Best Assault Rifles in Warzone: Meta loadouts for Season 1
ActivisionNo 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.
The Black Ops 6 integration in Season 1 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. XM4
Charlie Intel- Optic: Jason Armory 2x
- Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
- Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
- Magazine: Extended Mag II
- Stock: Buffer Weight Stock
The XM4 is a true jack-all-of-trades weapon that ticks almost every box. It offers solid mobility, decent damage range, and manageable recoil. But what carries this weapon to the front of the pile is the Buffer Weight Stock attachment. The attachment is exclusive to the XM4 and it boosts both vertical and horizontal recoil.
When paired with the Vertical Foregrip, the AR has almost no horizontal recoil. So you have to do the bare minimum to laser enemies from well over 100 meters away. No AR can match this level of precision, meaning that the XM4 is currently in a league of its own.
2. 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 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.
3. 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.
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
| Rank | Weapon | TTK (ms) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | XM4 | 750 |
| 2 | GPR 91 | 756 |
| 3 | Model L | 800 |
| 4 | AK-74 | 736 |
| 5 | Krig C | 752 |
| 6 | AMES 85 | 800 |
| 7 | Goblin MK 2 | 649 |
| 8 | SVA 545 | 713 |
| 9 | MCW | 756 |
| 10 | BP50 | 630 |
| 11 | Chimera | 675 |
| 12 | STG44 | 800 |
| 13 | Holger 556 | 714 |
| 14 | M13B | 710 |
| 15 | AS VAL | 737 |
| 16 | BAL-27 | 694 |
| 17 | MTZ-556 | 740 |
| 18 | M16 (JAK Patriot) | 666 |
| 19 | Lachmann 556 | 747 |
| 20 | TR-76 Geist | 752 |
| 21 | Kastov 545 | 736 |
| 22 | Tempus Razorback | 720 |
| 23 | STB 556 | 729 |
| 24 | TAQ-56 | 768 |
| 25 | FR Avancer | 715 |
| 26 | M13C | 720 |
| 27 | M4 | 740 |
| 28 | ISO Hemlock | 800 |
| 29 | Kastov-74u | 800 |
| 30 | FR 5.56 | 754 |
| 31 | RAM-7 | 800 |
| 32 | Kastov 762 | 800 |
| 33 | DG-56 | 816 |
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 XM4 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 AR for long-range scenarios. Both are essential picks for any player looking to dominate their matches.
For players unwilling to level up BO6 guns, legacy weapons like the MCW and SVA 545 are still excellent choices. Using these ARs with the best possible attachments equipment will keep you competitive in Season 1.
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.