Best Weapons In Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Black Ops 6 kicks Call of Duty multiplayer into overdrive with the introduction of omnimovement, all-new modes like Kill Order, and a selection of unique Perks and Wildcards that add extra customization to player loadouts. In addition to these new features, Black Ops 6 also includes a roster of familiar weapons from the 90s, each carving out its own niche in the overall meta.

Players can choose from a wide range of weapons in Black Ops 6, from fast-firing Submachine Guns to powerful Sniper Rifles. While the choice of weapon ultimately comes down to personal preference, some are certainly better suited for specific situations than others. Here are all the best weapons in Black Ops 6.

Updated on November 4, 2024, by Nathan Round: The meta has shifted significantly in the preseason of Black Ops 6, allowing some weapons to shine more than others that previously dominated during the Beta period. This list has been updated to include new weapons introduced with the launch of Black Ops 6, such as the KSV, AS VAL, and AEK-973, each of which is a strong contender in the current meta. Stat tables have also been added, detailing essential information like damage, ADS and sprint-to-fire speeds, mobility, and more.

10 LR 7.62

Great Sniper Rifle Trading Off Speed For Damage

First up is the LR 7.62, the best Sniper Rifle currently in Black Ops 6. While some players might prefer the LWA1 Frostline due to its faster fire rate, along with better handling and mobility attributes, the LR 7.62 is a better all-around option for several reasons. Firstly, while both options offer a one-shot kill capability if players land shots on the chest or head, the LR 7.62 retains this one-shot ability even when fired at the stomach area, whereas the LWA1 Frostline loses its ability to do so below the chest. It’s also much more accurate, boasting less weapon kick and recoil than its lower-level counterpart.

The LR 7.62 leads the way in effective range and bullet velocity among all the weapons on this list, making it the go-to choice for players who want to sit back and pick off opponents from a distance. It’s also decently fast, only falling slightly behind the only other bolt-action rifle in its class, allowing skilled players to quick-scope their way to victory. However, as a Sniper Rifle, it relies heavily on accuracy to be effective, which might deter some players from using it altogether.

9 KSV

Excellent Early Game Submachine Gun With Decent DPS

Kicking off the first entry for the Submachine Gun category is the KSV, a solid weapon that, while not necessarily ranking above others in its class, is an excellent choice for players seeking a reliable close-range option early in the game. As the second major SMG in its category, the KSV is best compared to the C9 in terms of overall stats. Between the two, the KSV offers a faster fire rate, resulting in a better time-to-kill (TTK) than most other options, along with slightly improved movement speed, though the difference in mobility is minor.

The KSV also ranks among the best for aim-down-sight and sprint-to-fire speeds. While it may not reach the speeds of the Tanto .22 or Jackal PDW, it’s close to that of the C9. Where the KSV really excels, however, is in hip-fire accuracy, making it the most precise SMG for hip-firing in the game. Its only significant drawbacks are its low range, even for an SMG, and its noticeable horizontal recoil, which can cause the weapon to jump from left to right when fired.

8 C9

Fast & Accurate Submachine Gun With a Decent TTK

Though the superiority of the Submachine Gun category is fairly contested currently in Black Ops 6, the C9 still manages to make its way into being one of the top weapons in the game. This is thanks to both its high handling and mobility attributes, which combo well with the game’s movement system. Although not necessarily the fastest in the Submachine Gun category, it’s still pretty reliable, making the C9 an excellent choice for players who like to stay on the move.

Though primarily built for close-range scenarios, the range of the C9 is also pretty solid, making the weapon exceptional even at medium range. The iron sights are also some of the cleanest in the game, eliminating the need to run an optic, thus freeing an attachment slot in the Gunsmith. Though all these attributes make the C9 an excellent weapon to use in Black Ops 6, there are other weapons in the same category that rank a little higher.

7 Jackal PDW

Versatile Submachine Gun With Great Damage & Mobility

One of the top weapons in the game has to be the Jackal PDW, a compact Submachine Gun that’s currently dominating in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer. For players looking to take full advantage of the Omnimovement system with added mobility, the Jackal PDW is among the best options, offering one of the highest levels of mobility and handling across all Primary weapons in the game. Additionally, it boasts a high fire rate, resulting in a competitive time-to-kill (TTK).

The range of the Jackal PDW is also impressive — not quite surpassing the C9 or the Tanto .22, but great compared to other SMG options like the Kompakt 92 and PP-919. The only notable downside is its lower accuracy relative to other SMGs like the C9, though this can be mitigated with the right attachments.

6 Tanto .22

Slow Shooting Submachine Gun With High Damage

Up next is the Tanto .22 Submachine Gun, a strong contender within the SMG category. While the Jackal PDW is typically favored for its superior handling and mobility, the Tanto .22 stands out for its firepower, delivering substantial damage despite a relatively slow fire rate. While this slower rate of fire emphasizes player accuracy and doesn’t yield the fastest time-to-kill (TTK) among SMGs, the Tanto .22 can take down enemies with only a few rounds, making it a formidable option when paired with its high damage range.

The Tanto .22 features a solid damage range, by far the best in the SMG category, allowing the weapon to perform well even in medium-range engagements and beyond. This versatility sets it apart from other close-range options, making it a well-rounded choice in the current meta. Although it slightly lags behind other SMGs in terms of mobility and handling, the difference is minor and doesn’t significantly impact its overall effectiveness.

5 AS VAL

Great Close-Range Assault Rifle With Excellent Handling

The AS VAL may be the best Assault Rifle available in Black Ops 6, leading with exceptional handling and impressive mobility, allowing players to zip across the battlefield in style. Additionally, the AS VAL boasts a high fire rate and great damage, making it ideal for quickly taking down opponents up close. Although its range is on the lower side, which falls off considerably at 35 meters, this doesn’t limit its versatility much in Multiplayer — as the hitscan range on most weapons falls to around the 20-meter range.

Another unique benefit of the AS VAL is its built-in suppressor, providing a stealthy loadout without needing a muzzle attachment. Combined with its speed, this makes the AS VAL a strong contender for the close-range meta — one capable of holding its own against Submachine Guns rather well. The only significant drawback is its default 20-round magazine, though this can be easily addressed with an extended magazine.

4 AEK-973

Heavy-Hitting Burst Fire Marksman Rifle With Excellent Damage

When it comes to choosing the best weapon in the game, a Marksman Rifle will usually be the last weapon players pick in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer. However, the weapon category does boast an absurdly strong option that may just be the strongest weapon in the game: the AEK-973, a three-round burst rifle that is quite popular among a niche portion of the community.

Handling-wise, the AEK-973 is definitely on the slower side compared to other options on this list, possessing an ADS speed and sprint-to-fire speed that rank behind many other choices in the Assault Rifle category. However, the AEK-973 boasts incredible damage, often taking only two burst shots to kill and, in some cases, even killing in a single shot. The range is also exceptional, making the AEK-973 a great weapon to consider despite its handling trade-offs.

3 XM4

All Round Versatile Assault Rifle

The XM4 is the first Assault Rifle introduced to players in Black Ops 6, and it stands out as a versatile, well-rounded option in the category. It boasts high mobility, ranking just behind the Goblin MK2 and GPR 91, along with excellent accuracy, making it a strong choice for players who favor a run-and-gun playstyle while also performing well in long-range engagements.

The XM4’s faster fire rate also contributes to a solid time-to-kill (TTK). While its firepower isn’t the highest in its class, it holds up well compared to other Assault Rifles thanks to the advantage of its faster fire rate. The only major drawback of the XM4 is that it has a generally balanced set of stats without excelling in any particular category, making it easy to use but potentially less powerful than other more specialized options available.

2 AK-74

Hardest Hitting Full-Auto Assault Rifle

When it comes to sheer firepower, the AK-74 is one of the top options for the Assault Rifle category. Though this Assault Rifle does sport a decent amount of side-to-side recoil, which can throw some players off at range, the AK-74 boasts an excellent time-to-kill (TTK). However, when it comes to both mobility and handling, the AK-74 is lacking.

Though the slower nature of the AK-74 may be a problem for some, boosting its handling attributes with the right attachments is not too difficult, and the side-to-side recoil can also be managed pretty effectively. As a result, players are given a pretty solid Assault Rifle, one that is devastating at medium range.

1 Model L

Heavy-Hitting Assault Rifle With Great Range

The Model L is currently one of the top weapons in the Assault Rifle category. Though it falls slightly on the slower side compared to options like the AS VAL and the XM4, especially in terms of aim-down-sight speed, the weapon boasts a solid level of damage per shot — though with a fairly standard fire rate as a result.

Suppose its high damage per shot wasn’t enough. In that case, the Model L also has a great level of range that, while not necessarily a primary attribute in Multiplayer, allows it to maintain much of its damage beyond medium range, making it excellent for maps with long sight lines. It’s also quite easy to control recoil-wise, allowing players to focus on boosting the weapons handling and mobility in the gunsmith, rather than worrying about recoil control.