Call of Duty: Modern Warfare brings back and expands the series’ co-op Spec Ops game mode which supports four players in this iteration. Even with a larger team Spec Ops is notoriously difficult to win, let alone to earn a 3-star ranking (star-ratings were added in a post-release patch alongside additional Spec Ops missions).

In this Modern Warfare Spec Ops guide we’ll explore how to best prepare for one of these missions, what the best role (and combination of roles) is, alongside recommended loadouts, munitions, and strategies. And of course, we’ve got tips on taking out pesky juggernauts as well.

What Loadouts to use in Spec Ops Missions?

Weapons to use in Spec Ops

The loadouts players should use depend on what the rest of their team also brings. Squads should balance out the range of their weapons so they can fight out of any situation. The R9-0 Shotgun deals massive damage in close range and is one of the best weapons to take out Juggernauts. The M4A4 is the top all-around gun that’s effective in any battle. Light Machine Guns (LMG) are very efficient at holding positions, and their large ammo reserves allow players to easily take down waves of enemies. While not popular in competitive multiplayer modes, the Dragunov is the Sniper Rifle players will want to use at longer ranges in Spec Ops (avoid bolt-action sniper rifles). The Riot Shield is another underutilized “weapon” in multiplayer that shines in Spec Ops Missions. Juggernauts will focus on players with a Riot Shield allowing the rest of the squad to mow them down or hold an objective.

Equipment to use in Spec Ops

Stun Grenades and Semtex Grenades are the way to go for Spec Ops players. Stun Grenades are the grenade of choice when going up against Juggernauts. They daze the powerful enemies, so that the team can focus them down without a risk of dying. Semtex Grenades are strong at killing multiple enemies at once and are preferred over normal frag grenades because they explode faster and can also stick to walls. The ability to stick walls is quite useful when teams need to hold certain areas of the map as well.

What Are the Best Munitions to Use in Spec Ops Missions?

Instead of earning Munitions through kills, Spec Ops sees players unlock them by reaching certain point numbers by completing certain actions throughout their gameplay, such as killing enemies, reviving teammates, and completing objectives. There are high level Munitions that players can use in a pinch, such as the Juggernaut, a Chopper Gunner, or even a Gunship. These are powerful tools to use in a pinch, but they are single-use. However, the free Munitions that players have unlocked by default are arguably the best ones to use.  They’re free and can be used every single game. The three options players have are: Ammo Crate, Armor Crate, and Grenade Crate. These crates give players all of the resources they need in order to complete Missions in a timely manner.

What Are the Best Roles to Use in Spec Ops Missions?

The best roles to use in Spec Ops Missions are the Assault and Medic Roles, and players should choose which one to play based on their playstyle.

Assault Role

  • Active Ability: Team Stopping Power - Gives team stopping power rounds that deal extra damage (Medium Recharge Rate) Passive Ability: Fast Reload - Reload your weapon much faster

For more offensive and individual players, this role is a game changer. Team Stopping Power will melt Juggernauts and having a faster reload speed will help players clear waves of enemies that much faster. Each squad needs to have at least one player with the Assault Role for every Spec Ops Mission for its game-changing impact.

Medic Role

  • Active Ability: Team Revive - Revives all down teammates (Slow Recharge Rate) Passive Ability: Quick Revive - Revive downed players faster

The Medic role is an absolute must in Spec Ops. Team Revive is such a great ability to have in tough spots, and if multiple players are Medics, then they will be able to work around its slow recharge rate. Quick Revive, the passive ability, is also a great tool for teams to have. Players can go down quickly in Missions, so having at least one member with this ability will make the team complete objections a lot faster.

Tips and Tricks to Easily Complete Spec Ops Missions

Tip #1: Communication

The number one tip players need to know to complete Spec Ops Missions is: communication. Players can go down easily and unexpectedly in Spec Ops Missions, and with swarms of enemies coming from different directions, communication is key. Knowing the positions of enemies as well as teammates is important, and also knowing who needs backup or who needs resources will be the difference between a 2-star and 3-star rank.

Tip #2: Knowing how to kill Juggernauts

The second most important tip is understanding how to kill Juggernauts quickly. Juggernauts are the primary reason that Spec Ops Missions are difficult. They take a lot to stop and they can kill entire squads instantly without if players don’t prepare for them correctly. This guide will go over how to take care of them briefly, but players can read a full, in-depth guide that outlines every detail they need to know to kill Juggernauts quickly here. The main strategy to get rid of Juggernauts is to first have one player use a Riot Shield to absorb all of their fire. Then a player using the Assault role will activate Team Stopping Power, and the entire squad will unload their magazines into the Juggernaut killing it effectively with focused fire. In a swarm of enemies, have one team mate focus on the regular enemies while the others focus on the mini-boss-esque Juggernaut.

Once squads can communicate effectively and melt through Juggernauts quickly, then completing Spec Ops Missions will be a breeze.

More: Modern Warfare is the Most Played Call of Duty in this Console Generation

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is available now on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.