Top AEK-973 Loadout for Black Ops 6: Optimal Class Setup, Attachments, and Perks

The AEK-973 is an exceptionally formidable Marksman Rifle in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer, often overshadowed by the popularity of Assault Rifles (ARs) and Submachine Guns (SMGs). Despite its effectiveness, it is not receiving the attention it rightly deserves.

Black Ops 3 introduced the M8A7, a legendary burst-fire AR that has solidified its place as one of the most powerful weapons in Call of Duty lore. With its rapid four-round bursts capable of quickly eliminating foes, this weapon set a standard that many subsequent games attempted to match, though few have succeeded like the classic BO3 model.

The AEK-973 stands out as a viable alternative, emerging as one of the top choices in BO6 for players who possess the accuracy to maximize its potential.

As a three-round burst Marksman Rifle, the AEK-973 can achieve one-shot kills on opponents from distances of up to 41 meters. However, it’s essential to understand that this weapon has a slight delay between bursts, making it somewhat demanding to manage effectively. Fortunately, certain loadouts can help alleviate this drawback.

Now, let’s delve into the reasons why the AEK-973 deserves a spot among the elite firearms in Black Ops 6.

Optimal Black Ops 6 AEK-973 Loadout

AEK-97 loadout attachments in Black Ops 6 — Image source: dexerto

Optic: Kepler Microflex
Muzzle: Ported Compensator
Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
Rear Grip: Quickdraw Grip
Fire Mod: Rapid Fire

When selecting an optic, personal choice plays a crucial role; however, the Kepler Microflex offers an unobstructed view, making it ideal for engagements at short to medium ranges.

The addition of a Ported Compensator enhances the initial shot and minimizes vertical recoil, while the Vertical Foregrip effectively manages horizontal stability. Both attachments are essential for any AEK-973 setup, as the rifle can exhibit excessive sway without their support.

Furthermore, the Quickdraw Grip significantly accelerates aim-down-sight speed, pivotal for securing the first shot against swifter ARs and SMGs.

AEK-97 Rapid Fire in Black Ops 6 — Image source: dexerto

The Rapid Fire attachment is crucial for the AEK-973, as it reduces the burst delay, enhancing the weapon’s fire rate. While this improvement can lead to an increase in both vertical and horizontal recoil, the previous attachments compensate for these effects.

Top Perks, Equipment & Combat Specialty for AEK-973 Loadout

AEK-937 perks and equipment in Black Ops 6 — Image source: dexerto

Wildcard: Perk Greed
Perk 1: Ninja
Perk 2: Tracker
Perk 3: Double Time
Perk Greed: Ghost
Specialty: Recon
Lethal: Frag
Tactical: Flashbang
Field Upgrade: Sleeper Agent

Treyarch has significantly enhanced footstep audio, making it easier to pinpoint enemy locations. To counter this, Ninja helps in muffling movement noise. Moreover, the Tracker perk allows you to spot enemy footprints, ensuring you maintain awareness of their whereabouts.

Double Time is a great addition for any loadout, as it boosts the duration of tactical sprinting, enabling quicker escapes or hasty movements across the map.

Utilizing the Perk Greed allows you to equip an additional perk. Opt for Ghost to remain concealed from UAV sweeps, keeping you off the radar during crucial moments.

AEK-937 Combat Speciality in Black Ops 6 — Image source: dexerto

By utilizing three blue perks, you unlock the Recon Specialty. While the Enforcer specialty offers temporary enhancements to speed and health regeneration after takedowns, Recon provides significant value. It allows players to see through walls to detect enemies post-respawn, helping to track foes and avoid spawn traps. Additionally, you’ll receive pings when enemies outside your line of sight target you, presenting an excellent opportunity to strike first.

AEK-973 Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages	Disadvantages
Exceptional damage output	Slower fire rate
High one-burst kill potential	Complex recoil pattern
Decent magazine capacity	Below-average mobility

Position of the AEK-973 in the Black Ops 6 Meta

As noted by WZRanked, the AEK-973 ranks as the 23rd most utilized weapon. This statistic might lead one to believe this marksman rifle lacks power, but the reality tells a different story. Its capability to deliver one-burst eliminations is a rarity not found in many other guns, and it boasts one of the quickest time-to-kill rates in the game when wielded with precision.

Unlocking the AEK-973 in Black Ops 6

Players can access the AEK-973 after achieving Level 34. This means some gameplay is necessary before it becomes available, but you won’t need to reach the max level to begin using it.