Best XM4 loadout in Black Ops 6
CharlieIntel / ActivisionCall of Duty has featured numerous iconic Assault Rifles over the years, and the XM4 remains a standout, returning stronger than ever in Black Ops 6.
The M4 and its variant, the XM4, have been staples in nearly every Call of Duty installment, and Black Ops 6 continues the tradition. It’s known for its versatility and user-friendly nature, making it an ideal option for players of all skill levels. However, while reliable, it doesn’t necessarily have the highest damage output.
This means accuracy is crucial when using the XM4, and to maximize its potential, you’ll need the right build. We’ve crafted an optimal XM4 loadout, complete with the best attachments, perks, and equipment, so you can excel in multiplayer matches and make every shot count.
Best XM4 loadout attachments in Black Ops 6
- Optic: Kepler Microflex
- Muzzle: Compensator
- Barrel: Long Barrel
- Underbarrel: Ranger Foregrip
- Rear Grip: Ergonomic Grip
CharlieIntel / ActivisionEven though the XM4 already has minimal recoil, further enhancing its accuracy with attachments like the Compensator is a smart move. This muzzle reduces gunkick by 31%, making the XM4 exceptionally precise and an ideal choice for a variety of maps and engagements.
To increase its effectiveness even further, the Long Barrel attachment is a great option, as it extends the weapon’s damage range to 64 meters. This is particularly useful in multiplayer, where most encounters occur within this distance, especially considering the smaller map sizes featured in Black Ops 6.
Improving the XM4’s handling and mobility is also essential, as its default stats in these areas are not particularly impressive. The Ranger Foregrip boosts sprint movement speed, while the Ergonomic Grip enhances slide-to-fire, dive-to-fire, and aim-down-sight speeds. These adjustments make the XM4 agile and responsive enough to compete effectively with SMGs.
Adding an optic like the Kepler Microflex can be highly beneficial, given that the XM4 is primarily used for medium to long-range engagements. With the introduction of Omnimovement in Black Ops 6, precise tracking is more important than ever, and this optic helps you maintain accuracy, keeping you one step ahead of your opponents.
Best Perks & Equipment to run with XM4
- Combat Specialty: Recon
- Perk 1: Ghost
- Perk 2: Tracker
- Perk 3: Vigilance
- Wildcard: Perk Greed (Double Time)
- Lethal: Semtex
- Tactical: Concussion
- Field Upgrade: Trophy System
CharlieIntel / ActivisionThe Recon combat specialty is an outstanding choice, as it temporarily reveals enemy positions through walls after you respawn. This valuable intel can be the deciding factor in securing crucial gunfights and gaining the upper hand in tight situations.
To activate the Recon specialty, you need to equip three Blue Perks. We suggest going with Ghost to keep you hidden from enemy UAVs, Tracker to reveal enemy footprints, and Vigilance to alert you when you show up on the opposing team’s minimap. This combination provides you with comprehensive information, allowing you to make well-informed decisions and play with confidence.
By using the Perk Greed wildcard, you can add a fourth perk to your setup, and Double Time is an excellent choice. This perk, which extends your Tactical Sprint duration, enables you to navigate the map faster and reach key positions more efficiently. Since Double Time is a Red Perk, it won’t interfere with your combat specialty, making it a strategic addition without any drawbacks.
For your equipment, the Semtex remains a reliable lethal option, and the Concussion grenade is a fantastic tactical tool for stunning enemies and leaving them vulnerable. Lastly, the Trophy System is an essential Field Upgrade, as it intercepts and neutralizes enemy equipment, making it invaluable in objective-based modes like Hardpoint and Headquarters.
XM4 pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great ease of use | Mediocre TTK |
| Good damage range | Below average handling |
| Fast fire rate | Fairly slow reload |
| Low recoil | Struggles up close |
Where is the XM4 in the Black Ops meta?
The XM4 is a versatile Assault Rifle in Black Ops 6, serving as this year’s all-around reliable option. While it may not excel in any single category, it remains a strong choice due to its manageable recoil, consistent damage output, and solid performance at both medium and long-range encounters.
With a time-to-kill (TTK) of 300 ms within its effective range, the XM4 falls in the middle of the AR pack. While it may not match the high damage output of weapons like the AS VAL or AK-74, its precision and consistency make up for it. The XM4’s ease of use and stability are key strengths, similar to why the MCW dominated the meta in MW3.
Although it may not be at the absolute top of the meta like the MCW, the XM4 shines because of its adaptability. Whether you’re playing on a small map like Babylon or a larger one like Scud, the XM4 remains a competitive and reliable choice in any situation.
How to unlock XM4 in Black Ops 6
The XM4 becomes available once you hit Level 4, unlocking it for use in your custom loadouts. From there, you can customize and build it to suit your preferred playstyle.
Best XM4 alternatives
If the XM4’s damage output isn’t quite what you’re looking for, the AK-74 is a great alternative. This Assault Rifle stands out for its quick time-to-kill, making it a solid choice for players who want more firepower.
In case you run into technical difficulties with the game, make sure to check out our guides for the best PC and controller settings to have a smooth experience in Black Ops 6.