Throughout the history of Call of Duty, there have been many iconic assault rifles (ARs), with the XM4 making a powerful return in Black Ops 6.
While ARs typically dominate medium to long-range combat, the trend has shifted slightly in Black Ops 6. During the initial beta weekend, a significant 61% of players favored the Jackal PDW due to its impressive range capabilities that rivaled those of traditional ARs.
In response, Treyarch adjusted the Jackal PDW by reducing its damage range. The XM4 was previously regarded as one of the top weapons in the game, but with this latest update, it is poised to reclaim its place at the forefront of the multiplayer meta. Here’s a breakdown of the optimal loadout for the XM4 in Black Ops 6.
Best Black Ops 6 XM4 Loadout
- Optic: Merlin Reflex
- Muzzle: Compensator
- Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
- Rear Grip: Quickdraw Grip
- Stock: Balanced Stock
If you are jumping into a Black Ops 6 lobby for the first time, the XM4 is one of the best weapons to familiarize yourself with. Its user-friendly design features a manageable recoil pattern, consistent damage output, and sufficient mobility and handling.
However, the XM4 does not excel in any specific area. Therefore, our loadout focuses on enhancing accuracy, mobility, and firepower to elevate this weapon from a basic AR to a formidable choice.
This begins with the Compensator, which significantly reduces vertical recoil. Horizontal recoil is less of a concern for the XM4, allowing us to focus on controlling upward movement.
The iron sights can be difficult to use, so we suggest opting for an optic. While there are various red dot options, the Merlin Mini provides a minimally intrusive frame with a clear sightline.
Including Quickdraw Grip in every AR loadout is essential, as it greatly enhances your aim-down-sight speed, which can be crucial during close-range engagements.
The Reinforced Barrel is equally important due to its improvements to bullet velocity and damage range, perfectly complementing the XM4’s overall performance.
Finally, the Balanced Stock slightly enhances movement speed and aim-walking speed, aligning the XM4 more closely with the mobility of other AR options.
Best XM4 Perks, Equipment & Combat Specialty
- Perk 1: Ghost
- Perk 2: Tracker
- Perk 3: Double Time
- Perk 4: Vigilance
- Wildcard: Perk Greed
- Combat Specialty: Recon
- Lethal: Semtex
- Tactical: Concussion
- Field Upgrade: Trophy System
While SMGs offer greater mobility, ARs may lack that same agility in movement. To mitigate this, AR players should focus on awareness of their surroundings to avoid being caught off guard. These Perks are designed to reduce instances of being flanked or ambushed while maintaining a position of power.
Perk Greed allows players to equip an additional Perk. By utilizing three Recon Perks, you can activate the Recon Combat Specialty.
This specialty enables players to see enemies through walls shortly after spawning and provides a ping when an enemy targets you from outside your field of vision.
Vigilance shows a HUD icon when enemies are near the mini-map and offers immunity against the Sleeper Agent Field Upgrade, which briefly disguises enemies as teammates.
With UAVs easy to earn in Black Ops 6, Ghost keeps you off their radar.
For locating foes, Tracker reveals enemy footprints and automatically pings them when you aim down sights. Finally, Double Time extends your tactical sprint duration, crucial for quick escapes.
For lethal options, Semtex Grenades and Concussion Grenades can be vital for clearing rooms or baiting enemies. Additionally, Trophy Systems can neutralize incoming grenades.
XM4 AR Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to use | Poor visibility with iron sights |
| Rewards accurate players | Slightly weak vertical recoil control |
| Generally fast time-to-kill | Average accuracy, mobility, and damage |
XM4’s Position in the Black Ops 6 Meta
Within its maximum damage range, the XM4 boasts the second-best time-to-kill among beta ARs, clocking in at 300 milliseconds. The AK-74 is slightly faster at 276 ms, but its inconsistent recoil makes the XM4 the more reliable choice.
Some may argue that the AMES 85 could rival the XM4 as a superior AR, but current popularity rankings indicate the XM4 as a top contender. According to WZ Stats, the XM4 holds a solid 10.91% pick rate, just behind the Tanto. 22 at 10.97%.
This suggests the XM4 is well-positioned to potentially become the ultimate AR choice.
Unlocking the XM4 in the Black Ops 6 Beta
You can unlock the XM4 at level 4 when you can create custom classes. Thanks to the beta’s Double XP feature, you’ll reach this level in just a few matches.
Alternatives to the XM4 in Black Ops 6
If the XM4 doesn’t meet your expectations for accuracy or damage, two noteworthy alternatives shine in those fields. The AK-74 trades some accuracy for substantial firepower, making it one of the hardest-hitting weapons in multiplayer.
Conversely, the AMES 85 provides exceptional accuracy, particularly in medium and long-range engagements, making it an excellent choice despite its lower firepower.
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