Call Of Duty: Black Ops 3

Key Takeaways

  • The SVG 100 boasts high damage and one-shot potential, great for less accurate shooters.
  • The Locus offers speed, handling, and one-shot kills, making it a top Sniper Rifle choice.
  • The Vesper provides a fast TTK but limited range, suitable for close-quarters combat.



Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 is often regarded as one of the more popular choices among fans when it comes to iconic gameplay. Black Ops 3 features a great Campaign and a fantastic Zombies mode, yet one of the most popular parts of Black Ops 3 has to be its action-packed and fast-paced Multiplayer experience.

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Black Ops 3 Multiplayer is one of the more beloved multiplayer experiences in any Call of Duty title, adopting advanced movement mechanics like wall-running and jetpacks, as opposed to the standard boots-on-the-ground gameplay. The game also features a solid roster of futuristic weapons. While weapon choice ultimately depends on personal preference, some are definitely better than others. Here are the best weapons in Black Ops 3, ranked.

This list will focus only on the best weapons included with the launch of
Black Ops 3,
excluding those acquired through Supply Drops.


Updated on October 21, 2024, by Nathan Round: With Black Ops 6 on the horizon, it is always good to look back on previous titles. This list has been updated to include the 205 Brecci, the SVG 100, the Pharo, and the Locus Sniper Rifle — four solid weapons in the meta for Black Ops 3 Multiplayer. The meta has also shifted slightly, adjusting many of the weapons’ rankings in this list. Some adjustments to this list’s formatting have also been made to better fit the current formatting standards here at GameRant, along with providing some additional links to other useful Call Of Duty guides and lists.


12 SVG 100

High-Damage Sniper Rifle With Excellent One-Shot Potential

Screenshot showcasing the SVG 100 in Black Ops 3


The SVG 100 is definitely one of the more high-powered weapons in Black Ops 3, boasting one of the highest damage-per-shot profiles of any weapon in the game. The high damage of the SVG 100 allows it to deliver an impressively high one-shot capability on nearly any part of the body, as long as the shots don’t fall below the knees. This perk makes it slightly more forgiving for less accurate shooters, making it a great Sniper Rifle for beginners.

However, while the SVG 100 excels in damage, it does come with some drawbacks. First, the weapon has one of the slowest fire rates of its category, which can be problematic when switching between multiple targets at a distance. The SVG 100 also has slightly lower accuracy than its closest competitor, the Locus, mainly due to the greater kick after each shot. This can hinder the ability to chain multiple kills, but experienced Snipers can counter this drawback rather smoothly.


11 Locus

Solid Sniper Rifle With Excellent Handling & Range

Screenshot showcsasing the Locus in Black Ops 3

The Locus is by far one of the most utilized weapons in the Sniper Rifle category, and one of the best Sniper Rifles in the Call Of Duty franchise. It provides a reliable one-shot kill when aimed at the upper torso or head. While the SVG 100 offers more consistent one-shot kills due to its superior damage, the Locus excels at speed, offering exceptional handling and proving to be fast and reliable when used by skilled players.

The Locus also boasts a solid fire rate, significantly faster than its closest competitor, the SVG 100. Pair this with its high one-shot potential, and players have a powerful Sniper Rifle capable of quickly chaining back-to-back kills. The weapon can also be enhanced even further with the right attachments, such as Rapid Fire and Fast Mags.


10 Vesper

Fast Firing SMG With a Solid TTK

Black Ops 3 Vesper in the armory

The SMG category in Black Ops 3 has a great range of weapons for dedicated players. While options like the VMP dominate the meta, one of the more overlooked SMGs is the Vesper. The Vesper is definitely a solid choice for fans looking to dispatch opponents, mainly thanks to its remarkably high fire rate. This nifty perk of the Vesper grants the weapon one of the fastest TTKs in the category — when used up close, that is.


Of course, with such a fast-fire rate, the Vesper does suffer when it comes to fighting multiple opponents at once, as players will often find themselves burning through their magazines after a single gunfight. This will mean that players will have to offset this flaw by simply equipping an extended magazine. The range of the Vesper is also on the low side even for the SMG category, harming its versatility slightly when it comes to medium-range engagements. Furthermore, the Vesper also has a recoil pattern that kicks to the left when fired, making it difficult to control when engaging opponents at longer ranges.

9 205 Brecci

The Best Shotgun In Black Ops 3

Screenshot showcasing the 205 Brecci in Black Ops 3

The infamous 205 Brecci has been a dominant weapon in the Shotgun category for quite some time now, solidifying its place among the best weapons in Black Ops 3. This semi-automatic Shotgun is a powerhouse in the close-range meta, shutting down most opponents who come across it. While it doesn’t boast the highest fire rate in the Shotgun category — falling second only to the Haymaker — the 205 Brecci’s superior damage per shot and decent range make it the better choice of the two, making it a must-use weapon for fans of Shotguns.


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Where the 205 Brecci truly shines is in close-range engagements. While other Shotguns, like the Argus, may have a faster time to kill, the Brecci’s main strength lies in its lower reliance on accuracy. As a semi-automatic Shotgun with a sizable magazine and strong hip-fire accuracy, it’s excellent for spraying from the hip. Pairing this weapon with a great Perk like Gung-Ho is also a must, as it allows players to sprint and shoot simultaneously, creating a deadly combination on the battlefield.

8 HVK-30

A Decently Fast & Versatile Assault Rifle

Black Ops 3 HVK-30 in the armory


The Assault Rifle category is a competitive one, allowing a few weapons to shine through when it comes to the best overall weapons in Black Ops 3. One of the top weapons in the category is the HVK-30, a weapon that offers a little more diversity in playstyle. The HVK-30 is a fairly standard member of its class and has medium accuracy along with setting the baseline for damage. However, the range of the weapon is pretty subpar when it comes to Assault Rifles as a whole, keeping the weapon from ranking the absolute highest.

Despite its poor range, however, the HVK-30 is arguably the best launch Assault Rifle to use up close thanks to its high-fire rate, which, paired with its moderate damage grants it a fast TTK — one that is also great for tearing through enemies at medium range. The gun is also relatively easy to control, boasting mainly of side-to-side recoil that is not all too difficult to manage. All these attributes make the HVK-30 a solid option for those who like a run-and-gun playstyle, but does require players to prioritize caution in their fights.


7 Dingo

Fast Firing Light Machine Gun With a Solid DPS

Black Ops 3 Dingo in the armory

The Dingo is a consistently popular and great weapon for Black Ops 3 Zombies, but also proves as a solid weapon to use at all ranges in Multiplayer. Though the Dingo has fairly low stats when it comes to damage, it does boast the highest fire rate of the LMGs available at launch, bridging the gap between the others in overall TTK. Its handling attributes are also better than other LMG options, which adds to its appeal as a weapon.


Though the Dingo does have moderate recoil, which should be kept in mind when firing across range, it isn’t all too detrimental, mostly bouncing around from side to side the longer the trigger is held. It also boasts a magazine size of 80 rounds, making it excellent for players who find themselves getting swarmed during their Multiplayer matches. Of course, its major caveats come in the form of its sluggish reload speed, along with the fact that it is not necessarily the fastest weapon on this list.

6 Pharo

High Damage Burst SMG With a Fast TTK

Screenshot showcasing the Pharo in Black Ops 3

While players may often lean toward using a full-auto weapon in close-range gunfights, the burst-fire Pharo is a solid option in Multiplayer — despite being an unpopular option in modes like Zombies. Though it doesn’t rank as high as other SMGs, the Pharo sits comfortably ahead of lower-tier options like the Weevil and Razorback due to its superior damage and fire rate, giving it a better TTK on average. Additionally, the Pharo can be fired by simply holding down the trigger, a convenient feature for those who might initially overlook the weapon.


Although it doesn’t boast the greatest range in its category, the Pharo is comparable to other options like the VMP, another popular choice in Black Ops 3. It’s also relatively easy to control, with minimal vertical recoil and horizontal recoil that only deviates slightly if players don’t actively manage it. The only significant drawback of the Pharo is that players need to be accurate, as every bullet in each burst must hit its mark to maximize damage.

5 M8A7

High Damage Assault Rifle With Excellent Long Range Potential

Black Ops 3 M8A7


Another Assault Rifle that routinely makes its way into Black Ops 3 fans’ favorites is the M8A7, which is absolutely a meta option in the game. Being a four-round burst Assault Rifle, it can take a bit of getting used to compared with other weapons of its kind, especially considering it cannot be fired by simply holding down the trigger like the Pharo. However, practicing precision with the M8A7 makes it a viable weapon for any player, especially considering its high damage-per-shot.

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The M8A7 is a powerhouse when it comes to the medium-and-long range meta, averaging around a two-shot kill at all ranges if players hit all their bullets with each burst shot. The accuracy of the guns is also incredibly high, sporting very minimal weapon kick and recoil. It also has a high rate of fire when compared with other burst-type weapons, making it a good choice for those less familiar with them.

4 KN-44

Great Assault Rifle That Serves As The Jack-Of-All-Trades

Black Ops 3 KN-44 in the armory


The KN-44 is likely the first Assault Rifle that players will find themselves sticking to in Black Ops 3, not only because it is the base Assault Rifle that players unlock, but because it is also a solid option in the meta. The KN-44 has one of the most consistent stats of most Assault Rifles, boasting moderate damage and accuracy, along with a fast fire rate for a solid TTK. These attributes make it an excellent option for almost any situation, making it one of the easiest weapons to simply pick up and use.

Damage and accuracy aside, the KN-44 also boasts a decent level of range, carrying its effective damage way up into the medium range and beyond. This firmly plants the weapon as one of the more versatile options in terms of playstyle, supporting players in any situation. Whether it be rushing into the center of the action or sitting back and playing defensively, the KN-44 will serve any player’s needs, making it a great early weapon to consider.


3 Man-O-War

High Damage Assault Rifle With Excellent Range

Black Ops 3 Man-O-War in the armory

The Man-O-War is currently leading when it comes to the Assault Rifle category. Though the fire rate of this weapon leaves much to be desired, its damage-per-shot is exceptionally high, only sitting behind options like the Sheiva and the XR-2. The Man-O-War also boasts high accuracy and excellent range, making it a great weapon for long-range combat — one which still holds its own in medium-range engagements as well.

In terms of recoil, the Man-O-War is a steady choice, boasting very little vertical recoil, making it incredibly reliable in most gunfight scenarios. These attributes make this Assault Rifle an excellent addition to any player’s loadout. The only major caveat of the Man-O-War is its fairly slow reload speed, which is pretty sluggish when compared to some other weapons like the KN-44. Of course, this flaw can be mitigated with the Fast Mags attachment.


2 Kuda

Fast SMG With Excellent Range & Accuracy

Black Ops 3 Kuda in the armory

The Kuda is a well-balanced and standard member of its class, serving as the benchmark against which all Submachine Guns are measured. It is a great choice for new and seasoned players alike, boasting an admirable level of range and accuracy when compared to other weapons of its category. While the gun does not have the best damage-per-shot of its class, its decent level of fire rate does bridge the gap with TTK, making it a solid choice up close.

Though the Kuda is exceptional up close, it also holds its own at medium range rather nicely, making it a great performer, even without additional attachments. However, with a personalized build, the Kuda can be made into one of the best meta options in the game, one that is both versatile at medium range and deadly up close. Overall, it’s hard to go wrong with the Kuda, which is why it takes the second spot.


1 VMP

Versatile SMG With a Great TTK

Black Ops 3 VMP in the armory

Taking the number one spot is the VMP, a powerhouse in the Submachine Gun category. Though ranking behind the Kuda in terms of range, the VMPs still retain the ability to perform well both up close and at medium range. The VMP also boasts a far better TTK thanks to its higher level of damage and fire rate, falling only second to the Vesper.

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The VMP also comes with a fairly large magazine size of 40 rounds, which synergizes well with its already fast fire rate, making it effective at taking out players whilst still having rounds to spare. Of course, the weapon is on the low side when it comes to accuracy, which is one of the poorest in its category. However, it can still be used to great effect for running and running, making it one of the top meta options in the game.


CALL OF DUTY BLACK OPS 3

Top Critic Rating:79/100 Critics Recommend:69%

Released
November 6, 2015

OpenCritic Rating
Strong

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