There are 29 guns currently featured in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. Each has its place but there are certainly better weapons to use than others.
First Published November 20, 2020, 03:36
In Black Ops Cold War, Treyarch has lowered the overall weapon count that players are used to seeing in Call of Duty. While 29 is by no means a low number, it is on the lesser side compared to the old-school titles. For example, Modern Warfare 3 launched with 40+ weapons right out of the gate.
However, the guns we do have at launch are fairly balanced across the board. Of course, there a few outliers in both the overpowered and underpowered departments.
Today, we’ll be ranking each of the weapons in Black Ops Cold War and sorting them into tiers so you know exactly which guns fall into which area. We will also offer you the best loadout for each weapon allowing you to maximise each to its potential.
Black Ops Cold War weapon tier list
S-Tier
MP5
(Picture: Treyarch)
The current king of Black Ops Cold War, nothing can truly outclass the MP5 in the initial build of the game.
M16
(Picture: Treyarch)
The M16 looks to have returned to its Call of Duty 4 form, one-bursting players from all ranges.
AUG
(Picture: Treyarch)
We’re not sure how the AUG made it past the initial testing but the tactical rifle category certainly contains some dominating weapons.
A-Tier
FFAR 1
(Picture: Treyarch)
One of the best all-around weapons in Black Ops Cold War but it does have quite a recoil kick.
AK-47
(Picture: Treyarch)
The AK-47 has carved out a niche in competitive matches thus far thanks to its high damage output.
Krig-6
You can’t really go wrong when picking a rifle in Black Ops Cold War and the Krig-6 is definitely a wise pick for all matter of players.
1911
(Picture: Treyarch)
It’s strange seeing a pistol ranked so high but the 1911 packs a serious punch and can almost be used as a primary weapon.
M82
(Picture: Treyarch)
The Barrett .50 cal, or M82, is back in Black Ops Cold War and features the same high-quality traits as in previous games.
LW3 - Tundra
(Picture: Treyarch)
Every sniper is going to be rated highly for the simple fact that they’re severely overpowered in the current build of the game.
Stoner 63
(Picture: Treyarch)
Light machine guns usually feature one strong weapon in its class and this year it’s the Stoner 63.
B-Tier
Bullfrog
(Picture: Treyarch)
An extremely fun weapon to use, the Bullfrog can’t match the MP5 but is a great addition to the SMG class.
AK-74u
(Picture: Treyarch)
Many players would like to see a buff to the 74u, as its current version is just a bit underwhelming compared to the beta.
XM4
(Picture: Treyarch)
While not a horrible weapon, the XM4 lacks any superb qualities to really put it into S or A Tier.
Type 63
(Picture: Treyarch)
There’s not much to say about the Type 63 besides it shoots pretty fast and can deal significant damage with the right attachments. At the end of the day though, it’s a semi-auto rifle.
DMR 14
(Picture: Treyarch)
For the same reasons as the Type 63, the DMR 14 has its niche but nothing beyond that.
Pelington 703
(Picture: Treyarch)
Since it’s a sniper, you can use it to great effect. However, the Pelington doesn’t match the firepower of the LW3 - Tundra or M82.
M60
Your standard LMG that has a ton of ammunition, high damage, and slow mobility.
RPD
(Picture: Treyarch)
Yet again, a traditional LMG but doesn’t match the Stoner 63 in terms of damage.
Diamatti
(Picture: Treyarch)
Treyarch loves its three-round burst pistols and the Diamatti is a fine addition to that list.
Hauer 77
(Picture: Treyarch)
Shotguns have a hard time being ranked any higher than B Tier since they’re so handicapped by their range but the Hauer 77 can really make your enemies rage.
C-Tier
QBZ-83
(Picture: Treyarch)
The ugly stepchild of the assault rifle category, the QBZ-83 is in the unfortunate spot of being outclassed by every weapon around it.
Milano 821
(Picture: Treyarch)
Far from its beta status, the Milano just doesn’t shoot fast enough to take down enemies efficiently.
KSP-45
(Picture: Treyarch)
Has any three-round burst SMG ever been a solid weapon in Call of Duty?
RPG-7
(Picture: Treyarch)
The best all-purpose launcher in Black Ops Cold War is the RPG-7 but that’s not saying much.
Gallo SA12
(Picture: Treyarch)
The Spas-12 remake is fun to use with the right attachments but you’re better off with the Hauer 77 as a secondary shotgun.
Combat Knife
D-Tier
Magnum
While the Dual Wield Magnums are enjoyable, there are really no redeeming qualities about this pistol.
M79
(Picture: Treyarch)
Good luck trying to get this Gold if you’re grinding for Dark Matter camo.
Cigma-6
(Picture: Treyarch)
Yes, it’s great for shooting down scorestreaks but you can accomplish that with the default RPD class.
Besides that, the Cigma-6 is just an awful weapon that doesn’t shoot straight.
Written by Joseph Carr
Joey Carr is a full-time writer for multiple esports and gaming websites. He has 6+ years of experience covering esports and traditional sporting events, including DreamHack Atlanta, Call of Duty Championships 2017, and Super Bowl 53.
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