Black Ops 7 brings a fresh arsenal of weapons alongside returning favorites, giving players tons of customization through attachments, perks, wildcards, and the new Combat Specialty system. This guide covers the strongest multiplayer loadouts, breaking down builds for assault rifles, SMGs, marksman rifles, LMGs, and sniper rifles.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to refine your competitive edge, these loadouts will help you dominate across all map types and game modes.
How the Loadout System Works
Understanding the core systems will help you make smarter decisions about your class setups.
Wildcards
Wildcards shape your entire playstyle with powerful bonuses:
- Gunfighter grants 3 extra attachment slots for your primary weapon (8 total), letting you fully customize your gun.
- Overkill lets you equip any non-melee weapon in both primary and secondary slots. This opens up powerful weapon combinations like pairing an AR with a shotgun.
- Perk Greed adds a fourth perk slot, expanding your passive abilities.
- Specialist sacrifices scorestreaks to unlock additional perks as you rack up kills during a life.
Combat Specialties
Combat Specialties are hybrid perk systems with unique bonuses:
- Enforcer: After each kill, you get a temporary buff to movement speed and health regen.
- Strategist: You earn more score for objectives and sabotage actions, deploy equipment faster, and can see enemy equipment through walls at short distance.
- Scout: An offense and stealth hybrid. Bullet kills keep you hidden from enemy minimaps for 5 seconds, and additional kills reset the timer.
- Tactician: A support and offense hybrid. Assists grant bonus score from bullet eliminations for ten seconds.
- Recon: Focused on information gathering and awareness.
Five vs. Eight Attachment Builds
All weapons in this guide include both configurations:
- Five Attachment Builds work with any wildcard and offer balanced performance.
- Eight Attachment Builds require the Gunfighter wildcard but squeeze maximum potential out of your weapon.
Top-Tier Meta Loadouts
These complete class setups represent the strongest combinations for competitive multiplayer right now.
M8A1 + M10 Breacher (Overkill Build)
This loadout pairs a burst-fire marksman rifle for mid-to-long range precision with a devastating close-quarters shotgun. You're covered at all engagement distances, and it shines in objective-based modes.
The M8A1's extremely fast burst fire punishes opponents at medium range, while the M10 Breacher delivers instant stopping power when enemies get close. The Overkill wildcard makes this dual-primary setup possible.
Wildcard: Overkill
Perk 1: Lightweight (Faster movement, longer jumps/slides/dives, quicker recovery)
Perk 2: Fast Hands (Faster reloads and weapon swaps, extended grenade fuse when throwing back)
Perk 3: Dexterity (Reduced weapon motion during movement, full ADS while sliding/diving/wall-jumping, reduced fall damage)
Lethal: Frag Grenade (Cookable for precise detonation timing)
Tactical: Stim Shot (Rapid health recovery)
Field Upgrade: Active Camo (Temporary partial invisibility)
Specialty: Tactician
Lightweight and Dexterity work together to let you move aggressively while keeping your weapon ready. Fast Hands is critical for quick weapon swaps between the M8A1 and M10 Breacher. Active Camo helps you reposition through dangerous areas or push contested objectives.
Dravec 45 + CODA 9 (Gunfighter Build)
The Dravec 45 stands out among SMGs for its exceptional stability and effective range. It performs well in mid-range engagements where most SMGs struggle. Paired with the CODA 9 pistol in Akimbo configuration, you get devastating close-quarters backup without needing Overkill.
The Dravec 45 functions almost like an SMG/AR hybrid, keeping tight recoil and consistent damage at distances where other SMGs fall off. Akimbo CODA 9 melts opponents faster than most SMGs up close.
| Slot | Attachment | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Optic | Lethal Tools ELO | Clean precision sight (unlocked by reaching Peacekeeper level 5) |
| Muzzle | Bowen .45 Suppressor | Removes minimap ping when firing |
| Barrel | 19" EAM Horizon Barrel | Extended damage range and bullet velocity |
| Magazine | Gator Extended Mag | 48-round capacity for extended engagements |
| Rear Grip | Herald-Z1 Grip | Movement boost with ADS and sprint-to-fire improvements |
| Stock | EAM Heritage Stock or Serval Q-Step Stock | Better movement speed |
| Laser | LTI Swiftpoint Laser or VAS Precision Shift Laser | Improved ADS speed |
| Fire Mods | Accelerated Recoil System | Horizontal and vertical recoil control |
Muzzle: Bowen 9mm Suppressor | Barrel: 4.1" Paragon Barrel | Magazine: Nanofeed Fast Mag | Rear Grip: Express Grip | Laser: 2MW Pinpoint Pistol Laser | Stock: Akimbo CODA 9
This setup excels at aggressive, stealth-oriented SMG play. You stay quiet, use information advantages, and remain invisible to tracking systems. Scout keeps you off enemy minimaps after kills, so you can chain eliminations without revealing your position.
M15 Mod 0 + CODA 9 (Versatile Starter Build)
The M15 Mod 0 is the first assault rifle you unlock in Black Ops 7, and it stays competitive throughout all skill levels. Excellent handling, low recoil, and versatility make it a solid foundation for any loadout.
The M15 Mod 0 excels at being easy to use while remaining effective. Fast handling makes it suitable for aggressive play, and its accuracy keeps it reliable at medium range.
| Slot | Attachment | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Optic | Lethal Tools ELO | Clean sight picture |
| Muzzle | VAS 5.56 Suppressor or Redwell Compensator | Suppression or vertical recoil control |
| Barrel | Bowen Watchtower Barrel or Fusion Barrel | Extended damage range (38m effective) and bullet velocity |
| Underbarrel | Ironhold Angled Grip or EAM Steady 90 Grip | Improved sway control and horizontal recoil |
| Magazine | Mayday Extended Mag | 45-round capacity |
| Rear Grip | Hex Cut Grip or Paragrine Grip | Movement with ADS speed, or pure ADS improvement |
| Stock | Wander-3V Stock or Bowin Lichpin Stock | Strafe speed or recoil control |
| Laser | 3MW Motion Strike Laser | Damage range and recoil stabilization |
For non-Gunfighter builds, prioritize: Muzzle: VAS 5.56 Suppressor | Magazine: Mayday Extended Mag (45 rounds) | Rear Grip: Hex Cut Grip | Stock: Bowin Lichpin Stock | Fire Mods: Buffer Springs/Recoil Springs
The M15 Mod 0's forgiving nature lets newer players focus on positioning and game sense rather than recoil management. The 38m effective damage range with the Watchtower Barrel covers most multiplayer engagement distances, and the second damage range extends to 64m.
Best Individual Weapon Loadouts
Assault Rifles
MXR-17 (Precision Lane Control)
The MXR-17 delivers exceptional accuracy and damage at range. It rewards players who prefer careful positioning over raw aggression. One of the best damage profiles in the game, clean iron sights, but a slower fire rate that makes close-quarters engagements tougher.
- Outstanding mid-to-long range performance
- Clean iron sights
- High damage per shot
- Slower fire rate hurts close-range TTK
- Demands more precise aim
AK-27 (Aggressive All-Rounder)
The AK-27 delivers consistent damage across all ranges with one of the fastest TTKs among fully automatic assault rifles, particularly up close. It's almost an SMG/AR hybrid, competing effectively at all engagement distances.
Add to the five-attachment base: Magazine: 40-Round Extended Mag | Rear Grip: SAR Control Grip (first shot and vertical recoil control) | Stock: Caliban Lightstock (improved movement) | Laser: 3MW Motion Strike Laser
Prestige Attachment Note: The Enhanced Cycle System increases fire rate and provides horizontal control but reduces damage range and velocity. This creates a more aggressive close-range variant.
Peacekeeper MK1 (Balanced Aggression)
The Peacekeeper MK1 performs exceptionally well from close to mid-range, reloads quickly, and doesn't demand much to perform effectively. Balanced stats make it accessible to all skill levels.
| Slot | Attachment | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Optic | LTI Mini | Precision sight picture |
| Muzzle | Monolithic Suppressor | No minimap ping, +2 bullet velocity, +2 damage range |
| Barrel | 21" DF-3 Merge Barrel | +2 damage range, +2 bullet velocity |
| Magazine | Snap Switch Magazines | +2 reload quickness, +1 magazine capacity |
| Rear Grip | EAM Dashfire Grip | +3 sprint-to-fire speed |
X9 Maverick (Burst-Fire Powerhouse)
The X9 Maverick dominates with its exceptional burst-fire TTK. It can one-burst opponents with chest-and-above hits at close range. Even at medium range, two-burst kills remain extremely competitive.
Submachine Guns
Razor 9mm (Fastest TTK SMG)
The Razor 9mm has the fastest TTK among SMGs in Black Ops 7 (tied with the MPC-25) but offers more manageable recoil. Recent updates improved its recoil characteristics and damage range.
Use the Razor 9mm's TTK advantage in close-quarters engagements up to approximately 25 meters. Beyond that range, consider disengaging or repositioning rather than challenging AR users.
RK-9 (Burst SMG)
The RK-9 is a burst-fire SMG with the fastest TTK in its category on paper. Once you level it and master the burst timing, it becomes extremely rewarding.
| Slot | Attachment | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Optic | Lethal Tools ELO (optional) | Improved sight picture |
| Muzzle | Hawker Series 45 Compensator | Vertical recoil control |
| Barrel | Long Barrel | Extended damage range (11m effective, 23m mid-range) |
| Underbarrel | Quickstep Foregrip | Movement speed, strafe speed, hipfire movement |
| Rear Grip | Lotus Draw Grip | Faster ADS |
MPC-25 (Stealth SMG)
The MPC-25 channels the spirit of the MSMC from Black Ops 2, delivering power and ease of use suited to faster-paced gameplay. This loadout emphasizes flanking and attacking from unexpected angles.
Light Machine Guns
Mk. 78 (Objective Anchor)
The Mk. 78 provides sustained fire capability with excellent damage output and massive ammunition reserves. You trade slower mobility and handling for that firepower.
| Slot | Attachment | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Optic | Mini Reflex 01 | Clear sight picture |
| Muzzle | Compensator | Vertical recoil control |
| Underbarrel | Mobile Recoil Foregrip | Recoil control with some mobility retention |
| Rear Grip | Quickdraw Grip | Faster ADS to offset LMG handling |
| Stock | ADS Movement Stock | Improved mobility while aiming |
The Mk. 78 excels at holding hardpoints and objective areas. Set up in power positions, use Trophy System to neutralize explosives, and use your ammunition advantage to suppress enemy advances. Engineer helps you avoid traps during necessary rotations.
Sniper Rifles
VS Recon (Quick-Scope Sniper)
The VS Recon offers fast rechamber speed and manageable handling, making it ideal for aggressive sniping. It delivers consistent one-shot kills with upper body hits.
Warden 308 (One-Shot Marksman Rifle)
The Warden 308 delivers one-shot-kill capability outside the sniper rifle category, offering a fast fire rate and devastating potential against grouped enemies.
| Slot | Attachment | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Optic | Prismatech Digital Holo | 1.5x magnification |
| Muzzle | Monolithic Suppressor | Suppression with velocity/range bonuses |
| Barrel | 15.4" LTI Phalanx Barrel | +2 damage range, +2 bullet velocity |
| Comb | Barron Riser | +2 horizontal recoil, +2 sprint/movement speed |
| Rear Grip | Scarab Grip | +3 sprint-to-fire, +2 jumping sprint-to-fire |
| Stock | FTAC Hybrid Stock | +2 aim walking movement, +2 flinch resistance |
| Fire Mods | .308 NATO Overpressured | +2 bullet velocity |
Universal Loadout Components
Recommended Secondary Weapons
Muzzle: Bowen 9mm Suppressor | Barrel: 4.1" Paragon Barrel | Magazine: Nanofeed Fast Mag | Rear Grip: Express Grip | Laser: 2MW Pinpoint Pistol Laser | Stock: Akimbo CODA 9 (for maximum close-range damage)
High damage, controllable recoil, moderate effective range
Best Perks by Playstyle
Perk 1: Gung Ho or Lightweight | Perk 2: Scavenger or Fast Hands | Perk 3: Dexterity or Looper | Specialty: Enforcer
Perk 1: Ghost or Ninja | Perk 2: Vigilance or Cold-Blooded | Perk 3: Dexterity | Specialty: Scout
Perk 1: Flak Jacket | Perk 2: Tech Mask or Engineer | Perk 3: Guardian | Specialty: Strategist
Equipment Recommendations
Lethal Grenades
- Frag: Versatile, cookable for precise timing
- Semtex: Reliable, sticks to surfaces, good for clearing positions
- Cluster Grenade: Area denial, forces enemies from cover
- Combat Axe: One-hit kill, requires skill
Tactical Equipment
- Stim Shot: Great for aggressive play, provides quick healing (Combat Performance overclock improves movement)
- Flashbang: Room clearing and aggressive pushes
- Smoke Grenade: Sightline control and safe rotations
- Pinpoint Grenade: Detects and tags enemies for team awareness
Field Upgrades
- Trophy System: Protects positions from explosives
- Active Camo: Repositioning and aggressive pushes
- Echo Unit: Decoy that captures objectives
- Drone Pod: Passive area denial and intel
- Mute Field: Stealth boost, blocks targeting
- Assault Pack: Lucky Ammo provides bonus score for faster streaks
Weapon Tier Rankings
Based on community consensus and competitive performance:
Performance Tier List
| Tier | Weapons |
|---|---|
| S-Tier (Meta Defining) | Flatline Mk.II, VS Recon, CODA 9 |
| A-Tier (Highly Competitive) | Knife, Razor 9mm, AAROW 109, Velox 5.7, AK-27, Ryden 45K, MXR-17, Peacekeeper MK1 |
| B-Tier (Solid Choices) | Jager 45, M15 Mod 0, Echo 12, Shadow SK, MPC-25, Carbon 57, DS20 Mirage, RK-9, Dravec 45, X9 Maverick |
| C-Tier (Situational) | M8A1, A.R.C. M1, XM325, Mk. 78, Warden 308 |
| D-Tier (Needs Buffs) | XR-3 Ion, M34 Novaline, M10 Breacher, Akita |
Quick-Start Recommendations
For New Players
Start with the M15 Mod 0 using the five-attachment build. Focus on learning map layouts and spawn patterns, understanding engagement distances, and building game sense before fine-tuning your loadout.
For Intermediate Players
Experiment with the Peacekeeper MK1 or AK-27 to develop more aggressive playstyles while keeping consistency.
For Advanced Players
Master the X9 Maverick or Razor 9mm to maximize TTK advantages. Consider the Warden 308 for high-skill-ceiling gameplay.
For Objective Players
Build around the Mk. 78 or AK-27 with Strategist specialty and defensive perks to anchor points effectively.
Conclusion
Black Ops 7's weapon customization gives you tons of options for tailoring loadouts to your playstyle. Attachments, perks, wildcards, and Combat Specialties all create meaningful choices that impact how you play.
Focus on mastering one or two weapons before expanding your arsenal. Understanding a weapon's strengths and limitations matters more than chasing whatever's considered meta. As balance updates roll out, come back to experiment with newly buffed options while keeping your core loadouts sharp.