Assault rifles have always had a place in the Call of Duty meta, and Black Ops 6 is no exception, where they are among the most versatile and powerful guns in the game.
However, they aren’t all built equally, with some dominating multiplayer and others being second-rate options you’ll want to avoid. Figuring out which is which can be tricky, especially with the buffs and nerfs in Season 2 shaking up the meta yet again. This update saw a new assault rifle added and others adjusted, leaving you with the task of figuring out what’s worth using.
Article continues after adTo make sure you use the right loadouts, we’ve broken down the best assault rifles in Black Ops 6, including attachments and a breakdown of where each of them ranks.
DexertoThe XM4 is currently the best assault rifle in Black Ops 6, with its unrivaled accuracy making it difficult to beat. It was always a low-recoil weapon, but the addition of the Buffer Weight Stock has made it easier to control than everything else. That’s remarkable given that its TTK of 300 ms is very competitive too, meaning it offers both accuracy and damage.
Article continues after adDue to this, the XM4 is the ultimate jack of all trades AR that will never let you down. It doesn’t matter if you’re up close on Babylon or keeping your distance on Red Card, this meta gun will always stand a fighting chance. This versatility makes it deserving of the top spot not only on this list, but also the entire Season 2 Reloaded meta.
DexertoThe Krig C is an incredible assault rifle that offers the perfect balance of accuracy, range, and damage. Equally, it has above-average hipfire accuracy and a recoil pattern that’s easy enough to control, making it a strong all-around option with very few weaknesses.
Best Black Ops 6 quickscoping loadout and class setup
Article continues after adHowever, it is no longer the best assault rifle in Black Ops 6, as a series of nerfs back in December increased its recoil a fair amount. It’s still by no means uncontrollable, especially with the Compensator equipped, but it’s also no longer as easy to use as the XM4. The slight edge it has in damage doesn’t make up for its inferior accuracy, placing this at number two.
Article continues after ad
DexertoIf accuracy is what you prioritize over everything else, the Model L is the gun for you. It’s tough to justify over the XM4, but there is a certain appeal to a gun that is this easy to use. In many ways, it’s reminiscent of the MCW from last year’s game, and that was one of the most popular weapons. The Model L isn’t quite as good, but it feels similar, and a lot of people will enjoy using it for that reason.
Article continues after adThis loadout makes the Model L’s recoil only climb vertically, so it becomes very easy to control. Even at long range, you shouldn’t miss shots, with the Vertical Foregrip and Recoil Springs making it laser accurate. Another bonus of using this build is that it’s so accurate that you don’t need a muzzle to further reduce recoil, so you’re free to use a Suppressor, keeping you hidden from the other team.
DexertoThe Goblin Mk2 is a divisive gun, with some players loving it and others hating it. The truth is that it is as good as you are, as its unbelievable TTK only matters if you are confident in your ability to hit shots with a semi-auto gun. For the average player, this might not be a great option, but its theoretical potential in the right hands beats out even the XM4 and Krig C.
Article continues after adOf course, that is all theoretical, and a lot of people will struggle to use it in practice. That’s especially true for controller players, with this particular gun being easier to use with a mouse. Regardless, the Goblin Mk2 deserves a spot in the top 5 simply because it can be incredibly powerful if you know what you are doing.
DexertoIn many ways, the AMES 85 is pretty similar to the XM4. Both are remarkably accurate, easy to use, and have such low recoil you can easily equip a Suppressor and still never miss a shot. However, the XM4 has a better TTK, less recoil, and better mobility, making it the all-around superior option.
Article continues after adDespite this, the AMES 85 is still competitive, and there’s really not much wrong with it. If you want a serviceable assault rifle that can control lobbies and win more gunfights than it loses, this is a perfectly solid choice. However, when compared to the XM4 and even the Model L, its lower damage makes it impossible to place any higher on this list.
Article continues after ad| RANK | GUN | TTK (MS) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | XM4 | 300 |
| 2 | Krig C | 297 |
| 3 | Model L | 300 |
| 4 | Goblin Mk2 | 260 |
| 5 | AMES 85 | 320 |
| 6 | AS VAL | 268 |
| 7 | AK-74 | 276 |
| 8 | Cypher 091 | 321 |
| 9 | GPR 91 | 336 |
ActivisionIn Season 2 Reloaded, the XM4is once again the best assault rifle in the meta. It’s just so easy to use while also dealing solid damage, and that’s a combo that’s hard to beat.
Article continues after adTo its credit, the Krig Cis a really good option too. It does have a slightly better TTK and faster handling, but the accuracy of the XM4 gives it the overall edge. It’s a similar case with theModel Land AMES 85, which are both great guns but are essentially just slightly worse versions of the XM4 at this point.
If there is one gun that genuinely beats the XM4, it’s theGoblin Mk2. The TTK potential of this semi-auto rifle is unmatched, making it an incredible option in the hands of a skilled player. However, it’s also harder to use than the other meta guns, so it certainly won’t be for everyone.
Article continues after adFor the rest of the options, both the AS VAL andAK-74hit hard but suffer in other key areas. They are certainly competitive but not well-rounded enough to be meta. Meanwhile, the Cypher 091and GPR 91are let down by their lackluster damage profiles that leave them outgunned more often than not.
For more options to use on your next loadout, check out the best SMGs, as well as our weapon tier list to find out where all of the guns rank. You’ll also want to make sure that you are using the best audio settings, best PC settings, and best controller settings to streamline your experience.
Article continues after ad