Black Ops 6 Season 3 Meta Weapons Top Guns Loadouts Guide

Lock and load for Season 3-Black Ops 6’s weapon meta has shifted, but a handful of guns still dominate the battlefield. Whether you’re a run-and-gun SMG fan or prefer the precision of an assault rifle, the likes of the Jackal PDW, XM4, and Tanto .22 are shredding lobbies across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. Discover which firepower deserves a spot in your loadout and why these picks are defining the fight in the latest season.

However, each of these top ten guns does have its own strengths and weaknesses, and we’ve tested each and every gun in the game to discover what the best loadouts are. From assault rifles and SMGs to shotguns and sniper rifles, not all of them feature here, but we’ve put them through their paces to identify the very best. If you’ve played a Call of Duty game before, some of these will feel very familiar because, as usual, plenty of these guns are almost identical to prior inclusions, albeit with a different name.

Here’s our ranking of the top ten best guns in the Black Ops 6 meta in Season 3.

Black Ops 6 best guns in the Season 3 meta

Season 3 of Black Ops 6 has brought significant shifts to the weapon meta, with several standout guns dominating both casual and ranked play. The XM4 continues to shine as the most versatile and reliable assault rifle, thanks to its low recoil, fast time-to-kill, and adaptability across different playstyles and maps. For players who favor aggressive, close-quarters engagements, SMGs like the Ladra, KSV, C9, and Jackal PDW are top picks, offering high fire rates and easy handling that excel in tight spaces. Other meta-defining assault rifles include the CR-56 AMAX, KRIG C, and Kilo 141, all of which provide excellent performance for mid-to-long-range combat. Rounding out the list, the SVD stands out as the go-to sniper for those seeking high damage at range. Staying current with balance updates and adjusting your loadouts around these weapons is key to maintaining a competitive edge in Season 3.

The best guns in Black Ops 6 right now are:

1. Krig C (assault rifle)
2. XM4 (assault rifle)
3. Kilo 141 (assault rifle)
4. KSV (SMG)
5. CR-56 AMAX (assault rifle)
6. AS VAL (assault rifle)
7. Jackal PDW (SMG)
8. PPSh-41 (SMG)
9. Cypher 091 (assault rifle)
10. AEK-973 (marksman rifle)

While the assault rifle meta is still alive and kicking, there’s been a fair amount of shuffling with the specific guns featured. The Krig C and the XM4 still take the top two spots, but they’re followed up with three all-new entries to the list. The Kilo 141, obtainable by simply booting up Warzone now Verdansk has returned, enters the fray in the final podium spot.

This is followed by the KSV, a launch weapon that has had a surge in performance and can now be considered the best SMG in the game, and the CR-56 AMAX, another brand new Season 3 addition. The bottom half of the list doesn’t feature any new additions, but the order has seen some changes, with the AS VAL dropping down to sixth place.

The Jackal PDW is still a solid SMG in the seventh spot, followed by the PPSh-41. Rounding out the list is the Cypher 091, Season 2’s third-placed best gun, and the only marksman rifle in the list, the AEK-973. This means both the LW3A1 sniper rifle and the Saug SMG have dropped out of the top ten. (Press F to pay respects.)

Here’s some more info on each of the ten best guns in Black Ops 6:

1. Krig C (assault rifle)

The Krig C stands out as one of the top assault rifles in Black Ops 6 Season 3, offering a reliable blend of high damage, low recoil, and consistent performance across all ranges. Its fully automatic fire and manageable recoil pattern make it accessible for players of all skill levels, while its four-shot kill potential to the body ensures a fast time-to-kill for an AR. The Krig C is especially effective at mid-range, where its accuracy and bullet velocity shine, and with the right attachments-such as a Ported Compensator, Reinforced Barrel, and Vertical Foregrip-it becomes even easier to control. Unlocked early in the Battle Pass, the Krig C is a versatile choice that can adapt to most playstyles, making it a must-try weapon for anyone looking to dominate in the current meta.

Choosing between the Krig C and the XM4 is mostly down to personal preference because they both fill the same role, but the Krig C is the new kid on the block, why not take it for a spin? This is a gun that can perform in every situation, so the best Krig C loadout focuses on that. Now that Season 2 has finished, you can unlock the Krig C via the armory.

You’ll want to try and manage the recoil with attachments such as the Ported Compensator, Vertical Foregrip, and Recoil Springs, as all of these contribute to the accuracy. Stick on a Long Barrel for the extra damage range and voila! You’ll have a laser beam that will decimate enemies at range.

2. XM4 (assault rifle)

The XM4 assault rifle remains a top choice in Black Ops 6 Season 3 due to its excellent balance of accuracy, fire rate, and damage. It excels in medium-range engagements, making it versatile for various playstyles. With the right attachments, the XM4 can dominate both aggressive pushes and defensive holds, proving its reliability across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms.

When it comes to jack-of-all-trades, you can’t look further than the XM4. We have the best XM4 loadout covered in a separate guide, but what you’re getting with this gun is your bog-standard assault rifle that can do everything. Fighting through hallways and tight corners? Posted up behind cover? Running and gunning? The XM4 is your weapon, especially when you factor in that it unlocks at level four, making it the perfect choice for new players.

It doesn’t truly excel at any one thing, but what that means is you will want to kit it out to deal with any situation. A decent optical sight is a necessity, then we’d recommend going for attachments that improve the damage, range, and recoil control. A foregrip is essential, as is the Long or Reinforced Barrel when you unlock them.

3. Kilo 141 (assault rifle)

The Kilo 141 assault rifle returns in Black Ops 6 Season 3 as a versatile and reliable weapon, favored for its balance across close, medium, and long-range engagements. Known for its manageable recoil and high accuracy, it excels when equipped with attachments like the Pinpoint Holoscout optic, Compensator muzzle, Long Barrel, and Vertical Foregrip, which together enhance control and damage range. The Kilo 141’s moderate fire rate can be boosted with Rapid Fire to improve time-to-kill, making it competitive with other assault rifles. It is unlocked simply by logging into Warzone post-Season 3 update, making it readily accessible to players. This weapon is ideal for those seeking a dependable, all-around assault rifle with a nostalgic edge from its Warzone legacy.

The Kilo 141 initially debuted in Modern Warfare and Warzone. Much like the top two guns on this list, it’s another fully automatic assault rifle, albeit with a slightly faster fire rate but more recoil to compensate. To unlock the Kilo 141, you just have to install and load up Warzone, as the gun has returned alongside the original Verdansk map.

Our best Kilo 141 loadout in Black Ops 6 utilizes Gunfighter to permit eight attachments, turning it into an absolute machine. The goal is to minimize the recoil and allow it to shred at range, because there are enough guns in the game already to handle combat at close range. A reliable optical sight alongside attachments such as the Compensator, Long Barrel, and Vertical Foregrip are essential.

4. KSV (SMG)

The KSV stands out as one of the top SMGs in Black Ops 6, excelling in close-quarters combat thanks to its rapid fire rate of 800 rounds per minute-the highest among its SMG peers. With a base magazine size of 30 rounds and the ability to four-shot kill to the body, the KSV is forgiving for players who may not always land headshots, as its headshot multiplier is minimal. While it performs well straight out of the box, the KSV truly shines when equipped with the right attachments to address its main drawback: limited damage range. Recommended builds often focus on boosting accuracy, handling, and extending effective range, typically using attachments like the Long Barrel, Precision or Vertical Foregrip, Extended or Flip Mag, and ergonomic grips. These setups minimize recoil and maximize mobility, making the KSV a lethal choice for aggressive, fast-paced playstyles and a staple for mastering Black Ops 6’s Omnimovement system.

The first SMG in the list, the KSV is somewhat of a late bloomer in Black Ops 6. In the current meta, this is the best performing gun at close range as it has a lot of recoil, but it deals very impressive damage with a high fire rate to compensate. You can unlock the KSV at level 7 in Black Ops 6, making it another solid option for players new to the game.

When building the KSV, since it already has excellent damage, you want to equip attachments like the Compensator and Long Barrel to enhance its accuracy. You’re not losing any handling capabilities by doing this, you’re simply enabling the gun to compete at both short and mid-range.

5. CR-56 AMAX (assault rifle)

The CR-56 AMAX returns in Black Ops 6 Season 3 as a formidable assault rifle, renowned for its high damage output and versatility in mid-range combat. This lightweight, full-auto weapon can eliminate enemies in just three to four shots within 25 meters, making it exceptionally lethal in typical multiplayer scenarios. Its fast fire rate and solid handling allow for quick takedowns, while a variety of attachment options-such as recoil-reducing grips and barrels that extend damage range-help mitigate its notable visual recoil and relatively slow bullet velocity compared to other assault rifles. While the AMAX excels at dropping targets quickly, especially when fully kitted out with up to eight attachments using the Gunfighter perk, it can struggle at longer ranges due to its kick and bullet speed. Nevertheless, its adaptability and raw stopping power make it a top-tier choice for players seeking a reliable and hard-hitting AR in both multiplayer and Zombies modes this season.

The other brand-new gun in Season 3 makes its way onto the list too, as the CR-56 AMAX is another assault rifle worthy of your time. It’s slightly more difficult to unlock compared to the Kilo 141 as you need to complete page six of the Season 3 battle pass, or if you’re reading this after the season has finished, you’ll need to unlock it via the armory.

Again, this is a gun that excels at being an all-rounder, but our recommended CR-56 AMAX loadout is actually a little unorthodox. It fits a much different playstyle as we opt for the M-67 10-R Mags, which mean each shot deals considerably more damage, but you’re limited to ten bullets per magazine and it can only be used in semi-auto mode. You’ll need to adopt a slower style of play, but when you have so many other guns filling that jack-of-all-trades role, why not switch it up for this gun since the option is here?

6. AS VAL (assault rifle)

The AS VAL assault rifle in Black Ops 6 is a standout weapon known for its integrated suppressor, high rate of fire, and fast time-to-kill, making it ideal for close to medium-range combat. It comes with a built-in silencer, freeing up an attachment slot and allowing for a versatile loadout focused on recoil control and damage range. Despite its limited 20-round magazine, this can be mitigated with extended magazines. The AS VAL excels with a tactical, stealthy playstyle, favoring pre-aiming and cover usage rather than aggressive rushing. Recommended attachments include the Accu-Spot Ultra Holo optic, Suppressed Reinforced Barrel, Vertical Foregrip, Extended Mag II, and Recoil Springs to enhance range, recoil management, and magazine capacity. It pairs well with perks like Ghost and Tracker and is especially effective in modes like Search & Destroy. Overall, the AS VAL is a powerful, stealthy choice for players who prefer precision and mobility over raw aggression.

The AS VAL is an interesting assault rifle because it has a built-in suppressor by default. This makes it perfect for those of you who like to keep a low profile when playing, but it also excels in Search & Destroy, as opposed to respawn modes, thanks to how slow the pace is. It’s a solid assault rifle choice though thanks to how much damage it puts out. You don’t unlock it until level 55, though, so it’s a bit of a grind.

That said, you don’t want to be running and gunning with this gun. You should be playing slowly and methodically, aiming around each corner and using cover. The goal should be to compete at mid-long range with it, so pick attachments that contribute towards that such as the Reinforced Barrel, Vertical Foregrip, and Recoil Springs. We’d also strongly suggest picking an Extended Mag; without it, the AS VAL only has 20 bullets per magazine.

You can read more about our picks in our best AS VAL loadout guide.

7. Jackal PDW (SMG)

The Jackal PDW stands out as one of the best SMGs in Black Ops 6 Season 3, renowned for its exceptional mobility and rapid fire rate that make it a top choice for close-quarters combat. Unlockable at level 43, this weapon excels when equipped with attachments that enhance speed, recoil control, and damage range, such as the Compensator, Long Barrel, Ranger Foregrip, Commando Grip, and Balanced Stock. Its synergy with perks like Assassin, Dexterity, and Double Time, combined with tactical gear like Stim Shot and Semtex, further amplifies its effectiveness on the battlefield. The Jackal PDW’s ability to maintain accuracy with minimal recoil and capitalize on the game’s Omnimovement system ensures it remains a formidable option for aggressive, fast-paced playstyles in Season 3.

While the Jackal PDW has been nerfed slightly since its domination during the first weekend of the Black Ops 6 beta, it’s still the second strongest SMG in the game overall.

Our best Jackal PDW loadout is the build you want to use with this fast-firing SMG, because it will shred your enemies to pieces up close, and if you utilize the attachments we recommend, you’ll be running and gunning without aiming down the sights whatsoever. However, it isn’t unlocked until level 43, so you’ll need to wait a little while before kitting it out.

For the most part, you want to use a laser (the Steady Aim Laser or Fast Motion Laser will do the job) alongside the CQB Grip and No Stock. This will make the Jackal PDW an absolute machine up close. For the final two attachments, we’d recommend one of the two Fast Mags, the Ranger Foregrip, the Short Barrel if you’ve leveled the gun up high enough, or the Suppressor.

8. PPSh-41 (SMG)

The PPSh-41 is a rapid-firing submachine gun making a powerful comeback in Black Ops 6 Season 3. Known for its blistering rate of fire and excellent mobility, it excels in close-quarters combat but suffers from significant recoil, making it less effective at long range. To maximize its potential, players should focus on builds that reduce recoil and enhance handling, such as using attachments like compensator, reinforced barrel, vertical foregrip, extended magazine, and quickdraw stock. The PPSh-41 is unlocked by completing Page 6 of the Season 2 battle pass, and pairing it with an aggressive playstyle involving sprinting, sliding, and diving will help dominate close-range encounters effectively.

Another Season 2 gun that finds its way onto our list of the best guns in Black Ops 6 is the PPSh-41, a familiar face for anyone who has played any of the World War II-set Call of Duty games. It’s an absolute machine up close, but it does have a lot of recoil, so our guide to the best PPSh-41 loadout in Black Ops 6 takes advantage of that, maximizing your mobility options.

Since Season 2 has come to a close now, you can unlock the PPSh-41 via the armory. When you’ve got your hands on it, you should kit it out with attachments that enhance its mobility and firepower, such as the Short Barrel, Light Stock, and Strelok Laser. While you may be tempted to kit it out for mid-range engagements, we don’t recommend it because it shines when you lean into the up close and personal nature of it.

9. Cypher 091 (assault rifle)

The Cypher 091 is a fully automatic assault rifle in Black Ops 6 known for its excellent handling and minimal recoil, making it a highly accurate and easy-to-use weapon. Despite its slower rate of fire, it excels as a well-rounded choice suitable for close to long-range engagements. Optimal loadouts focus on enhancing recoil control and damage output, often including attachments like the Compensator for vertical recoil, Vertical Foregrip for horizontal recoil control, Long Barrel for increased damage range, and Rapid Fire to boost firing speed. The Cypher 091 is unlocked through the Season 2 battle pass and pairs well with a conventional class setup, making it a versatile and reliable option for players in Season 3.

The Cypher 091 is very similar to, uh, most of the other assault rifles in the game in that it can perform every job, but its major strength lies in its lack of recoil. Our guide to the best Cypher 091 loadout covers exactly how you should build this Season 2 assault rifle.

Thankfully, the iron sights on the Cypher 091 are pretty decent so you don’t need to opt for an optical sight, and when you pair that with the fact you only need a touch more recoil management, buff the damage range, then you can whack on the Rapid Fire mod to absolutely shred through foes with ease. You’ll need to acquire this one from the armory, though.

10. AEK-973 (marksman rifle)

The AEK-973 is a standout marksman rifle in Black Ops 6 Season 3, known for its three-round burst fire that combines precision with a fast rate of fire within each burst. It excels at taking down enemies with a single well-placed burst at most combat ranges, making it a powerful choice for both aggressive and strategic playstyles. The weapon features great stability, manageable recoil, and solid mobility, allowing players to lock down lanes or push objectives effectively. Unlocking at level 34, the AEK-973 benefits greatly from customizable attachments that enhance its accuracy, recoil control, and handling, making it a versatile and formidable marksman rifle in the current meta.

Unlocked at level 34, the AEK-973 can tear through enemies with one burst if you’re lucky, and reliably with two. You need to be able to land your shots, so focus on managing the recoil, but once you do, the AEK-973 is perfect for playing slowly, tactically, and making your way around the map methodically.

We’d recommend the Ported Compensator and Reinforced Barrel attachments to assist with taking enemies out at range, along with the Vertical Foregrip to manage the horizontal recoil. The Commando Grip, on the other hand, buffs the aim down sight and sprint to fire speed so you have a little more mobility. An optical sight is necessary due to the poor iron sights on the gun, but the one you go for is personal preference – we like the Accu-Spot Ultra Holo due to the 3x zoom and unobstructed view.

Other loadouts we can recommend are the AMES 85 and the AK-74, plus it’s worth an honorable mention for our best C9 loadout suggestion. The MP5-inspired SMG isn’t worthy of inclusion on this list, but it is still very strong with the right attachments, and deserves your time once you’ve exhausted the KSV.

Which Black Ops 6 guns dominate the Season 3 meta across platforms

Black Ops 6: Guns Dominating the Season 3 Meta

Assault Rifles

• XM4: Universally regarded as the most well-rounded and reliable weapon, the XM4 stands out for its low recoil, fast time-to-kill, and adaptability across all ranges and playstyles.

• CR-56 AMAX and Kilo 141: Both are top-tier ARs, with the CR-56 AMAX praised for its power and the Kilo 141 for its versatility, especially following their introduction in Season 3.

• AMES 85 and KRIG C: These assault rifles are also highly competitive, frequently appearing in meta loadouts.

Submachine Guns (SMGs)

• Jackal PDW: Remains a dominant force in close-quarters combat, boasting high fire rate and easy handling.

• KSV, Ladra, and C9: These SMGs are tearing through short-range fights, with the Ladra especially noted for its rapid fire and low recoil, making it a favorite for aggressive players.

• Tanto .22: While slower-firing, it compensates with high damage output and is a strong pick for medium-range skirmishes.

Marksman and Sniper Rifles

• SWAT 5.56: Functions as a long-range AR with excellent precision, making it a go-to for players favoring accuracy.

• SVD: The meta sniper for Season 3, known for its high damage and reliability in skilled hands.

• LW3A1 Frostline: Offers great mobility for dynamic sniping, ideal for the fast pace of Black Ops 6.

Other Standouts

• Marine SP (Shotgun): The top shotgun choice, excelling with one-shot kill potential.

• XMG (LMG): While less mobile, its suppressive fire, minimal recoil, and high damage make it a formidable pick for holding positions.

Summary Table: Top Meta Guns in Black Ops 6 Season 3

These weapons are consistently seen in both casual and ranked matches across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox, reflecting their dominance in the current Black Ops 6 meta.

Why do the XM4 and Jackal PDW lead the Season 3 meta across platforms

The XM4 and Jackal PDW lead the Season 3 meta across platforms due to their exceptional versatility, ease of use, and adaptability to various playstyles and scenarios.

XM4

• The XM4 is favored for its high bullet velocity, which allows projectiles to reach targets quickly and reduces the need to lead shots at longer ranges, making it highly effective across all engagement distances.

• Its low recoil and fast time-to-kill make it accessible for players of all skill levels, while attachment options further enhance its recoil control and magazine capacity, allowing for sustained firefights and multi-target engagements.

• Even after multiple balance adjustments, the XM4 remains a top-tier choice due to its reliable performance and adaptability in both casual and competitive matches.

Jackal PDW

• The Jackal PDW dominates close-quarters combat thanks to its high rate of fire and superior mobility, which are further amplified by the right attachments and perks.

• Recommended builds focus on maximizing movement speed, sprint-to-fire speed, and recoil control, allowing players to outmaneuver opponents and maintain accuracy during rapid engagements.

• Its effectiveness is not limited to small maps; with the right setup, the Jackal PDW can also perform at mid-range, making it a flexible option for aggressive players.

• Despite receiving balance changes, the Jackal PDW continues to be a meta pick due to its raw speed and killing power, especially when paired with perks that boost survivability and mobility.

In summary, the XM4 leads the meta for its all-around reliability and adaptability, while the Jackal PDW excels in speed and close-range dominance-traits that are highly valued in the fast-paced environment of Black Ops 6 Season 3.