Black Ops 6 meta: Best guns & loadouts tier list

Wondering what’s dominating the Black Ops 6 meta right now? You’re not alone. Jump into any match and you’ll quickly spot the usual suspects – those guns that seem to outshoot everything else on the field. Some have been buffed recently, others just pair too well with current perks and attachments to ignore.

We’ve put together a full Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 tier list to make sense of it all. This guide breaks down the strongest weapons in the game right now, highlights what makes them tick, and gives you some loadout tips to get the most out of them. 

Not every gun in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 performs the same, and that’s where a tier list comes in. A COD guns tier list helps players figure out which weapons are worth using based on how they perform in real matches.

Weapons are ranked using a few key things: how often they’re picked, how fast they kill (TTK), how flexible they are in different situations, and how well they work with certain perks or attachments. 

Here’s a quick breakdown:

These are the top guns in the current Black Ops 6 meta. It doesn’t matter if you’re playing ranked or just hopping into casual lobbies, you’ll notice the same weapons showing up again and again, and for good reason.

The KSV, Ladra, C9, and Jackal PDW are tearing through close-quarters fights right now. 

The Ladra, especially, is making waves in the Black Ops 6 meta thanks to its insane fire rate and low recoil, making it a top-tier pick for aggressive players. The C9 also saw a buff recently, improving its range and making it even more viable in multiplayer.

ARs like the CR-56 AMAX, KRIG C, Kilo 141, AMES 85, AS VAL, MODEL L, and XM4 form the backbone of many Black Ops 6 meta loadouts. 

The XM4 in particular is one of the most well-rounded weapons right now – low recoil, fast TTK, and easy to customise. 

If you’re looking to build around it, this is the best XM4 loadout BO6 players should be running in Season 3: 

Altogether, it’s a deadly all-rounder that holds its own at medium range and won’t let you down in a close-quarters brawl.

The SWAT 5.56, while technically a marksman rifle, plays more like a long-range AR with precision accuracy. 

And if you’re after a high-damage sniper, the SVD has proven itself as a reliable one-shot option in skilled hands.

Not every top-tier setup needs to be built around the S-class picks. These A-tier weapons offer plenty of power, especially when paired with the right attachments or perks. 

In COD Black Ops 6, they’re often seen in flexible or experimental builds, and some of them even flirt with S-tier status in the right hands.

The PPSh-41, SAUG, PP-919, Kompakt 92, and TANTO .22 are all viable in close-range fights. The PPSh stands out with its fire rate, while the TANTO .22 trades speed for solid range.

The Cypher 091, AK-74, GPR 91, and Goblin MK2 won’t outclass S-tier rifles, but they offer good balance. The Goblin MK2’s explosive rounds in multiplayer make it especially fun to experiment with.

The AEK-973, DM-10, and TR2 cater to players who prefer precision and timing over spray-and-pray tactics. These shine in mid-range fights when paired with stability perks.

The ASG-89, Maelstrom, and Marine SP are built for players who like to play up close. The Marine SP, in particular, is deadly in Domination and Hardpoint modes.

The AMR MOD 4, HDR, LR 7.62, and LW3A1 Frostline all pack a punch at long range. The Frostline even adds a visual edge with its unique styling.

LMGs like the Feng 82 and XMG aren’t the fastest, but they can lock down lanes and hold objectives when paired with the right loadout.

These weapons aren’t topping the charts, but they can still do the job in the right setups, especially if you enjoy playing off-meta. 

In COD Black Ops 6, they’re usually picked for fun, niche strategies, or specific game modes. Some, like the PU-21 and GPMG-7, are worth keeping an eye on – future buffs could bump them up a tier.

The Nail Gun, D.13 Sector, and SIRIN 9mm are fun to use but often land in the “for memes” category. The Nail Gun, in particular, is great for close-range chaos, but not built for serious fights.

Pistols like the GREKHOVA, 9mm PM, STRYDER .22, and GS45 are rarely a primary choice, but they’re handy sidearms when you don’t want to run Overkill. The STRYDER’s fire rate makes it the most flexible of the bunch.

LMGs like the PU-21 and GPMG-7 can suppress lanes well, but feel sluggish in fast-paced lobbies. If they get a tuning pass soon, they might climb the COD guns tier list.

The TSARKOV 7.62 offers solid mid-range potential but lacks the stability of higher-tier marksman rifles.

If you’re into stealthy takedowns or just want to troll in close quarters, the Power Drill, Knife, and Kali Sticks all deliver. They’re risky but can be oddly satisfying to use, especially in chaotic modes.

These are the guns you only really see during challenge runs, meme loadouts, or when experimenting with weird setups. In most cases, they’re outclassed by higher-tier options in every category – damage, speed, reliability, or utility.

The Cigma 2B and HE-1 technically offer explosive power, but they’re clunky, slow, and rarely effective in actual fights. Unless you’re clearing out vehicles or trolling in objective modes, they’re not worth the slot.

The Cleaver and Baseball Bat are great for roleplaying a horror movie killer, but that’s about it. You’ll struggle to land consistent kills with either unless the enemy team is totally distracted or AFK.

These melee tools are the lowest of the low in the Black Ops 6 weapon pool. They’re flashy, fun, and sometimes hilarious, but they just don’t hold up in normal gameplay.

If you’re loading into a lobby with the Skateboard or Bo Staff equipped, you’re there to entertain, not to win. These weapons look cool and have great animations, but in fast-paced COD Black Ops 6 matches, you’ll almost always get outgunned before you close the gap.

That said, props to anyone brave enough to run these in Ranked.

Picking the right gun is a solid start, but the real game-changer is how you build around it. 

Below are a few go-to Black Ops 6 meta loadouts that fit different playstyles and match situations.

If you like getting up close and pushing hard, the Ladra SMG is the one to go for. It’s fast, easy to control, and melts at short range. 

This is the go-to Ladra setup for Season 3:

The XM4 is one of the most balanced weapons right now, strong at all ranges and easy to customise. It fits just about any loadout, which is why it’s a favourite in the current meta. 

Here’s the best XM4 loadout BO6 players can use:

This setup boosts recoil control, accuracy, and range – ideal for mid-range fights.

Need to hold angles or cover teammates? The SVD works well as a sniper support option. Here’s the ideal set-up: 

For players focused on control points, the Feng 82 LMG can help you lock things down. Get these attachments:

If you’re rushing objectives or clearing rooms, the Marine SP gets the job done. Here’s the Black Ops 6 multiplayer meta for this type of loadout: 

Extra tip: Set your aiming mode to Tactical Stance to get the most out of this close-quarters setup.

If you want to keep up in multiplayer, you need to stay on top of the latest Black Ops 6 meta loadouts. 

Things change quickly – one patch can make your favourite gun feel completely different. So, before you jump into Ranked or competitive matches, check the patch notes, because a quick look can save you from going in with a nerfed weapon.

It also helps to think about counters. SMGs like the Ladra are great for rushing enemies in tight spaces, while snipers like the SVD are ideal for maps with long lines of sight. Knowing when to switch things up based on the map or game mode can make a big difference.

And don’t worry if your favourite gun isn’t S-tier. A-tier or even B-tier weapons can still perform really well with the right attachments and perks, especially if they suit your playstyle.

Finally, make a habit of trying new setups after big updates. Testing fresh builds keeps your game feeling sharp and helps you find what works best in the new meta.

The Black Ops 6 meta is always shifting, but with the right loadout and a bit of patch awareness, you’ll stay one step ahead. Understanding what works right now in Call of Duty Black Ops 6 can make all the difference. 

Keep testing new setups, follow the buffs, and adapt your strategy to dominate every match.