The Commando division in Call of Duty: WWII fundamentally changed how players approach combat by allowing two Basic Training perks at once. With so many powerful options available, the community has long debated the ideal pairing. Two standout choices consistently rise to the top: Guerrilla and Gunslinger. Together they form a hyper-aggressive, run-and-gun loadout that maximizes mobility, hipfire accuracy, and close-quarters lethality. But are they truly the undisputed best, or do other combinations give Commando users an edge in different scenarios? This guide breaks down exactly what makes Guerrilla and Gunslinger so effective, how to build around them, and when to consider alternatives.
Whether you are new to the Commando division or a veteran looking to refine your setup, understanding these perks in detail will help you dominate the battlefield. We will cover every relevant map, mode, and playstyle so you can make an informed decision and push your performance to the next level.
Understanding the Commando Division
The Commando division arrived post-launch and immediately became a fan favorite thanks to its unique ability: equipping two Basic Trainings simultaneously. This opens up synergies that no other division can replicate. On top of that, Commando grants faster health regeneration, a score bonus for multi-kills, and the ability to heal while holding the tactical insertion flare. These traits cement it as a top tier pick for aggressive objective players and slayers alike.
Because you can double up on Basic Trainings, the real challenge is picking the right pair. The basic trainings you select will define your entire playstyle. Do you go full stealth with Mountain and Instincts? Sustain with Ordnance and Hunker? The choices feel infinite, but two often stand head and shoulders above the rest for pure run-and-gun dominance.
Guerrilla Basic Training: What It Does and Why It Shines
Guerrilla is a basic training that rewards relentless aggression. Equipping it provides two powerful bonuses: faster melee recovery and the ability to reload your weapon twice as fast after a melee kill. On paper that might sound niche, but in practice it dramatically increases your survivability during chaotic close-range fights.
The faster melee recovery means you can chain lunges more fluidly, reducing the vulnerable downtime where an enemy can gun you down. The lightning-fast reload after a melee kill is a game-changer; you eliminate one opponent, instantly top up your magazine, and are immediately ready to engage the next threat. This creates a win-more situation where a single well-timed punch can swing an entire gunfight. On small, cluttered maps like Pointe du Hoc or Shipment 1944, Guerrilla becomes almost unfair, allowing you to chain kills with SMGs or shotguns at a blistering pace.
Best Weapon Pairings for Guerrilla
To maximize Guerrilla, you want weapons that thrive in melee range. SMGs such as the PPSh-41, MP-40, or Sten are ideal because their high fire rate and hipfire accuracy let you soften a target before a quick melee finish. Shotguns like the Combat Shotgun or toggle-action M30 Luftwaffe Drilling also work extremely well, as you can blast an enemy, melee to guarantee the kill, and instantly reload for the next engagement. Even rifles can benefit if you are comfortable using the bayonet charge, but pure run-and-gun classes will always feel the most natural with Guerrilla.
Gunslinger Basic Training: Hipfire Mastery
Gunslinger is a staple for aggressive players who prefer firing from the hip. Its primary effect allows you to shoot while sprinting, and it tightens your hipfire spread while sprinting. In a game where sprint-out times can mean the difference between winning and losing a duel, being able to fire instantly with no delay is a massive advantage. You can round a corner at full speed and already be putting bullets on target, catching stationary or walking enemies completely off guard.
Additionally, Gunslinger reduces your hipfire spread across the board, which synergizes beautifully with weapons that have innate hipfire strength. When you combine this with the Commando division’s healing and multi-kill bonuses, you become a relentless hurricane of bullets. Maps like London Docks or Flak Tower, with lots of sharp corners and tight corridors, are perfect playgrounds for a Gunslinger loadout.
Weapons That Shine with Gunslinger
The obvious choice is the SMG class, especially the Grease Gun and Type 100, which already boast excellent hipfire accuracy. With Gunslinger, you can reliably land kills at surprising ranges without ever aiming down sights. Shotguns also benefit greatly, as their pellet spread remains effective while sprinting. Even the M1A1 Carbine can be a hipfire monster in the right hands, turning Commando into a mid-range terror that never needs to stop moving.
Why the Pair Is So Potent Together
The combination of Guerrilla and Gunslinger creates a deadly feedback loop. Gunslinger lets you sprint into engagements, start shooting instantly, and close the distance before the enemy can react. Once you are in their face, Guerrilla ensures that a melee kill not only secures the elimination but also instantly reloads your weapon. You then continue sprinting and hipfiring toward the next target. There is no pause, no downtime, just constant pressure.
This duo excels in objective modes like Domination, Hardpoint, and Capture the Flag, where you need to clear areas quickly and keep moving. Commando’s score bonus for multi-kills feeds your scorestreaks, which in turn helps your team maintain map control. If you are the kind of player who thrives on chaos and refuses to let the enemy breathe, this is the loadout you have been searching for.
Alternatives and Situational Counters
While Guerrilla and Gunslinger are a top tier combination, they are not without weaknesses. If you find yourself on a larger, more open map like Gustav Cannon or USS Texas, you might struggle to close distance effectively. In those cases, consider swapping one of them out for a Basic Training that shores up your long-range capabilities or sustain.
Hunker is a powerful alternative if explosives are giving you trouble, as it greatly reduces shellshock and explosive damage. Ordnance can help you rack up scorestreaks faster without needing multi-kills. For a more stealthy approach, Undercover or Mountain can keep you off the minimap entirely. The beauty of Commando is that you can tailor your two picks to fit any situation, so do not be afraid to experiment.
When to Drop Guerrilla
If you are not consistently landing melee kills, Guerrilla loses much of its value. On maps where engagements happen at arm’s length and enemies rarely cluster up, you might be better off with Scoped for better ADS accuracy or Hustle for faster sprint speed and aiming movement. Know your playstyle and adjust accordingly.
When to Drop Gunslinger
If you prefer to pre-aim corners or rely on an AR at medium range, Gunslinger may not be fully utilized. In those situations, swapping it for Lookout (improved minimap and detection) or even Requisitions (for objective players who want guaranteed streaks) can make a bigger impact. Gunslinger truly shines only when you are constantly sprinting and hipfiring, so evaluate your habits honestly.
Recommended Class Setups
Here are two fully optimized Commando builds that leverage the Guerrilla and Gunslinger synergy to maximum effect.
SMG Run-and-Gun
- Primary: PPSh-41 with Extended Mags, Steady Aim, Rapid Fire
- Secondary: 1911 with Extended Mags
- Lethal: Frag Grenade
- Tactical: Smoke Grenade
- Basic Training 1: Guerrilla
- Basic Training 2: Gunslinger
This setup is built for pure aggression. Smoke helps you cross open sightlines, and the PPSh-41 melts at close range. Steady Aim further tightens your hipfire, stacking additively with Gunslinger. Use melee to finish wounded enemies and instantly reload for the next fight.
Shotgun Brawler
- Primary: Combat Shotgun with Steady Aim, Advanced Rifling, Rapid Fire
- Secondary: Machine Pistol with Extended Mags
- Lethal: Sticky Grenade
- Tactical: Stun Grenade
- Basic Training 1: Guerrilla
- Basic Training 2: Gunslinger
The Combat Shotgun’s one-shot kill range pairs perfectly with Guerrilla’s melee refund. Stun grenades let you close distance safely, and the Machine Pistol handles any surprise ranged encounters. An incredibly fun loadout that punishes campers and objective defenders alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Armored instead of Gunslinger with Guerrilla for a tankier build?
Absolutely. Armored provides built-in shellshock resistance and damage reduction, which makes you much harder to kill in objective modes. You lose the instant sprint-out fire, but gain significant staying power. It is a sidegrade worth testing on maps like Ardennes Forest where headglitches and grenade spam are common.
Is the Commando division still viable in 2024?
Yes. While player counts fluctuate, Commando remains one of the strongest divisions in Call of Duty: WWII. The ability to pair two basic trainings gives it unmatched versatility, and its innate perks keep you in the fight longer. It is a top pick in both public matches and competitive settings if allowed.
What game modes benefit most from Guerrilla and Gunslinger?
Hardpoint, Domination, and Shipment 1944 24/7 playlists are ideal. Any mode with predictable objective locations that funnel enemies into close quarters will let you maximize the close-range dominance of this loadout. Search and Destroy is less consistent due to slower pacing and longer sightlines.
Do I need to be a high-skill player to make this work?
Not necessarily, but it helps. The hyper-aggressive style requires good map knowledge and situational awareness to avoid running into headglitches. Newer players can still find success by sticking to tight areas and focusing on flanking. Practice will make you a terror over time.
Guerrilla and Gunslinger define the Commando division’s run-and-gun identity. They reward fast reflexes, constant movement, and decisive engagements. While no pairing is perfect for every situation, this duo handles the majority of competitive scenarios with style. Equip them, grab an SMG, and show the enemy what true aggression looks like.
