Ethan Crossfield 
In Warzone 2, your loadout can swing every fight—so knowing how to secure it (and how to play it once you have it) matters as much as aim. Here’s a clear breakdown of the main methods to get your preferred weapons, perks, and gear, plus practical ways to make that kit work in real matches.
How to get a loadout in Warzone 2 (multiple paths, different trade-offs)
Warzone 2 doesn’t offer a single universal “get loadout” button. Instead, the game uses several routes to reach your kit—each with advantages, risks, and different costs.
First, buying loadouts changed from the original Warzone. Raven Software brought Buy Stations back as a way to obtain Modern Warfare 2 primary weapons, along with perks and equipment through the system.
If you prefer simplicity and low friction, Buy Stations are the most direct route. If you want everything at once for your whole squad, Loadout Drop Grenades are the fastest team investment. For players who want a free option, public loadout drops fall as timed events. And if you’re willing to fight through PvE-style challenges for guaranteed progression, Strongholds and Black Sites provide a more structured path to top-tier rewards.
Four proven methods: cost, timing, and what can go wrong
Method 1: Buying weapons from Buy Stations
You can purchase your primary weapon separately for $2,500 per player. This is the safest-feeling option when you want to avoid unnecessary risk or AI encounters. You can also buy mid-fight if you have the cash.
The limitation is important: you don’t buy the entire loadout at once. Perks and secondary weapons come from a Loadout Drop Grenade.
Key risk: Buy Stations can be camped, looted, or occupied by enemies. A practical approach is to clear the area first, build cash, then purchase.
Method 2: Loadout Drop Grenades
Throw a Loadout Drop Grenade and, after a short delay, your full pre-set loadout appears—guns, perks, and gear. Your whole squad can use it, which is why it’s such a strong team play.
Costs scale by squad size: $8,000 (solo), $16,000 (duo), $24,000 (trio), and $32,000 (full squad).
Key risk: the crate drops loudly and reveals its landing spot, drawing attention. If enemies see it land, you should expect a fight. Don’t throw it in open space—use cover or rooftops, and make sure teammates are protected while they collect.
Method 3: Public loadout drops
Public drops return as timed battlefield events. You can’t buy them; they fall from the sky and any squad can grab them. The first drop typically happens mid-match after the first or second circle closes, and a second drop may occur later.
Benefits are clear: it’s free, and it provides a full loadout like the grenade method. The downside is competition—multiple squads contest the same crate. Late-game drops can be dangerous if they land in open areas, and sometimes the drop can be too far to reach in time.
Method 4: Strongholds & Black Sites
Strongholds and Black Sites add a PvE element with guarded buildings and AI bots. Several Strongholds appear a few minutes into the match. Clear them, defuse the bomb, and you’ll receive loot plus a Black Site Key.
Black Sites are tougher: more aggressive AI, and even an armored boss helicopter. Beyond a loadout, you can earn high-tier loot, weapon blueprints, and unique items.
Key risk: enemy squads may rush the gunfire, bots don’t miss (especially in Black Sites), and unprepared squads can be wiped.
Use your loadout effectively: adapt, control, and time your fights
Securing a loadout is only half the equation. To avoid losing it immediately after purchase or collection, use it with intent.
Match the loadout to your playstyle. Aggressive setups pair well with SMGs and speed-focused perks, while a slower approach suits sniper-style weapons and recon tools. Support-oriented play leans into smokes and perks like “Bird’s Eye.”
Also consider the circle. Don’t bring a long-range weapon into a final zone full of close-quarters chaos. If the zone is open early, skip the shotgun—many players overlook how quickly engagements can shift.
Control the moment when contesting drops. If you’re going for a public drop, don’t sprint in blind. Scout with UAVs or drones, move as a team, and watch for flanks.
Finally, treat Strongholds as more than loot containers. If there are no nearby enemies, clearing one can grant strong map control and valuable rewards. If top squads are around, sometimes waiting is the smarter decision.
Overall: in Warzone 2.0, loadouts can be obtained through buying, drops, and clearing zones—so experiment with setups and adapt to dominate.
Key points
- Buy Stations are the most straightforward route for primary weapons ($2,500 per player), but they don’t provide the full kit at once.
- Loadout Drop Grenades deliver the entire pre-set loadout for your squad, but the drop is loud and attracts attention.
- Public loadout drops are free timed events, yet they’re contested and can become late-game traps.
- Strongholds and Black Sites offer structured PvE challenges with guaranteed-style progression and high-tier rewards—at the cost of increased danger.
| Method | What you get | Cost/availability (from source) | Main risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buy Station | Primary weapon (per player); perks/secondary via Loadout Drop Grenade | $2,500 per player | Stations may be camped, looted, or occupied by enemies |
| Loadout Drop Grenade | Full pre-set loadout for the squad (guns, perks, gear) | $8,000 solo / $16,000 duo / $24,000 trio / $32,000 full squad | Loud crate reveal attracts enemies to the landing spot |
| Public loadout drops | Full loadout (any squad can grab) | Free; timed events (first mid-match after early circles close; second sometimes) | Shared contest—multiple squads fight for the same drop |
| Strongholds & Black Sites | Loadout plus additional loot; Black Sites include higher-tier rewards | Available in-match (Strongholds appear a few minutes in); Black Sites require a key after Strongholds | Enemy squads may rush the gunfire; AI and boss threats can overwhelm unprepared squads |
Expert View
These loadout routes show Warzone 2’s intent to make gearing a decision, not a default. Competitive communities tend to reward teams that can manage information (scouting drops, protecting teammates during crate collection) and risk (when to buy, when to rotate, when to clear PvE). As the meta evolves, expect more coordinated squad play around loud objectives like Loadout Drop Grenades and around contested timed events—because the “how” of getting a kit is now inseparable from how fights start.
FAQ
What’s the easiest way to get a loadout in Warzone 2?
Buying from Buy Stations is the most straightforward option for obtaining your primary weapon ($2,500 per player). For the full kit (perks and secondary), you’ll still rely on a Loadout Drop Grenade.
How much do Loadout Drop Grenades cost in Warzone 2?
They cost $8,000 for solo, $16,000 for duo, $24,000 for trio, and $32,000 for a full squad.
When do public loadout drops happen?
The first public drop usually occurs mid-match after the first or second circle closes. A second drop can happen later, but it’s not guaranteed.
Are Strongholds and Black Sites worth it for loadouts?
Yes, if you can handle the risk. Strongholds can lead to loot and a Black Site Key, while Black Sites provide tougher PvE challenges and additional high-tier rewards beyond a loadout.
