Unlocking the AS VAL at level 55 in Black Ops 6 rewards you with a stealthy, high-fire-rate assault rifle that blends the best of SMG speed and AR power. Mastering its recoil and maximizing its built-in suppressor can turn this weapon into a game-changing tool for close to mid-range combat. Ready to dominate with the ultimate AS VAL loadout and class build? Here’s everything you need to know to stay off the radar and rack up kills like a pro.
The AS VAL’s biggest drawback is its magazine size, because it only has 20 bullets before you need to reload. However, if you dedicate one attachment slot to improving that aspect, you can focus the rest of the build on managing the recoil and buffing the damage range, because this is a gun you want to play fairly slowly with, and will undoubtedly be in our best guns list before too long. It goes toe-to-toe with both the XM4 and AMES 85, two assault rifles near the top of the list right now.
Here’s the best AS VAL loadout in Black Ops 6, the best class to use alongside it, and how to unlock the gun.
How to unlock the AS VAL in Black Ops 6
To unlock the AS VAL in Black Ops 6, players must reach level 55, which is the highest level before entering Prestige. This makes the AS VAL the final assault rifle unlocked through regular progression in the game. Unlike some other Call of Duty titles where weapons require completing specific challenges, the AS VAL is unlocked simply by leveling up your player rank to 55. Players aiming to access this powerful weapon should focus on earning XP through matches, challenges, and taking advantage of XP boosts to reach this level efficiently. Once unlocked, players can customize the AS VAL with attachments to suit their playstyle, but be aware that if you prestige, you will lose access to the weapon unless you use a permanent unlock token.
To unlock the AS VAL in Black Ops 6, you must reach level 55. That’s right: The AS VAL is the very final gun you’ll unlock before reaching prestige in Black Ops 6, so you’ve got something of a grind in front of you if you’ve solely got your sights set on using it. Of course, if you do decide to prestige, you’ll lose access to the AS VAL because hitting that rank resets all of your unlocks. So to keep using it, be prepared to sit at level 55 for a while.
Best AS VAL loadout in Black Ops 6
The best AS VAL loadout in Black Ops 6 focuses on maximizing the weapon’s built-in suppressor advantage while addressing its small magazine and recoil challenges. Key attachments include the Suppressed Reinforced Long Barrel to boost bullet velocity and damage range, the Extended Mag II for increased ammo capacity, Vertical Foregrip for recoil control, and Recoil Springs to improve stability. This setup enhances the AS VAL’s effectiveness in close to medium-range combat, making it a stealthy and powerful choice. Complement the weapon with perks like Ghost, Tracker, and Cold-Blooded, and equipment such as Flashbang and Frag grenades to create a versatile class build suited for cautious, tactical playstyles.
Here is the best AS VAL loadout in Black Ops 6:
- Optic: Accu-Spot Ultra Holo
- Barrel: Suppressed Reinforced Barrel
- Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
- Magazine: Extended Mag II
- Fire Mods: Recoil Springs
First and foremost, the AS VAL isn’t a gun you want to be running around and sliding all over the place with. It fires too slow for that sort of playstyle; instead, you’ll want to move tactically, pre-aiming round corners and using cover to your advantage. It’s a great gun for Search & Destroy for this reason, although it can still be used in respawn modes if needed.
The optical sight you choose is largely personal preference but we’ve found the Accu-Spot Ultra Holo to be the best, as it has more magnification than the red dot sights and you’ll be fighting mostly at mid-long range. Feel free to switch this out for something else, if you’d rather, however the rest of the attachments are more crucial.
All the barrel attachments here are suppressed thanks to the aforementioned in-built suppressor, and the Reinforced Barrel is by far the best choice as it buffs both the damage range and the bullet velocity. The latter isn’t as important in multiplayer as opposed to Warzone because the distances you’ll be fighting at aren’t long enough for it to make a big difference, but the bonus is still helpful. Then the Vertical Foregrip is a huge help for reducing the horizontal recoil, because while the AS VAL isn’t terrible for weapon control, it’s also not the best.
As mentioned, the AS VAL has an incredibly small magazine by default with only 20 bullets in, so we’d suggest equipping either the Extended Mag I or II. We’ve gone for the latter because the cons aren’t too severe if you’re playing slowly – debuffs to the reload, aim down sight, and sprint to fire speeds – but if you do find they hinder you too much, opt for the Extended Mag I. Finally, the Recoil Springs do what they say on the tin: buff the recoil control.
Best AS VAL class in Black Ops 6
The best AS VAL class in Black Ops 6 focuses on maximizing the weapon’s built-in suppressor and high fire rate for stealthy, aggressive play. Key attachments include Extended Mag I for better ammo capacity without sacrificing too much reload speed, and Recoil Springs to improve weapon stability and control. The recommended secondary is the Grekhova pistol, paired with a Knife for melee, Flashbang as tactical, and Frag for lethal equipment. Perks such as Ghost, Tracker, and Cold-Blooded enhance stealth and enemy tracking, while the Recon specialty and Perk Greed wildcard further boost tactical versatility. This setup emphasizes mobility, recoil control, and stealth, making the AS VAL highly effective in close to medium-range engagements and ideal for players who favor quick, silent kills.
Here is the best class to use with the AS VAL in Black Ops 6:
- Pistol: Grekhova
- Melee: Knife
- Tactical: Flashbang
- Lethal: Frag
- Field Upgrade: Spring Mine
- Perk 1: Ghost
- Perk 2: Tracker
- Perk 3: Cold-Blooded
- Specialty: Recon
- Wildcard: Perk Greed
- Perk 4: Tac Mask
The Grekhova is the best choice for your sidearm because it’s fully automatic and can be reliably switched to whenever you need to deal with enemies up close, while the Knife is nearly always the best melee choice. Then go for the Flashbang, which is by far the strongest tactical grenade in the game right now thanks to how long the blinding effect lasts for. As for a lethal option, you can never go wrong with the ol’ reliable Frag Grenade.
In the Field Upgrade slot, opt for a Spring Mine. As you’re playing slowly, you can use this to protect a path behind you or on the flank, or you can just drop it where enemies will least expect it.( However, if you find yourself dying to grenades often, switch this out for a Trophy System.)
Go for the blue perks to enhance this stealth playstyle: Ghost protects you from enemy UAVs when moving, Tracker allows you to see enemy footprints and aiming at an enemy pings them automatically, while Cold-Blooded prevents you from being targeted by enemy scorestreaks. (This is more effective in respawn-based modes, though, so switch out for Vigilance if you’re playing Search & Destroy.) Even though it’s been nerfed slightly, the Recon specialty that briefly gives you x-ray vision is still very strong.
Finally, rounds out with the Perk Greed wildcard and the Tac Mask. Since you’re not running a Trophy System, however, this can be switched out for Flak Jacket if you’d prefer, or if you are running with a Trophy System, consider either Scavenger or Fast Hands in respawn modes.
How can I maximize the AS VAL’s stealth and damage in Black Ops 6
To maximize the AS VAL’s stealth and damage in Black Ops 6, focus on a loadout that enhances its built-in suppressor benefits, recoil control, and damage range while boosting mobility for aggressive play:
Key Attachments:
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Suppressed Reinforced Long Barrel: Increases bullet velocity and damage range significantly, improving mid-range effectiveness without sacrificing stealth.
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Vertical Foregrip (Underbarrel): Greatly reduces horizontal recoil for better accuracy during sustained fire.
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Recoil Springs (Fire Mod): Further controls both vertical and horizontal recoil, stabilizing shots.
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Commando Grip (Rear Grip): Improves aim down sight speed and sprint-to-fire speed, helping maintain stealthy, quick engagements.
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Extended Mag 2: Doubles magazine capacity to 40 rounds, allowing you to maintain pressure without frequent reloads.
Perks and Equipment for Stealth and Aggression:
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Dexterity: Reduces weapon sway while running and sliding, enabling smooth, stealthy movement.
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Assassin: Keeps you off enemy radar and counters enemy tracking, complementing the AS VAL’s built-in suppressor.
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Double Time: Extends tactical sprint duration for rapid repositioning and sustained stealthy aggression.
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Ghost or Ninja: Ghost keeps you undetectable by UAV and Scout Pulse while moving, perfect for stealth; Ninja reduces footstep noise for silent movement.
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Stim Shot (Tactical): Quick health regeneration to sustain aggressive play without exposing yourself.
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Sleeper Agent (Field Upgrade): Allows you to blend into enemy teams for surprise attacks, maximizing stealth kills.
This combination leverages the AS VAL’s natural stealth with its integrated suppressor and high fire rate, while attachments and perks mitigate recoil and boost damage range, making you deadly and elusive in close to mid-range combat.
What are the top tips for maintaining stealth with the AS VAL in Black Ops 6
To maintain stealth with the AS VAL in Black Ops 6, follow these top tips:
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Leverage the built-in suppressor: The AS VAL comes with an integrated silencer, which keeps your shots off enemy radar and reduces noise, making it ideal for stealth play.
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Use the Suppressed Reinforced Barrel attachment: This increases bullet velocity and damage range without compromising stealth, allowing you to engage enemies from a safer distance while staying undetected.
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Equip perks like Ghost and Ninja: Ghost keeps you hidden from enemy UAVs while moving, and Ninja muffles your footsteps, both essential for avoiding detection during stealth operations.
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Prioritize mobility perks such as Double Time and Dexterity: These perks enhance sprint duration and reduce weapon sway, enabling you to move quickly and quietly through the map.
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Master movement techniques: Use crouch-walking to minimize noise, stick to shadows and cover to reduce visibility, and flank enemies to catch them off guard without alerting others.
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Manage your engagements carefully: Switch weapons based on distance, avoid open areas, and use distractions or environmental hazards to silently eliminate or bypass enemies.
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Consider equipment like Stim Shot for quick health regeneration and Smoke Grenades to obscure vision: These tools help maintain stealth during aggressive plays or quick escapes.
By combining the AS VAL’s natural stealth features with these strategic perks, attachments, and movement tactics, you can effectively remain undetected and dominate in Black Ops 6 multiplayer matches.
