History Main / PlayerPreferredPattern

** Assault: Pre-patch assault players used the F2000, AEK-971, or the FAMAS due to their high rates of fire. Post-patch the FAMAS's handling and ammo capacity changes nerfed it into oblivion, the F2000 is useless beyond 20 meters. The M16A3 with Heavy Barrel reigns supreme.
** Engineers gravitate to the A-91 or the [=M4A1=], again, due to the high rate of fire, while some go for the SCAR-H + ACOG + Heavy Barrel for long range damage. Post-patch, players that prefer a good medium-range weapon with minimal recoil will likely use the [=SG553=] with the [=AKS-74U=] being configurable as a very good short ranged hip fire weapon.

** Gun attachments: Pre-patch nearly everyone used the foregrip/suppressor combination to significantly reduce recoil to the point hardly anyone used bipods or heavy barrel. Post-patch, the Heavy Barrel is the new hotness for its very large spread reduction while aiming down sights with only a minimal vertical recoil increase. Foregrip and suppressor usage depends on the situation rather than being no-brainer attachments and they generally only get used for very close quarter combat.
** Gun sights are a matter of preference but out of the various versions, the main ones used are the Kobra, US Red Dot Sight, ACOG 4x, US Holographic and the 8x or 12x for sniper rifles.

** There's no clear winner for the Support class, though the PKP Pecheneg is popular due to the greater damage.

** The support class is the one class that inverts the trope. There is no overtly 'best' weapon, only ScrappyWeapons that ''aren't'' used like the QBB, MG36 and Type 88 which heavily suck compared to the rest.

* ''VideoGame/{{Battlefield 3}}'' also has some extremely common loadouts:
Battlefield can now be split into two periods, with the March 2012 patch being where the split takes place.

** The support class is the one class that there are no overly 'best' weapons, only ScrappyWeapons that ''aren't'' used like the QBB, MG36 and Type 88 which heavily suck compared to the rest.

** Most Assault players will use either the F2000, AEK-971, or (with the Back to Karkand expansion) the FAMAS. Since all the assault rifles (except the [=G3A3=]) have identical damage stats, it boils down to the rate of fire, since more rounds per minute = faster killing.\\
After the March 2012 patch, the F2000, AEK-971, and FAMAS are no longer kings due to the added recoil and spread for high-RPM guns, and the FAMAS was nerfed even harder with a 5-bullet magazine reduction. The starting assault rifles see frequent use since they're good general-purpose guns, though it's now more down to personal preference than a superior gun.
** Engineers gravitate to the A-91 or the [=M4A1=], again, due to the high rate of fire, while some go for the SCAR-H for the extra damage. Post-patch, players that prefer a good medium-range weapon with minimal recoil will likely use an [=AKS-74U=] or [=SG553=].

** As far as gun attachments go, nearly everyone choose the foregrip to significantly reduce horizontal recoil. Gun sights are a matter of preference, though holographic sights are common. The third slot is either the suppressor (to further reduce recoil and stay off the radar), laser sight (for the hip fire accuracy bonus and to [[InterfaceScrew dazzle]] enemy players), or tactical light (to [[{{Troll}} piss people off]] with [[BlindedByTheLight extremely blinding light]]).\\
Post-patch, the Heavy Barrel is the new hotness for its very large spread reduction while aiming down sights with only a minimal vertical recoil increase (up to 25 percent). Foregrip and suppressor usage depends on the situation rather than being no-brainer attachments.
** For pistols, the G18 sees frequent use since it's a fully-automatic pistol with a high rate of fire. Post-patch, the .44 Magnum is attractive for its 1.25 damage multiplier to the chest.

** Camouflage-wise, people use Spec Ops Black, since it hides your heat signature from infrared optics. It's also useful for hiding in buildings since the interior is usually dark.

* The Plasma Cutter is the first weapon you receive in both ''DeadSpace'' games, and it's all you'll ever need. There's even the "One Gun" achievement for playing through the whole first game using only it (you can still buy, equip, and upgrade other guns, just not fire them).

** StopHavingFunGuys tend to hate the update-introduced Razorback, Chargin' Targe, Cloak and Dagger, Sandman, Natascha, and Fire Axe. The Syringe Gun used to be seen this way as well until the Blutsauger was nerfed and the Syringe Gun was buffed. Some players will yell at you if you use the Backburner (can't put out players' fire or reflect projectiles) or the Kritzkrieg (trades ten seconds of invincibility for ten seconds of triple damage against everything but buildings).

* The Plasma Cutter is the first weapon you receive in ''DeadSpace'', and it's all you'll ever need. There's even the "One Gun" achievement for playing through the whole game using only it (you can still buy, equip, and upgrade other guns, just not fire them).

** Engineers gravitate to the A-91 or the [=M4A1=], again, due to the high rate of fire, while some go for the SCAR-H for the extra damage. Post-patch, players that prefer a good medium-range weapon with minimal recoil will likely use an [=AKS-74U=] or SG553.

** Most Assault players will use either the F2000, AEK-971, or (with the Back to Karkand expansion) the FAMAS. Since all the assault rifles (except the [=G3A3=]) have identical damage stats, it boils down to the rate of fire, since more rounds per minute = faster killing.
** Engineers gravitate to the A-91 or the [=M4A1=], again, due to the high rate of fire, while some go for the SCAR-H for the extra damage.

** Damn near every Recon use the [=M98B=] since it's the most powerful sniper rifle in the game, though after Back to Karkand the L96 is seeing some action since it shoots like a laser.
** As far as gun attachments go, nearly everyone choose the foregrip to significantly reduce horizontal recoil. Gun sights are a matter of preference, though holographic sights are common. The third slot is either the suppressor (to further reduce recoil and stay off the radar), laser sight (for the hip fire accuracy bonus and to [[InterfaceScrew dazzle]] enemy players), or tactical light (to [[{{Troll}} piss people off with extremely blinding light]]).
** For pistols, the G18 sees frequent use since it's a fully-automatic pistol with a high rate of fire.
** [[TierInducedScrappy The USAS-12 with Frag rounds]]. It's basically a [[GameBreaker handheld IFV cannon]]. It's super accurate, has no "bullet" drop, kills in 2-3 direct hits, creates splash damage if it misses, and (since the USAS-12 is an automatic shotgun) extremely spammable. Anyone using it will be met with much gnashing of teeth, and it's so bad that it's subject to a severe {{nerf}} by the developer.
*** [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7rFGMatKLM This video]] is a good demonstration.
** Camouflage-wise, people use the black ops camo, since it hides your heat signature from infrared optics. It's also useful for hiding in buildings since the interior is usually dark.

** StopHavingFunGuys tend to hate the update-introduced Razorback, Chargin' Targe, Cloak and Dagger, Sandman, Natascha, and Fire Axe. The Syringe Gun used to be seen this way as well until the Blutsauger was nerfed and the Syringe Gun was buffed. Some players will yell at you if you use the Backburner (can't put out players' fire, which is supposed to be the Medic's job anyway) or the Kritzkrieg (trades ten seconds of invincibility for ten seconds of triple damage against everything but buildings).

** ''Mario Kart 7'' repeats the problem the Wii version had; When playing online or looking up time trial records, expect to see nearly everyone using Metal Mario for the high bonus in top speed (even though Bowser gives the same bonuses) or their Miis. When it comes to what parts everyone uses, expect to see a lot of people using the B Dasher with the Gold Tires or other similar parts that give a lot of speed.

** Played with a bit in the new major version - ''all'' maps have magma, you just have to dig until you [[BeyondTheImpossible hit the mantle]]. Unfortunately, the lag caused by the sheer amount of magma will cripple your computer.

** If you think the Iron Sword has ridiculous anti-AI potential, try the Katana discipline. Forward B+K will baffle them 90% of the time, and it sets them up for your mid-air attack throw perfectly (just avoid the katana that gives you added knockback, as it throws off the timing). As long as they don't get a cheap shot on you, you are guaranteed to win against all but the most extreme AI. This troper is slightly ashamed to say that this technique, used over and over and over, is what got him through the game. The hours of gameplay before the Samurai job is unlocked are pretty much unbearably frustrating.

** Many online shooters will have practically everyone running around with the same weapon or loadout. Naturally, failing to conform and using something different instead is treated as either [[StopHavingFunGuys a sign of being a noob]], or [[{{Scrub}} cheating]] (depending on how well you do, of course).

*** Which brings up another point: Teamwork itself rarely ever falls under the PlayerPreferredPattern. Quite a large number of people generally focus on their own personal score and ''nothing else'', not even ''winning the game''. Sometimes it's not even score, but kill/death ratio, which results in many people who spend all their time sitting as far away from combat as possible with a sniper rifle picking off about two or three people in any given match just so that they never die.
*** That's highly cultural, though -- it's never been a problem in ''[[StarsiegeTribes Tribes]]'' games, for example, even on public servers, while in ''CallOfDuty'' this is pretty much guaranteed unless you actively set up a game with people who you ''know'' give a damn about their team.

** Counter-Strike has a total of 22 Guns that can be chosen from (6 pistols, 2 shotguns, 5 [=SMGs=], 4 assault rifles and 3 sniper rifles) but basically all are inferior to the 3 mainly used guns, The AWP Sniper rifle (1 hit one kill), the [=M4A1=], or the [=AK47=], as these latter two are the most powerful and accurate by far of all the guns. Anyone using any of the other weapons, except possibly the pump shotgun, usually results in "noob".

* For some reason, the [[TheComputerIsACheatingBastard computer]] in ''SoulCalibur 3'' doesn't seem to be able to block a retreating vertical from an Iron Sword Create-A-Soul character. It's too easy to just use that one class and attack throughout the game. This then bites you in the rear when human opponents easily dodge and clobber you while you're using what's a fairly slow and very telegraphed attack.

** Counter-Strike has a total of 22 Guns that can be chosen from (6 pistols, 2 shotguns, 5 [=SMGs=], 4 assault rifles and 3 sniper rifles) but basically all are inferior to the 3 mainly used guns, The AWP Sniper rifle (1 hit one kill), the M4A1 Assault Rifle, or the [=AK47=] assault rifle, as these latter two are the most powerful and accurate by far of all the guns. Anyone using any of the other weapons, except possibly the pump shotgun, usually results in "noob".

*** With [=SMGs=], the PP2000 since it has hardly any recoil, or the SCAR-L carbine. Both with Magnum ammo of course, like everyone else in the entire world.

** As far as gun attachments go, nearly everyone choose the foregrip to significantly reduce horizontal recoil. Gun sights are a matter of preference, though holographic sights are common. The third slot is either the suppressor, laser sight, or tactical light; suppressor to further reduce recoil and stay off the radar, laser sight for the hip fire accuracy bonus and to [[InterfaceScrew dazzle]] enemy players, and tactical light to piss people off with extremely blinding light.

** If they're using an SMG, it is the [=UMP45=], usually silenced. If they're using a Sniper rifle, it's the Intervention. If they're using a light machine gun (rare), it's the RPD. The Assault Rifles are the only weapon class in [=CoD=] that isn't dominated by a single gun, but the SCAR-H and TAR-21 are fairly common.

*** Probably because it has no scope sway and a very precise reticle on the PC version.

* Despite being a rather well-balanced game overall, [[BattlefieldBadCompany Battlefield: Bad Company 2]] players will tend to pick very similar loadouts within each kit, comprised of the weapons considered to be [[GameBreaker OP]]:

** People didn't like the original shotgun because they became frustrated by less experienced players besting them, due to its short range stopping power. So the hardcore mod was introduced specifically to up the power of the SMG ([[BeyondTheImpossible to ridiculous levels]]) and drop the power of the shotgun, such that you were forced to jam it right in someone's face to ever hope to kill them.

* ''BlackOps'' The Big 3 according to Treyarch are the FAMAS, [=AK74u=], and Galil. The FAMAS and [=AK74u=] have been nerfed amid cries of being overpowered.

* SpiralKnights players can be expected to have some or all of the following items if they have the money for them; Vog cub, Divine Avenger, Gran Faust, Polaris/Biohazard, Grey Owlite Shield, and whatever krogmo trinkets boost your prefered weapon types.
** Not to mentio the insane overuse of the Wolver armour set.

** [[TierInducedScrappy The USAS-12 with Frag rounds]]. It's basically a [[GameBreaker handheld AMTRAC cannon]]. It's super accurate, has no "bullet" drop, kills in 2-3 direct hits, creates splash damage if it misses, and (since the USAS-12 is an automatic shotgun) extremely spammable. Anyone using it will be met with much gnashing of teeth, and it's so bad that it's subject to a severe {{nerf}} by the developer.

** [[TierInducedScrappy The USAS-12 with Frag rounds]]. This deserves its own bullet point, since it's basically a [[GameBreaker handheld AMTRAC cannon]]. It's super accurate, has no "bullet" drop, kills in 2-3 direct hits, creates splash damage if it misses, and (since the USAS-12 is an automatic shotgun) extremely spammable. Anyone using it will be met with much gnashing of teeth, and it's so bad that it's subject to a severe {{nerf}} by the developer.

* ''ModernWarfare'' 3 has its own over-used builds. The super-accurate ACR is the assault rifle of choice. The PP90M1 sub-machine gun also gets a lot of use from combining a high fire rate with high damage. Akimbo FMG9's are heavily used, to the point of being repeatedly nerfed by Infinity Ward. The Type-95 was also common prior to a nerf.

* Despite being a rather well-balanced game overall, [[BattleField Battlefield: Bad Company 2]] players will tend to pick very similar loadouts within each kit, comprised of the weapons considered to be [[GameBreaker OP]]:

** Engineers use the Carl Gustav rocket launcher like a deadlier 40mm grenade. There is no clear favorite SMG.
*** Yes there is. The PP2000 with Magnum specialization - sure, the damage leaves something to be desired, but the damn thing has very nearly no recoil at all.
*** The one I see the most is the SCAR-L Carbine. Magnum ammo of course, like everyone else in the entire world.

* ''ModernWarfare'' 3 has it's own over-used builds. The super-accurate ACR is the assault rifle of choice. The PP90M1 sub-machine gun also gets a lot of use from combining a high fire rate with high damage. Akimbo FMG9's are heavily used, to the point of being repeatedly nerfed by Infinity Ward. The Type-95 was also common prior to a nerf.