How to use custom loadouts in Battlefield REDSEC (2026 Guide)

Hey there, fellow Battlefield enthusiast! If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably spent countless hours in Battlefield 6 perfecting your favorite weapon setups, only to jump into REDSEC and wonder, “Where the heck are my custom loadouts?” Trust me, I’ve been there, and I’m here to walk you through everything you need to know about using custom loadouts in Battlefield REDSEC.

When I first dove into REDSEC, I was frustrated that I couldn’t just start with my go-to weapons. I mean, who wants to scavenge for basic gear when you’ve already unlocked the good stuff? But after putting in the hours and figuring out the system, I can tell you that getting your custom loadouts in REDSEC isn’t just possible—it’s a game-changer that can give you a serious edge over the competition.

What Are Custom Loadouts in REDSEC?

Let me break this down for you. Custom loadouts in Battlefield REDSEC are basically your pre-built weapon kits from Battlefield 6 that you can bring into the battle royale mode. These aren’t just any weapons—we’re talking about your fully-kitted, attachment-loaded, perfected setups that you’ve spent hours fine-tuning in the main game.

I remember when I first discovered this feature, it completely changed how I approached REDSEC matches. Instead of relying on whatever random guns I found on the ground, I could actually use weapons I was comfortable with and knew how to handle. That confidence boost alone is worth its weight in gold when you’re in the final circles.

The cool thing about REDSEC’s custom loadout system is that it rewards players who’ve put time into Battlefield 6. All those unlocks, attachments, and weapon masteries? They actually matter here. I love that EA didn’t just make REDSEC a standalone experience but instead connected it to the main game in a meaningful way.

Setting Up Your Custom Loadouts: The Foundation

Before you even think about jumping into a REDSEC match, you need to get your house in order. I learned this the hard way after my first few matches where I couldn’t access any custom loadouts because I hadn’t set them up properly. Don’t make my mistake!

Here’s exactly what you need to do:

Step 1: Access the Loadout Menu

First things first, you need to get into the loadout menu. You can do this either from the main menu or while you’re waiting in the pre-game lobby. I personally prefer setting everything up before I even start matchmaking—it gives me more time to think through my choices.

When you’re in the main menu, just boot up REDSEC and look for the “Loadout” tab at the top of the screen. Click on that, and you’ll see all the classes and weapons available to you.

Step 2: Choose Your Class and Weapon

Now comes the fun part—picking your poison. REDSEC lets you bring over weapons from any class, so you’re not locked into just one playstyle. I usually run with at least three different loadouts favorited: one for close-quarters combat, one for mid-range engagements, and one for those long-distance situations.

When I’m selecting my weapons, I think about the map and what situations I’m likely to encounter. Fort Lyndon has a good mix of urban and open areas, so versatility is key. I’ll typically go with an SMG for building clearing, an assault rifle for general purpose, and either a DMR or sniper for those long-range pickoffs.

Step 3: Customize and Favorite

This is the most crucial step, and it’s where I see most players mess up. You can’t just equip a weapon and expect it to show up in REDSEC—you need to specifically mark it as a Favorite.

Here’s how I do it:

  1. Select my desired class
  2. Pick the weapon I want to use
  3. Click the “Modify” button next to “Equip”
  4. Find the “Favorite” option and select it

On PC, the key to favorite weapons in the pre-game lobby is ‘C’, but it varies by platform. Just look for the button prompt in the bottom right corner of your screen.

I recommend favoriting at least 3-5 different weapons so you have options depending on what the match throws at you. When I’m feeling particularly prepared, I’ll even set up different loadouts for different squad roles—like a support build with LMGs for suppressing fire, or a recon build with sniper rifles for picking off enemies from distance.

How to Get Custom Loadouts During Matches?

Alright, so you’ve got your loadouts all set up and favorited. Now comes the big question: how do you actually get these weapons during a REDSEC match? I’ve spent dozens of hours testing different methods, and I can tell you there are really only two reliable ways to make this happen.

Method 1: Custom Weapon Drops (My Preferred Method)

This is, without a doubt, the most consistent way to get your hands on your custom loadouts. Custom Weapon Drops are special events that happen randomly during each match, and I’ve seen them occur anywhere from 2-4 times per game.

Here’s what you need to know about these drops:

What to Look For:

  • Keep an eye on your HUD for notifications
  • Watch for a green missile-like icon on your map
  • Listen for audio cues—there’s usually a distinct sound when a drop is incoming

The Strategy: When I see that a Custom Weapon Drop is coming, I immediately start planning my approach. These drops are public events, which means every squad on the map is going to be gunning for them. I’ve learned the hard way that rushing in blindly is a recipe for disaster.

Instead, I recommend:

  1. Assess the situation – Look at where the drop is landing and where the safe zone is moving
  2. Plan your route – Try to approach from an unexpected angle
  3. Time your arrival – Don’t be the first one there (you’ll get picked off) but don’t be too late either
  4. Have backup – Make sure your squad is ready to support you

When you finally reach the drop, you’ll be able to select ONE weapon from your favorited loadouts. This is important—you don’t get your entire loadout at once. I usually prioritize getting my primary weapon first, then try to hit up another drop later for my secondary.

Method 2: Mission Rewards

The second way to get custom loadouts is by completing specific missions that reward them. Now, I’ll be honest with you—this method is much less reliable than Custom Weapon Drops. In my experience, maybe 1 in 10 missions will actually reward a custom loadout.

However, when you do get a mission that offers a custom loadout as a reward, it’s usually worth pursuing. Here’s how I handle these:

Finding the Right Missions:

  • Open your mission menu shortly after the match starts
  • Scroll through the available missions
  • Look specifically for ones that list “Custom Weapon Drop” as a reward

Completing Mission Objectives: Mission objectives in REDSEC can vary widely, but they typically involve things like:

  • Eliminating a certain number of enemies
  • Visiting specific locations on the map
  • Collecting items or completing objectives within a time limit

I’ve found that mission rewards are often safer than going for Custom Weapon Drops because you’re not competing directly with other squads (usually). However, the trade-off is that they’re much less common.

Pro Tip: I always check the mission rewards first thing when I drop into a match. If I see a custom loadout reward, I’ll prioritize that mission over everything else. It’s just too good an opportunity to pass up.

Top Meta Loadouts for REDSEC 2026

Now that you know how to get your custom loadouts, let’s talk about what you should actually be bringing into matches. I’ve been tracking the meta and testing countless weapon combinations, and I can tell you that not all loadouts are created equal in REDSEC.

Based on my experience and data from the community, here are the loadouts that are currently dominating the REDSEC meta:

Best Overall Loadout: KORD 6P67 Assault Rifle

This is, without question, my go-to weapon for 90% of REDSEC matches. The KORD 6P67 is an absolute beast that performs well at virtually any range.

Why I Love It:

  • Minimal recoil means you can actually hit what you’re aiming at
  • High fire rate gives you an edge in close-quarters fights
  • Excellent control makes it forgiving for players of all skill levels

My Recommended Setup:

AttachmentChoiceWhy I Use It
WeaponKORD 6P67Versatile, low recoil, high fire rate
MuzzleFlash HiderHides your position when firing
Barrel415mm FlutedImproves ADS accuracy and speed
Right Accessory5 MW RedBoosts hip-fire accuracy, invisible to enemies
UnderbarrelFolding VerticalReduces recoil for better control
Magazine30rnd Fast MagFaster reloads can save your life
AmmoLightweightImproves ADS movement speed
ScopeSU-230 LPVOVariable zoom for any situation

How to Unlock: Complete the “Rapid Fire 1 Challenge”

I’ve carried countless squads to victory with this setup, and I’m confident it can do the same for you. The versatility alone makes it my top recommendation for anyone looking to improve their REDSEC game.

Best Close-Quarters Loadout: UMG-40 SMG

When I know I’m going to be doing a lot of building clearing or fighting in tight spaces, the UMG-40 is my weapon of choice. This SMG absolutely shreds in close-quarters combat.

Why It Dominates Up Close:

  • Quick reload time means less downtime between fights
  • High accuracy lets you land more shots
  • Excellent mobility for aggressive playstyles

My Recommended Setup:

AttachmentChoiceWhy I Use It
WeaponUMG-40Perfect for close to mid-range combat
MuzzleStandard SuppressorKeeps you hidden on the minimap
Barrel200mm Custom HFaster ADS transition
Right Accessory5 MW RedImproves hip-fire accuracy significantly
UnderbarrelAlloy VerticalReduces recoil with no downside
Magazine30rnd Fast MagBalance between ammo capacity and reload speed
AmmoHollow PointMassive headshot damage boost
ScopeMini Flex 1.00XClean sight picture for quick target acquisition

How to Unlock: Reach Rank 29

I’ve found this loadout particularly effective in the urban areas of Fort Lyndon where engagements happen quickly and at close range. If you’re an aggressive player who likes to push the action, this is the setup for you.

Best Support Loadout: DRS-1AR LMG

For those moments when you need to lay down suppressing fire or hold down a position, the DRS-1AR is unmatched. This LMG/Assault Rifle hybrid is perfect for support players who want to control the battlefield.

Why It’s Great for Team Play:

  • Walks the line between LMG firepower and AR maneuverability
  • Incredible sustained fire capability
  • Versatile enough for various combat situations

My Recommended Setup:

AttachmentChoiceWhy I Use It
WeaponDRS-1ARBest of both worlds between LMG and AR
MuzzleFlash HiderKeeps your position concealed
Barrel20″ SDM-RImproves projectile velocity and accuracy
Top Accessory5 MW RedMaintains stealth while improving accuracy
UnderbarrelBipodGreatly reduces recoil when mounted
Magazine30rnd FastGood balance of capacity and reload speed
AmmoHollow PointIncreased headshot damage
ScopeMini Flex 1.00xClear sight for all ranges
ErgonomicsMatch TriggerImproves overall weapon handling

How to Unlock: Available at Level 9

I’ve used this loadout to help my squad control key areas of the map, especially during the final circles when holding ground is crucial. The sustained fire capability can lock down entire sections of the map.

Advanced Strategies for Custom Loadouts

Getting your custom loadouts is one thing, but using them effectively is another beast entirely. I’ve learned these strategies through hundreds of matches, and they’ve made a huge difference in my win rate.

Timing Your Loadout Acquisition

One of the biggest mistakes I see players make is going for Custom Weapon Drops too early in the match. I used to be guilty of this myself—I’d see a drop notification and immediately start racing toward it, often getting eliminated in the process.

Here’s my refined strategy for timing:

Early Game (First 2 Circles):

  • Focus on survival and basic loot
  • Only go for a Custom Weapon Drop if it’s extremely close and safe
  • Prioritize getting basic armor and healing items first

Mid Game (Circles 3-5):

  • This is the sweet spot for getting your first custom loadout
  • The player count has thinned out, making drops less contested
  • You should have enough basic gear to survive the engagement

Late Game (Final Circles):

  • Custom Weapon Drops become high-risk, high-reward
  • Only go for them if you’re confident in your positioning
  • Sometimes it’s better to stick with what you have rather than risk elimination

Squad Coordination for Loadouts

If you’re playing with a squad (which I highly recommend), you can coordinate your loadout acquisition to maximize effectiveness. Here’s how my squad does it:

Role-Based Loadout Distribution:

  • Point Man: Gets an SMG or shotgun first for building clearing
  • Support Player: Prioritizes LMGs for suppressing fire
  • Recon Player: Goes for DMRs or sniper rifles for long-range support
  • Flex Player: Gets an assault rifle for versatility

Drop Strategy: We never all go for the same Custom Weapon Drop. Instead, we’ll split up and hit different drops, then rendezvous afterward. This minimizes the risk of our entire squad getting wiped out while going for a single drop.

Communication is Key: I can’t stress this enough—communicate with your squad about which loadouts you’re getting and when. A simple “I’m grabbing the KORD” can help your team coordinate their strategies around your weapon choice.

Loadout Synergy

Don’t just think about individual weapons—think about how your loadout complements your squad’s overall strategy. I’ve found that certain weapon combinations work exceptionally well together:

Classic Setup:

  • 2x Assault Rifles (versatile main weapons)
  • 1x LMG (for suppression and holding ground)
  • 1x Sniper/DMR (for long-range picks)

Aggressive Setup:

  • 2x SMGs (for close-quarters dominance)
  • 1x Assault Rifle (versatility)
  • 1x Shotgun (for room clearing)

Defensive Setup:

  • 2x LMGs (for area denial)
  • 1x DMR (for mid-range support)
  • 1x Assault Rifle (flexibility)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve made plenty of mistakes while learning the REDSEC custom loadout system, and I want to help you avoid them. Here are the most common pitfalls I see players fall into:

Mistake #1: Not Favoriting Enough Weapons

When I first started, I only favorited one or two weapons. Big mistake. You want options during a match, and limiting yourself to just a couple of loadouts puts you at a disadvantage.

My Recommendation: Favorite at least 5 different weapons covering various ranges and playstyles. This gives you flexibility depending on how the match unfolds.

Mistake #2: Going for Drops at the Wrong Time

I mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth repeating—timing is everything when it comes to Custom Weapon Drops. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen players eliminate themselves early in the match by rushing a contested drop.

The Smart Approach: Wait until the mid-game when the player count has thinned out and you have better gear. Your chances of success increase dramatically.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Mission Rewards

Many players completely overlook missions that reward custom loadouts because they’re focused on the action. I used to be one of them, but I’ve learned that these missions are often safer and more reliable than going for drops.

Pro Tip: Always check your mission menu first thing when you drop. If there’s a custom loadout reward, prioritize that mission.

Mistake #4: Poor Loadout Choices

Just because you can bring any weapon from Battlefield 6 doesn’t mean you should. I’ve seen players bring weapons that are completely unsuited for the REDSEC meta, putting them at a significant disadvantage.

What to Avoid:

  • Weapons with extremely high recoil (hard to control in battle royale situations)
  • Weapons with very slow reload times (you’re often exposed while reloading)
  • Weapons that are too specialized (versatility is key in REDSEC)

Frequently Asked Questions

How many custom loadouts can I have in REDSEC?

From my experience, you can have as many custom loadouts favorited as you want, but you can only select one weapon per Custom Weapon Drop. I recommend favoriting at least 5-7 different weapons to give yourself plenty of options during a match.

Do I need to unlock weapons in Battlefield 6 to use them in REDSEC?

Yes, absolutely. I learned this the hard way when I first started—you can only use weapons in REDSEC that you’ve already unlocked in Battlefield 6. All those weapon ranks, mastery levels, and attachment unlocks carry over, which is pretty cool if you think about it.

Can I change my custom loadouts during a match?

Unfortunately, no. Once you’re in a match, you’re stuck with the loadouts you favorited before starting. That’s why I always double-check my favorited weapons before queuing up for a match.

What happens if I die after getting a custom loadout?

This is a tough one, and I’ve experienced it more times than I’d like to admit. If you die after getting a custom loadout, you lose that weapon and have to start over. There’s no respawning with your custom gear in REDSEC.

Are custom loadouts available in all REDSEC game modes?

From what I’ve seen, custom loadouts are available in the main battle royale mode, but some of the smaller, quicker game modes might not feature them. I always stick to the main battle royale when I want to use my custom setups.

How often do Custom Weapon Drops occur?

In my experience, you can expect 2-4 Custom Weapon Drops per match, depending on how long you survive. They seem to occur more frequently as the match progresses, which makes sense from a gameplay balance perspective.

Final Thoughts

Mastering custom loadouts in Battlefield REDSEC has completely transformed my experience with the game. What started as frustration and confusion has evolved into one of my favorite aspects of the battle royale mode. There’s something incredibly satisfying about dropping into Fort Lyndon with a game plan, knowing exactly which weapons I want to acquire and how I want to play the match.

Remember, the key to success with custom loadouts is preparation and patience. Take the time to set up your favorited weapons before you even think about jumping into a match. Be strategic about when and how you go for Custom Weapon Drops. And most importantly, communicate with your squad to maximize your effectiveness.

I’ve spent countless hours refining these strategies and loadouts, and I’m confident they can help you dominate in REDSEC just like they’ve helped me. The battlefield is waiting—now get out there and show them what you’re made of!

Want more gaming guides and tips? Check out our other gaming content on WebComicsWeekend.com, including our Helldivers 2 patch guide and Firstborn beginner guide.

Bookmark this page for future updates as the REDSEC meta continues to evolve throughout 2026!

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