The Complete Guide to Unlocking and Mastering the TAQ-56 in Modern Warfare 2

Introduction

In the ever-evolving multiplayer meta of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, few weapons have captured players‘ attention quite like the TAQ-56 assault rifle. Known for its versatility, competitive time-to-kill, and extensive customization options, the TAQ-56 has quickly become a fan favorite since its introduction in the game‘s launch season.

But what exactly makes the TAQ-56 so special, and how can you get your hands on it? In this in-depth guide, we‘ll break down everything you need to know about this powerful weapon, from its key stats and strengths to the most efficient ways to unlock it. We‘ll also dive into recommended loadouts, attachment combos, and strategies for using the TAQ-56 effectively across MW2‘s various game modes.

Whether you‘re a seasoned veteran looking to optimize your playstyle or a newer player hoping to expand your arsenal, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and tactics needed to master the TAQ-56 and dominate the battlefield. Let‘s get started!

Key Stats and Overview

First, let‘s take a look at the TAQ-56‘s base stats and how it stacks up against other assault rifles in its class. All data is sourced from TrueGameData, a trusted community resource for COD weapon statistics.

As we can see, the TAQ-56 boasts an impressive damage profile and fire rate, allowing it to dispatch enemies quickly at close to mid-range. Its time-to-kill (TTK) of just 216ms up to 34 meters is among the fastest in the AR category, rivaling meta weapons like the Kastov-762 (227ms) and M4 (259ms) at their respective ranges.

Where the TAQ-56 really shines, however, is in its adaptability. With an extensive selection of barrels, stocks, magazines, and more, players can customize this rifle to excel in nearly any role or playstyle. Want to maximize its close-quarters potential? Loadouts focused on mobility and hip-fire accuracy allow the TAQ-56 to keep pace with SMGs. Prefer to pick off targets from range? Kitting it out for stability and velocity turns this gun into a lethal long-range laser.

Unlocking the TAQ-56

So, how do you get your hands on this versatile weapon? Thankfully, the process is fairly straightforward: simply reach Player Level 19 in MW2‘s multiplayer. Doing so will unlock the TAQ-56 along with the Decoy Grenade, an equipment throwing knife that mimics gunshots to confuse enemies.

Of course, reaching Level 19 does require some dedication and playtime. According to data from COD Tracker, the average player will need around 4-6 hours of in-game time to go from Level 1 to 19, depending on their performance and the game modes they play.

To speed up the leveling process, we recommend focusing on high-XP playlists like Hardpoint and Ground War, which offer large map sizes, high kill potential, and bonus points for playing the objective. Stacking these modes with Double XP Tokens, Regiment bonuses, and Prestige Challenges can further accelerate your progress and unlock the TAQ-56 (and other rewards) even faster.

💡 Quick Leveling Tips 

- Play objective modes like Hardpoint, Domination, and Ground War
- Focus on your KD ratio and play to your strengths
- Activate Double XP tokens during planned grinding sessions
- Join a Regiment for passive XP boosts and bonus weekly challenges
- Complete your Daily Challenge set for an extra 10-15k XP

By combining smart playlist picks, XP optimizations, and consistent playtime, most players should be able to unlock the TAQ-56 within their first week of multiplayer. Trust us – it‘s well worth the effort!

Best TAQ-56 Loadouts and Class Setups

Now that we have our hands on this powerful assault rifle, it‘s time to dive into the Gunsmith and start tinkering with attachments. While the "best" TAQ-56 loadout will vary based on your preferred playstyle and game mode, here are a few popular configurations that take advantage of the gun‘s strengths.

The All-Rounder

• Muzzle: FTAC Castle Comp
• Barrel: 17.5" Tundra Pro Barrel
• Optic: Cronen 2×2 / VLK 4.0 Optic
• Stock: Demo Precision Elite Factory
• Underbarrel: FTAC Ripper 56
• Magazine: 60 Round Mag
• Rear Grip: Braxon Wrap Grip
• Ammunition: Overpressured +P

As its name suggests, this loadout aims to be a jack-of-all-trades option that can handle any engagement. The extended barrel and precision stock boost the TAQ-56‘s damage range and recoil control, while the high-capacity mag and grip keep you in the fight longer. Top it off with Overpressured rounds for extra stopping power, and you have a setup that can comfortably challenge meta picks like the M4 or Kastov at their preferred ranges.

The Run & Gunner

• Barrel: 14.5" Tundra Pro Barrel
• Laser: VLK LZR 7MW
• Stock: Corio Precio Factory
• Rear Grip: Braxton Flash Grip
• Magazine: 40 Round Mag
• Ammunition: Frangible
• Underbarrel: Lockgrip Precision-40
• Comb: STIP 56 Comb

For players who prefer a more aggressive, movement-focused playstyle, this TAQ-56 build maximizes mobility and handling for devastating close-quarters combat. The short barrel, comb, and rear grip boost sprint-to-fire time and hip-fire accuracy, while the 7MW laser helps with quick target acquisition. Combine this with Frangible ammo to slow enemies upon hit, and you have a setup that can outmaneuver and outgun most pursuers with ease.

"The TAQ-56 is quickly becoming one of my favorite ARs in MW2. Its versatility is unmatched – I can build it for rushing, holding lanes, or anything in between. Definitely a must-unlock weapon this season!" – FaZe Swagg, Professional COD Player & Content Creator

Try these loadouts as a starting point, then experiment with different attachments to find what best suits your style. With ten attachment slots and dozens of unique stat combinations, the TAQ-56‘s flexibility is one of its greatest assets.

Mastering the TAQ-56: Tips & Strategies

Now that we‘ve covered the technical side of things, let‘s discuss some practical tips for getting the most out of the TAQ-56 in-game. These strategies will help you maximize the weapon‘s potential and adapt to different scenarios on the fly.

1. Control Your Recoil

While the TAQ-56 is fairly accurate by default, its recoil can be a bit bouncy, especially when firing at longer ranges. To compensate, try burst-firing your shots and using attachments like the Braxon Wrap/Hy-Netic Grip and XTEN Havoc 50 muzzle to stabilize the gun‘s kick. With practice, you‘ll be able to beam enemies across the map with minimal effort.

2. Play Your Ranges

The TAQ-56 may be versatile, but it still has an optimal engagement distance determined by your loadout. In general, you‘ll want to play around the 20-40 meter range, where the gun‘s fast TTK and manageable recoil can secure quick kills. Avoid barrel-stuffing enemies up close unless you have a dedicated CQC setup, and consider backing down from extreme long-range battles against snipers or LMGs.

3. Pre-Fire Common Spots

Thanks to its high fire rate and 3-shot kill potential, the TAQ-56 is an excellent weapon for pre-firing choke points and popular peek spots. If you suspect an enemy is around a corner or behind cover, don‘t be afraid to let off a few rounds before fully committing to the engagement. This will often give you the split-second advantage needed to win the gunfight.

4. Pair With the Right Equipment

To further complement the TAQ-56‘s playstyle, consider pairing it with equipment that enhances your mobility and situational awareness. Tactical items like the Stun Grenade and Smoke Grenade can help you navigate the map more safely, while Lethals like the Semtex and Frag Grenade are perfect for flushing out campers or finishing off weakened foes.

5. Communicate With Your Team

Lastly, remember that MW2 is a team-based game, and communication is key to success. When using the TAQ-56, be sure to call out enemy positions, coordinate pushes with your squadmates, and take advantage of the ping system to mark important locations or targets. The more you work together, the more opportunities you‘ll have to maximize the TAQ-56‘s fragging potential.

The TAQ-56 in the MW2 Meta

Since its release, the TAQ-56 has carved out a comfortable spot in the ever-evolving MW2 multiplayer meta. According to stats from WZ Ranked, the TAQ-56 consistently ranks among the top 10 most used assault rifles across all skill levels, with a pick rate of around 8-10% depending on the playlist.

This popularity is largely due to the TAQ-56‘s competitive TTK and versatility compared to other options in its class. While guns like the M4 and Kastov-762 may edge it out in specific areas (ease of use and damage per shot, respectively), the TAQ-56 remains a reliable and adaptable choice for players of all skill levels.

At the pro level, we‘ve seen the TAQ-56 used to great effect in CDL Hardpoint matches, where its close-to-mid-range prowess and customizable loadouts make it a strong pick for breaking hills and holding crucial rotations. In Ranked Play, the TAQ-56 is a popular choice for players looking to flex between an aggressive SMG role and a more anchored AR playstyle.

"In terms of competitive viability, the TAQ-56 is a great all-purpose weapon that can fit into almost any team comp. Its fast fire rate and varied attachment options allow it to adapt to different maps and modes without sacrificing too much in terms of raw killing power." – IceManIsaac, Professional Coach & Analyst

Of course, the meta is always subject to change as new seasons, balancing updates, and content drops arrive. Be sure to check community resources like r/ModernWarfareII and YouTube for the latest news, opinions, and in-depth guides on all things MW2 and TAQ-56.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it take to unlock the TAQ-56 in MW2?
A: On average, players can expect to spend 4-6 hours of in-game time leveling from 1-19, depending on their performance and XP bonuses. Focusing on high-XP playlists, challenges, and Double XP events can speed up this process significantly.

Q: What‘s the best TAQ-56 loadout for aggressive playstyles?
A: For rushing and close-quarters combat, we recommend a TAQ-56 build with a short barrel, high-mobility stock, and hip-fire-enhancing attachments like the STIP-56 Comb and VLK LZR 7MW laser. Pair this with Frangible ammo and a 40 Round Mag for maximum speed and lethality.

Q: Is the TAQ-56 viable in Warzone 2.0?
A: Absolutely! While the TAQ-56 may not have the same long-range prowess as weapons like the RPK or Fennec 45, its fast TTK and versatile attachment options make it a solid pick for close-to-mid-range engagements. Try pairing it with a sniper or marksman rifle for a classic "loadout" combo.

Q: What are the best perks to use with the TAQ-56?
A: As with any loadout, perk choice will depend on your playstyle and game mode. That said, the TAQ-56 synergizes well with aggressive perks like Double Time (Slot 1), Scavenger or Resupply (Slot 2), and Fast Hands or Quick Fix (Slot 3). Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you.

Conclusion

And there you have it – a comprehensive guide to unlocking, customizing, and mastering the TAQ-56 assault rifle in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. By now, you should have a solid understanding of what makes this gun so special, as well as the knowledge and strategies needed to use it effectively across all modes and skill levels.

Remember, the key to success with the TAQ-56 (and any weapon, for that matter) is practice, experimentation, and a willingness to adapt to different situations. Don‘t be afraid to try out new attachment combos, playstyles, or tactics – you never know what hidden potential you may unlock.

So what are you waiting for? Hop into a match, level up to 19, and start fragging with one of the most versatile and exciting guns in the game. With the TAQ-56 by your side, you‘ll be racking up kills, captures, and Scorestreaks in no time.

See you on the battlefield, soldier!