The Most Underrated Warzone Gun Transforms into a Fast-Killing Beast in Black Ops 6

The current state of **marksman rifles** in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has led to a surprising dichotomy in gameplay experiences between **multiplayer** and **Warzone**. While many guns have seen varied success in the battle royale mode, one rifle stands out for its dominance in the traditional multiplayer environment despite underwhelming performance in Warzone.

Following the integration of Black Ops 6 weapons into Warzone, the multiplayer scene has welcomed a plethora of options. Yet, only a select few weapons have truly risen to prominence, primarily catering to close-range engagements. The **XM4** remains the top choice amongst players, retaining its spot as the most favorable weapon in Warzone. Other **assault rifles**, such as the **GPR 91**, have also made a mark, but the **marksman rifle** class has left many fans disappointed, especially those seeking something new for those long-range firefights.

The AEK-973: A Standout Despite Limitations

Notably, the **AEK-973** is the marksman rifle that has generated the most discussions due to its subpar performance in Warzone. Its lethargic kill rate and inadequate movement speed have led to its frustrating reputation. However, the narrative shifts dramatically when considering its performance in Black Ops 6 multiplayer, where it continues to shine.

With the launch of **Season 1**, the AEK-973 faced a nerf, resulting in a decline in its usage. Nevertheless, it has maintained its status as the top burst-fire weapon in Black Ops 6. Renowned Call of Duty YouTuber **XclusiveAce** recently analyzed the weapon’s statistics in a detailed video, revealing that it can still achieve a remarkable **3-shot kill** at distances up to **46 meters** when equipped with the long barrel attachment.

Timestamp of 7:05

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MjmGJxipHc

The AEK-973 is Still the BEST Burst Gun in Black Ops 6! | (Stats & Best Attachment Setups) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MjmGJxipHc)

XclusiveAce highlights the AEK-973’s formidable power despite its long burst delay, noting, “This gun is great. While it is quite unforgiving with that really long burst delay, it at least has the power potential to justify the fact that it is so unforgiving.”His optimal loadout for the AEK-973 is designed around maximizing effectiveness while allowing the use of additional perks.

Optic: Kepler Microflex
Muzzle: Muzzle Break
Barrel: Long Barrel
Rear Grip: Quickdraw Grip
Stock: Heavy Stock

The AEK-973 boasts a **time-to-kill potential** of **138ms**, asserting itself as a formidable force in normal multiplayer settings. XclusiveAce further emphasizes that, “unless it’s a one-shot-kill weapon, there are really no guns that can reliably compete with that time-to-kill.” However, this highlights the limitation of the AEK-973; it is not available for use in Ranked Play, compelling players to explore the best loadouts tailored specifically for that competitive environment.

For a deeper look into the AEK-973 and its potential, check out the full analysis in the linked video above.

Source & Images