The best guns to use in the Black Ops 6 beta

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games here

✓ At A Glance
  • The Jackal PDW is the current meta weapon in Black Ops 6.
  • The XM4 is the best option for an Assault Rifle.
  • Favor the Enforcer or Recon Specialities.

The Call of Duty Black Ops 6 beta has been a huge hit with players so far, with some calling it the “best Call of Duty since Black Ops 3.” As players spend more time with the game, the community is discovering what is working and what weapons you should use to give you the best chance at victory.

Here are all of the best weapons to use in the Black Ops 6 beta.

Best Assault Rifle – XM4

Call of Duty Black Ops 6 XM4 assault rifle being held by player with sunset in background
The XM4 is as popular as ever. Captured by VideoGamer

The Assault Rifle may be the most popular weapon type in Call of Duty, as it is suitable for both long and close-range combat. When it comes to the best Assault Rifle, the XM4 currently stands above the rest, and it is also likely the first weapon you used as it is one of the base weapons available at the start of Black Ops 6.

Here are the best upgrades to use with the XM4 Assault Rifle.

  • Muzzle – Compensator
  • Optic – Merlin Mini
  • Magazine – Extended Mag I
  • Underbarrel – Vertical Foregrip
  • Fire Mods – Rapid Fire

Best SMG – Jackal PDW

Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Jackal PDW loadout being held by player. Blue sky is in the background
The Jackal PDW is a force to be reckoned with. Captured by VideoGamer

The Jackal PDW is not only the best SMG in the Black Ops 6 beta, but it is the best weapon in the entire game, at least right now. All of the maps that are in this beta are small-medium, meaning that most combat takes place in fairly close quarters. It will be interesting to see whether the Jackal PDW remains the best weapon once all of the maps and models are released in the full game.

Here are the best upgrades to use with the Jackal PDW SMG.

  • Muzzle – Suppressor
  • Barrel – Long Barrel
  • Stock – Balanced Stock
  • Underbarrel – Ranger Foregrip
  • Fire Mods – Rapid Fire

Best Shotgun – Marine SP

Black Ops 6 player holding Marine SP shotgun with sunset in background
The Marine SP dominates at close-quarters. Captured by VideoGamer

With all the maps in the Black Ops 6 beta being small-medium, the Marine SP Shotgun is a great choice to carry with you as it has the capability to take out an opponent in a single shot.

Here are the best upgrades to use with the Marine SP Shotgun.

  • Laser – Steady Aim Laser
  • Barrel – Long Barrel
  • Stock – Balanced Stock
  • Muzzle – Xten Modified Choke
  • Fire Mods – Rapid Fire

Best LMG – XMG

Black Ops 6 player holding XMG with sunset in background
Is the XMG any good? Captured by VideoGamer

The XMG LMG is the best weapon in its category and not a bad choice to use during the beta due to its large magazine. It does get outmatched by the XM4 and Jackal PDW due to the smaller map sizes, but the XMG may shine in the full game.

Here are the best upgrades to use with the XMG LMG.

  • Rear Grip – Quickdraw Grip
  • Barrel – Long Barrel
  • Stock – Balanced Stock
  • Underbarrel – Vertical Foregrip
  • Fire Mods – Fast Mag II

Best Marksman Rifle – SWAT 5.56

Black Ops 6 player holding SWAT 5.56 marksman rifle with sunset in background
Is the SWAT 5.56 any good? Captured by VideoGamer

The Marksman Rifle is a great weapon type, but unfortunately, it doesn’t get a chance to shine in the Black Ops 6 beta due to the smaller maps.

Here are the best upgrades to use with the SWAT 5.56 Marksman Rifle.

  • Muzzle – Muzzle Brake
  • Barrel – Long Barrel
  • Optic – Redwell Reflex
  • Underbarrel – Ranger Foregrip
  • Fire Mods – Rapid Fire

Best Sniper Rifle – LR 7.62

Black Ops 6 player holding the LR 7.62 sniper rifle with a billboard in the background
The LR-7.62 is a force to be reckoned with. Captured by VideoGamer

The Sniper Rifle will always be one of the most popular weapons in Call of Duty and Black Ops 6 is no exception.

Here are the best upgrades to use with the LR 7.62 Sniper Rifle.

  • Rear Grip – Quickdraw Grip
  • Barrel – Reinforced Barrel
  • Magazine – Fast Mag II
  • Underbarrel – Ranger Foregrip
  • Fire Mods – Rapid Fire

The Black Ops 6 meta is changing on a daily basis as players are learning more about the game.

Best Pistol – 9mm PM

Call of Duty Black Ops 6 9mm PM Pistol
The 9mm PM is the best Pistol in Black Ops 6. Image captured by VideoGamer

Here are the best upgrades to use with the 9mm PM Pistol.

  • Muzzle – Suppressor
  • Barrel – Long Barrel
  • Rear Grip – CQB Grip
  • Magazine – Extended Mag I
  • Fire Mods – Rapid Fire

Best Tactical

  • Stim Shot

Best Lethal

  • Frag
  • Semtex

Best Field Upgrade

  • Sleeper Agent

Best Perks

Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Multiplayer Perks and Combat Specialities
There are dozens of perks to choose from in Black Ops 6. Image via Treyarch.

Perk 1

  • Assassin (Enforcer)
  • Scavenger (Enforcer)
  • Ninja (Recon)
  • Ghost (Recon)

Perk 2

  • Gung-Ho (Enforcer)
  • Dexterity (Enforcer)
  • Forward Intel (Recon)

Perk 3

  • Double Time (Enforcer)
  • Bankroll (Enforcer)
  • Vigilance (Recon)
  • Cold-Blooded (Recon)

Speciality

  • Enforcer
  • Recon

132
Which year did the first Call of Duty game release?

About the Author

David Coulson

David is a gaming news writer here at VideoGamer His favorite franchises include Resident Evil and Final Fantasy. Despite being a gaming boomer, he still enjoys cranking 90s in Fortnite.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

  • Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X
  • Genre(s): Shooter