Black Ops Cold War weapon tier list: AR, SMG, snipers, LMG, pistols, more

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. 

• Read more: Best MP5 loadout in Black Ops Cold War

M16

(Picture: Treyarch) 

The M16 looks to have returned to its Call of Duty 4 form, one-bursting players from all ranges. 

• Read more: Best M16 loadout in Black Ops Cold War

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. 

• Read more: Best AUG loadout in Black Ops Cold War
   

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. 

• Read more: Best FFAR 1 loadout in Black Ops Cold War

AK-47

(Picture: Treyarch)

The AK-47 has carved out a niche in competitive matches thus far thanks to its high damage output. 

• Read more: Best AK-47 loadout in Black Ops Cold War

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. 

• Read more: Best Krig-6 loadout in Black Ops Cold War

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. 

• Read more: Best 1911 loadout in Black Ops Cold War

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. 

• Read more: Best M82 loadout in Black Ops Cold War

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. 

• Read more: Best LW-3 Tundra loadout in Black Ops Cold War

Stoner 63 

(Picture: Treyarch)

Light machine guns usually feature one strong weapon in its class and this year it’s the Stoner 63. 

• Read more: Best Stoner 63 loadout in Black Ops Cold War
   

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.

• Read more: Best Bulldog loadout in Black Ops Cold War

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. 

• Read more: Best AK-74u loadout in Black Ops Cold War

XM4

(Picture: Treyarch)

While not a horrible weapon, the XM4 lacks any superb qualities to really put it into S or A Tier. 

• Read more: Best XM4 loadout in Black Ops Cold War

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. 

• Read more: Best Type 63 loadout in Black Ops Cold War

DMR 14

(Picture: Treyarch)

For the same reasons as the Type 63, the DMR 14 has its niche but nothing beyond that. 

• Read more: Best DMR 14 loadout in Black Ops Cold War

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. 

• Read more: Best Pelington loadout in Black Ops Cold War

M60

Your standard LMG that has a ton of ammunition, high damage, and slow mobility. 

• Read more: Best M60 loadout in Black Ops Cold War

RPD

(Picture: Treyarch)

Yet again, a traditional LMG but doesn’t match the Stoner 63 in terms of damage. 

• Read more: Best RPD loadout in Black Ops Cold War

Diamatti 

(Picture: Treyarch)

Treyarch loves its three-round burst pistols and the Diamatti is a fine addition to that list.

• Read more: Best Diamatti loadout in Black Ops Cold War

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.

• Read more: Best QBZ-83 loadout in Black Ops Cold War  

Milano 821

(Picture: Treyarch)

Far from its beta status, the Milano just doesn’t shoot fast enough to take down enemies efficiently. 

• Read more: Best Milano 821 loadout in Black Ops Cold War

KSP-45

(Picture: Treyarch)

Has any three-round burst SMG ever been a solid weapon in Call of Duty? 

• Read more: Best KSP-45 loadout in Black Ops Cold War

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. 

• Read more: Best Gallo SA12 loadout in Black Ops Cold War

Combat Knife

The only reason why the knife isn’t in D-Tier is simply that you can run faster with it in your hands. 

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.