Call of Duty: Vanguard

Best EX1 loadout for Vanguard Season 5

Liam Mackay
EX1 Energy Weapon in Vanguard

Vanguard Season 5 is here, ending its round of seasonal updates by bringing classic weapons from past Call of Duty games. Although set in WW2, Advanced Warfare’s EM1 has arrived as the EX1 Energy Weapon. Here’s everything you need to build the best EX1 loadout for Vanguard Season 5.

Vanguard Season 5 brings the end of this era of Call of Duty before the franchise moves on to Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone 2 later this year. The developers have gone all-out for this final season, bringing back villains such as Mendez and Al-Asad, as well as reintroducing classic weapons.

One of these new weapons is the EX1 Energy Weapon, which is essentially the EM1 from Advanced Warfare. It’s a powerful choice in multiplayer, so here are the attachments and Perks you need to make the best EX1 loadout for Call of Duty: Vanguard.

Best Vanguard EX1 loadout attachments

Best Vanguard EX1 loadout attachments
  • Muzzle: Magnified Relay
  • Barrel: SD Instant Grat
  • Optic: Slate Reflector
  • Stock: Removed Stock
  • Underbarrel: Ion Hand Stop
  • Magazine: Royal-PV Cell Reserve Battery
  • Rear Grip: Fabric Grip
  • Proficiency: Sleight of Hand
  • Kit: On-Hand

This Vanguard EX1 loadout combines the weapon’s non-existent recoil with great mobility and enough ammo to take on enemy after enemy.

We’re kicking off this EX1 loadout with the Magnified Relay Muzzle and SD Instant Grat Barrel. Combined, your laser will shoot instantly without having to be charged, and you’ll be able to shoot for even longer before recharging (reloading).

The classic Slate Reflector and Removed Stock give a clear sight picture and vastly increase the EX1’s movement speed and sprint-to-fire time. Next, the Ion Hand Stop acts similar to the M1941 Hand Stop, boosting its recoil control and accuracy.

As it’s a laser weapon, there are no ammo choices, but the Royal-PV Cell Reserve Battery increases its ammo capacity. To balance out the Magazine’s hit to ADS speed, the Fabric Grip is the perfect choice.

Finally, the Proficiency and Kit are down to personal preference, but Sleight of Hand and On-Hand are a great combination.

Best Perks & Equipment to use with EX1 in Vanguard

vanguard ninja Perk
  • Perk 1: Ghost
  • Perk 2: Forward Intel
  • Perk 3: Ninja
  • Lethal Equipment: Mk2 Frag Grenade
  • Tactical Equipment: No 69 Stun Grenade

For Perks, you should consider running Ghost with the EX1. You’ll be completely hidden from UAVs, and can also remain completely silent by using the Ninja Perk in the third slot. We’d also recommend Forward Intel as Perk 2, allowing you to see enemies spawning.

For Equipment, a well-timed Frag Grenade can clear enemies from almost anywhere, and the Stun Grenade is great for slowing down opposing players and getting information.

How to unlock EX1 in Vanguard

menendez using EX1 in Vanguard Zombies

Vanguard players can unlock the EX1 for free at Tier 15 of the Season 5 Battle Pass, but can start leveling it up by unlocking the Superficial Blueprint at Tier 5 of the Premium Battle Pass.

Best alternatives to EX1 in Vanguard

There are plenty of viable weapons in Vanguard, but the Automaton has remained the best Assault Rifle. The STG44 has remained consistently deadly throughout Vanguard’s lifecycle too.

The EX1 should be a powerful choice for the new Archon Zombies map, so be sure to check out all of the changes to Vanguard Zombies in Season 5.

Image Credit: Activision

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