All Apex Weapon Attachments & Effects in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4

TL;DR

• Apex Attachments are max-level weapon unlocks — you earn one (sometimes two) by fully levelling a supported gun.
• They do not use one of your five Gunsmith slots — they sit on top of your existing build.
• They change how the weapon actually plays, not just its stats — new fire modes, launchers, melee tools, and more.
• MW4 launches with 28 confirmed Apex Attachments across 33 weapons at launch.
• Some weapons like the Kastov 762 and Hyeon Burst have two Apex Attachments to choose from.
• Weapon XP earned in both Multiplayer and DMZ counts toward the unlock.

What Are Apex Attachments in Modern Warfare 4?

Apex Attachments are a brand-new weapon customization system introduced in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4. They are special modifications that unlock only when you reach the maximum weapon level on a supported gun. Unlike every other attachment in Gunsmith, Apex Attachments do not consume one of your five regular attachment slots — they are equipped separately and sit on top of your build.

That means a fully levelled gun in MW4 effectively runs five standard attachments plus its Apex Attachment. It is purely additive power, not a trade-off against your existing setup.

The key difference from normal attachments is what they actually do. Standard attachments adjust stats — recoil, ADS speed, range, and so on. Apex Attachments change the fundamental behavior of the weapon. You might add an airburst launcher, convert your AR to fire like an SMG, turn a semi-auto marksman rifle fully automatic, or add throwing knives to a sniper. These are genuine gameplay changes, not incremental number boosts.

According to Activision’s official MW4 documentation, the majority of weapons at launch have their own Apex Attachment, and some have more than one, giving you a choice once you hit max level.

How to Unlock Apex Attachments

The process is simple: use a supported weapon and earn Weapon XP until you reach that gun’s maximum weapon level. Weapon XP counts in both Multiplayer and DMZ, so whichever mode you play, progress carries over. Once you hit max level, the Apex Attachment unlocks and becomes available in the Gunsmith screen under that weapon.

Apex Attachments are not locked behind Prestige — you do not need to prestige the weapon or your account first. They are purely tied to hitting max weapon level on the individual gun. Some weapons block certain standard attachment categories when an Apex is equipped (a launcher might block your underbarrel slot, for example), so check the blocked slots listed below before committing to a build.

For more on the weapon progression system and fast levelling strategies, see our guide on how to unlock all COD Modern Warfare 4 weapons and how to get Double XP Tokens to speed up your grind.

All Assault Rifle Apex Attachments in MW4

Assault rifles have eight Apex Attachments across six weapons — the most of any weapon class. Two of those weapons, the Kastov 762 and Hyeon Burst, each have two Apex options to choose from once they hit max level.

han 86 assault rifle modern warfare 4

• Han 86 — Han X20 Skybreaker (Unlock: Weapon Level 72): Adds a precision targeting optic and a 20mm airburst grenade launcher designed to detonate at a selected distance. Highly effective at flushing enemies out of cover. Blocks Optic, Stock, and Barrel slots.
• M4 — M4 Hurricane (Unlock: Weapon Level ~68): Converts the M4 to a top-loaded 50-round magazine in 5.7x28mm — a P90-style feed that transforms the rifle into a high-velocity, high-capacity hybrid closer to an SMG. Reduces rate of fire slightly. Blocks Barrel and Magazine slots.
• Kastov 762 — Kastov 545 (Unlock: Weapon Level 71, Option 1): Rechambers the Kastov to 5.45x39mm ammunition with a stamped receiver for smoother handling and faster follow-up shots. No reported blocked slots.
• Kastov 762 — Kastov ARC (Unlock: Weapon Level 71, Option 2): Barrel attachment with an integrated optic that fires high-intensity RF pulses. The pulse incapacitates infantry, disrupts vehicles, and can disable enemy Killstreaks and electronic equipment. Blocks Barrel slot.
• Hyeon Burst — Hyeon Auto (Unlock: Weapon Level ~64, Option 1): Converts the burst-fire Hyeon Burst to full automatic fire for sustained output. A straightforward change if you want to drop the burst mechanic entirely.
• Hyeon Burst — Hyeon Hyperburst (Unlock: Weapon Level ~64, Option 2): An overclocked receiver conversion — the first three rounds of every trigger pull fire extremely fast, then subsequent shots slow down dramatically. A high-skill, high-upside fire mode for players who can land the opening burst.
• Patriot XMR — Patriot XMR Volt (Unlock: Weapon Level ~64): Underbarrel launcher that fires 50,000V darts. Non-lethal on its own, but overrides the target’s fine motor control on impact — effectively stunning them. No reported blocked slots.
• Axion — Axion Reaver / Axion Clearcut (Unlock: Weapon Level ~67): Converts the pistol grip to a chainsaw rear grip configuration and outfits the weapon for aggressive canted aiming and hipfire. Blocks Optic, Laser, Underbarrel, Stock, and Rear Grip slots. Note: The Axion is available in a default loadout only and does not have normal Gunsmith access.

All SMG Apex Attachments in MW4

SMGs have five Apex Attachments across four weapons. One weapon — the WZ.55 Striga — has a confirmed Apex Attachment that has not been officially detailed by Infinity Ward at launch.

• ISO Nightshade — ISO Trace (Unlock: Weapon Level 56): Loads the gun with RFID-tagged ammunition. When you hit a target, tracking data is fed to the weapon’s integrated optic, showing the enemy’s movement direction in real time. Strong in DMZ for tracking armored enemies through walls and in large-scale modes. Blocks Optic slot.
• PPSh-41 — PPSh-41 Ember (Unlock: Weapon Level 54): Adds an underbarrel launcher that fires pyrotechnic incendiary projectiles. The rounds leave burning patches of fire on the ground for a short time — useful for area denial, flushing cover, and objective play.
• X-58 Nyx — X-58 Void (Unlock: Weapon Level 47): Converts the X-58 Nyx to subsonic, ultra-quiet ammunition. Enemy death markers are hidden from opponents, directional hit indicators are significantly reduced, and the weapon’s report is cut to near-silence. One of the best Apex Attachments for DMZ stealth runs.
• WZ.55 Striga — Classified: A confirmed Apex Attachment exists for the WZ.55 Striga, but Infinity Ward has not published its name or effect as of launch. Note: the WZ.55 Striga is unlocked only through a Campaign mission, not standard Player Level progression.

All Shotgun Apex Attachments in MW4

Shotguns have two Apex Attachments, both on the Rezi 12.

• Rezi 12 — Rezi 12 Enforcer (Unlock: Weapon Level 60): Switches the Rezi 12 from semi-automatic to pump-action cycling and adds a side-saddle magazine loaded with hot-loaded explosive slugs. The pump action slows the fire rate but the explosive slugs dramatically increase effective range and damage — turning this into a genuinely dangerous long-range shotgun option.

All LMG Apex Attachments in MW4

Light Machine Guns have three Apex Attachments across two weapons, with one weapon — the APOC-338 — offering a conversion that effectively turns an LMG into a precision semi-auto weapon.

• FiNN LMG — FiNN Adverse (Unlock: Weapon Level ~52): Unthrottles the FiNN LMG’s fire rate well beyond its operational limits. The result is a dramatically higher rate of fire, but sustained shooting causes the gun to overheat and forces a cooling pause before it returns to full-auto fire. High risk, very high reward in burst engagements.
• Type 73 — Type 73 Assault: Loads the Type 73 with explosive rounds. Turns the LMG’s large magazine into an area-damage tool — effective against groups, vehicles, and entrenched enemies.
• APOC-338 — APOC-338 Praetor: Locks the weapon to semi-automatic fire and feeds it from a 10-round belt of high-grain precision rounds. It effectively converts a traditional LMG into a handheld autocannon — a precision tool at medium range rather than a sustained-fire suppressor.

All Marksman Rifle Apex Attachments in MW4

Marksman Rifles have three Apex Attachments across three weapons. Two of them change the weapon’s role entirely — one into a full-auto AR, another into a close-range melee tool.

• MAR-9 — MAR-9 Auto (Unlock: Weapon Level ~67): Converts the semi-automatic MAR-9 to fully automatic fire at approximately 606 RPM via a Bruen full-auto conversion. Stopping power per shot drops slightly in exchange for a continuous rate of fire closer to an assault rifle.
• Oris 8.6 — Oris 8.6 Razor (Unlock: Weapon Level ~68): Mounts a blade module to the receiver containing rapidly deployable kunai (throwing knives). Adds a new close-range option to an otherwise long-range platform — useful for quiet eliminations in DMZ. Blocks Barrel and Muzzle slots.
• Oden — Oden Sentinel: Full conversion of the Oden into a semi-automatic sniper rifle, complete with a bipod, integrated suppressor, and sniper scope. This is a complete role change — the base automatic-rifle behavior is gone. Blocks Laser and Underbarrel slots.

All Sniper Rifle Apex Attachments in MW4

Sniper Rifles have three Apex Attachments across two weapons. Both weapons have at least one utility-focused Apex that performs well in DMZ against vehicles and Killstreaks.

• KG-7 Vulcan — KG-9 Drillcharge (Unlock: Weapon Level ~72): Adds side-mounted Drill Charges to the rifle. These rounds bore into a surface before detonating — effective against enemies hiding behind cover, fortified positions, and vehicles. One of the more creative Apex designs in the game.
• Signal .50 — Signal 50 Inferno (Unlock: Weapon Level ~73): Loads the Signal .50 with incendiary .50 cal rounds. Deals heavily increased damage to vehicles and enemy Killstreaks. Strong in DMZ where helicopters and armored vehicles appear frequently.
• Mosin-Nagant — Mosin Harpoon: Adds a ballistic bayonet to the rifle. Improves melee lunge range and melee damage, and the bayonet can be fired as a projectile at enemies. Blocks Barrel and Muzzle slots.

All Pistol Apex Attachments in MW4

Pistols have four Apex Attachments across three weapons. These turn secondaries into genuinely dangerous tools — a fully-auto Desert Eagle, an underbarrel shotgun sidearm, and more.

• .50 GS — GS Magna (Unlock: Weapon Level ~34): Converts the .50 GS into a fully automatic pistol. The rate of fire is thunderous and close-range damage is extreme. Recoil is heavy but manageable. Blocks Trigger attachments. Arguably one of the most impactful Apex Attachments in the secondary slot.
• Sang 9mm — Sang 9&12 / SANG Breach (Unlock: Weapon Level ~40): Mounts an underbarrel single-shot 12-gauge breaching chamber to the Sang 9mm. Forces canted aiming when the underbarrel shotgun is active. Blocks Laser and Underbarrel slots. Strong for close-range emergency situations and door breaches.
• Krait P68 — Krait P68 Commando (Unlock: Weapon Level ~34): Adds an off-hand icepick-grip tactical knife that improves melee damage and lunge range. Also helps stabilize the pistol during normal fire. Effective for players who mix melee and gunplay at close range.
• Mojave .357 — Mojave Lawless: Enables hammer fanning for rapid-fire hip-fire shots. Turns the Mojave .357 revolver into a fast hip-fire tool at close range — high skill ceiling, very high damage potential in the right hands. Blocks Trigger attachments.

Which Apex Attachments Are Worth Going After First?

Not every Apex is equally useful. Some genuinely change how a weapon plays in ways that matter; others are situational or niche. Here is a quick breakdown of which are worth prioritising:

Best Apex Attachments for Multiplayer

• M4 Hurricane — The SMG-style conversion on the game’s most popular AR is genuinely strong. You get 50 rounds in a fast-handling package. Worth it if you already run the M4.
• Kastov ARC — An RF pulse jammer that disrupts Killstreaks is situationally powerful, especially in higher-level lobbies where UAVs and attack helicopters are common. Strong utility pick.
• Hyeon Hyperburst — For skilled players who can land the opening burst, the insane initial fire rate makes this one of the most effective Apex options in terms of raw TTK potential.
• .50 GS Magna — Full-auto .50 GS is a terrifying secondary. This converts a sidearm into a close-range finisher that rivals SMG TTK.

Best Apex Attachments for DMZ

• X-58 Void — Stealth is powerful in DMZ. Quieting your weapon, hiding kill markers, and reducing directional indicators makes you genuinely harder to track and fight. Top pick for solo DMZ runs.
• Signal 50 Inferno — Vehicles and helicopters are common threats in DMZ. Incendiary .50 rounds with boosted vehicle damage is a real advantage in late-game deployments.
• Han X20 Skybreaker — The airburst launcher on the Han 86 is useful for flushing armored AI out of cover — exactly the situation you face repeatedly in DMZ high-threat POIs.
• KG-9 Drillcharge — Penetrating-cover detonations are very useful in DMZ buildings, where AI can hole up behind walls that standard ammunition struggles to clear efficiently.

For more on building your DMZ kit around Apex Attachments, check out our guides on all DMZ Gunsmith weapons in MW4, the best traits in MW4 DMZ, and our guide on the Rex the dog question in MW4 DMZ if you are new to the mode and just getting started.

Full Apex Attachment Reference Table — All 28 in MW4

• Han 86 — Han X20 Skybreaker — Airburst launcher with targeting optic
• M4 — M4 Hurricane — 50-round top-feed 5.7x28mm SMG conversion
• Kastov 762 — Kastov 545 — 5.45x39mm rechamber for smoother handling
• Kastov 762 — Kastov ARC — RF pulse jammer for infantry and Killstreaks
• Hyeon Burst — Hyeon Auto — Full-auto conversion
• Hyeon Burst — Hyeon Hyperburst — Fast initial burst into slow auto
• Patriot XMR — Patriot XMR Volt — 50,000V non-lethal dart launcher
• Axion — Axion Reaver / Clearcut — Chainsaw grip for hipfire play
• Oden — Oden Sentinel — Full conversion to semi-auto sniper
• ISO Nightshade — ISO Trace — RFID tagging optic for enemy tracking
• PPSh-41 — PPSh-41 Ember — Underbarrel incendiary launcher
• X-58 Nyx — X-58 Void — Subsonic stealth conversion
• WZ.55 Striga — Classified — Effect not yet disclosed
• Rezi 12 — Rezi 12 Enforcer — Pump-action explosive slugs
• FiNN LMG — FiNN Adverse — Unthrottled fire rate with overheat
• Type 73 — Type 73 Assault — Explosive rounds
• APOC-338 — APOC-338 Praetor — Semi-auto 10-round precision conversion
• MAR-9 — MAR-9 Auto — Full-auto conversion at ~606 RPM
• Oris 8.6 — Oris 8.6 Razor — Receiver-mounted deployable kunai
• Mosin-Nagant — Mosin Harpoon — Ballistic bayonet and melee launcher
• KG-7 Vulcan — KG-9 Drillcharge — Penetrating-cover drill charges
• Signal .50 — Signal 50 Inferno — Incendiary rounds vs vehicles/streaks
• .50 GS — GS Magna — Fully automatic pistol conversion
• Sang 9mm — Sang 9&12 / SANG Breach — Underbarrel 12-gauge shotgun
• Krait P68 — Krait P68 Commando — Icepick knife for melee and stability
• Mojave .357 — Mojave Lawless — Hammer-fanned rapid hipfire
• Cronen Squall — Guided underbarrel missile
• Patriot XMR (second Apex confirmed by community): additional variant reported

Frequently Asked Questions

For more on building strong loadouts in MW4, check out our guides on the best meta Han 86 loadout, all camo challenges, all Prestige ranks and rewards, and how to get Mounted Kills in MW4.

MW4 is available on Steam, PlayStation Store, and Xbox.