Blackout mode is the unique take by Treyarch on the battle royale trend in gaming. Up to 88 players go head to head to be the last survivor as the circle closes with zombies haunting parts of the map. Since the game’s beta release there have been some primary weapons that commonly see themselves in the hands of the winners and some that are found in the cold dead grasp of the unfortunate souls who died early on.
While it’s true that in the right hands any weapon can be deadly, there are some weapons that make the goal of surviving Blackout much easier and some that make it much more challenging.
24 ESSEX Model 07
Tactical rifles are often perceived as substitutes for better weapons, but this is not true for the ESSEX Model 07. The rate of fire is slow and it doesn’t do a whole lot of damage, but it’s worst sin has to be that it cannot equip any attachments. It’s better than fists, but you’ll have an uphill battle if this is your only weapon.
23 OUTLAW
Admittedly good damage and a better fire rate then some of the best sniper rifles, but it’s cumbersome. By the time you’re peering down the scope the enemy will be long gone or firing at you with their own sniper.
22 SAUG-9MM
Most players know to avoid close-quarters combat as their odds of survival are better at mid-range.
As a result, limited range combat weapons like the SAUG-9MM are all but useless. That being said it’s better than a shotgun.
21 VKM 750
This weapon has good damage being a 50 .cal, but you’ll have a hard time taking advantage of it thanks to an awful rate of fire and ridiculous recoil. It’s good for pop shots but you better switch to a better weapon if you want to take the enemy down.
20 SDM
The SDM feels more like a tactical rifle than a sniper rifle. It’s semi-automatic nature and decent damage make it useful for pinning enemies down but its rough handling hinders its ability to actually kill anyone smart enough to stay behind cover.
19 MX9
This weapon is very useful in the beginning of the game as players are still scrambling for supplies. But as players start putting on armor you’ll find this weapon does little more than irritate them and you’ll be wanting something with better damage.
18 MP40
An SMG obtained from zombies, this gun has good potential but comes up short because it doesn’t support any attachments. Has some use in short-range battle, but you’ll honestly want something better fast.
17 Swordfish
Basically a weaker version of the ABR 223 this takes a lot of shots to kill the enemy and doesn’t have a good enough fire rate to do it. It only uses is for softening enemy units at mid-range before they get close, but there are much better weapons out there.
16 Grav (Galil)
Another weapon obtained by killing zombies, this assault rifle actually has pretty good stats all around. It’s one main drawback, and it’s a big one, is that it doesn’t support any attachments. Not a bad weapon to have in the beginning, but very quickly outclassed.
15 Cordite
This thing is a beast in close quarters with its decent damage, good rate of fire, and its magazine that can hold a whopping 60 rounds. Just be ready to use that large magazine when enemies start putting on armor.
14 ABR 223
This weapon does well in mid-range fights and your enemy will be limping behind cover if you hit them with a few bursts.
Don’t think about using this in close quarters combat as the low fire rate will get you killed.
13 Spitfire
Considered the best close-quarters weapon in Blackout and absolutely lethal in the beginning of the round. Your main goal is to make every bullet count, but if you miss its high rate of fire should keep you covered.
12 Zweihander
The last gun unlocked by killing zombies, it doesn’t do a lot of damage, but many fans swear by it thanks to the abundant 7.62 ammo lying around. It’s a mid-level weapon that looks cool and will keep you alive but should be replaced.
11 GKS
The best SMG in the game, the GKS has an excellent rate of fire, low recoil, and packs a punch. Like any SMG it’s not a long term weapon when enemies have better armor in the endgame, but this will make sure you stay alive that long.
10 VAPR-XKG
As an assault rifle, it’s automatically better than most weapons, but it doesn’t really feel like an assault rifle. It struggles in mid-range but is a surprisingly good weapon for close quarter combat which is why it ranks higher than it should.
9 HADES
Second best rate of fire in the LMGs with decent damage and a fair amount of accuracy, this is your ideal suppression weapon. It’ll shred anyone foolish enough to break cover while you’re firing on their hiding spot.
8 ICR-7
This assault rifle has some stunning accuracy but lacks a little in damage. So this weapon has been dubbed a headshot weapon by fans and it definitely lives up to the label.
7 Titan
The best LMG in the game it has great damage, good fire rate, and a stunning 75 round magazine. It fills the air with bullets in short to mid-range.
It’s one weakness is long-range as there is significant bullet drop, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a better weapon when assaulting vehicles.
6 Auger DMR
This is the best tactical rifle in Blackout mode and functions as a lite sniper. With semi-automatic fire and great damage, only the best sniper rifles will outshine it in long-range combat.
5 Rampart 17
Another sniper-like gun, this assault rifle can be tricky to use but does high damage at mid to long-range. If used as a sniper, its low rate of fire is no big deal, but don’t go into mid-range expecting a standard assault rifle.