Best Assault Rifles in Warzone: Meta loadouts for Season 1

No matter which map or mode you prefer, assault rifles remain a top-tier choice in Warzone thanks to their unparalleled versatility, with the best AR loadouts consistently dominating the meta.

Assault rifles are the most adaptable weapons in Call of Duty, capable of holding their own at both close and long ranges. Whether you’re facing an enemy 10 meters away or 100 meters out, these weapons are built to deliver. Their ability to excel in nearly any situation is a unique strength that sets this class apart.

With the Black Ops 6 integration kicking off Season 1, Warzone has introduced eleven new ARs. This has significantly shaken up the meta, with several new rifles climbing to prominence as nerfs hit previous favorites. Below, you’ll find the best assault rifle builds for the most effective weapon in the Warzone Season 1 meta.

Best Assault Rifle loadouts

1. GPR 91

Charlie Intel

• Optic: Willis 3x
• Muzzle: Compensator
• Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
• Underbarrel: Vertical Grip
• Magazine: Extended Mag II

Although ranked as one of the worst ARs in Black Ops 6 due to its subpar TTK (time-to-kill) in multiplayer, the GPR 91 shines in Warzone, emerging as one of the best long-range weapons following Season 1’s launch.

The GPR 91 excels with outstanding mobility, handling, and accuracy, particularly at extended ranges. While its TTK is slightly slower than top-tier ARs like the AK-74, XM4, and Krig C, its 756 ms TTK within a 52-meter range remains among the best in the game post-update. Paired with the right attachments, such as the Reinforced Barrel and Vertical Grip, the GPR 91 becomes a go-to option for players who value mobility without compromising performance.

2. Model L

Charlie Intel

• Optic: Kepler Red Dot
• Muzzle: Compensator
• Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
• Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
• Magazine: Extended Mag II

The Model L is a dependable and versatile assault rifle that performs well across all areas without any significant drawbacks. With excellent accuracy, manageable recoil, and a large magazine, it’s a strong choice for both medium and long-range engagements.

Although not as dominant as the legendary Grau 5.56, the Model L shares its hallmark traits, including a user-friendly vertical recoil pattern. While the Krig C is another solid option in the meta, it falls short in TTK and range. Similar to the GPR 91, the Model L’s balanced attributes make it more adaptable than some of the higher-damage ARs in Season 1, giving it a competitive edge. As players continue to favor consistency and reliability, the Model L’s popularity is likely to rise even further.

3. XM4

Charlie Intel

• Optic: Jason Armory 2x
• Muzzle: Compensator
• Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
• Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
• Magazine: Extended Mag II

The XM4 secures its position as the third-best assault rifle in Warzone Season 1, thanks to its incredibly low recoil and exceptional versatility, making it a reliable option for engagements across the map. While the Model L edges it out in certain areas, such as ease of use, the XM4 remains a top-tier choice.

With the right attachments to enhance damage, recoil control, and magazine capacity, the XM4 performs exceptionally well in early-game skirmishes and holds its own alongside the Model L in this season’s ever-changing meta.

4. AK-74

Charlie Intel

• Optic: Jason Armory 2x
• Muzzle: Compensator
• Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
• Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
• Magazine: Extended Mag II

To turn the AK-74 into a formidable weapon, you’ll need to equip the best attachments to mitigate its recoil. As in any Call of Duty title, the AK-74 struggles with noticeable recoil but compensates with impressive damage output.

Its exceptionally high TTK at close to mid-range distances surpasses every other Black Ops 6 assault rifle up to 36 meters, making it a powerful option based on this strength alone. While controlling its recoil may require some effort for longer-range engagements in standard matches, the AK-74 truly excels on smaller Resurgence maps, where close-quarters combat takes center stage.

5. Krig C

Charlie Intel

• Optic: Jason Armory 2X
• Muzzle: Suppressor
• Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
• Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
• Magazine: Extended Mag II

The Krig C is a standout assault rifle, offering exceptional accuracy and easily manageable recoil, making it effective across all ranges. Its versatility makes it suitable for both aggressive and stealthy playstyles, allowing players to quickly adapt to whatever Warzone throws at them.

However, while the Cold War classic has made a stronger impact in the Black Ops 6 meta, it struggles to stand out in Warzone due to its slower fire rate and lower TTK, which hold it back despite its adaptability. Compared to similar options like the Model L and XM4, which both feature nearly identical recoil patterns, the Krig C falls short in terms of TTK and range. Even so, it remains a reliable and solid choice in Season 1.

All Warzone Assault Rifles ranked

Warzone Season 1 boasts a total of 33 assault rifles. With the launch of Season 1, Black Ops 6 introduced 11 new ARs, significantly broadening the weapon pool and reshaping the meta.

Here’s a complete ranking of every assault rifle, from best to worst, based on their performance with the optimal loadout for each:

Rank	Weapon
1	GPR 91
2	Model L
3	XM4
4	AK-74
5	Krig C
6	AMES 85
7	Goblin MK 2
8	AS VAL
9	Holger 556
10	SVA 545
11	STG44
12	BAL-27
13	MCW
14	MTZ-556
15	BP50
16	M16
17	Tempus Razorback
18	STB 556
19	M13B
20	Kastov 545
21	FR Avancer
22	Kastov 762
23	RAM-7
24	TR-76 Geist
25	Lachmann 556
26	DG-56
27	FR 5.56
28	Chimera
29	ISO Hemock
30	M4
31	TAQ-56
32	M13C
33	Kastov-74u

Meta analysis

The new ARs from Black Ops 6 have quickly reshaped the Warzone meta, outclassing older weapons with their superior TTK, accuracy-focused stats, and the impact of nerfs on legacy guns.

Every AR on this list is a top-tier choice following the launch of Season 1, providing a formidable arsenal for Battle Royale loadouts. While the Model L, XM4, and Krig C offer similar balanced profiles, the AK-74 and GPR 91 stand out with faster TTK and higher damage output, making them excellent options.

That said, the top two ARs in Season 1 are in a class of their own. The Model L is perfect for less experienced players, thanks to its user-friendly design and consistent performance across all scenarios. On the other hand, the GPR 91 reigns as the best overall weapon in the meta, cementing itself as a must-have choice in the new Black Ops 6 Warzone era. Both are essential picks for any player looking to dominate their matches.

On top of using the best weapons, make sure you also have the best settings, including controller, audio, and FOV to dominate the battle royale and level up easily.