Activision / DexertoAssault Rifles have always had a place in the Call of Duty meta, and Black Ops 6 is no exception, as 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 Season 5’s buffs and nerfs shaking up the meta yet again.
To 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.
Best Assault Rifle loadouts
1. CR-56 AMAX
Activision- Optic: Kepler Microflex
- Muzzle: Ported Compensator
- Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
- Magazine: Extended Mag 1
- Rear Grip: Ergonomic Grip
The CR-56 AMAX is the best Assault Rifle in Black Ops 6 because of its incredible damage. This high damage comes with respectably low recoil, making it easier to use than something like the AK-74.
It’s strongest at close-medium range, which makes it especially powerful in Black Ops 6’s fast-paced multiplayer. While it’s not as easy to use as the XM4 or Kilo, its damage more than makes up for it.
The best attachments keep the AMAX on target, letting its rapid TTK shine by letting you land your shots with ease.
2. FFAR 1
Activision / Dexerto- Optic: Kepler Microflex
- Muzzle: Compensator
- Barrel: Long Barrel
- Underbarrel: G-Grip
- Rear Grip: Ergonomic Grip
The FFAR 1‘s fast fire rate lets it act as an AR/SMG hybrid, outclassing other Assault Rifles in close-range gunfights and holding its own against Submachine Guns.
It has the fastest fire rate in the Assault Rifle category, which gives it a fantastic time to kill, but its recoil pattern makes it tougher to control at longer ranges. It’s also a little slower than some of the other options, but don’t let that put you off, as it outputs a ton of damage.
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Just make sure to equip an Optic and a Long Barrel to get the most from it and win those medium-long-range gunfights.
3. XM4
Dexerto- Optic: Kepler Microflex
- Muzzle: Suppressor
- Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
- Rear Grip: Ergonomic Grip
- Stock: Buffer Weight Stock
The XM4‘s unrivaled accuracy makes it difficult to beat, but it just loses its spot to the AMAX and FFAR. 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 is very competitive too, meaning it offers both accuracy and damage.
Due 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 an S-tier choice not only in this list but also in the entire Season 5 meta.
4. Krig C
Dexerto- Optic: Kepler Microflex
- Muzzle: Compensator
- Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
- Rear Grip: Ergonomic Grip
- Fire Mods: Recoil Springs
The Krig C is an incredible Assault Rifle that offers the perfect balance of accuracy, range, and damage. Equally, it has above-average hip-fire accuracy and a recoil pattern that’s easy enough to control, making it a strong all-around option with very few weaknesses.
It’s by no means uncontrollable, especially with the Compensator equipped, but it’s also not 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 four.
5. Model L
Dexerto- Optic: Kepler Microflex
- Muzzle: Suppressor
- Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
- Rear Grip: Ergonomic Grip
- Fire Mods: Recoil Springs
If accuracy is what you prioritize over everything else, the Model L is the gun for you. 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.
This 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.
All BO6 Assault Rifles ranked
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Meta analysis
Activision / DexertoIn Season 5, the CR-56 AMAX is the best Assault Rifle in the meta. It has a rapid TTK without being too difficult to use, which makes it a brilliant option. The FFAR 1 comes in close behind thanks to its even faster time to kill, and the XM4 comes in third as the perfect jack-of-all-trades option.
To its credit, the Krig C is 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 the Model L, Kilo 141, and AMES 85, which are all great guns but are essentially just slightly worse versions of the XM4.
When it comes to the new ABR A1, also known as the classic AUG, it’s another solid option, but it lacks the TTK of other options on this list. It excels at mid-range, but due to its burst fire rate, you might find yourself getting outgunned at longer distances.
The Goblin Mk2 has the potential to kill extremely fast, 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.
For the rest of the options, both the AS VAL and AK-74 hit hard but suffer in other key areas. They are certainly competitive but not well-rounded enough to be meta. Meanwhile, the Cypher 091 and GPR 91 are 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.
