Guides

Ready or Not: Best Loadout Guide


Ready or Not is a tough, real-life tactical shooter where every little detail counts—from your weapon choice to your tactical gear. With so many options, picking the right loadout can be hard, especially for new players or those facing tough missions. In this guide, we’ll share some of the best loadouts for different situations, explain why some choices work better than others, and help you build your own play style.


General Loadout Advice

Before we jump into specific builds, here are a few key points to help you decide your loadout:

Mission Type

  • Read the Mission Briefing: Check what the mission is about. Look at the type of suspects (armed, unarmed, armored) and the mission goals.
  • Environment Matters: Consider if the mission is in tight spaces, open areas, dark rooms, or well-lit spaces.

Armor and Mobility

  • Armor Protection: Heavy armor gives you strong protection but slows you down.
  • Mobility: Lighter armor helps you move faster but offers less protection.
  • Choose Based on Style: Pick the armor that fits your play style and the mission needs.

Weapon Length

  • Shorter Weapons: Great for tight spaces, letting you react quickly.
  • Longer Weapons: Better for open areas but can be hard to use indoors.

Lethality

  • Minimizing Casualties: The game encourages non-lethal options when possible.
  • Lethal Weapons: Sometimes you need them against tough, armored suspects.
  • Non-Lethal Choices: Options like beanbag shotguns or pepperball launchers can stop suspects without deadly force.

Best Overall Beginner Loadout

This loadout is balanced for combat, protection, and flexibility.

Primary Weapon

  • Options: M4A1 or MK18 Carbine (5.56mm AR)
  • Attachments:
    • Optic: Holo Sight (EOTech XPS3 recommended)
    • Muzzle: SOCOM Suppressor (reduces noise and alert levels)
    • Underbarrel: Combat Grip (reduces recoil a bit)
    • Overbarrel: M600V Flashlight (helps with visibility)

Sidearm

  • Options: FN Five-seveN or USP45
  • Attachments: Suppressor, Laser Pointer

Armor

  • Type: Heavy Armor – Ceramic – Front/Back Coverage
    Heavy ceramic armor gives strong protection without losing too much mobility.

Long Tactical

  • Item: Mirror Gun
    Use it to check rooms and hallways before you enter.

Grenades

  • Items: Flashbang x2, CS Gas Grenade x2
    Flashbangs disable suspects temporarily, and CS gas clears them from cover.

Headgear

  • Item: Ballistic Face Mask
    Protects your head and face from small-arms fire.

Tactical Gear

  • Items: Pepper Spray and Door Wedges
    Pepper spray stops fleeing or non-compliant people, and door wedges block suspects from flanking your team.

Non-Lethal Arrest-Focused Loadout

This setup is for when you want to minimize casualties and score high with non-lethal takedowns.

Primary Weapon

  • Options:
    • VKS Pepperball Rifle: Best range and area suppression.
    • Beanbag Shotgun: Stuns enemies at close range instantly.

Secondary Weapon

  • Item: Taser
    Useful for suspects who do not give up easily.

Armor

  • Type: Light Armor – Ceramic – Front/Back Coverage
    This gives decent protection and lets you move quickly.

Long Tactical

  • Item: Mirror Gun
    Helps scout safely ahead.

Grenades

  • Items: CS Gas Grenades x4
    These force suspects to surrender without using deadly force.

Headgear

  • Item: Gas Mask
    Protects you from your own CS gas.

Tactical Gear

  • Items: Door Wedges and Pepper Spray
    Door wedges control enemy movement, while pepper spray keeps non-compliant civilians in check.

CQB Rapid Response Loadout

This loadout is for fast moves and close-quarters battles.

Primary Weapon

  • Item: MP7 (with AP rounds for armor penetration)
    It is fast, compact, and works well against armored targets.

Sidearm

  • Item: FN Five-seveN
    It also helps to penetrate armor.

Armor

  • Type: Light Armor – Ceramic – Front/Back Coverage
    Lightweight and protective for quick moves.

Long Tactical

  • Options: Battering Ram or C2 Explosives
    They quickly breach locked doors and shock enemies.

Grenades

  • Item: Flashbangs x4
    They help disorient suspects when entering rooms.

Headgear

  • Item: Anti-Flash Goggles
    Protects you from your own flashbangs.

Tactical Gear

  • Item: Door Wedges
    Quickly secure areas from enemy reinforcements.

Heavy Firefight Loadout

For missions with heavy resistance and long fights, this loadout is built for maximum survival.

Primary Weapon

  • Options:
    • SA-58 OSW: A 7.62mm battle rifle that penetrates armor well.
    • G36C: Offers balanced damage and accuracy.

Sidearm

  • Item: Any reliable pistol (FN Five-seveN is a good choice)

Armor

  • Type: Heavy Armor – Steel – Full Coverage
    The highest protection, able to take multiple rounds.

Long Tactical

  • Options:
    • Ballistic Shield: Protects your front line.
    • Mirror Gun: For safe recon.

Grenades

  • Items: CS Gas Grenades x2, Flashbangs x2
    Gas grenades disrupt enemies, and flashbangs help with safe entries.

Headgear

  • Options: Gas Mask or Ballistic Face Mask
    Choose based on the grenades you carry.

Tactical Gear

  • Items: Door Wedges and Pepper Spray
    Keep control of the area and maintain compliance.

Final Tips & Recommendations

Utilize Your Squad

  • Team Play: Equip and command your AI teammates. Give them VKS (Pepperball Rifle), heavy armor, and a mix of grenades and gear. Their special team abilities can really help.

Practice & Experiment

  • Personal Style: Try out different weapons, armor, and gear. Find what feels right for you.

Understand Mission Briefings

  • Plan Ahead: Read and understand the mission details. This helps you choose the best gear and boosts your chances of success.

Ready or Not rewards good planning, teamwork, and flexibility. No loadout is perfect for every mission or player, but these setups give you a solid start. As you play more, you’ll naturally tweak your loadouts to match your own style.

Good luck, officers—stay safe out there and bring order back to the city!

Anika Sørensen

Anika Sørensen, hailing from Copenhagen, Denmark, has established herself as a prominent video game journalist over the past twelve years. Specializing in Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) and Role-Playing Games (RPGs), Sørensen is celebrated for her insightful analyses and passionate coverage of the gaming industry. Beyond writing, Anika is an active member of the gaming community, attending major events like E3 and Gamescom to provide live coverage and exclusive insights. Her dedication to fostering a deeper understanding of video games has inspired countless gamers and aspiring journalists alike. Currently, Sørensen is working as Gaming Tier List's chief news editor.

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