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The best guns in PUBG

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If you’re careful and stealthy enough, you can achieve that coveted chicken dinner in PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds without having to pick up a single weapon. But that’s boring. It’s a lot more fun to go in guns blazing, and if you want to win, you should pick these weapons first. These firearms are the best PUBG has to offer.

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Assault rifles

M16A4 Assault Rifle

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Suggested Attachments:

  • Suppressor
  • Extended QuickDraw magazine
  • Half grip
  • 4x scope

The M16A4 lacks fully automatic fire, but it’s still capable of delivering some real pain when placed in the hands of distinguished PUBG players. You won’t be able to rely on spray and pray tactics or an itchy trigger finger with this weapon, but you can use attachments like the Extended QuickDraw Magazine and suppressor to keep things rolling as you utilize burst fire to take out your targets quickly.

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With high muzzle velocity and low recoil, you don’t need much to transform this versatile assault rifle into a viable option, but it’s still worth adding a half grip and 4x scope for good measure, especially if you want to increase your range. With that in mind, as well as the gun’s common nature, the M16A4 is very much a gun that you’ll want to keep in your rotation until you’re the last man standing (or until you find something better, like the next gun on this list). You won’t want to go toe-to-toe against others when it comes to midrange combat, but it’s a gem for close-up and long-range firefights.

SCAR-L Assault Rifle

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Suggested Attachments:

  • Red dot sight
  • Suppressor
  • Extended QuickDraw magazine
  • Angled foregrip
  • 4x scope

When you’re searching tirelessly for weapons out on the battlefield, you need something quick that can handle just about anything. The SCAR-L can do just that, whether you’re planning on getting up in an enemy’s grill or staying far away where it’s safe. It features four attachment slots, which is all you really need to conquer the battlefield, given its versatile nature.

The red dot sight is perfect for close range, and you can compensate for its shortcomings in terms of visibility with the 4x scope, combined with an angled foregrip for good measure. You could get away with 2x in a pinch, however, thanks to the hot-swappable nature of this particular firearm. It’s perfect for engaging targets at medium range, as well as an all-around flexible and malleable general purpose weapon.

If you’re the type of player who employs spray-and-pray tactics, you can opt to do just that with the SCAR-L, though the foregrip and a suppressor are recommended if you’re going to litter the battlefield with bullets without giving your position away immediately. That’s where the extended magazine comes in.

M416 Assault Rifle

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Suggested Attachments:

  • Suppressor
  • Extended QuickDraw magazine
  • Half grip
  • 4x scope
  • Tactical stock

You likely already know PUBG‘s assault rifles can do some serious damage, and the overall best weapon found throughout any map or in any weapon category is the M416. Not only can it utilize all five attachments at the same time, but it’s extremely versatile in close and long-range combat. That means if you can kit it out all the way, you’re looking at a powerhouse that can cut through enemies like a hot knife through butter.

Interestingly, it’s the only assault rifle that can use the tactical stock attachment, which increases recoil recovery speed and cuts down on unnecessary weapon movement. Additionally, instead of using a compensator, try a suppressor for an obvious tactical advantage with much quieter shots.

With that in mind, the M416 is quite versatile and can be used in up-close and personal situations, as well as long-range combat situations. You can opt for 4x or 8X optics, but the 4x is the clear-cut winner when lined up against the 2x option, holosight, or red dot attachments.  

SMGs

Micro Uzi SMG

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Suggested Attachments:

  • Compensator
  • Extended QuickDraw magazine
  • Stock

You’re probably seeing this entry on our best PUBG weapons list and laughing. “The Micro Uzi is one of the worst weapons in the game! What next, the R1895?!”

It might not be the ideal weapon, but it is one of the most common, and learning how to use it properly will serve you well through the early game. The Uzi is actually a strong gun when compared to your other likely early-game choices.

The Uzi typically spawns with one or two compatible attachments close by. If you’re lucky, one of these will be the stock, which makes the gun much more controllable. If you can manage to add a Compensator, you’ll start to see just how useful of a weapon the Micro Uzican be.

At range, the Uzi isn’t great no matter what you add to it, but at close range and with the right attachments, you can become a bullet-spraying hellion. You can add an extended mag to increase the Uzi’s capacity from 25 to 35, which should be more than enough to go toe-to-toe with any weapon in the game at close range.

Vector SMG

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Suggested Attachments:

  • Compensator
  • Vertical foregrip
  • Red dot sight
  • Extended QuickDraw magazine
  • Tactical stock

The Vector might seem like a dud at first sight with its 13-round magazine, but this weapon is hell on wheels when handled correctly. The Vector has a unique design that mitigates recoil and allows it to overcome the major control issues that are inherent when using submachine guns. The drawback to this weapon is that it sometimes takes luck and footwork to make it viable.

The Vector is a decent backup primary weapon in its stock form, but it really shines when paired with an extended magazine. Once that’s attached, your ammo capacity will rise from 13 to 25, and you’ll have what might be the best close-range weapon in the game in your hands. Load up the Vector with a vertical foregrip, red dot sight, and tactical stock, and you can use its automatic and burst modes to rip other players to shreds with surprising accuracy.

As you might have predicted, the Vector isn’t an ideal weapon for medium and long-range combat. However, in the final moments of the game, when the remaining players are pressed in closer and closer together, you can hardly ask for a better weapon than a tricked-out Vector.

UMP45

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Suggested Attachments:

  • Red Dot Sight
  • Suppressor
  • Extended QuickDraw Mag
  • Vertical Foregrip
  • Compensator

The UMP45 may very well be the best SMG in the game. Of course, it comes down to preference, but the versatility of this weapon makes it stand out from the rest. Though it only has 25 rounds in each clip, it makes up for this by dealing high damage, effective at close range, but can work well at medium distances, too. What’s great is that it allows for many weapon attachments that make it even more effective, which are listed above.

It uses .45 ACP ammo, which might not be as common as 9mm, but you’ll be glad you’re using it because it packs a massive punch. The UMP45 has a hit rate of 41 and a fire rate or 670 rpm, along with a muzzle velocity of 360. If you pair it with a Compensator and the QuickDraw Extended Mag, you’ll be hard to take down. The Compensator will improve the weapon’s recoil, both horizontally and vertically, while the extended mags will increase your reload speed and bump up the ammo in each clip.

LMGs

M249

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Suggested Attachments:

  • 3x Backlit Scope
  • Red Dot Sight

There are only two LMGs in PUBG, and out of that selection, we like the M249 best. It’s got relatively high power, high rate of fire, and a massive clip size of 100 rounds. This weapon is for players who like to spray, while dealing high damage from close to medium range. Make sure you monitor your ammo levels when using the M249, since it’s easy to blow through a full clip in seconds. Keep in mind, this weapon is harder to find than many of the others on this list, as it’s available only from supply drops.

One thing we highly recommend (aside from equipping some sort of sight) is to utilize the M249’s bipod, which can be enabled by going prone. This greatly impacts the weapon’s recoil, so it’s best to use this feature when possible. Aside from that, try to stick to using the sights that are for close to medium range. Using the 6x scope can be tempting, but the weapon isn’t as effective at ranges in which this scope will be useful. The Red Dot and Holographic sight do just fine.

DMRs

Mini 14 DMR

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Suggested Attachments:

  • Extended QuickDraw mag
  • Suppressor
  • 8X CQBSS scope

The Mini 14 is a weapon you want to get comfortable with quickly in PUBG because it’s frequently going to be your go-to when you’re looking for a mid- to long-range gun. It doesn’t have quite the oomph of the Kar98k and SLR, but it has one thing going for it that puts it above those weapons: It’s common.

The Mini 14 can also be a great companion to a SCAR, M416, or M16A4. It’s the only marksman rifle chambered in 5.56mm. So instead of having to scour the land for both 5.56mm and 7.62mm ammo, you can concentrate on just stocking up on as much 5.56 as you can carry.

For accessories, like any gun that can take one, you should add an Extended QuickDraw mag. The Mini 14 has the highest magazine capacity out of the marksmen rifles and an extended mag will raise its respectable default 20-round limit to 30. A suppressor will lower the already relatively quiet report of the Mini 14, and this gun has the added bonus of being compatible with either the sniper suppressor or S12K suppressor.

Since the Mini 14’s high magazine capacity makes it suitable for midrange engagements, the 4x ACOG scope is the best choice for this gun. This sight will give you the flexibility to engage enemies at close to midrange, while also allowing you to take advantage of the Mini’s flat bullet trajectory to take out distant enemies. Though the Mini inflicts lower damage per second (DPS) than the other marksman rifles, it will still kill in two headshots, so don’t avoid it while on sniper duty.

SLR DMR

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Suggested Attachments:

  • Extended QuickDraw magazine
  • Suppressor
  • 15x PM II scope
  • Cheek pad

This DMR is a veritable powerhouse, with four attachment slots and the highest damage rating of any DMR weapons that spawn in the game. It’s excellent for medium to long range combat, though it can be difficult to master with its somewhat high recoil. Luckily, the cheek pad can help dampen this somewhat and make it much simpler to navigate its somewhat daunting sway.

If you’ve experimented with the MK14, you’ll find plenty of similarities here, and you won’t be able to utilize any grips to lessen recoil, which makes this choice a difficult recommendation for newbies. But it has definite potential, so much so that when you learn your way around the SLR, it’s one of the most formidable choices you can find as a spawnable weapon. It’s well worth practicing with, even if it means a few lost rounds as you find your sea legs with it.

Snipers

KAR98K Sniper Rifle

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Suggested Attachments:

  • Suppressor
  • 15x PM II scope
  • Cheek pad

The Karabiner 98 Kurz, or the Kar98K, is a vicious sniper rifle that’s an excellent choice in terms of stopping power and long-range ability. While it won’t win any awards in terms of its firing rate capabilities, it’s devastatingly accurate, and can pierce through armor like nobody’s business. It’s also simple to find, making it a sniper’s dream, especially since it’s scattered around the map and in airdrop crates.

The Kar98K is compatible with any scope and muzzle attachment, as well as the useful cheek pad, which softens the recoil and improves first shot recovery time to ensure you’re able to take a licking and keep on ticking in terms of finding your next target or continuing to pursue one across the map. It may not be the flashiest sniper rifle in the game, nor the most complicated, but sometimes keeping it simple is the best course of action.

Shotguns

S12K Shotgun

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Suggested Attachments:

  • Compensator
  • Extended Quickdraw magazine
  • Red dot sight

The S12K (aka the Saiga) is the go-to gun if you have a thing for shotguns, and it’s great if you just want to close your eyes and tap the fire button. In interiors, the S12K is almost unmatched when it comes to laying down raw firepower fast but, even more so than the other shotguns, you don’t want to be caught using it at anything other than close range.

Instead of using the same attachments as shotguns, the S12K uses AR attachments. These are worth finding, though, because an extended magazine will allow you to shoot eight shells instead of the usual five. You can’t use a choke on the S12K, but a compensator will help with the recoil so that spread is less of a concern. If you need a sight with the S12K, you should probably be using another gun because the red dot on this is only for looks.

Pistols

P18C Pistol

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Suggested Attachments:

  • Suppressor
  • Extended QuickDraw magazine
  • Red dot sight

Pistols don’t have a long range or shoot with much power, so they aren’t the ideal weapon choice in PUBG. Using them in battle against an opponent’s primary weapon isn’t optimal, but they’re nice to have ready in case you run out of ammunition or don’t have time to reload your gun.

Besides, the P18C is the only sidearm with a fully-automatic option. You can also increase its magazine from 17 rounds to 25 with an extended magazine attachment. This dark horse can put out as much power as an SMG (submachine gun) in a slot that many players never touch.

The P18C pistol also comes with additional attachments, including a suppressor and a red dot scope. This weapon is an accommodating and unexpected addition to any arsenal, whether you need to silence it while you use it or not.

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Brittany Vincent
Brittany Vincent
Contributor
Brittany Vincent has covered gaming, anime, tech, and entertainment for over a decade. When she’s not writing, she’s…
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The concept of a Wildcard might sound like a risky endeavor in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, but this part of your loadout isn't random at all. We haven't seen this system since Cold War, and even those who remember it from that game will need to learn all the new cards there are in Black Ops 6. You can only equip a single Wildcard on your loadout, but they are powerful enough to completely redefine your playstyle. So far, there are only six to unlock while grinding through the levels with your friends, but picking just one is still a tough choice, especially if you want to use a permanent unlock on one after hitting Prestige. We've ranked all the Wildcards in Black Ops 6 so you can always have the winning hand.
All Black Ops 6 Wildcards, ranked

There is a level of personal preference in which Wildcard you will find better than others, but in most cases, the ones we've ranked as the best will help every player gain an edge in online matches. Here's our ranking of each Wildcard from best to worst, along with what level you unlock them at.
Perk Greed - Level 54
The last Wildcard you unlock is easily the most powerful. Perk Greed lets you unlock a fourth Perk to your loadout instead of being limited to three, which can borderline break the game if you choose the right set of Perks. It is also the most versatile of the Wildcards since it gives you the most options to play with instead of a specific bonus you may not find useful. It can also more easily unlock the special bonus buff you get for equipping three Perks from the same category.
Gunfighter - Level 33
Right in the middle of the unlock list, Gunfighter is one Wildcard you could easily make a case for over Perk Greed in some situations. This one increases your attachment points for your primary weapon by three. If you're rocking a top-tier weapon already, this Wildcard can let you tweak its stats even higher. We rank it second because it only applies to one weapon and thus is a bit more limiting.
Overkill - Level 24
For such an early Wildcard, Overkill is quite a powerful choice. This card lets you equip any weapon (except melee weapons) in your Primary and Secondary slots instead of the ones typically reserved for each. That means you can build a loadout with two Primary weapons and be far more versatile on the battlefield. Instead of having to trade off range, damage, rate of fire, mobility, or any other aspect of your game, you can cover almost all your bases by picking two Primary weapons that cover each other's weaknesses.
Prepper - Level 45
Field upgrades are powerful, don't get us wrong, but having two instead of one isn't always that much of a game-changer. It's a bit less useful than Gunfighter only because field upgrades are more situational and require more attention to use to their full potential. If that's you, then this is a great choice.
Danger Close - Level 38
Who doesn't want another grenade, Molotov, or combat axe? Is getting a second Lethal worth the Wildcard slot, though? Not in our opinion. Most of the time, Lethals are used in desperation or as a way to deny enemy movement for a time, and even then, they are risky because of how vulnerable you are while using them.
Tactical Expert - Level 15
The first Wildcard you get is better than nothing, but only just. It's exactly like Danger Close, only you can hold two Tacticals instead of Lethals. This is, by nature, a little worse since Tacticals don't have the ability to kill an enemy (unless you get super lucky and you directly hit an enemy with one who is on low HP). You can get some use out of them, but you're better off upgrading as soon as you have another option.

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We're ranking these Perk-A-Colas based on their base bonuses, not any additional effects you can get if you Augment them, from best to worst.
Jugger-Nog
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Quick Revive
This Perk has two components, with the less useful one being the ability to revive teammates 50% faster. Ideally, that shouldn't be needed but is nice. However, what makes it rank so high is the 50% shorter delay on health regen. Your health will come back over time in Zombies but at a dreadful pace. Starting to heal faster means less time running and kiting zombies around and more time in the action helping the team.
Speed Cola
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Stamin-Up
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Deadshot Daiquiri
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PhD Flopper
Not being able to hurt yourself is situationally useful, and the ability to cause an explosion by diving is a risky move. Yes, it's cool, but you don't want to be lying prone surrounded by zombies. This is a cool gimmick, but save yourself the Essence and skip it.
Elemental Pop
When Elemental Pop works, it's great. The problem with it is that you can't rely on it. It gives a small chance on every shot you take to add a random ammo mod effect, which is cool but impractical. If you have spare Essence on you, sure, it won't hurt you to have, but it isn't something that will turn the tide for you or your team.
Melee Macchiato
Finally, Melee Macchiato bottoms out the list. It is fine in the early game when the hordes are small and you're better off meleeing enemies since it will smack enemies away with each hit, but quickly drops off in usefulness. When the zombies get too strong and too numerous, you will need a lot more than a strong punch to deal with them and end up forgetting you even have it.

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