Battlefield 6’s sprawling maps and varied combat scenarios demand informed weapon choices. This guide presents an up-to-date tier list of assault rifles, carbines, SMGs, LMGs, DMRs, sniper rifles, shotguns, and sidearms—ranked by real-match performance, handling, and versatility.

Use these as a guide, not absolute truth — your playstyle, map, and attachments matter a lot.

Tier definitions

Tier Meaning
S (top) Exceptional in their niche. Dominate in specific roles or ranges.
A (strong) Very effective and versatile, close to meta staples.
B (reliable) Decent performance when used well, but weaker under pressure or in some matchups.
C (niche / underpowered) Struggle in many scenarios; usable only in limited roles or with heavy compensation.

Ultimate Battlefield 6 weapon tier list

The following table ranks top Battlefield 6 guns into four tiers.

Weapon Tier Best use / notes
M87A1 (shotgun) S One-shot chest kills in close range. Very strong for aggressive maps.
M2010 ESR (sniper rifle) S Top long-range pick. Precision and lethality make it a go-to for snipers.
B36A4 (assault rifle) S Versatile — solid in many ranges.
18.5KS-K (shotgun) S Strong close-quarters option.
M4A1 (carbine) A Excellent close-to-mid pick; requires recoil control.
NVO-228E (assault rifle) A Balanced for mid-range fights.
PW7A2 (SMG) A Strong in close to mid-range; good alternative to carbines.
L110 (LMG) A Good for sustained fire zones; signature weapon for Support.
M39 EMR (DMR) A Strong marksman option; good compromise between sniper and AR.
AK-205 (assault rifle / carbine) B Decent potential, but harder to control or lacking in standout traits compared to A-tier.
M433 (assault rifle) B Solid with attachments, but more niche in current meta.
SGX (SMG) C / B Very close-quarters focused; often weaker outside tight spaces.
L110 (other builds / weak versions) D / C Some variants or weak setups may drop to bottom tier.
P18 (sidearm / pistol) D / C Low-tier among primaries; used mostly as backup.

How to use this tier list to choose weapons

How to pick a weapon based on role and map

  1. Match weapon range to map layout.
    • Tight indoor maps → shotguns, SMGs.
    • Open maps / long lines of sight → sniper rifles, DMRs, long-range ARs.
  2. Consider class synergy.
    • Some weapons are signature perks for specific classes. Using them in that class gives bonuses.
  3. Focus on attachments and recoil control.
    • Even a lower-tier weapon can perform well with the right setup. Some guns are viable only if you suppress recoil or boost handling.
  4. Don’t just follow tier blindly — favorite weapons often outperform “meta” ones in players’ hands.

How to experiment and adapt

  • In early matches, try a few weapons from each tier to see what feels comfortable.
  • Watch whether a gun feels weak in your hands — sometimes it’s more about aim or recoil mastery than raw stats.
  • Keep an eye on balance patches. What’s S-tier today might drop tomorrow.

Battlefield 6 gun meta caveats

  • The gun pool is still expanding. New weapons introduced via updates or seasons can shift the meta. For example, the first season will add new weapons.
  • Balance patches are expected. Some currently strong weapons may get nerfed, and weaker ones buffed.
  • Weapon performance is context-sensitive: map, range, player skill, and attachments all matter.
  • Closed vs open weapon rulesets (i.e. class-limited vs open loadouts) may affect which guns dominate in different playlists.

This tier list shows which weapons currently define the meta in Battlefield 6. Start with S-tier and A-tier guns, tune them with good attachments, and adapt depending on maps and matchups. Keep an eye on future updates—your go-to weapon today may not stay dominant forever.