CDL pros switch the meta from the STG44 to Automaton with new loadout

The meta of the Call of Duty League is ever-changing as professional players find new weapons and items to take advantage of. With Vanguard, the meta looked set a couple of weeks after the initial release. However, thanks to some new testing by pros, a new meta is rising. Instead of the STG44, pros are using the Automaton and its strongest loadout for competitive play.

The Automaton has always been known as a strong weapon in Vanguard. However, the STG44 possessed some overpowered attachments that weren’t banned in the initial CDL ruleset. Those attachments were recently nerfed by Sledgehammer Games, though, leading pros to try out the Automaton. When they did, many didn’t look back and are still using the AR in scrimmages today.

Automaton loadout becomes the meta among pros

For players that have used the Automaton, it’s apparent why the rifle was next in line after the STG44. It has an extremely high fire rate, the best in the AR class, and almost no recoil. This is even true without any recoil-boosting attachments. While the Automaton takes slightly longer to kill than the STG, pros can be so accurate with the rifle that it doesn’t seem to matter.

Recently, Minnesota ROKKR player Dillon “Price” Attach uploaded a video explaining why pros moved to the Automaton. He even went over the Automaton loadout that pros are currently using in scrimmages and tournaments. If players notice some attachments missing, it’s because the pros have “GAed” them, or banned them. This is a yearly practice that ensures pros aren’t using anything overpowered in the new title.

Below, fans can see the exact loadout that pros are running with the Automaton in Vanguard, courtesy of Attach.

• Muzzle: G28 Compensator
• Barrel: Anastasia Sniper
• Optic: Slate Reflector
• Stock: ZAC Skeletal
• Underbarrel: M1941 Hand Stop
• Magazine: N/A
• Ammo Type: Lengthened
• Rear Grip: Granular Grip
• Proficiency: Tight Grip
• Kit: On-Hand

This loadout has virtually no recoil and ensures the Automaton is dealing the most damage it can outside of the GAs pros have set. If fans want to see the best non-competitive Automaton loadout in Vanguard, they can check out Upcomer’s Automaton gun guide.