The ISO Hemlock, a fan-favorite assault rifle from Call of Duty: Warzone 2, has made its return in Warzone 3. While it may no longer be considered a top-tier meta weapon, especially with the introduction of powerful new guns like the RAM-7, the ISO Hemlock can still hold its own in the hands of a skilled operator.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll break down everything you need to know to create the best possible loadout for your ISO Hemlock. We‘ll cover the ideal attachments, perks, equipment, and strategies to help you maximize the gun‘s potential and secure victories across all modes of Warzone 3.
Understanding the ISO Hemlock‘s Strengths and Weaknesses
Before diving into the perfect loadout, it‘s crucial to understand the ISO Hemlock‘s unique characteristics. Let‘s take a closer look at its key stats:
| Stat | Base | w/ Recommended Attachments |
|---|---|---|
| Damage | 35-25 | 38-28 |
| Rate of Fire | 525 RPM | 525 RPM |
| Range | 35 meters | 40 meters |
| Recoil Control | 70% | 90% |
| Mobility | 82% | 76% |
| ADS Speed | 275 ms | 300 ms |
As evident from the table, the ISO Hemlock excels in damage output and recoil control, especially when equipped with the right attachments. Its range and rate of fire, however, leave something to be desired when compared to current meta weapons like the RAM-7 or M13B.
According to weapon statistics provided by TrueGameData, the ISO Hemlock posts a respectable time-to-kill (TTK) of around 650ms within its optimal range. This puts it slightly ahead of other assault rifles like the Lachmann-556 and M16, but behind top performers such as the RAM-7 and BAS-B.
The ISO Hemlock‘s strengths lie in its precision and consistency at medium to long ranges. Its low recoil allows for easy tracking of moving targets, while its high damage per shot ensures quick eliminations with well-placed headshots.
However, the gun‘s slower rate of fire and average mobility can be a hindrance in close-quarters engagements. Skilled players using meta SMGs like the Fennec or fast-firing assault rifles will likely outgun the ISO Hemlock in these situations.
Building the Best ISO Hemlock Loadout
With a clear understanding of the gun‘s pros and cons, let‘s construct the optimal ISO Hemlock loadout for Warzone 3. This build focuses on enhancing the gun‘s range, bullet velocity, and accuracy to maximize its long-distance potential.
Attachments
- Muzzle: Harbinger D20 – This suppressor significantly reduces the Hemlock‘s recoil, making it easier to land consecutive shots on target.
- Barrel: Fielder-T50 Barrel – With improved damage range and bullet velocity, this barrel transforms the ISO Hemlock into a deadly marksman rifle.
- Optic: Corio Eagleseye 2.5x – The Corio Eagleseye provides a clean, unobstructed view of the battlefield, perfect for picking off distant enemies. It also helps mitigate visual recoil.
- Magazine: 45 Round Mag – The larger magazine ensures you have enough ammo to take down multiple opponents without reloading, though it comes at a slight cost to mobility.
- Underbarrel: Bruen Heavy Support Grip – This underbarrel attachment further stabilizes the ISO Hemlock, granting even greater recoil control and precision.
Gotta hand it to Raven Software though–the gunsmith system introduced in Modern Warfare (2019) and expanded upon in Warzone really lets you tailor weapons to your playstyle. The interplay between attachments, their benefits, and drawbacks adds a layer of depth to customization that keeps things interesting between matches as you test different combinations.
Perks
While perks ultimately come down to personal preference and playstyle, here are some top picks that synergize well with the ISO Hemlock:
- Double Time – Doubles your Tac Sprint duration and increases crouch move speed by 30%, perfect for aggressive flanking maneuvers.
- Fast Hands – Speeds up weapons swaps and reloads, crucial for quickly switching to your secondary weapon in close quarters.
- High Alert – Gives you a visual warning when enemies outside your FOV aim at you, a must-have for situational awareness.
Other viable perk options include:
- Ghost – Conceals you from enemy UAVs and Heartbeat Sensors while moving, great for stealthy play.
- Cold-Blooded – Renders you undetectable by AI targeting systems and thermal optics, ideal for countering killstreaks.
- Quick Fix – Grants instant health regeneration on kill, handy for chaining eliminations in hectic firefights.
Equipment
- Lethal: Semtex – A versatile grenade that sticks to surfaces and enemies, dealing high damage over a concentrated area. Cook it before throwing for maximum impact.
- Tactical: Smoke Grenade – Smoke grenades provide excellent concealment for reviving teammates or relocating under fire. Consider running Restock to replenish your supply.
Secondary Weapon
Pair your ISO Hemlock with a close-range weapon to shore up its weaknesses:
- WSP Swarm – This hard-hitting SMG boasts a competitive TTK and hip-fire accuracy, perfect for clearing out buildings and tight spaces.
- Lockwood 300 – A pump-action shotgun that can eliminate enemies in a single well-placed shot, the Lockwood excels in extreme close quarters.
- Akimbo Renetti – Dual-wielding these high-powered pistols allows for a lightning-fast TTK within their effective range, ideal as a backup weapon.
Of course, the "best" loadout is always a matter of personal feel and skill. But looking at pick rates and overall usage data, it‘s clear that meta weapons like the RAM-7 and M13B remain the go-to choices for sweatier solos and squads in Warzone.
While non-meta weapons like the ISO Hemlock can certainly hold their own, you might find yourself at a disadvantage in certain situations. It all comes down to your individual playstyle and risk tolerance. If you enjoy the challenge of using off-meta guns, more power to you!
Tips for Mastering the ISO Hemlock
To make the most of your ISO Hemlock loadout, you‘ll need to adapt your playstyle and decision-making on the battlefield. Here are some advanced tips and tricks to help you dominate with this precision-focused assault rifle:
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Tap fire at long range – Remember, precision is key with the ISO Hemlock. Instead of holding down the trigger at longer distances, try firing in short, controlled bursts to maintain accuracy and conserve ammo.
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Prioritize high-traffic areas – Exploit the ISO Hemlock‘s range advantage by positioning yourself near open sightlines and high-traffic zones. Stay near cover and be ready to punish any enemies that venture into your killzone.
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Play the angles – The ISO Hemlock excels at holding tight angles and catching enemies off-guard as they round corners. Anticipate common routes and chokepoints, then set up ambushes to secure quick eliminations.
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Use smokes for more than just revives – Smoke grenades can be powerful tools for blocking sightlines, concealing rotations, or baiting enemies into unfavorable positions. Get creative with your smoke placements to confuse and misdirect opponents.
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Bait and switch – If you find yourself outgunned in a direct confrontation, try baiting enemies into chasing you around cover, then quickly swapping to your secondary weapon to finish them off. The element of surprise can make all the difference.
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Be flexible – The beauty of Warzone 3 lies in its diverse weapon sandbox and endless tactical possibilities. Don‘t be afraid to experiment with different loadouts, attachments, and playstyles to find what works best for you. There‘s no one-size-fits-all solution!
The Future of the ISO Hemlock
Looking ahead, the long-term viability of the ISO Hemlock in Warzone 3 largely depends on factors such as weapon balancing, new gun introductions, and shifts in the overall meta.
Based on past trends, we can expect Raven Software to release regular updates that tweak the performance of individual weapons and attachments. These changes, whether buffs or nerfs, can dramatically impact a gun‘s popularity and usage rates.
For the ISO Hemlock, which already faces stiff competition from current meta weapons like the RAM-7 and BAS-B, any further nerfs to its damage range or recoil could severely limit its effectiveness. Conversely, buffs to its rate of fire, handling, or mobility would make it a much more attractive choice.
It‘s also worth considering the introduction of new weapons through upcoming seasons or content drops. As we saw with the RAM-7 in Season 1, a single gun has the potential to completely shake up the meta and redefine what constitutes a "top-tier" loadout.
Ultimately, the key to success in Warzone 3 lies not in chasing the meta but in finding a playstyle and loadout that best suit your skills and preferences. Whether you‘re a die-hard ISO Hemlock main or a meta-slaving RAM-7 sweat, what matters most is your ability to adapt, communicate, and outplay your opponents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ISO Hemlock still a viable choice in Warzone 3?
While the ISO Hemlock may not be the most meta or popular choice, it can still be highly effective in the right hands. Its low recoil, high damage output, and range make it a solid option for players who prioritize precision and consistency.
What are the best attachments for the ISO Hemlock?
The ideal ISO Hemlock loadout focuses on enhancing range, accuracy, and recoil control. We recommend the Harbinger D20 muzzle, Fielder-T50 barrel, Corio Eagleseye 2.5x optic, 45 round mag, and Bruen Heavy Support underbarrel grip.
How does the ISO Hemlock compare to current meta weapons?
The ISO Hemlock posts a competitive TTK and outperforms many other assault rifles within its optimal range. However, it may struggle against top-tier weapons like the RAM-7 and BAS-B, especially in close-quarters engagements.
What secondary weapon should I pair with the ISO Hemlock?
To shore up the ISO Hemlock‘s close-range weaknesses, consider running an SMG like the WSP Swarm, a shotgun like the Lockwood 300, or dual-wielding Renetti pistols as your secondary weapon.
Will the ISO Hemlock be nerfed or buffed in future updates?
Given Raven Software‘s track record of regular weapon balancing updates, it‘s likely that the ISO Hemlock will see changes in future patches. But predicting the exact nature and impact of those changes is always a tricky proposition. Our advice? Focus on mastering the weapons and playstyles you enjoy, and let the meta sort itself out.
Conclusion
The ISO Hemlock may not be the flashiest or most popular gun in Call of Duty: Warzone 3, but it remains a solid and rewarding choice for players who value precision, versatility, and skill. By equipping the right attachments, perks, and equipment, you can transform this underrated assault rifle into a formidable tool of destruction.
As a digital technology expert and avid Warzone player, I‘ve seen firsthand how off-meta weapons like the ISO Hemlock can catch opponents off-guard and lead to some of the most satisfying plays and Warzone victories. Sure, chasing the meta and using the most overpowered guns might be tempting. But there‘s something special about mastering a more challenging weapon and making it work on your own terms.
Ultimately, the "best" ISO Hemlock loadout is the one that best suits your individual playstyle and preferences. Use this guide as a starting point, but don‘t be afraid to experiment, iterate, and find what works for you. With practice, patience, and a little bit of creativity, you might just find your new favorite weapon in Warzone 3.
Happy dropping, and we‘ll see you on the battlefield!
