What is the best Black Ops 6 Tanto .22 loadout? When it comes to picking SMGs, the differentiating factors between weapons in this category are usually down to fire rate and mobility. In the case of the Tanto .22, this is one of the slowest SMGs we’ve ever used, but when paired with the right attachments, this gun can shred through enemies like nothing else.
While the C9 is the go-to SMG in Black Ops 6, the Tanto .22 is a low-investment alternative that can do plenty of damage. It might not have a spot on our best Black Ops 6 loadouts list yet, but you’re going to have plenty of fun with this build.
How to unlock the Tanto .22 in Black Ops 6
The Tanto .22 is unlocked by reaching player level 16. This is early enough in a Prestige that you won’t have to worry about using a permanent unlock token (more on that in our Black Ops 6 Prestige guide) if you do want to use it regularly.
Best Black Ops 6 Tanto .22 loadout
- Barrel: Long Barrel
- Muzzle: Ported Compensator
- Underbarrel: Ranger Foregrip
- Rear Grip: Commando Grip
- Fire Mods: Rapid Fire
The stock Tanto .22 is a powerhouse, but we can always go further. The Long Barrel improves the weapon’s range, helping it hold its own ~15% further afield. Sitting at the tip of it is the Ported Compensator muzzle attachment, which we’d argue is the best in the game thanks to the first shot and vertical recoil control it offers.
Another upgrade for the Tanto .22 is the Ranger Foregrip, providing the SMG with improved horizontal recoil control and most importantly, faster sprinting movement speed and sprinting movement speed. The Commando Grip, meanwhile, lets you go from firing to shooting that bit faster, bolstering the run-n-gun playstyle SMGs are renowned for.
The Rapid Fire attachment seems to be a no-brainer option for most weapons in the game, but for the Tanto .22 it’s practically essential. Rapid Fire is one of the harder attachments to unlock due to strict level requirements, but once you have it, you won’t want to be without it.
Best Black Ops 6 Tanto .22 class build, gear, perks, and equipment
- Secondary weapon: LR 7.62
- Melee: Knife
- Tactical: Stim Shot
- Lethal: Drill Charge
- Field Upgrade: Tactical Insertion
- Perk 1: Gung-ho
- Perk 2: Assassin
- Perk 3: Double Time
- Specialty: Enforcer
- Wildcard: Overkill
Our picks for our Tanto .22 class setup keep you on the go, maximizing your ability to play fast and loose. Because it can still be a bit unruly at range, we’ve partnered it up with a long-range option for when you find yourself across the map from your enemies.
Though we do have the Long Barrel attached, the Tanto .22 is still going to struggle at a distance. If a more reckless run-n-gun playstyle isn’t working in the lobby, then switch to the LR 7.62 and start picking off foes from afar – you’ll need to take the Overkill Wildcard for this. Alternatively, slap on our best Black Ops 6 XM4 loadout to take better advantage of this class setup’s mobility while at mid-range.
To keep you zooming, opt for the Stim Shot in your Tactical slot to keep your sprint and health refreshed. The Drill Charge, meanwhile, is the perfect Lethal for clearing campers out of buildings or generally creating chaos you can take advantage of with your mobility. The Tactical Insertion Field Upgrade, meanwhile, lets you pick your respawn spot – it’d be a real shame if you suddenly appeared behind a group of enemy combatants.
As for Perks, our recommended trio of Gung-ho, Assassin, and Double Time will grant access to the all-important Enforcer Specialty, which will further keep you healthy while you’re zipping about the place. Gung-ho can be swapped for Dexterity if you do a lot of your best work while diving and sliding about.
Best Black Ops 6 Tanto .22 alternatives
The best Black Ops 6 Tanto. 22 alternatives are the best C9 loadout and best KSV loadout. Not only was the C9 a fan-favorite after the Jackal PDW got nerfed during the beta, but it has persisted to the full game as the go-to SMG for classic MP5 fans. The KSV, meanwhile, is a monster when kitted out with its best build, making it a must-use if you’re not vibing with the Tanto .22.
That’s all you need to put together the best Black Ops 6 Tanto .22 loadout. This is the perfect loadout to get to grips with the Omnimovement system thanks to the Tanto’s impressive mobility stats. While you’re here, check out our Black Ops 6 camos guide to find out what you’ll need to do to unlock the coveted weapon skins.
Additional guiding by Aaron Down.