The Best Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Weapons to Use: Tier List and Analysis
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has no launched with a diverse arsenal that totals 33 weapons, including 12 that are brand new to the franchise, that players will get to customize with the return of the Gunsmith system. In this article we have gone through each gun or weapon and placed them in a tier based on how they perform on paper as well as gameplay analysis based on this game and previous Call of Duty titles as well. If you have any opinions yourself please leave a comment!
S-Tier (Top Tier)
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, AS VAL
AS VAL – This assault rifle is the stealth king. The integrated suppressor makes it perfect for those who like to sneak around undetected, and its mobility feels smooth in urban maps. The trade-off is in its range, but up close, this thing dominates just about anybody.
MAGS: 5 | MAG SIZE: 20 | Available: Unlocked at Player Level 55
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, LR 7.62
LR 7.62 – If you’re looking for a sniper rifle that just feels right, the LR 7.62 will do it for you. It hits hard, has manageable recoil, and can pull off one-shot kills to the chest and arms (as well as the head, obviously). If long-range combat is your thing, you filthy camper, then this gun is for you.
MAGS: 4 | MAG SIZE: 5 | Available: Unlocked at Player Level 49
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, PP-919
PP-919 – Normally I’m not a fan of SMGs, but the PP-919 changes the game. It has the highest magazine count of any SMG, making it ideal for rushing into multiple enemies without constantly reloading. Yes, it’s a bit slower, but with smart play, that extra ammo makes all the difference.
MAGS: 2 | MAG SIZE: 64 | Available: Unlocked at Player Level 37
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, SWAT 5.56
SWAT 5.56 – When it comes to burst weapons, the SWAT 5.56 is unmatched. The quick bursts paired with fast cooldown make it the go-to for players who prefer methodical mid-range engagements.
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, XMG
XMG – This light machine gun is a beast. Yes, it’s heavy, but the ammo capacity is just ridiculous. You can hold down an area for what feels like forever, and if you control the recoil, it can be pretty easy to mow down waves of enemies without a problem.
MAGS: 3 | MAG SIZE: 100 | Available: Unlocked at Player Level 13
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, LW3A1 Frostline
LW3A1 Frostline – A bolt-action sniper rifle that offers reliable one-shot kills to the head, chest, and arms, making it an exceptional choice for long-range marksmen.
MAGS: 4 | MAG SIZE: 5 | Available: Unlocked Immediately
A-Tier (Highly Effective)
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, XM4
XM4 – Everyone loves a reliable weapon, and the XM4 fits the bill and is one of the weapons that you start out with unlocked. It’s an all-around solid assault rifle with balanced accuracy, mobility, and power. While it’s a great choice for all players, its versatility means it doesn’t exactly excel in any particular area.
MAGS: 3 | MAG SIZE: 30 | Available: Unlocked Immediately
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, Marine SP
Marine SP – A powerhouse of a shotgun that you start out with, perfect for quick kills in close-quarters. This pump-action beauty can clear a room, though it struggles a bit against semi-auto shotguns in terms of speed. If your aim is solid then I’d definitely recommend this gun.
MAGS: 4 | MAG SIZE: 6 | Available: Unlocked Immediately
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, Tanto .22
Tanto .22 – This SMG deserves a spot in A-tier for being both easy to handle and versatile. The slower fire rate helps you control your shots, and at mid-range, it can really pack a punch unlike some of the other SMGs out there.
MAGS: 4 | MAG SIZE: 30 | Available: Unlocked at Player Level 16
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, DM-10
DM-10 – There’s something so satisfying about a weapon that you can rely on for precise shots. The DM-10 offers excellent stability, making it ideal for those who like to engage at a distance without going full sniper mode.
MAGS: 3 | MAG SIZE: 20 | Available: Unlocked at Player Level 43
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, Tsarkov 7.62
Tsarkov 7.62 – Fast, agile, and deadly accurate. It’s not the strongest marksman rifle in the game, but it makes up for it by allowing you to be mobile and land quick, successive shots.
MAGS: 3 | MAG SIZE: 20 | Available: Unlocked at Player Level 22
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, AK-74
AK-74 – A hard-hitting full-auto assault rifle with impressive mid-to-long range power. While it struggles with recoil, as is typical of the AK line, it’s absolutely devistating in the right hands.
MAGS: 3 | MAG SIZE: 30 | Available: Unlocked at Player Level 10
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, C9
C9 – A balanced SMG that performs well in close to mid-range combat. It may not have the best fire rate, but its reliability and controllable kick makes it an excellent choice.
MAGS: 4 | MAG SIZE: 30 | Available: Unlocked Immediately
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, Knife
Knife – The classic one-hit melee kill option that requires extremely close proximity, making it difficult to use effectively in most scenarios, but with that said, if you can get up close or sneak up behind someone, it means you get an easy insta-kill often before the other player can even react.
MAGS: 1 | MAG SIZE: 1 | Available: Unlocked Immediately
B-Tier (Solid but Situational)
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, GPMG-7
GPMG-7 – This LMG has a rapid fire rate, but it’s not as versatile as others. The handling is a bit sluggish, which means you’re either committed to spraying or getting caught in reload hell.
MAGS: 3 | MAG SIZE: 50 | Available: Unlocked at Player Level 52
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, Goblin MK 2
Goblin MK 2 – It’s a semi-auto assault rifle, which is great for controlled engagements, but it lacks the power of other rifles. I love the feel of the Goblin MK 2 for its fire rate, but in high-pressure situations, it just doesn’t hold up as well as other options.
MAGS: 4 | MAG SIZE: 20 | Available: Unlocked at Player Level 46
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, KSV
KSV – An easy-to-handle SMG with decent damage and mobility, but it feels too "safe." It’s good but not great, and other SMGs will likely outshine it when push comes to shove.
MAGS: 4 | MAG SIZE: 30 | Available: Unlocked at Player Level 7
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, KOMPAKT 92
KOMPAKT 92 – If you’re a fan of fast SMGs, the Kompakt 92 is for you. The fire rate is insane, which makes it great for close-range duels. The downside? You’re reloading constantly.
MAGS: 4 | MAG SIZE: 30 | Available: Unlocked at Player Level 49
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, SVD
SVD – It’s a semi-auto sniper that allows you to get off quick follow-up shots, but with less power than a bolt-action, you’ll find it lacking in intense sniper battles.
MAGS: 3 | MAG SIZE: 10 | Available: Unlocked at Player Level 25
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, AMES 85
AMES 85 – A full-auto assault rifle with solid accuracy, but it might lack the power to excel in more heated combat situations with multiple enemies.
MAGS: 3 | MAG SIZE: 30 | Available: Unlocked at Player Level 19
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, AEK-973
AEK-973 – A stable burst-fire rifle that’s effective at long ranges, but it struggles with handling in closer engagements.
MAGS: 3 | MAG SIZE: 30 | Available: Unlocked at Player Level 34
C-Tier (Requires Specific Playstyles)
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, PU-21
PU-21 – While this LMG handles better than others in its class, it’s simply outclassed by higher-tier options in terms of versatility and power.
MAGS: 3 | MAG SIZE: 75 | Available: Unlocked Immediately
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, Jackal-PDW
Jackal PDW – Decent handling and mobility make it a strong choice in theory, but its damage output leaves much to be desired. You’ll win some CQB fights with it, but there are better SMG options.
MAGS: 4 | MAG SIZE: 30 | Available: Unlocked at Player Level 43
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, Model L
Model L – A slow-firing assault rifle with decent damage, but it just doesn’t perform as well in fast-paced combat. It shines when you can play more tactically, but you’ll often find yourself outgunned.
MAGS: 3 | MAG SIZE: 30 | Available: Unlocked at Player Level 40
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, HE-1
HE-1 – A rocket launcher can be useful against vehicles and when an enemy is hiding around a corner while already damaged, but outside of that, it’s a niche pick that doesn’t offer much versatility in standard engagements.
MAGS: 3 | MAG SIZE: 1 | Available: Unlocked at Player Level 19
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, Stryder .22
Stryder .22 – This is only really useful as a last-ditch effort. Its fire rate is decent, but the lack of stopping power makes it tough to rely on in tight situations compared to other pistols.
MAGS: 2 | MAG SIZE: 30 | Available: Unlocked at Player Level 40
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, ASG-89
ASG-89 – A semi-auto shotgun capable of quick successive kills, but lacks the raw power needed to dominate in close quarters.
MAGS: 4 | MAG SIZE: 6 | Available: Unlocked at Player Level 31
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, GPR 91
GPR 91 – This assault rifle has great handling, but its power is underwhelming, leaving it outclassed by stronger rifles that can do the same thing… Just better.
MAGS: 3 | MAG SIZE: 30 | Available: Unlocked at Player Level 28
D-Tier (Not Recommended)
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, 9mm PM
9mm PM – The starter pistol. It’s reliable in the sense that you always have it, but after a few matches, you’ll want to swap it out for something better. It lacks both range and power.
MAGS: 4 | MAG SIZE: 30 | Available: Unlocked at Player Level 49
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, Grekhova
Grekhova – This full-auto pistol is fun to use but too weak to be a serious contender. Great for memes and screwing around, not for competitive play.
MAGS: 3 | MAG SIZE: 20 | Available: Unlocked at Player Level 13
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, Baseball Bat
Baseball Bat – The two-hit kill requirement makes it impractical in almost every scenario... But it looks cool.
MAGS: 1 | MAG SIZE: 1 | Available: Unlocked at Player Level 52
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, GS45
GS45 – While the .45 Auto rounds give it great stopping power, it’s too slow to compete with better sidearms in those really tight situations.
MAGS: 3 | MAG SIZE: 10 | Available: Unlocked at Player Level 28
Image Credit: Call of Duty Black Ops 6, CIGMA 2B
CIGMA 2B – A lock-on launcher that’s great for anti-aircraft purposes but not useful pretty much at all in direct combat.
MAGS: 2 | MAG SIZE: 1 | Available: Unlocked Immediately
Final Thoughts
While we ranked these guns based on some analysis along with our opinions, the reality is that any weapon can work depending on the player and their skill with it. The key here aside from just being good with the specific weapon is the Gunsmith customization, which allows players to fine-tune their favorite weapons with up to five attachments (or eight with the Gunfighter perk). While certain weapons stand out as clear winners on paper, again, every player can find something that fits their personal style.
Ultimately, however, we expect weapons like the AS VAL and LR 7.62 to dominate the meta, at least at first, while others, like the 9mm PM and Baseball Bat, will struggle to find their place in the game at all.
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