There may be fewer options to choose from when it comes to the best guns in the Black Ops 7 beta compared to when the full game launches in November, but there’s still enough variety available that some weapons have quickly climbed to the top of the ranks among general player consensus.
With 16 guns available in total, and almost a full week to use them in the beta, we’ve highlighted a few of the best. Research for this ranking is based on what the Call of Duty community has appeared to agree are the best guns; we’ve included information about why they’re so effective, alongside videos showing them in action. Of course, you need to make sure you know how to play the Black Ops 7 beta before you use any of these.
Here are some of the best weapons in the Black Ops 7 beta, including an assault rifle, a marksman rifle, and SMG, and not one but two sniper rifles.
1. MXR-17 (assault rifle)
If there’s one gun everyone’s talking about in the beta, it’s the MXR-17. Unlocked at level four, this is the second assault rifle you’ll get your hands on, and it deals the most damage. This is in exchange for a slower rate of fire compared to the M15 and the Peacekeeper, but that should also result in slightly more manageable recoil.
Attachment recommendations typically revolve around improving the range and damage output this gun can offer, which can be done with longer barrels, muzzles, and grips to also improve the handling even further. It doesn’t have the greatest iron sight either, so you should whack your preferred optic of choice to improve its capabilities at distance.
Check out this video from Hero for an example of just how much the MXR-17 shreds.
2. M8A1 (marksman rifle)
Is anyone surprised to see the M8A1 in the top tier of weapons in the beta? Anyone who played Black Ops 2 back in the day knows exactly what this marksman rifle is capable of, with its burst-fire mode taking down enemies before they knew what hit them. So to see this beast back doing what it does best is a sweet hit of nostalgia for us all.
It’s been a while since a burst weapon has shone so brightly in a Call of Duty game, but with the M8A1’s four-round burst enabling a “one bomb” — when you kill an enemy at full health with just one burst — it harks back to the days of the M16A4 and FAMAS in Modern Warfare and Modern Warfare 2. Stick an optical sight on this bad boy, a long barrel to improve the range, and you’re good to go.
Octane, ex-Call of Duty pro turned content creator, has already got a nuke with his M8A1 build.
3. Dravec 45 (SMG)
Meanwhile, in the SMG category, we have the Dravec 45. Unlocked at level 10, this is essentially a PP-19 Bizon from previous Call of Duty games, and it’s safe to say it shreds yet again in Black Ops 7. It appears to be capable in close quarters combat and at considerable range with the right build, which is something the weapon has struggled with in years gone by.
Equip a longer barrel to improve its range (this is becoming a running theme…), stock and grip attachments to help manage the recoil, along with an extended magazine to ensure you don’t run out of bullets mid-fight. The Dravec 45 only has two SMGs to compete with in the beta and it is far and away the best choice.
Paradox’s video shows just how much the Dravec shreds as he has a 100+ kill game with it.
5. VS Recon (sniper rifle)
Don’t worry, quickscopers and sniper fans everywhere, we haven’t forgotten you. The VS Recon is an immensely powerful bolt action and as a result, it’s the perfect candidate for anyone who fancies themselves as a run ‘n’ gun, mobile type of sniper player, or if you want to play slower and more methodically.
It’s unlocked by default in the beta so you can start unlocking attachments for it straight away, and if you plan on hightailing it around the map rather than camping in one spot, the Quickdraw Grip is the attachment you need to improve that ADS speed. The Rapid Fire mod and Handling Laser are also both essential for that quickscoping playstyle.
Thought Octane’s nuke was impressive? Check out SoaR Roy get one while using the VS Recon exclusively.
Once we’ve had enough time with the game, we’ll update this guide with the best weapons based on our experience. Since Black Ops 7 is so similar to its predecessor, the same approach to weapon building and loadouts will likely work here.
