Best guns in Black Ops 6: Weapon tier list

❘ Published: 2024-11-20T12:40:00

Best guns in Black Ops 6 written over cover art

Activision

Now that Black Ops 6 has arrived, the meta is starting to take shape. Some weapons have already established themselves as meta standouts but others are best avoided.

Treyarch is back at the helm for Black Ops 6 and since its October 25 launch and Season 1 update, we’ve been trying out all the different weapons across its 16 brand-new maps.

After spending a whole weekend with the game, we have a solid grasp on which are the best guns and which ones you should stay away from, so here’s the breakdown in a full tier list.

BO6 weapon tier list

Tier	Weapon
S-Tier	SVD, Jackal PDW, XM4, Model L, Grekhova, KSV, Krig C
A-Tier	Saug, Tanto .22, C9, AMES 85, AK-74, AS VAL, XMG, Kompakt 92, DM-10, AEK-973
B-Tier	LR 7.62, PU-21, GPR-91, PP-919, Tsarkov 7.62, GPMG-7, SWAT 5.56, Stryder .22, 9mm PM
C-Tier	Marine SP, ASG-89, LW3A1, GS45, Goblin Mk. 2

Rankings

S: Absolute meta guns that are viable on virtually every map or mode.
A: Very strong options that won’t let you down, but may lack some of the strength of S-tier weapons.
B: Average guns that shine in certain situations but aren’t quite as competitive overall.
C: Weapons that are best to steer clear of unless they suit your playstyle or you need them for a very specific situation.

S-Tier weapons

SVD

The Dragunov, and almost every iteration of it in Call of Duty history, has consistently been underwhelming. However, the SVD in Black Ops 6 breaks that mold entirely.

This sniper scopes in almost instantly, delivers one-shot kills, bypasses the bolt-action delay of its counterparts, and boasts a larger ammo capacity than the other two sniper rifles in the game. With the best SVD loadout, it completely outclasses the competition, standing out as a weapon that likely warrants a hotfix nerf. Take advantage of its dominance while you can.

Jackal PDW

The Jackal PDW has undoubtedly been one of the most dominant weapons in Black Ops 6, taking over lobbies across all skill levels, game modes, and maps. Its success lies in its remarkable versatility, excelling in close-quarters combat while maintaining laser accuracy at long range, even after receiving a nerf.

This meta-defining SMG is so powerful that it can even outgun assault rifles across entire maps, especially when paired with recoil-reducing attachments like the compensator. With its exceptional mobility, handling, and performance, the Jackal PDW stands out as one of the most well-rounded and impactful weapons in Call of Duty history.

XM4

The XM4 Assault Rifle is the quintessential jack of all trades but master of none. There’s nothing inherently wrong with it; it’s just the standard, dependable beginning choice that the majority of players will use until they get a better option. It’s practical since it’s easy to use and provides ample time to kill.

Despite being marginally less accurate than competing guns, this won’t be a problem on the vast majority of maps due to their smaller size. You can’t go wrong with the XM4 if you’re seeking an AR to remain with for the long haul.

Model L

With a slow fire rate but high damage per shot and remarkably low recoil, the Model L stands out as one of the easiest-to-use assault rifles in Black Ops 6. Offering a reliable four-shot kill without the hefty kick of the AK-74, it’s a strong contender for one of the game’s top weapons.

Its ability to maintain a four-shot kill beyond 25 meters makes it an excellent choice for mid-range. While SMGs may edge it out in close-quarters combat, the margin is slim, and the Model L remains effective against a broad range of weapons. If you want a dependable gun that delivers consistently, the Model L is a great pick and it’s no surprise that this weapon is a favorite among professional players.

Grekhova

The Grekhova stands out as the only sidearm to earn a top spot on the Black Ops 6 tier list, and it certainly deserves its ranking. If classified as a primary weapon, it would land in the low A or high B tiers, but as a secondary, it delivers SMG-like power in a compact slot. With the right attachments, it can even make Overkill feel unnecessary.

This automatic pistol boasts a high fire rate, making it easier to use than the iconic 93R from MW3. Its low recoil allows for decent performance at mid-range, and its solid iron sights offer enough versatility to focus attachments on mitigating its few weaknesses. If you need a dependable sidearm, the Grekhova is far ahead of the competition.

KSV

The KSV embodies everything you’d expect from an SMG: a high fire rate, reliable hipfire accuracy, decent range for its class, and an early unlock at player level 7. It’s an excellent weapon to help you progress through the early levels while getting accustomed to Black Ops 6.

The KSV earns its place in S-tier, thanks to its rapid TTK (time-to-kill) that can shred opponents on BO6’s smaller maps when paired with meta attachments to control its recoil. While the Jackal is more user-friendly, the KSV becomes nearly unstoppable in skilled hands.

Krig C

The Krig C, introduced in Black Ops 6 as part of the Season 1 update, has quickly established itself as one of the best assault rifles in the game. It hits all the marks for a multiplayer AR: excellent range, minimal recoil, and a consistent damage profile.

What sets it apart from other weapons in its class is its superior mobility, giving players an advantage on small to medium-sized maps. While the Model L’s raw damage output places it slightly higher, the Krig C remains at the lower end of S-tier.

A-Tier weapons

Saug

The new Saug in Black Ops 6 is the closest counterpart to an Uzi, featuring a blistering fire rate paired with significant recoil. When played to its strengths, the Saug boasts an impressive TTK capable of melting enemies, though its limited range prevents it from reaching S-tier status.

On close-quarters maps like Babylon and Nuketown, the Saug outpaces nearly every other weapon in its class—provided you’re landing your shots. However, you should note that, this SMG is best suited for specific situations rather than as a versatile all-around option.

Tanto .22

The Tanto .22 stands out as one of the best guns in Black Ops 6. This versatile SMG excels in damage, range, and recoil control, making it one of the most well-rounded weapons in the game. It was a standout performer during the beta, and it continues to dominate in Season 1.

However, it’s not without its drawbacks. The Tanto’s slower fire rate makes it less effective in close-range engagements, giving the edge to the Jackal PDW or KSV in such situations. Despite this, the Tanto remains a top-tier weapon and a fantastic choice when used effectively.

C9

The dominance of the Jackal PDW has overshadowed many excellent weapons, and the C9, Black Ops 6’s take on the iconic MP5, is no exception.

For players seeking a true submachine gun experience, the C9 is an outstanding choice. It boasts excellent mobility, handling, and damage, making it perfect for run-and-gun playstyles that align with this year’s fast-paced gameplay. However, it falls just short of S-Tier, as other weapons in its class outperform it in specific areas. The C9’s strength lies in its versatility, making it a dependable all-rounder.

AMES 85

The AMES 85 is the definitive laser beam of Black Ops 6. Whether it reminds you of MW3’s MCW or the classic ACR from MW2 2009, this near-recoilless AR delivers pinpoint accuracy. With the abundance of headglitch spots on BO6 maps, this precision can be a game-changer.

In a game as fast-paced as this year’s Call of Duty, missing shots can be a costly mistake, making a hyper-accurate weapon like the AMES 85 a smart choice. However, the prevalence of smaller maps often puts it at a disadvantage against SMG users in close-range gunfights. While this limitation keeps it out of the S-tier, the AMES 85 comfortably sits in A-tier, becoming a formidable option.

AK-74

The AK-74 stands in stark contrast to the AMES 85, delivering powerful shots with significant recoil. This makes it a weapon tailored to higher-skill players who can manage its hefty kick, but they’ll be rewarded with the fastest time-to-kill among all assault rifles in Black Ops 6. As history has shown, fast-killing ARs are consistently competitive, and the AK-74 is no exception.

For players with the mechanical precision to wield this powerhouse effectively, the best AK-74 turns into one of the game’s top-tier weapons. However, its steep learning curve and the fast-paced movement mechanics in this year’s title make it more challenging to use than other assault rifles.

AS VAL

The AS VAL‘s enormous damage output nearly guarantees that it will be a meta-defining weapon in Black Ops 6.

In addition to being a bit of a pain to level, this weapon’s strong recoil and tiny magazine capacity make it difficult to use. To get the most out of it, you’ll need an extended magazine. With the correct attachments, though, it becomes a formidable weapon.

Although it has its flaws, when used correctly, this weapon is among the best in Black Ops 6. For the time being, nevertheless, its A-tier status is due to its steep learning curve and attachment requirements.

XMG

Even with the TAQ Eradicator, one of the best LMGs in MW3, it was still unable to compete with the majority of ARs. It appears that the issue has been addressed in Black Ops 6, which is great news because the XMG is an excellent weapon that has been underappreciated despite its obvious advantages.

With its low recoil and tremendous damage output, the XMG is a fantastic long-range weapon. If you’re looking for an LMG that approaches the S tier, this is your best bet, but it falls short of the meta ARs.

Kompakt 92

The Kompakt 92 is Black Ops 6’s rapid-fire SMG, designed to unload a barrage of bullets in a short amount of time. Its blistering fire rate is both its greatest asset and its biggest drawback.

This SMG comes with significant recoil, chews through ammo at a faster rate than nearly any other weapon, and has limited range, presenting notable challenges. However, it excels at what it’s built for –dominating close-range combat with lightning-fast eliminations. If you’re looking for a weapon tailored to close-quarters action, the Kompakt 92 fits the bill perfectly. While its drawbacks keep it out of S-tier, it’s highly effective within its niche.

DM-10

The DM-10 is an excellent semi-automatic Marksman Rifle. Because of its massive damage per shot, it has the highest two-shot kill potential of any weapon in its category. It is also surprisingly consistent, having one of the best TTKs at most ranges.

With its huge default mag size and two shots needed to kill, this weapon can easily shred lobbies, albeit it’s a bit trickier to use than spraying and praying with an SMG. The DM-10 could be considered an S-tier weapon if it could one-shot with headshots.

AEK-973

With reliable three-shot capability, the AEK-973 is an unexpectedly powerful burst weapon. This rifle is a beast at most ranges, with minimal recoil and the ability to kill in three bullets even at 25+ meters. If you manage to land those three hits, you’ll have a very low TTK.

If it weren’t a burst rifle, it would be busted. As easy as it seems, you’ll have to deal with the three-round burst rhythm while everyone else is crouching, sliding, jumping, and diving. This is an excellent weapon if you can reliably group three bullets on target. Otherwise, you’ll have trouble.

B-Tier weapons

LR 7.62

With the fast-paced movement in Black Ops 6, you might expect snipers to struggle, but the LR 7.62 proves otherwise. This sniper rifle is a powerhouse with a highly forgiving one-shot kill potential, making hit markers a rarity. Its high damage output makes it a formidable weapon in the hands of skilled players, especially on larger maps like Scud, where picking off long-range targets becomes second nature.

Despite its strengths, the LR 7.62 falls short of S-tier status due to its drawbacks. Its slow handling limits its effectiveness on smaller maps, where agile weapons like the Jackal and C9 dominate. Additionally, the SVD’s overwhelming power currently eclipses every other sniper and marksman rifle in the game.

Still, this bolt-action sniper remains a strong option. It’s a solid choice for those who value precision and power, and it could easily climb the ranks to A-tier if future rebalancing shifts the meta.

PU-21

The PU-21 is an impressive LMG that shines in any Call of Duty game where movement isn’t the dominant focus. It boasts relatively low recoil, excellent long-range damage, reliable iron sights, and an impressive ammo capacity. However, its poor handling and sluggish ADS time make it less competitive compared to other weapons in Black Ops 6’s fast-paced environment.

When using the PU-21, you have two viable approaches: equip a fast mag to mimic an AR, albeit a less effective one, or lean into its strengths by holding down choke points. Both strategies are effective, with the former being detailed in our PU-21 loadout guide. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal playstyle and how you want to leverage this versatile LMG.

GPR-91

With a decent fire rate, standard 30 mag size, near-perfect accuracy without attachments, and unlocked at a very early point in the game, the GPR-91 is a formidable weapon.

The only downside is that it has the class’s worst damage. This is why the GPR is classified as a B-tier weapon: it excels at everything except killing enemies. Despite being one of the poorest ARs available in terms of damage, its accuracy makes it passable at medium range.

PP-919

Given the abundance of powerful SMGs, the PP-919 is average at best. It’s poorer than comparable guns in its class in almost every manner, but its magazine size is its defining characteristic. Now that we’ve reached this point, we find that using Fast Mag 1 allows us to reload faster and handle better, therefore we choose to take fewer rounds.

While it can still be strong in the right hands, it doesn’t provide much in the way of advantages over other SMGs. Although it appears to be a poor SMG on paper, in practice it fits nicely into B-tier.

Tsarkov 7.62

The Tsarkov 7.62 is a challenging weapon to rank on a tier list. While it falls short of other marksman rifles in terms of TTK, with the DM-10 firing faster and still delivering a two-shot kill, and burst rifles landing their shots quicker, the Tsarkov compensates with its unique one-shot headshot potential at most combat ranges.

Without this one-shot capability, the Tsarkov would easily fall into C-tier. However, its ability to reward precision makes it a viable option for skilled players who can consistently land headshots. That said, with the dominance of the SVD and the overall superiority of other marksman rifles, there’s little reason to choose the Tsarkov over its competition.

SWAT 5.56

The SWAT 5.56 is one of the few burst rifles in Black Ops 6, alongside the AEK, with both capable of killing in a single burst. However, the fast-paced gameplay and omnimovement mechanics in BO6 make three-round burst weapons a tough sell, even if they’d have been dominant in other Call of Duty titles.

Landing all three shots to the body is a significant challenge against fast-moving enemies, especially considering the SWAT’s noticeable recoil. Compared to the AEK-973, the SWAT is harder to control and has a slower burst grouping fire rate, which ultimately places it in B-tier.

GPMG-7

The GPMG-7 is an unconventional weapon that doesn’t quite fit the mold. Its rapid fire rate suggests it would come with a high-capacity magazine to match, but it surprisingly holds just 50 rounds by default, despite its box magazine. While its six-shot kill happens faster than it might seem, the GPMG-7 chews through ammo at an alarming rate.

Adding to its quirks, the GPMG-7 doesn’t possess the handling and speed of an SMG, leaving it stuck between roles. It can kill consistently but lacks the typical advantages of an LMG, such as near-limitless ammo or exceptional accuracy. The only reason it lands in B-tier is due to the significant improvement it gains with the right attachments. Even so, this weapon is unlikely to ever become a true meta contender unless it gets a major buff.

Stryder .22

The Stryder .22 is a four-shot kill, and its time-to-kill (TTK) can be surprisingly quick if you’re able to maximize its incredibly high semi-auto fire rate. Combined with low recoil and solid range, the Stryder .22 can be a decent sidearm for those who master its mechanics.

However, to stay competitive with this weapon, you’ll need to fire at a blistering pace. In fact, it’s almost easier to use on a controller than on keyboard and mouse as achieving its maximum fire rate on a PC requires rapid clicking. While not the easiest weapon to handle, it’s undeniably fun to use and can be effective in skilled hands.

9mm PM

At first glance, the 9mm PM might seem like a basic, underwhelming sidearm that’s not worth considering. However, it’s surprisingly capable, offering a reliable three-shot kill range, decent iron sights, and better damage at range than you’d typically expect from a standard pistol. It’s a solid, no-frills sidearm that gets the job done.

While attachments can enhance its performance, they won’t elevate it to the level of a top-tier weapon. The 9mm PM is consistent and dependable, but with options like the Grekhova available, there’s little reason to choose it over the superior alternative.

C-Tier weapons

Marine SP

The Marine SP pump-action shotgun suffers from extreme inconsistency, often delivering frustrating hitmarkers even at point-blank range. Coupled with its slow fire rate, the two-shot TTK is lackluster, making one-shot kills essential for this weapon to remain even marginally competitive. Unfortunately, this makes the Marine SP a disappointment for players who favor shotguns.

Its one redeeming quality lies in the fast-paced movement of Black Ops 6, which can help players close the distance on their targets more effectively. However, its poor range and unpredictable damage still leave it far behind meta SMGs like the Jackal PDW, making it a suboptimal choice overall.

ASG-89

Hanging out in C tier right alongside Black Ops 6’s other Shotgun is the ASG-89, although it’s arguably worse than the Marine SP. Neither are great, but the ASG’s almost complete lack of 1-shot kill potential is a huge knock against it.

You’re better off running an SMG in most cases rather than using this weapon. Sure, it’s a bit more consistent than the Marine, but at least that thing can consistently one-shot. Ultimately, both Shotguns are just not great picks for multiplayer unless you’re on a small map and playing corners well.

LW3A1 Frostline

The LW3A1 Frostline is currently Black Ops 6’s most agile one-shot sniper rifle. While the Frostline has an appealing feel, it struggles to compete with other options, often falling into the trap of being a hitmarker machine.

With the SVD dominating the meta, the Tsarkov 7.62 offering one-shot headshot potential as a marksman rifle, and the LR 7.62 providing more consistent one-shot kills, the Frostline finds itself in a tough spot, making it difficult to recommend over its more effective counterparts.

GS45

The GS45 is, without a doubt, the weakest weapon in Black Ops 6. Its slow fire rate, lack of meaningful headshot bonuses, and high recoil make it an inferior sidearm compared to every other choice available. It simply doesn’t hold up.

While heavy pistols in Call of Duty often shine—like the classic Deagle, which trades low fire rate for one-shot headshot potential—the GS45 falls far short of that standard. This weapon is best avoided entirely; even a knife would be a better alternative.

Goblin Mk. 2

The Goblin Mk. 2 isn’t the absolute worst weapon in Black Ops 6, but it does earn the dubious title of the weakest primary gun in the game. This semi-automatic assault rifle features a damage profile that’s surprisingly close to that of pistols in close-range encounters. Its three-shot kill time-to-kill (TTK) is comparable to the 9mm PM, though it does offer better performance at range.

However, at the end of the day, it’s still a semi-automatic weapon requiring three shots to kill. While a skilled trigger finger can make it somewhat viable, it pales in comparison to nearly every other primary weapon class. Assault rifles, marksman rifles, SMGs, or even shotguns are better choices. That said, if you’re drawn to the challenge of using what feels like an oversized pistol with a stock, the Goblin Mk. 2 could be worth a try. Just ensure you’re running the best loadout possible to maximize its potential.

But, remember that meta firearms aren’t your only option for improving your performance. Additionally, make sure you’re using the best controller settings, best audio settings for hearing enemy footsteps, and the ideal PC settings to give you the edge over the competition.

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