As 2024 comes to a close, players in Call of Duty Black Ops 6 are deep into the mid-term phase of the ever-popular Zombies mode. This mode continues to captivate players with its combination of intense combat, strategy, and the thrill of survival. In Zombies mode, you start with nothing more than a pistol and a knife, gradually acquiring new weapons either from the wall or the Mystery Box. The challenge is to survive wave after wave of relentless zombies while upgrading your arsenal.

However, while the randomness of the weapons you acquire from the Mystery Box can add a level of excitement, players can now customize their loadouts with up to 8 attachments before each round. This allows for a strategic advantage, enabling players to tailor their weapons for both efficiency and effectiveness in the chaos of Zombies mode. Additionally, with the introduction of Essence, players can boost weapon damage, enhance their arsenal’s rarity, or even apply ammo mods, giving a new level of customization to the gameplay.

As we approach Season 2, launching in January 2025, it’s important to understand which weapons are currently the most effective in Zombies mode. This guide will introduce you to some of the best weapons in the game’s current meta, detailing their strengths, ideal loadouts, and the role they can play in your fight against the undead.

1. SVD: The Sniper Rifle with Shotgun Capabilities

For those players who enjoy long-range precision with the ability to deal substantial damage, the SVD (Sniper Rifle) is an essential weapon in the Zombies mode arsenal. What makes the SVD particularly strong in Zombies mode is its ability to deal high damage to zombies from a distance, coupled with its versatility once upgraded.

Why it’s great:

High Accuracy: The SVD’s pinpoint accuracy makes it a fantastic weapon for taking out zombies at a distance.

Huge Damage Potential: A well-placed shot with the SVD can obliterate zombies, making it highly effective for clearing crowds and elite zombies.

Pack-a-Punch Upgrade: When you apply the Pack-a-Punch upgrade to the SVD, it transforms from a traditional sniper rifle into something far more devastating. It essentially turns into a shotgun, with scattershot rounds when fired from the hip, and a cluster shot when aimed through the scope. This transformation allows you to use it effectively in both long-range and close-quarters combat.

Best Loadout:

Attachments: High zoom optics, recoil stabilizers, extended magazines, and ammo mods that increase damage output or fire rate.

Playstyle: The SVD is best used by players who prefer a more tactical approach. Use it for clearing large groups of zombies from a distance, or switch to hip fire for when you get overwhelmed in close quarters.

2. Stryder .22: Fast-Firing Semi-Automatic Precision

For those who prefer a more agile and quick approach to eliminating zombies, the Stryder .22 is a semi-automatic weapon that excels in rapid-fire damage output. It’s especially useful for quickly clearing swarms of zombies and maintaining a steady stream of damage.

Why it’s great:

Fast-Firing: The semi-automatic nature of the Stryder allows for rapid fire, making it perfect for shredding zombies up close.

Akimbo Setup: If you want to double the destruction, equipping two Akimbo Stryder .22 will significantly increase your damage output, letting you clear large groups of zombies in no time.

Melee DPS: The Stryder .22 has excellent melee damage per second (DPS), making it an excellent choice for players who like to engage in aggressive combat.

Downside:

Repetitive Firing: Since it’s a semi-automatic weapon, you’ll need to repeatedly pull the trigger, which can be tiresome during longer sessions. It’s important to find a rhythm or choose loadouts that reduce the fatigue from constant firing.

Best Loadout:

Attachments: Extended mags for increased ammo capacity, suppressor for stealth kills, and recoil stabilizers to make firing smoother.

Playstyle: Perfect for aggressive players who like to stay on the move and clear out zombies quickly. Pair it with a strong secondary weapon for when you need to take on tougher zombies or larger hordes.

3. PP-919: High Capacity SMG with Low Recoil

The PP-919 is an outstanding SMG (Submachine Gun) that strikes the perfect balance between ammo capacity and maneuverability. Unlike LMGs (Light Machine Guns), which offer high magazine capacities but suffer from slow reload speeds and poor mobility, the PP-919 excels in these areas, making it a reliable option for close to mid-range combat.

Why it’s great:

Huge Magazine Capacity: Equipped with an extended magazine, the PP-919 can hold over 200 rounds, making it perfect for players who prefer to spray and pray when fighting large groups of zombies.

Low Recoil: This SMG is easier to control than most, allowing players to keep up a consistent stream of fire without losing accuracy.

Fast Reloading: Unlike LMGs, the PP-919 boasts a quick reload time, which is crucial during intense firefights where every second counts.

Best Loadout:

Attachments: Extended magazine, recoil compensators, and ammo mods that increase damage or rate of fire.

Playstyle: Ideal for players who like to lay down consistent fire on zombies while moving quickly through the map. It pairs well with other, more powerful weapons for dealing with elite zombies or tougher bosses.

4. Model L: The Reliable Assault Rifle

For those who prefer a balanced weapon that performs well in nearly any situation, the Model L assault rifle is an excellent choice. Known for its low recoil and consistent damage output, the Model L is one of the most reliable weapons in Zombies mode.

Why it’s great:

Low Recoil: The Model L has virtually no recoil, making it easy to control and perfect for spraying at large groups of zombies without losing accuracy.

Versatility: Whether you’re dealing with swarms of regular zombies or taking on elite bosses, the Model L is up to the task. It delivers excellent damage with a moderate rate of fire.

Great Ammo Efficiency: The slow rate of fire ensures that you’re not wasting ammunition, making it a smart choice for prolonged battles.

Best Loadout:

Attachments: Optics for better accuracy, recoil stabilization, and extended mags for more sustained fire.

Playstyle: Ideal for players who like versatility. Whether you’re mowing down zombies at range or dealing with those up close, the Model L will perform admirably in any scenario.

5. Tanto .22: High Damage, Low Ammunition

The Tanto .22 is a single-shot weapon that deals significant damage but has a rather tricky recoil. This weapon is perfect for players who like to deliver heavy, precise hits but need to manage their ammunition wisely.

Why it’s great:

High Single-Shot Damage: The Tanto .22 delivers more damage per shot than most SMGs or even some assault rifles, making it effective for quickly taking down stronger zombies.

Faster Leveling: The high damage and quick kill speed of the Tanto .22 make it great for XP farming since it lets you accumulate points quickly.

Downside:

Difficult Recoil Control: The recoil is substantial, making it hard to maintain accuracy, especially during long-range shots. However, with the right Pack-a-Punch upgrades and loadouts, the recoil can be mitigated.

Best Loadout:

Attachments: Stabilizers to reduce recoil, extended magazines, and damage-boosting attachments.

Playstyle: Best suited for players who can land precision shots and need a weapon to take out high-priority targets quickly. Great for expert-level players who can manage its recoil and positioning.

Conclusion: Tailor Your Weapons to Your Playstyle

In CoD Black Ops 6 Zombies mode, the key to surviving the endless waves of zombies lies in choosing the right weapons and customizing them to suit your playstyle. Whether you prefer long-range precision, fast-firing weapons, or reliable all-rounders, there’s a weapon for every strategy. The SVD, Stryder .22, PP-919, Model L, and Tanto .22 are some of the top choices in the current meta, each offering unique advantages that can make a huge difference during your fight for survival.

As Season 2 approaches in early 2025, expect to see new weapons and mechanics introduced, but for now, these weapons remain some of the best options to tackle the challenges that await you in Zombies mode. Remember to customize your loadouts, enhance your weapons with Essence, and take advantage of the various attachments to create a setup that best complements your gameplay style.

Good luck, and happy hunting!