The most important question of which one to level first for BO7 FG42 vs Gremlin vs Mammoth depends on knowing which weapon you actually have unlocked. The official Call of Duty Warzone Season 05 Patch Notes confirm that Mammoth LMG was available for free during the Machine of War Event, which concluded on the 13th of August.
FG42 vs Gremlin vs Mammoth at a Glance
It is best to compare all three weapons at a glance before diving into their details and playstyles. FG42 is a mid-to-long-range assault rifle, Gremlin is a permanently dual-wielded close-range SMG, and Mammoth is a lane-holding LMG; only the first two are currently free to claim.
Here’s a breakdown of weapon class, ideal combat role, and current availability status for BO7 FG42 vs Gremlin vs Mammoth side by side:
| Weapon | Class | Best Role | Unlock Method | Current Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FG42 | Assault Rifle | Mid to long Range | Battle Pass | Unlocked |
| Gremlin | Submachine Gun | Close-Range Aggression | Battle Pass | Unlocked |
| Mammoth | Light Machine Gun | Lane Anchor/ Objective Defence | Armory Challenge | Locked |
Here’s a Base performance Stats comparison of all three guns:
| Weapon | Base time to kill (TTK) | Fire Rate (RPM) | Standard Mag Size | Mobility and Handling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FG42 | ~679ms | 799 RPM | 30 Rounds | Slower handling / open-bolt delay |
| Gremlin | ~224ms (Close range) | 1,071 RPM (Per gun) | 26 Rounds | Hyper-mobile / Hipfire only |
| Mammoth | Hard-hitting / Variable | Slow Fire Rate | 50 Rounds | Heavy / Slow handling penalties |
Why Mammoth Isn’t a “Level First” Question Right Now
The Mammoth was part of the Machine of War event and is no longer available through the Event since it concluded on the 13th of August. The Mammoth has now been moved to the regular Armory System. If you didn’t unlock Mammoth during the event by collecting fuel cans, it now costs 250,000 Weapon XP through the Armory just to obtain. This is a genuinely large grind that puts it behind FG42 and Gremlin in any realistic levelling order.
While players who did manage to unlock the Mammoth during the Event can start levelling it right away, everyone else must spend a lot of time earning Weapon XP just to unlock a basic weapon. Because of this, Mammoth should be the last option for players who are starting late, since it is much easier to access and level Gremlin and FG42.
FG42 or Gremlin: Which Fits Your Playstyle?
Since the main choice now remains between the FG42 and Gremlin, you should know which one best fits your playstyle.
Level the FG42 first if you want stability, consistency, and versatility. Since the FG42 works especially well at medium to low range and has a very low vertical recoil, it is easier to control and stays accurate during fights. It is also a great option if you’re still learning map layouts and lanes. It is a reliable weapon for almost any gunfight since it can perform well in a wide range of situations.
Level the Gremlin first if you enjoy aggressive, fast, and chaotic gameplay. This weapon is very different from others because it doesn’t let you aim down sights (ADS). Instead, it is built around forced dual-wielded (akimbo) hip-fire. The Gremlin works best in small maps, tight corridors, and flank routes where its high fire rate is very effective.
FAQs
Can you still unlock the Mammoth LMG for free?
Yes. Although the Machine of War event has concluded, you do not need to spend real money to get the weapon. You can activate its challenge via the Armory system and unlock it by earning standard Weapon XP during normal gameplay.
Has the Mammoth been nerfed since launch?
The weapon has received minor balancing adjustments to its mobility penalties to prevent it from completely overtaking the LMG meta, but it remains a highly effective, hard-hitting anchor option once fully levelled.
Which of the three is best for Warzone?
The FG42 is currently the standout choice for Warzone due to its superior damage drop-off values and reliability at the long ranges demanded by battle royale maps. The Gremlin can work as a niche hip-fire weapon for indoor fights, while the Mammoth’s slow handling makes it difficult to use dynamically.
Conclusion
For most players, the best first option for levelling up weapons is the FG42 because it’s reliable and works well in different situations. The second-best option is Gremlin since it’s fast-paced and best for close-range gameplay. And the last-best option is Mammoth, especially if you still need to complete its Armory to unlock it.
If you are facing down the massive 250,000 Weapon XP grind to unlock the Mammoth, or if you simply want to max out your new Battle Pass weapons as quickly as possible, check out our guide on how to level up weapons fast in Black Ops 7 to optimize your in-game time.
Check out some of our most popular Boosting services:
