Best 556 Icarus Loadout in MW2: Class, Perks & Attachments

Discover the best 556 Icarus loadout in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II. Optimize your LMG with top attachments, perks, and class setups for enhanced recoil control and damage.

As with all LMGs, the 556 Icarus spits out rounds at decent rates of fire, while having solid damage and range. However, they are slow and have awful recoil. Here are the attachments you need to create the best 556 Icarus loadout in MW2:

• Barrel: FTAC Coldforge 16” Barrel
• Muzzle: Force-TAC Castle Comp
• Underbarrel: FSS Sharkfin 90
• Stock: Demo Precision Elite Factory
• Rear Grip/Optic: XTEN Rear Grip or an Optic of your choice

The FTAC Coldforge 16” Barrel increases bullet velocity, damage range, and grants better long-range control, at the cost of movement and ADS speed. The Force-TAC Castle Comp and Demo Precision Elite Stock help control recoil in all situations, significantly steadying aim, but further weaken sprint to fire and ADS speeds. The FSS Sharkfin 90 underbarrel adds better stability while aiming down sights (ADS), helping to reduce flinch and keep accuracy. For the fifth slot, the XTEN Rear Grip is a great choice to improve ADS speed, or an Optic (like a mini, Holographic, hybrid, or more magnified sights) can be chosen based on playstyle, map, and game mode.

This 556 Icarus loadout in MW2 allows for easy recoil control and makes the weapon more deadly, but be warned that its slow speed and ADS times mean it will struggle against SMGs or hybrid weapons in close-range fights.

Best 556 Icarus Class in MW2

To support the 556 Icarus loadout, consider the following class setup:

• Secondary: Expedite-12 (with Overkill) or X13 auto
• Tactical: Flash or Stun Grenades
• Lethal: Proximity Mine or Semtex
• Field Upgrade: Ammo Box, Deployable Cover, or Portable Radar

The X13 auto pistol is for those without Overkill, providing a hip-fire tool for close range. The Expedite 12 is a one-shot, point-blank hip-fire weapon, perfect for close encounters. For tactical equipment, Flash Grenades are generally helpful, while Stun Grenades can provide a moment to switch to a secondary against rushers. Lethal choices depend on playstyle: Proximity Mines (or Claymores) cover flanks, while Semtex is a reliable thrown explosive for flushing enemies or clearing objectives. Field upgrades like Deployable Cover offer a stable platform for the LMG, Portable Radar provides crucial map visibility for pre-aiming, and Ammo Box is useful for sustained fire if you're covering angles and not using Scavenger.

Best 556 Icarus Perks in MW2

To compensate for LMG weaknesses like slow movement and susceptibility to enemy equipment, the best 556 Icarus perks in MW2 include:

• Basic Perk 1: Overkill or EOD
• Basic Perk 2: Scavenger (if moving) or Battle Hardened
• Bonus Perk: Fast Hands
• Ultimate Perk: Ghost

The EOD and Battle Hardened combo is effective for players who hold positions, as these perks reduce the impact of enemy explosives. For players who relocate frequently, Scavenger can help manage ammo if not using the Ammo Box field upgrade. Overkill allows for a strong secondary weapon, Fast Hands improves weapon handling, and Ghost keeps you off enemy radar.