Best PU-21 loadout in Black Ops 6

Call of Duty isn’t solely about sprinting through maps and engaging in intense shootouts. Sometimes, the best strategy is to set up with an LMG, becoming a stationary powerhouse and our PU-21 loadout guide, complete with the most effective attachments and perks, is designed to help you excel in this role.

LMGs have been a staple in the Call of Duty franchise for years, but they don’t always find a place in the meta. While the PU-21 may not yet be the go-to choice in Black Ops 6, it remains a formidable weapon, particularly due to its low recoil, making it an option well worth exploring.

To help you make the most of this underrated weapon, we’ve crafted the ultimate PU-21 loadout guide. Give it a try and see if it can help you elevate your gameplay and boost your K/D ratio.

Best PU-21 loadout

• Muzzle: Suppressor
• Optic: Merlin Reflex
• Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
• Fire Mods: Recoil Springs
• Magazine: Fast Mag 1

CharlieIntel / Activision

If you’re opting for the PU-21, mobility likely isn’t your top priority. Instead, it’s crucial to focus on accuracy and handling to maximize its potential. That’s why the Vertical Foregrip and Recoil Springs are essential attachments, as they help minimize both horizontal and vertical recoil, allowing for more precise shots.

While the PU-21’s iron sights are serviceable, having a clearer view can be beneficial, especially when engaging enemies at long distances. That’s where the Merlin Reflex optic comes in handy, providing improved visibility for those critical shots. Given that LMGs are notoriously slow when it comes to reloading, we recommend equipping the Fast Mag 1 to cut down reload times and keep you in the fight longer.

Lastly, if your strategy involves holding a position, staying off the radar is vital. Lastly, equipping a Suppressor prevents your location from being exposed on the minimap.

Best PU-21 class: Perks, Equipment, and Wildcard

• Wildcard: Perk Greed
• Perk 1: Flak Jacket
• Perk 2: Fast Hands
• Perk 3: Cold-Blooded
• Perk Greed: Ghost
• Lethal: Frag
• Tactical: Concussion
• Field Upgrade: Assault Pack

CharlieIntel / Activision

Since the PU-21 is best suited for holding down positions and taking cover behind obstacles, we’ve tailored the perk selection to enhance this playstyle.

To maximize the loadout, start with the Perk Greed Wildcard, giving you an additional perk slot. We recommend Ghost to keep you hidden from Scout Pulses and UAVs while moving to your vantage point, ensuring you reach your position undetected. Pair this with Cold-Blooded, which protects you from thermal scopes and prevents enemy scorestreaks from highlighting your location.

Fast Hands is another essential perk, allowing you to switch weapons quickly if an enemy manages to get too close, so you can efficiently draw a pistol for defense. Additionally, Flak Jacket provides extra protection from explosive damage, which is crucial when enemies try to dislodge you with grenades.

For equipment, the Assault Pack ensures you always have enough ammo to sustain your LMG’s high fire rate, while a Frag and Concussion grenade give you versatile tools for both offense and defense, helping you maintain control of your position.

PU-21 pros and cons

Pros	Cons
Fast TTK to take down enemies quickly	Slow mobility makes it hard to move around
Low recoil	Slow ADS puts you at a disadvantage
	Iron sights are not optimal

Where is the PU-21 in the Black Ops 6 meta?

In the current Black Ops 6 meta, the PU-21 ranks 17th in popularity, with a 1.48% pick rate among players, as reported by WZStats.gg. This is significantly lower than the current top weapon, the C9 SMG, which leads the meta with a 14.3% usage rate.

When focusing solely on long-range weapons, the PU-21 doesn’t perform much better. The AEK-973 takes the top spot in this category with an 11.5% pick rate, followed closely by the XM4 at 10.6%. Even within the LMG category, the PU-21 is overshadowed by the XMG, which has a slightly higher pick rate.

Despite these statistics, don’t be discouraged from trying out the PU-21. It’s a reliable option, especially if you prefer a more methodical and strategic approach to gameplay.

How to unlock the PU-21

The great news is that the PU-21 comes as one of the default weapons in the game. As soon as you reach Level 4 and gain access to custom loadouts, you’ll have the PU-21 ready to use right away.

Best PU-21 alternative in Black Ops 6

If the PU-21 doesn’t quite suit your style, the XM4 is an excellent alternative for those looking for a weapon that excels at long-range combat. Another solid option is the AK-74, which offers strong damage and extended range while providing more mobility than an LMG.

For players who prefer long-range precision and want to take out enemies with a single shot, the LR 7.62 or the LW3A1 Frostline are top-tier sniper rifles to consider adding to your loadout. Both are currently among the best snipers available in the game.

In case you are running into technical difficulties with the game, make sure to check out our guides for the best PC and controller settings for Black Ops 6.