How to Unlock and Use Akimbo Weapons in Modern Warfare 3: A Complete Guide
In the adrenaline-pumping world of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, few things scream style and firepower more than dual-wielding weapons, also known as Akimbo. This attachment allows you to hold a gun in each hand, doubling your firepower and delivering devastating results in close-quarters combat. But getting access to Akimbo weapons isn’t a free-for-all you need to level up and complete specific challenges to wield this unique combat perk.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about unlocking and using Akimbo weapons in Modern Warfare 3. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned veteran, this guide will provide detailed steps and strategies to help you dominate the battlefield with Akimbo firepower.
What Are Akimbo Weapons?
Akimbo is an attachment in Modern Warfare 3 that allows players to wield two guns simultaneously, one in each hand. Instead of carrying just one primary or secondary weapon, Akimbo turns your firearm into twin weapons, delivering twice the damage output at the cost of some precision. This feature is typically limited to handguns and certain SMGs (submachine guns) and can be found in the rear grip or conversion kit slots in the Gunsmith menu.
However, Akimbo weapons come with a significant drawback you lose the ability to aim down sights (ADS). This means you’re entirely dependent on hip fire, which is less accurate at longer distances. But in close-range encounters, the dual-wielding playstyle can turn you into a deadly force, mowing down enemies with ease.
How to Unlock Akimbo Weapons in Modern Warfare 3
Unlocking Akimbo weapons isn’t as simple as equipping a random attachment. You need to meet specific requirements for each weapon, such as levelling up or completing challenges. Here’s how you can unlock Akimbo for various weapons in the game:
1. Level Up Your Weapon
Most Akimbo weapons require you to reach a certain level with the gun before unlocking the attachment. Here’s a breakdown of the weapons and their level requirements:
- .50 GS: Reach Level 17 or complete 2 Daily Challenges.
- Basilisk: Reach Level 28 or complete 2 Daily Challenges.
- COR-45: Reach Level 21 or complete 2 Daily Challenges.
- 9mm Daemon: Reach Level 20 or complete 2 Daily Challenges.
- P890: Reach Level 26 or complete 2 Daily Challenges.
- Renetti: Reach Level 21 or complete 2 Daily Challenges.
- TYR: Reach Level 26 or complete 2 Daily Challenges.
- WSP Stinger: Reach Level 13 or complete 2 Daily Challenges.
- X12: Reach Level 19 or complete 2 Daily Challenges.
- GS Magna: Reach Level 9 or complete 2 Daily Challenges.
- X13 Auto: Complete 2 Daily Challenges.
2. Complete Weapon Challenges
In some cases, you will need to finish specific challenges, often found in the Armory Unlock or seasonal events. For instance:
- Lockwood Mk2: Complete five Week 5 challenges from Season 3 to unlock the JAK Wardens.
- WSP Swarm: Finish five of seven Pre-Season Week 5 challenges to unlock the WSP Akimbo Brace Stock.
The level or challenge requirements vary, but they all require consistent gameplay and dedication to your chosen weapon.
3. Use Double XP Events
To speed up the levelling process, take advantage of Double XP Tokens or participate in Double XP events. These opportunities will help you progress faster and unlock Akimbo attachments sooner.
How to Equip Akimbo Weapons
Once you’ve met the requirements for an Akimbo weapon, it’s time to equip it. Follow these steps to start dual-wielding in your next match:
- Navigate to the Gunsmith Menu: From your loadout screen, select the weapon you’ve unlocked Akimbo for.
- Select the Akimbo Attachment: The Akimbo perk will be listed under the Rear Grip or Conversion Kit section, depending on the weapon. Equip the Akimbo attachment here.
- Customize Your Loadout: While you can equip optics or other attachments, it’s generally more beneficial to use other slots to enhance your weapon’s stability, recoil control, or ammo capacity.
Equipping Akimbo increases your weapon’s damage potential but comes at a cost. Dual-wielding guns have higher recoil, slower reload speeds, and reduced accuracy. Make sure to adjust your loadout accordingly with perks like Steady Aim to counterbalance the downsides.
Best Weapons to Use with Akimbo
While Akimbo is a powerful attachment, not all weapons handle it well. Some firearms are better suited for dual-wielding due to their high fire rate and close-range effectiveness. Here are some of the best Akimbo weapons in Modern Warfare 3:
- .50 GS: This powerhouse delivers serious damage, and with Akimbo, it can devastate opponents at close range.
- P890: A popular handgun with excellent stopping power.
- Renetti: A well-balanced sidearm that performs well in both single and dual-wield configurations.
- X13 Auto: This fully automatic pistol shines with Akimbo, allowing for an even greater volume of fire.
- WSP Stinger: With its high fire rate, the WSP Stinger becomes a deadly force in close-quarters combat when dual-wielded.
- FTAC Siege: Another automatic pistol that excels when used with Akimbo in fast-paced scenarios.
How to Play Effectively with Akimbo Weapons
Akimbo weapons are ideal for players who enjoy fast-paced, close-quarters combat. However, using Akimbo comes with certain drawbacks, such as reduced accuracy and an inability to aim down sights. To maximize your effectiveness, follow these tips:
1. Stick to Close Quarters
Since Akimbo weapons are most effective at close range, focus on tight spaces like buildings or narrow corridors. Avoid long sightlines where your lack of ADS will put you at a disadvantage. Game modes like Small Map Mosh Pit can help you capitalize on Akimbo’s strengths by keeping you in close proximity to your opponents.
2. Use Perks to Counter Weaknesses
Since Akimbo weapons lose accuracy and can’t aim down sights, you’ll need perks that improve your hip-fire accuracy. Perks like Steady Aim or Quick Fix are great for enhancing your chances of survival in close quarters. Additionally, equip perks that boost your movement speed, allowing you to close the gap quickly and get up close to your enemies.
3. Prepare for Higher Recoil
Dual-wielding guns means you’ll have to deal with increased recoil. To manage this, make sure to use attachments or perks that reduce recoil and improve handling. You might also want to stick to semi-automatic pistols for better control.
4. Watch Your Reloads
Akimbo weapons typically have slower reload speeds since you’re handling two guns. Time your reloads carefully, and consider using Fast Hands to reload more quickly in a pinch.
Challenges and Benefits of Akimbo Playstyle
The Akimbo playstyle is not for the faint of heart. While it can be incredibly fun and rewarding, it also requires a different mindset than using traditional firearms. Let’s look at the challenges and benefits:
Challenges:
- Reduced Accuracy: Since you can’t aim down sights, your shots are less precise, especially at medium to long ranges.
- Higher Recoil: Handling two weapons at once significantly increases recoil, making it harder to control sustained fire.
- Slow Reload Speed: Dual-wielding means slower reload times, which can leave you vulnerable during intense firefights.
Benefits:
- Increased Firepower: With two guns, you effectively double your fire rate, making Akimbo weapons extremely deadly in close-quarters combat.
- Cool Factor: Let’s face it Akimbo weapons look awesome. The visual appeal and swagger of dual-wielding make it a fan-favourite attachment in the Call of Duty series.
- Effective for Close Quarters: If you enjoy fast, chaotic combat in tight spaces, Akimbo is the perfect attachment to give you the edge.
FAQs
What is the Akimbo perk in Modern Warfare 3?
Akimbo is an attachment that allows players to wield two guns simultaneously. It’s available for certain weapons like handguns and SMGs, making it ideal for close-range combat.
How do I unlock Akimbo weapons?
You need to level up specific weapons or complete challenges to unlock the Akimbo attachment. Each weapon has its own unique requirements for unlocking this feature.
Are Akimbo weapons good in Modern Warfare 3?
Akimbo weapons are great for players who prefer close-quarters combat. However, they come with drawbacks like reduced accuracy and slower reload times, so they require a specific playstyle to use effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Akimbo weapons allow you to wield two guns simultaneously, doubling your firepower but reducing accuracy.
- To unlock Akimbo, you must level up your weapon or complete challenges, depending on the firearm.
- Akimbo is most effective in close-quarters combat, so adjust your playstyle and loadout accordingly to maximize its potential.