In Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, it’s all about weapons and the next kill. MeinMMO shows you the best weapons for multiplayer, with tips for all weapon classes and strong setups to try out.
Weapons are a sensitive topic in Call of Duty, as every player has their own preferences and opinions. However, there are always firearms that a large group of players considers “The Best” and usually have an advantage over other weapons.
MeinMMO therefore shows you the best weapons for the multiplayer of Black Ops Cold War, which are currently considered strong in their weapon classes by many soldiers. We regularly keep this article fresh and update it when there are major changes to the so-called meta weapons.
For SMGs, the AK-74u moves into the top spot. The MP5 is still valid in multiplayer. As a new alternative, the LC10 joins, which has been in the game since Season 2. The Milano had to make way for it.
How was this list created? To provide you with the best weapons by class, we have watched many current videos on the subject, looked at tier lists, and also included our own experiences in the evaluation.
The most important sources for current changes or assessments are linked at the bottom of the article, directly at the end of the text.
We focus on good playability. The best weapons of each class are all meta weapons that play at the top. However, all shown alternatives also count and sometimes deal, for example, more damage, but are harder to play.
If you’re looking for a strong weapon with good control, you will find the best weapons in Cold War here. If you want full damage and are willing to forgo other advantages, also check out the alternatives.
Krig 6 – The best assault rifle in Cold War
What makes the Krig 6 so strong? It is the reliability that this assault rifle delivers. The Krig may not be a damage powerhouse, but it has a very smooth character and conveys that calmness to you.
It also has a high range and good mobility stats. For more damage, rather opt for the alternatives – but when it comes to handling and accuracy, no assault rifle can compete with the Krig 6, which also delivers strong headshot hits.
Cold War Setup Krig 6
- Optic: Microflex LED
- You avoid the iron sight and can aim better
- Muzzle: Silencer
- You are not visible on the mini-map when firing
- Barrel: 19.7″ Ranger
- Increases your bullet velocity
- Magazine: Jungle Style Magazine
- Faster reloading
- Grip: Air Elastic Wrap
- Better aim down sights speed and high flinch resistance
What should I consider with assault rifles? This weapon class is very popular, and assault rifles are somewhat the all-rounders among CoD guns. The damage is quite good but doesn’t compare to SMGs. The control is good, but light machine guns are often even better at holding on target.
However, their range is decent, and they provide a pleasant mix of everything. Especially good for a beginner loadout or if you prefer to put pressure on your opponents from the second line and go less for “run & gun”.
Alternatives among assault rifles
- FARA 83 – Stable and strong, but somewhat slow
- XM4 – Good all-rounder that brings a healthy mix
- AK-47 – More damage in exchange for less control
- Groza – More damage, more recoil – Needs attachments for good performance
AK-74u – The best submachine gun in Cold War
What makes the AK-74u so strong? SMGs have been regarded as a very strong weapon class in Cold War since the alpha phase, and the star of the AK-74u has steadily risen.
The small Kalashnikov has the best TTK among automatic SMGs and also offers a decent range. It is also easy to control. The MP5, however, is a strong competitor and should not be underestimated. The new LC10 also makes an appearance – it is very stable and has a large range.
However, the AK-74u provides the best performance at short and medium ranges, especially due to its high bullet velocity compared to the other SMGs.
Cold War Setup AK-74u
- Muzzle: Fire Suppressor
- You are not visible on the mini-map when firing
- Barrel: 9.3 VDV Reinforced
- Higher range and bullet velocity
- Underbarrel: Foregrip
- Provides horizontal recoil control
- Magazine: 40-Round Drum
- More ammunition
- Grip: GRU Elastic Wrap
- Better aim down sights speed and high flinch resistance
What should I consider with SMGs? Except for the AK-74u and the LC10, submachine guns have very low bullet velocity in Cold War, which you should definitely compensate with the barrel. Moving targets can be significantly easier to engage.
Otherwise, watch your distance to the enemy with SMGs. You are only at an advantage if you hit your enemy in the first damage range. You will lose a duel against the other primary weapon classes if the enemy starts firing at the same time. However, this doesn’t mean that SMGs are useless at longer distances. You just must not let them hit you first.
Alternatives among SMGs
- MP5 – Good mix of strong stats in all areas
- LC10 – High range and good handling
- KSP – Burst SMG with low TTK & high range – But the first burst shot must hit, or you are at a disadvantage
M16 – The best tactical rifle in Cold War
What makes the M16 so strong? With the M16, you get a balanced 3-shot burst rifle that provides you with an excellent time-to-kill and retains that even at longer ranges.
In the first damage range, the 3-shot bursts are lethal, and you can take out your enemies in just 132 milliseconds. A value that only one-shot weapons from the sniper or shotgun category can match. Additionally, the weapon is pleasantly stable, and it’s often no problem to sink those 3 bullets directly into the enemy. If you need more reasons to try the M16, check out our special on the M16.
Cold War Setup M16
- Optic: Hawksmoor
- Helps you get the burst completely on the enemy
- Barrel: 20.5″ Special Operations
- Increases fire rate, range, bullet velocity
- Underbarrel: Field Agent Forward Grip
- Provides some vertical and strong horizontal recoil control
- Grip: Air Elastic Wrap
- Improves your aim down sights time and provides flinch resistance
- Stock: SAS Combat Stock
- Improves your mobility
What should I consider with tactical rifles? All weapons in this category are either burst or single-shot rifles, and none offer an automatic fire mode. This gives you more control over individual shots but is not particularly popular with many players.
The pure single-shot rifles offer high range, while the burst-fire weapons impress with high damage. What they all share, however, is a generally slower play style. Avoid sprinting, and you will have a chance against SMGs.
Alternatives among tactical rifles
- AUG – Burst rifle with high range but more recoil than the M16
Stoner 63 – The best light machine gun in Cold War
What makes the Stoner 63 so strong? LMGs are especially known for their large magazines and often sacrifice some sprightliness. This weapon class can be most closely compared to assault rifles, but they are heavier, offer significantly more bullets, and have a high range.
The Stoner 63 comes closest to an assault rifle among LMGs in Cold War in terms of gameplay and delights you with enormous magazines to suppress or even eliminate a whole crew on the way to the mission objective.
Particularly the good control of recoil, combined with high range, makes LMGs in CoD 2020 incredibly strong.
Cold War Setup Stoner 63
- Optic: Hawksmoor
- Provides even more reliability with your hits
- Muzzle: SOCOM Eliminator
- Enemies only briefly see you on the mini map after firing and bring some recoil control
- Barrel: 21.8″ Special Operations
- More range, more bullet velocity
- Underbarrel: Field Agent Grip
- Provides some vertical and strong horizontal recoil control
- Magazine: 100-Round Fast Reload Magazine
- Larger magazine and faster reloading, with a 5% aim down sights duration penalty
What should I consider with light machine guns? Avoid direct close combat duels. Here you can still get some shots off with hip fire, but you are generally at a disadvantage if you don’t sneak up on your enemies from the side or behind.
Instead, apply pressure to enemies at medium or long distances. With a few attachments for better recoil control, you can turn LMGs into real lasers that allow for precise and easy hits even at long distances.
Alternatives among light machine guns
- M60 – Lower rate of fire but even higher range
Pelington 703 – The best sniper rifle in Cold War
What makes the Pelington so strong? A sniper in Call of Duty usually doesn’t sit in one spot waiting for his target. Rather, snipers are very mobile players who are often on the move, trying to flank opponents and send them to the killcam with their one-shot kills.
The Pelington provides the best service here. Of the 3 sniper rifles available at the release of Cold War, it is the fastest and most handy weapon, making it ideal for quickscope operations. Additionally, the M82 falls a bit out of the role, as it, being a semi-automatic weapon, does not offer the same one-shot bonus on chest hits as the Pelington and LW-3 Tundra.
Cold War Setup Pelington
- Muzzle: Sound Suppressor
- Does not reveal you on the enemy minimap when firing
- Barrel: 26.5″ Tiger Team
- Reduces your ammunition but brings substantial bonuses to many other important stats
- Underbarrel: Infiltrator Grip
- Gives you better movement
- Grip: Air Elastic Wrap
- Faster aiming and high flinch resistance
- Stock: Plunderer Pad
- Also improves your movement
What should I consider with sniper rifles? Do not sit at a good spot on the map waiting for your enemies, rather actively seek out foes and take them out with a single shot.
However, always be careful not to let enemies get too close. At a certain distance, you can also win close fights against SMGs, but your main strengths are on medium to long ranges. Here you can find a guide for a mobile quickscope playstyle.
Alternatives among snipers
- LW-3 Tundra – A bit slower, but has a slightly larger one-shot area
Hauer 77 – The best shotgun in Cold War
What makes the Hauer 77 so strong? This shotgun delivers strong one-shot kills that can reach up to 10 meters with the right attachments. This provides you with a powerful close-combat weapon that, especially with a run & gun style, can yield many fun and satisfying kills.
Cold War offers only 2 shotguns at launch, and in this class, it greatly depends on your personal preferences. If you play a match with a shotgun as your main weapon, then the Hauer 77 is preferred. If you’re looking for a strong secondary weapon to pull out when your primary weapon runs out of steam at close range, the Gallo SA12 might be better suited for you.
Cold War Setup Hauer 77
- Muzzle: Fire Shroud 12 GA
- You are only briefly visible on the mini-map when firing
- Barrel: 25.2″ Special Operations
- Delivers significantly more damage and one-shots in the second damage range
- Body: Mounted Light
- Enemies within a 60° angle in front of you have a marker above their heads within 20 meters
- Grip: Tempo Tape
- Better aim down sights time without disadvantages
- Stock: Shotgun Stock
- Better sprinting/fire speed without disadvantages
What should I consider with shotguns? Shotguns are the close combat monsters in Cold War and are surprisingly strong in that area. If you like to stay very close to your opponent in gunfights, shotguns should be your first choice.
Be sure to use the “Special Operations” barrel with shotguns. In the case of the Hauer, it also grants you one-shot kills in the second damage range (in this setup here from 5 meters) up to almost 10 meters. For the Gallo, it ensures that you even have a chance for one-shot kills, but only in the first damage range up to 5 meters.
Alternatives among shotguns
- Gallo SA12 – Semi-automatic fire, better for follow-up shots against damaged opponents
Cigma 2 – The best rocket launcher in Cold War
What makes the Cigma 2 so strong? The Cigma 2 is preferred over the other RPG because it can put pressure on scorestreaks. Due to the new scorestreak system in Black Ops Cold War, which does not reset your counter on deaths, you often see many of the cheap scorestreaks throughout the round that you can quickly and decisively bring down with the Cigma.
This also applies to the larger streaks. Many of them have rocket countermeasures, and the first shot often misses. However, if you generally don’t use your secondary weapon to replace the empty magazine of the primary weapon, take the Cigma with you and help your team clear the nasty air support out of the way before they ruin your match.
You can also fire this rocket launcher at your opponents without a targeting system. For this purpose, the RPG-7 is better suited.
1911 – The best pistol in Cold War
What makes these two pistols so strong? With handguns, it all comes down to personal taste. The Magnum and 1911 both provide a strong alternative when your primary weapon can no longer deliver enough firepower for an aggressive opponent. The main distinguishing features:
- 1911 – Less damage but larger magazine and higher rate of fire
- Magnum – Powerful damage but small magazine
The Magnum gives you 75 damage and can take out enemies with full health with 2 shots. It also has a higher bullet velocity. The 1911 takes 3 shots but can fire faster and is generally a bit more agile than the Magnum. In terms of range and aim down sights speed, both are equivalent.
When it comes to choosing the right weapons in Black Ops Cold War, it often comes down to personal preferences and playstyle. With the weapons on this list, you are well-equipped for various playstyles. But also try the alternatives and other weapons that you often see used by enemies. Often, the firearms that frustrate you in a match are also a good choice for your loadout.
The same goes for attachments and setups. The proposed builds here support the strengths of the weapons but may not be the optimal solution for you. The more you experiment and customize, the more you will learn about the game’s weapon mechanics and can use them to your advantage and optimize the weapons.
If you’re a beginner coming into the game, then choose a weapon that immediately appeals to you. Because you will need to play with individual guns for a long time until you unlock the good attachments. Here you will find tips on how to level up your weapons and military rank faster.
