Call of Duty Black Ops 6: best weapons in BO6 Season 1
So, you are trying to play Black Ops 6 while figuring out the best weapons to use? We can help you with that task!

Table of Contents
- Call of Duty Black Ops 6 weapons list
- BO6 meta weapons for any situation
- Best Black Ops 6 meta loadouts
- Best Black Ops 6 Assault Rifles meta loadouts
- Best Black Ops 6 SMGs meta loadouts
- Best Black Ops 6 Marksmen Rifles meta loadouts
- Best Black Ops 6 Sniper Rifles meta loadouts
- Best Black Ops 6 LMGs meta loadouts
- Best Black Ops 6 Shotguns meta loadouts
- Best Black Ops 6 Special Weapons meta loadouts
- Best Black Ops 6 Secondary Weapons meta loadouts
- Final words on BO6 meta weapons
Key takeaways:
- In this guide, discover the top weapons in Call of Duty Black Ops 6 and ideal loadouts for different gameplay styles.
- Based on extensive playtesting, we recommend nine optimal loadouts that will help you dominate any map and mode.
- Best weapons include the XM4, Krig C, Model L, AEK-973, KSV, Jackal PDW, Saug, AS Val, AMR Mod 4, XMG, Maelstrom, Marine SP, Sirin 9mm, and Grekhova.
In Black Ops, many players want to strike enemies as quickly as possible! That’s where we come into play because we played a lot in the closed and open betas and have also played a lot since release. Based on our experience, we can suggest a few weapons to use. You can also check out our Black Ops 6 perks tier list and BO6 Scorestreaks tier list to maximize your chances of dominating the game. So, without further ado, let’s pick up the best weapons in the Black Ops 6 Season 1 and dominate every game!
Keep in mind that all weapons in Black Ops 6 are really good and well-balanced. You won’t find any gun that is so broken that everyone is running. However, if developers release a gun like this, we will update this article.
Call of Duty Black Ops 6 weapons list
Before we begin the article, it’s worth knowing all the weapons available in Black Ops 6. Currently, 40 weapons are in the game, as the season 1 comes to an end, we can expect more weapons to come out in season 2.
Weapon | Type | How to Unlock |
---|---|---|
XM4 | Assault Rifle | No level required |
C9 | SMG | No level required |
Marine SP | Shotgun | No level required |
PU-21 | LMG | No level required |
SWAT 5.56 | Marksman Rifle | No level required |
LW3A1 Frostline | Sniper Rifle | No level required |
9mm PM | Pistol | No level required |
CIGMA 2B | Launcher | No level required |
Knife | Melee | No level required |
KSV | SMG | Reach player Level 7 |
AK-74 | Assault Rifle | Reach player Level 10 |
XMG | LMG | Reach player Level 13 |
Grekhova | Pistol | Reach player Level 13 |
Tanto .22 | SMG | Reach player Level 16 |
AMES 85 | Assault Rifle | Reach player Level 19 |
HE-1 | Launcher | Reach player Level 19 |
Tsarkov 7.62 | Marksman Rifle | Reach player Level 22 |
SVD | Sniper Rifle | Reach player Level 25 |
GPR 91 | Assault Rifle | Reach player Level 28 |
GS45 | Pistol | Reach player Level 28 |
ASG-89 | Shotgun | Reach player Level 31 |
AEK-973 | Marksman Rifle | Reach player Level 34 |
PP-919 | SMG | Reach player Level 37 |
Model L | Assault Rifle | Reach player Level 40 |
Stryder .22 | Pistol | Reach player Level 40 |
Jackal PDW | SMG | Reach player Level 43 |
DM-10 | Marksman Rifle | Reach player Level 43 |
Goblin MK2 | Assault Rifle | Reach player Level 46 |
LR 7.62 | Sniper Rifle | Reach player Level 49 |
Kompakt 92 | SMG | Reach player Level 49 |
GPMG-7 | LMG | Reach player Level 52 |
Baseball Bat | Melee | Reach player Level 52 |
AS VAL | Assault Rifle | Reach player Level 55 |
Saug | SMG | Unlock all rewards on Season 1 Battle Pass Page 3 |
Krig C | Assault Rifle | Unlock all rewards on Season 1 Battle Pass Page 6 |
AMR Mod 4 | Sniper Rifle | Unlock in the Armory |
Maelstrom | Shotgun | Unlock in the Armory |
Sirin 9mm | Special | Unlock in the Armory |
Power Drill | Melee | Unlock in the Armory |
Cleaver | Melee | Obtain 356,000 XP during the Netflix Squid Game 2 event. |
BO6 meta weapons for any situation
Let’s begin by analyzing map types to identify the best weapon type for different situations.
Large size maps
For long-range engagements on large, open maps, Assault Rifles like the XM4, Krig C, or Model L, Marksman Rifles such as AEK-973, and Sniper Rifles like the AMR Mod 4 are essential. SMGs and Shotguns tend to be less effective on these maps due to long corridors and their limited range.

Medium size maps
In medium-sized maps, any weapon archetype could be a great pick, though shotguns and knives could be questionable choices here sometimes.

Small size maps
For fast-paced, close-range, face-off maps, we recommend Knife, Marine SP or Maestrom, and XMG, which excel at quick, high-damage engagements.

Best Black Ops 6 meta loadouts
We’ve decided on the types, and now it’s time to look at the loadouts we can put together. We’ll go over general tips, but the focus will be on primary weapons.
We won’t count Wildcards for equipping since everyone plays differently, but we consider the Perk Greed for an additional perk, Gunfighter for extra attachments, and Tactical Expert for two additional Tacticals as the best choices. Moreover, we always recommend filling the slots for two pieces of equipment with Stimshots (one instant heal) and Semtex (sticky grenade), though some players love to use Smoke Grenades and Molotov, allowing them to fill the arena with smoke and easily deal with enemies, especially those with low HP. The perfect tactical equipment is Neurogas, which releases gas that slows enemies and deals additional damage, and Trophy System, which destroys all projectiles on its way.
Best Black Ops 6 Assault Rifles meta loadouts
XM4 loadout: The most balanced option

The XM4 is one of the most consistent and reliable assault rifles in Black Ops 6, excelling across all ranges. With the right attachments, it becomes a versatile powerhouse capable of dominating in any combat scenario.
For the optic, the V Reflex or Kepler Microflex offers a clear sight picture for precise aiming. The Suppressor is the ideal muzzle for stealth, keeping you off the mini-map while taking advantage of the XM4’s low recoil. To boost damage range and bullet velocity, equip the Reinforced Barrel, ensuring fast time-to-kill at longer ranges.
For better control and mobility, the Ranger Foregrip improves horizontal recoil and sprint movement speed, while the Extended Mag I increases magazine capacity to 45 rounds with no drawbacks.
To optimize handling, the Commando Grip enhances aim-down-sight and sprint-to-fire speeds, making the XM4 more agile in medium-range engagements. The Buffer Weight Stock and Recoil Springs provide exceptional recoil control, transforming the XM4 into a laser-accurate weapon, even during extended firefights.
For a streamlined five-attachment build, remove the Recoil Springs, Buffer Weight Stock, and Extended Mag I. Replace the Buffer Weight Stock with the Balanced Stock for improved mobility and the Ranger Foregrip with the Vertical Foregrip for simpler recoil control. This setup maintains strong mid-range performance while freeing space for additional perks or scorestreak customizations. Whether using the full eight-attachment loadout or the simplified version, the XM4 remains a top-tier choice for consistent, effective gameplay across all maps and modes in Black Ops 6.
Krig C loadouts: The highest TTK across all weapons in Season 1

Currently, many Players still need to unlock this gun, but once they do, they’ll realize how perfect it is. The Krig C offers no recoil, great range, and an excellent TTK (time to kill) compared to all other weapons in Black Ops 6. You’re almost guaranteed a 90% chance to get a four-shot kill with the Krig C, so start farming it as soon as possible.
We recommend two Krig C meta loadouts that you can use right now.
- Maximum Krig C potential loadout
This loadout optimizes the Krig C by improving recoil, RPM (rounds per minute), ADS (aim down sights), TTK, range, and magazine capacity:
- Compensator
- Kepler Microflex
- Reinforced Barrel
- Vertical Foregrip
- Extended Magazine I
- Commando Grip
- Infiltrator Stock
- 5.56 NATO FMJ
2. Aggressive loadout
This setup is for a more aggressive approach, enhancing character movement speed and fire rate:
- Suppressor
- Ranger Foregrip
- CQB Grip
- Infiltrator Stock
- Strelok Laser
These two loadouts are suitable for any player, so try them out! hand on Krig C and enjoy your best BO6 weapon in Season 1!
Model L loadout: Perfect TTK version
- Similar weapons: The AK-74 is the basic version of the Model L. It’s great for learning how Assault Rifles work and makes it much easier to use Model L in the future.

Some may argue that there are better Assault Rifles, but the Model L is great in terms of TTK and easy to get kills among all Black Ops 6 most powerful weapons. Yes, it’s hard to master, but once you do, you become unstoppable on any map, whether long or medium range. Small maps could be challenging, but even there, you can find strategies to use it effectively.
Model L is not for fast-paced gameplay. It requires a more tactical approach, allowing you to feel like a real soldier, moving across the map and destroying everything in your path. To make this the best Assault Rifle in the Black Ops 6 Season 1, we need to reduce recoil as much as possible with the Commando Grip, Recoil Springs, and Vertical Foregrip. For better accuracy, equip the Accu-Spot Reflex optic from AK-74, which will at least make aiming more convenient. Since it doesn’t have many bullets, you can equip any desired magazine.
For perks, make sure to equip blue perks like Ghost, Forward Intel, and Cold Blooded for radar and anti-detection. With these, Recon will be available, giving you wallhacks upon spawning for a short time and notifying you via HUD if enemies are out of your line of sight but can see you.
Best Black Ops 6 SMGs meta loadouts
Jackal PDW loadout: the top-tier SMG

The Jackal PDW is a top-tier SMG in Black Ops 6, excelling in close to medium-range combat. For an optimal loadout, start with the Long Barrel to boost damage range and reduce time-to-kill. The Suppressor helps maintain stealth by keeping you off the mini-map, while the Ranger Foregrip provides horizontal recoil control and enhances sprinting movement speed, perfect for aggressive playstyles.
For added stability and ammo capacity, equip the Extended Mag 2 for 50 rounds, ensuring you stay in the fight longer. The Ergonomic Grip improves aim-down-sight speed and movement while firing, giving you an advantage in close-quarter battles. Additionally, the Balanced Stock increases mobility, improving strafing speed and overall movement.
To improve aiming stability, use the Target Laser to reduce aim idle sway and boost aim walking steadiness. Lastly, the Recoil Springs fire mod will ensure better recoil control, making the Jackal more accurate in prolonged engagements.
For a more minimalist setup, swap out the Recoil Springs, Target Laser, and Extended Mag 2, and replace the Suppressor with the Ported Compensator for better first-shot recoil control. This setup balances recoil control and mobility while allowing for more perks and streaks, making the Jackal PDW versatile in any combat scenario.
Saug loadouts: Run’n Gun choice

Many of you probably love running around the map recklessly, annihilating opponents before they even see you. You can easily achieve this with the Saug, an incredibly satisfying weapon that can effortlessly eliminate any target with outstanding accuracy and large magazine at default. It could be said that this is currently almost the best Black Ops 6 gun in Season 1, although it performs well only at close and sometimes medium ranges.
For the ideal loadout, you’ll need to equip attachments that reduce recoil, make the weapon more stable, and slightly improve its range. Once you’ve upgraded the Saug enough, confidently equip the Compensator muzzle and Vertical Foregrip underbarrel for vertical and horizontal recoil control, Long Barrel for increased damage range, Flip Magazine to speed up reload times, and CQB Grip to enhance firing speed while sliding, diving, or sprinting. If you want even more attachments, pick Recoil Springs with Combat Stock to further improve recoil control, flinch resistance, and aim-walking speed.
One of the best Black Ops 6 weapon recommendations for the Saug could be the Akimbo Stock, which gives you a second weapon in your hands. While this makes the guns much harder to control, it offers excellent TTK (time to kill). This stock is incredibly fun to use on Face Off maps, where crowds of enemies can rush you. With these SMGs, you can equip Steady Aim Laser, Rapid Fire, Long Barrel, and CQB Grip attachments to maximize your movement speed, fire rate, and hip-fire usability.
KSV loadout: The classic SMG option

KSV is an excellent starting weapon and a must-have choice for new players to understand how CoD can be a wild movement shooter. In short, one of the best Black Ops 6 guns offers two gameplay styles: fast, aggressive movement across the map or controlled destruction depending on attachments. So, let’s start with choosing everything you need to get for one of the best BO6 weapons meta can offer.
For perks, use red ones like Assassin, Dexterity, and Double Time to unlock the Enforcer perk. With this, your rampage will be unstoppable, increasing speed and enhancing health regeneration after defeating enemies. This setup ensures you’ll have one of the best SMGs in the Black Ops 6 meta.
For the first option, equip CQB Grip, Ranger Foregrip, and Ported Compensator. If you enjoy this weapon and it becomes one of your favorites, level it up to 41 to unlock the Short Barrel and Balanced Stock! If you want the second option, change to Long Barrel, Ergonomic Grip, Infiltrator Stock, Vertical Foregrip, and Recoil Springs. You may also equip a Ported Compensator and Extended Mag, but it is up to you.
Best Black Ops 6 Marksmen Rifles meta loadouts
EK-973 loadout: Burst annihilator rifle

Many players underestimate Marksman Rifles, but these guns offer an ideal balance of TTK with excellent range. The best representative of these weapons in Black Ops 6 multiplayer is currently the AEK-973, which can easily take down opponents with a single burst at close or medium range. Even after the nerf, it is still really effective at eliminating players in a second.
We recommend equipping it with a Vertical Foregrip underbarrel, Suppressor muzzle, Quickdraw Grip, and Long Barrel in the first ten levels. These attachments for one of the best BO6 weapons will improve stability and recoil control, conceal your shots from the mini-map of other players, and enhance damage range with ADS speed. You can also equip an optic, but at level 42, it’s better to switch to the Rapid Fire mod to increase the AEK-973 fire rate. If you’re using eight attachments, add Combat Stock to improve flinch resistance and movement speed while aiming, along with Extended Mag I to increase the magazine capacity to 45 bullets.
If you want suitable perks, we recommend Ghost, Tracker, and Cold-Blooded for complete stealth mode with various bonuses to help track enemies more easily. Of course, the Recon Specialty will be very helpful, as it lets you see enemies after respawning and alerts you on the HUD when enemies outside your sightline can see you. With these perks, any player with these Black Ops 6 meta weapons can become powerful for your victory!
Best Black Ops 6 Sniper Rifles meta loadouts
AMR Mod 4 loadout: One-shot monster

The AMR Mod 4 sniper rifle in Black Ops 6 is a powerful choice for long-range combat, capable of delivering consistent one-shot kills. To optimize its performance, start by using the default scope to ensure a clear view for sniping. For the muzzle, you have two options: the Suppressor if you want to stay off the mini-map and reposition without being detected or the Muzzle Brake for quick scoping, offering improved first-shot recoil control and faster kick reset.
For the magazine, choose between the Extended Mag I for 8 rounds, allowing for multiple kills without reloading, or the Fast Mag I for quicker reload times and better aim-down-sight and sprint-to-fire speeds—ideal for aggressive sniping. The Quick Draw Grip is a must-have to boost aim-down-sight speed, crucial for both quick scoping and regular engagements. To counter-flinch and maintain accuracy under fire, equip the Heavy Riser for improved flinch resistance.
For recoil control, the Recoil Springs fire mod is highly recommended. This attachment will improve both vertical and horizontal recoil control, making the rifle more manageable for long-range shots and quick scopes. This loadout strikes a balance between fast ADS, recoil control, and maximizing one-shot kill potential, making it perfect for those who want to dominate with the AMR Mod 4.t role here because Recon specialty will help you take down enemies from the spawn right away.
Best Black Ops 6 LMGs meta loadouts
XMG loadout: Become Rambo in any match

So, you’re a fan of Light Machine Guns? Huh, that’s quite a unique choice, but we’re respecting it because LMGs right now are in a good spot. Especially if you’re going with XMG, which has lots of potential in good hands.
So, if you want to have great TTK on this thing, you should get Vertical Foregrip, Quickdraw Grip, Gain-Twist Barrel, and Infiltrator Stock to improve recoil control, bullet velocity, ADS movement speed. On level 33, you might like to get Recoil Springs for even more recoil control, though the Compensator muzzle could be a good pick, too. The choice of perks is entirely up to you, but green ones with Flat Jacket, Dispatcher, Gearhead, and Strategist Specialty could be especially great on XMG for farming scorestreaks.
Best Black Ops 6 Shotguns meta loadouts
Maelstrom loadout: The Auto-Shotgun menace

The Maelstrom shotgun in Black Ops 6 is a unique full-auto weapon with a strong potential when paired with the right attachments. To maximize its effectiveness, start with the Long Barrel to increase its effective damage range by about 2 meters, improving its performance at mid-range. Pair this with the Rapid Fire fire mod, which increases the rate of fire by 5%, allowing you to quickly follow up with additional shots after the first, improving your overall consistency, especially when you need to get multiple shots off in rapid succession.
For the muzzle, use the Modified Choke to tighten the pellet spread, ensuring that more pellets hit the target, increasing your chances of a one-shot kill. This is crucial for maximizing the weapon’s damage output. The CQB Grip is essential for improving sprint-to-fire, slide-to-fire, and dive-to-fire speeds, making it easier to react quickly when engaging enemies up close. Since the Maelstrom is best used for hipfire, this grip is particularly helpful.
The Extended Mag II is a must-have, as it boosts the magazine capacity, ensuring you don’t run out of ammo too quickly in intense close-quarters combat. For an even more refined build, an Eight-Attachment Setup could include the Ranger Foregrip to reduce recoil and improve mobility, especially when moving quickly toward enemies. The Steady Aim Laser can also help tighten your hipfire spread, allowing for more precise shots, and the Light Stock increases your hipfire movement speed, giving you the agility to move quickly while still being effective at close range.
With this setup, the Maelstrom shotgun becomes a powerful, fast, and consistent weapon for aggressive players, with improved mobility and range to dominate close-quarter encounters.
Marine SP loadout: Close-range gambling winner

A single shot can sometimes turn the game’s tide on strike maps. That’s particularly true on maps like Stakeout or Pit, where the Marine SP is a must-pick and could even be considered one of the best guns in Black Ops 6 for some players! Even after the nerf, this weapon remains powerful at close range, making it easy way for eliminating enemies. The shotgun has a high probability of one-shotting an enemy, and with good aim, the chance is nearly 90%. Overall, it’s an incredibly fun gun to use, letting you quickly take down opponents.
Start by equipping the Long Barrel for improved range and ammo capacity and Rapid Fire to maximize the rate of fire on the Marine SP early on. Later, you can experiment with the Combat Stock, Steady Aim Laser, and Full Choke to enhance hip-fire performance and make the gameplay even more enjoyable. In terms of perks for one of the Black Ops 6 top guns, go all-in on red options (Assassin, Gun HQ, Double Time) to unlock Enforcer and become truly unstoppable!
Best Black Ops 6 Special Weapons meta loadouts
Sirin 9mm loadout: The great alternative to SMGs

The Sirin 9mm in Black Ops 6 is a strong, versatile weapon that can compete with any of the SMGs in the game. To make the most of this weapon, start with the Suppressor as your muzzle. This not only keeps you off the radar but also provides first-shot recoil control, making your initial shot more accurate and helping you get off on the right foot when engaging enemies.
For the barrel, equip the Long Barrel, which offers a significant increase in damage range, allowing you to outgun other SMGs at a longer distance and kill faster. This will help ensure that you’re always in control, even in mid-range fights.
The Vertical Foregrip is a must-have underbarrel attachment. It provides both horizontal and vertical recoil control, significantly improving your accuracy while shooting. Additionally, it boosts aim-down-sight speed and movement speed, making it one of the most well-rounded attachments for mobility and handling. This combination of recoil control and movement speed is crucial for maintaining agility in combat while keeping your shots on target.
Finally, for the magazine, opt for the Extended Mag 1, which increases the magazine capacity to 40 rounds. This ensures you have enough ammo to take down multiple enemies without needing to reload too frequently, making it ideal for fast-paced gameplay. While the optic is optional, the iron sights are clean and effective, so you can skip the optic if you prefer a more streamlined look. This setup makes the Siren 9mm a formidable weapon in close to mid-range combat, providing great accuracy, mobility, and ammo capacity.
Best Black Ops 6 Secondary Weapons meta loadouts
Grekhova loadout: Best secondary weapon in Black Ops 6

Surprisingly for many, it may come as a revelation that one of the best weapons in BO6 Season 1 are Pistols, specifically the Grekhova. This Pistol is incredibly powerful in its base form, and with upgrades, it can have one of the highest TTKs in the game.
We recommend leveling up this gun to the maximum, specifically to level 32, to unlock the Akimbo Stock, which gives you a second pistol for your other hand. This allows you to roam the map and take down waves of enemies from the hip in seconds, leaving them no chance to respond. Additionally, make sure to equip the Muzzle Brake, Steady Aim Laser, CQB Grip, and Recoil Springs for maximum comfort and weapon control. As for perks, as usual, go full red and enjoy the chaos you’ll unleash on the enemy team.
Final words on BO6 meta weapons
There you have it! Now you know how to dominate with this Black Ops 6 weapons guide in the current season. If you want to ask us some questions about the weapons, go ahead in the comments below. We also recommend trying Black Ops 6 services to upgrade all these guns much faster or even get a unique Mastery Camo without grinding for hours!
Thanks for reading! Owl is flying away. (Updated by Faunatic)
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