Black Ops 6 Weapon Tier List: The Best Guns for Dominating the Beta

Another year brings a new Call of Duty title, and this time it’s Black Ops 6 with Treyarch back in charge. Although the full release is still a while away, we've had a chance to dive into the game thanks to its early access beta.

Even though it's just a beta, a clear meta has emerged, with players gravitating towards certain weapons. The most popular guns usually combine high damage with ease of use, outshining less effective alternatives.

Using off-meta weapons can be enjoyable and has its place, but if you’re aiming to maximize your score and win as many matches as possible, sticking to the top-tier guns is crucial. Here’s our comprehensive tier list ranking every weapon in Black Ops 6 from best to worst.

Best Black Ops 6 Guns Ranked: Tier List

• S-Tier: Jackal PDW, Tanto .22, AMES 85
• A-Tier: C9, AK-74, LR 7.62, XMG
• B-Tier: XM4, SVD, DM-10
• C-Tier: Marine SP, SWAT 5.56

Explaining Our Rankings

• S-Tier: These are the absolute best guns in the game right now, leading the meta with unmatched performance.
• A-Tier: Strong contenders that excel in most maps and modes, but slightly fall short of the very top tier.
• B-Tier: Reliable weapons that are effective but don’t stand out as exceptional.
• C-Tier: Generally less effective and best avoided unless you're aiming to unlock camos or enjoy a challenge.

S-Tier Weapons & Optimal Loadouts

1. Jackal PDW

• Muzzle: Compensator
• Barrel: Long Barrel
• Magazine: Extended Mag I
• Rear Grip: CQB Grip
• Optic: Merlin Reflex

The Jackal PDW is the standout weapon of the beta, dominating across all skill levels and game modes. Its versatility allows it to excel both up close and at long range, even post-nerf. With attachments like the compensator, it’s incredibly effective, making it one of the most complete guns in Call of Duty history. For the best performance, check out our recommended Jackal PDW loadout.

2. Tanto .22

• Optic: Merlin Reflex
• Muzzle: Suppressor
• Barrel: Long Barrel
• Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
• Rear Grip: Quickdraw Grip

Introduced in Weekend 2, the Tanto .22 has quickly proven itself as one of the top guns in Black Ops 6. It combines high damage, range, and excellent recoil control. Although its slow fire rate can make it less effective at close range compared to the Jackal PDW, it’s still a formidable choice. Optimize its performance with our Tanto .22 loadout.

3. AMES 85

• Optic: Accu-Spot Reflex
• Muzzle: Ported Compensator
• Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
• Underbarrel: Ranger Foregrip
• Rear Grip: Quickdraw Grip

Unlocked at level 20, the AMES 85 is a top-tier assault rifle with exceptional accuracy. Its low recoil makes it ideal for precision shooting, similar to the MCW from Modern Warfare 3. Although it doesn’t have the quickest time to kill, its accuracy is a significant advantage. Enhance its effectiveness with our AMES 85 loadout.

A-Tier Weapons & Optimal Loadouts

1. C9

• Optic: Accu-Spot Reflex
• Muzzle: Ported Compensator
• Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
• Underbarrel: Ranger Foregrip
• Rear Grip: Quickdraw Grip

The C9, a modern take on the MP5, is an underrated SMG with the fastest time to kill in the beta. Its high damage and mobility make it perfect for close-quarters combat. While it’s slightly outclassed by the Jackal PDW in terms of range, it remains a strong option for aggressive players. Utilize our C9 loadout for the best close-range performance.

2. AK-74

• Optic: Volzhskiy Reflex
• Muzzle: Compensator
• Barrel: Long Barrel
• Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
• Rear Grip: Quickdraw Grip

The AK-74 is a powerful assault rifle with high recoil, suitable for skilled players who can manage its kick. It offers the fastest kill time among assault rifles but requires precise handling due to its recoil. For those who can master it, the AK-74 is an excellent weapon. Check out our recommended loadout for improved performance.

3. LR 7.62

• Barrel: Gain-Twist Barrel
• Underbarrel: Ranger Handguard
• Rear Grip: Quickdraw Grip
• Stock: Balanced Stock
• Fire Mods: Rapid Fire

Despite Black Ops 6's fast pace, the LR 7.62 sniper rifle holds its own with a forgiving one-shot kill capability. It excels on larger maps but struggles with slow handling on smaller maps. Our optimized loadout enhances its versatility, making it a formidable sniper choice.

4. XMG

• Optic: Kepler Microflex
• Muzzle: Ported Compensator
• Magazine: Fast Mag II
• Rear Grip: Quickdraw Grip
• Fire Mods: Rapid Fire

The XMG is a powerful LMG with high damage and low recoil, excellent for long-range engagements. Although its slow handling limits its close-range effectiveness, it remains a strong option for sustained fire. Use our XMG loadout to maximize its potential.

B-Tier Weapons & Optimal Loadouts

1. XM4

• Barrel: Long Barrel
• Magazine: Extended Mag I
• Rear Grip: Quickdraw Grip
• Fire Mods: Rapid Fire
• Optic: Otero Micro Dot

The XM4 is a reliable all-around assault rifle, though it doesn’t excel in any particular area. It’s a solid choice for players until they unlock more specialized weapons. Despite being outperformed by other top-tier options, it remains effective with the right loadout.

2. SVD

• Optic: Blandwell 7x Scope
• Magazine: Fast Mag I
• Comb: Quickdraw Riser
• Stock: Heavy Stock
• Fire Mods: Rapid Fire

The SVD is a decent sniper rifle with fast handling and good damage, but it requires precise aim to be effective. It’s not as forgiving as the LR 7.62 and can struggle against fast-moving targets. Still, it can be potent in the hands of skilled players with the best loadout.

3. DM-10

• Optic: Kepler Microflex
• Muzzle: Compensator
• Barrel: Long Barrel
• Rear Grip: Quickdraw Grip
• Stock: Heavy Stock

The DM-10 is a semi-auto marksman rifle that performs best with recoil control and rapid firing. Although not spectacular, it can be effective in the right scenarios. Its slower handling and lack of one-shot kills make it less competitive, but it can still be enjoyable with our recommended loadout.

C-Tier Weapons & Optimal Loadouts

1. Marine SP

• Muzzle: Modified Choke
• Barrel: Long Barrel
• Stock: Combat Stock
• Laser: Streklok Laser
• Fire Mods: Rapid Fire

Shotguns, like the Marine SP, seem underwhelming this year. Its inconsistent performance and slow fire rate make it less effective, even at close range. If you’re keen on using shotguns, our Marine SP loadout can help maximize its few strengths.

2. SWAT 5.56

• Muzzle: Compensator or Suppressor
• Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
• Rear Grip: Quickdraw Grip
• Fire Mods: Rapid Fire
• Optic: Redwell Reflex

The SWAT 5.56, the only burst gun in the beta, struggles to be competitive. Its long burst delay and difficulty in hitting all shots make it less effective. Despite its potential, it remains the weakest option. Use our SWAT 5.56 loadout if you’re determined to make it work.

That wraps up our tier list for Black Ops 6 weapons. To get the most out of your gameplay, consider fine-tuning your controller settings, optimizing your PC or console setup, and mastering game mechanics. Be sure to check out our guides on Tac Stance, body shields, and unlimited Tactical Sprint to enhance your performance.