semtex
- Gloves: Assault Gloves
- Boots: Covert Sneakers
- Gear: Tac Mask
This class is best suited to the first HRM-9 loadout above, geared towards mid-range engagements. Thanks to the Sonic Suppressor S, you can play this loadout with stealth in mind, which is where the Assassin Vest comes in handy as it ensures kills don’t display skulls, and you’re completely immune to UAV and enemy radar effects. The Covert Sneakers also enhance this by muffling your footsteps, although these can be placed by the Stalker Boots, Tactical Pads, or Lightweight Boots depending on your preference.
The Renetti, Stun Grenade, and Semtex are all fairly standard picks, as each of them is best-in-class, while the Assault Gloves are handy for those times you’re taken by surprise and need to jumpshot. (If you haven’t unlocked them yet, you can opt for the Marksman Gloves for assistance in longer-range fights.) Finally, the Tac Mask is generally quite useful, although EOD Padding is equally helpful if you’re encountering lots of explosives.
For more Modern Warfare 3 guides, see how to switch to Tactical Stance, and check our guides on the best TAQ Evolvere loadout, best Striker loadout, best SVS 545 loadout, best XRK Stalker loadout, best MCW loadout, and best AMR9 loadout.
How can the best MW3 HRM-9 build give me an edge in ranked play
The best MW3 HRM-9 build gives you a crucial edge in ranked play by drastically improving recoil control and damage range, allowing you to fully exploit the weapon’s high firing rate for faster kills and better accuracy at various distances. Key attachments like the ZEHMN35 Compensator Flash Hider reduce both horizontal and vertical recoil while shortening radar pings, enhancing your stealth and gun stability. The Princeps Long Barrel boosts bullet velocity and range, making you effective beyond close quarters, while the FTAC MSP-98 Handstop further controls vertical recoil and increases movement speed, enabling quicker aim walking and better mobility. Additionally, the Folding Stock attachment enhances recoil control and firing stability, balancing accuracy with a slight ADS speed trade-off. Together, these modifications allow you to dominate gunfights with faster target acquisition and improved handling, giving you a competitive advantage in the high-pressure environment of ranked matches.
How does the ZEHMN35 Compensator improve recoil control in ranked play
The ZEHMN35 Compensator improves recoil control in ranked play by significantly reducing both vertical and horizontal recoil, making the weapon’s recoil pattern more predictable and easier to manage during sustained fire. It also decreases visual recoil and firing aim stability, which reduces gun shake and muzzle flash, allowing you to maintain better sight picture and track targets more effectively. Additionally, it shortens the duration of your radar pings, providing a subtle stealth advantage without heavily compromising aim down sight speed or bullet velocity. This combination of recoil reduction and visual clarity helps you land more consistent shots, especially in high-pressure ranked matches where precision is critical.
