CoD Black Ops 6: Best Secondary Weapons

When building the perfect loadout in Black Ops 6, players often focus on primary weapons and perks. However, selecting the right secondary weapon is equally important for achieving a balanced and versatile loadout. Secondary weapons aren’t just backup; they can provide essential strategic advantages in close-quarters or high-pressure situations where primary weapons might not be enough.

With only one slot available for a secondary and six options to choose from—including two launchers—picking the right weapon to fit your playstyle is crucial. Each secondary weapon comes with unique strengths and weaknesses, making certain options better suited for specific scenarios. In this guide, we’ll dive into the best secondary weapons in Black Ops 6 to help you gain the upper hand in any situation. Let’s get started.

#6: HE-1 Launcher

• Base Mags: 3
• Base Mag Size: 1
• Unlock Level: 19

The HE-1 Launcher stands as the heavy hitter in Black Ops 6, specializing in taking out enemy equipment and Scorestreaks with ease. While it boasts impressive destructive power, it lacks lock-on capabilities, meaning players must rely on manual aim to take down airborne threats like UAVs.

Though the HE-1 packs a punch against equipment, it’s less reliable for eliminating enemy players, as even direct hits don’t always guarantee a kill. To maximize its impact, it’s best used strategically—firing into high-traffic zones or enemy-held areas where its explosive radius can cause the most disruption. Pairing the HE-1 with an Assault Pack for occasional rocket restocks will keep the explosions going strong and make this launcher an effective addition to any loadout.

#5: CIGMA 2B Launcher

• Base Mags: 2
• Base Mag Size: 1
• Unlock Level: Immediate

The CIGMA 2B is the ultimate tool for those specializing in anti-vehicle and Scorestreak tactics. This launcher, equipped with homing missiles, is designed to swiftly neutralize enemy aircraft, making it a formidable choice for disrupting your opponent’s strategic assets. With precision locking-on capabilities, players can effectively target and destroy enemy Scorestreaks, though they must remain vigilant during the lock-on phase to ensure success.

Given its specific utility, the CIGMA 2B is best used in a loadout where the primary weapon handles most combat engagements. The launcher’s slower draw and reload times make it less practical for direct infantry confrontations. It is a highly situational weapon, but in the right circumstances, it performs with unmatched efficacy, providing significant tactical advantages against enemy machinery and Scorestreaks.

#4: 9mm PM Pistol

• Base Mags: 3
• Base Mag Size: 10
• Unlock Level: Immediate

The 9mm PM pistol continues to be a steadfast choice in Black Ops 6, combining a high rate of fire with manageable recoil to offer a dependable secondary weapon option. It excels in close-quarters engagements, particularly when your primary weapon runs dry during an intense firefight.

This pistol’s precision and control make it an excellent choice for quickly switching from a primary weapon without losing accuracy. However, while it’s effective for finishing off weakened opponents, its damage output per shot is lower compared to other sidearms. Over-reliance on the 9mm PM in direct confrontations can leave players at a disadvantage against more powerful pistols and primary weapons. As a secondary, it serves best as an emergency backup, ideally complemented by a stronger primary weapon to handle the bulk of combat duties.

#3: GS45 Pistol

• Base Mags: 3
• Base Mag Size: 10
• Unlock Level: 28

The GS45 stands out as the premier choice for firepower among secondary weapons in Black Ops 6. Known for its swift time-to-kill, this pistol allows players to quickly neutralize enemies with just a few well-placed shots, although it performs best within a moderate range due to its rapid damage falloff at longer distances.

One of the significant advantages of choosing the GS45 is the increased mobility it offers. When combined with Black Ops 6’s new omnimovement system, players can navigate the battlefield with unprecedented speed and agility, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces and engage in fluid combat movements. This powerful pistol not only provides formidable stopping power but also enhances your ability to move and react quickly in fast-paced skirmishes.

#2: Stryder .22 Pistol

• Base Mags: 2
• Base Mag Size: 30
• Unlock Level: 40

The Stryder .22 pistol is a top choice for players seeking a lightweight and agile secondary weapon. Known for its large magazine capacity, this pistol excels in fast-paced combat scenarios, allowing for extended engagements or handling multiple adversaries without the need to reload frequently.

While the Stryder .22 boasts impressive speed and ease of handling, allowing for quick transitions between it and primary weapons, it does trade off some firepower. This necessitates landing multiple, accurate shots to effectively take down an enemy. Although it may not match the raw power of some other primaries and secondaries in head-to-head combat, it shines in its ability to finish off weakened opponents or to surprise an enemy who might underestimate its rapid-fire capability. The Stryder .22 is best used strategically to capitalize on its strengths while mitigating its limitations in direct confrontations.

#1: Grekhova Pistol

• Base Mags: 3
• Base Mag Size: 20
• Unlock Level: 13

The Grekhova stands out as the premier secondary weapon in Black Ops 6, celebrated for its fully automatic firing mode and remarkable accuracy, rare traits for such a rapid-fire pistol. It excels in close to mid-range combat, often matching or even surpassing many primary weapons in terms of effectiveness.

The key feature of the Grekhova is its controlled recoil, which, when combined with a weighted stock, enhances its accuracy to levels unexpected in a fully automatic sidearm. This accuracy allows it to perform exceptionally well in hip-fire situations, making it a lethal tool in the arsenal of any player who favors an aggressive approach.

The synergy between the Grekhova’s rapid-fire capability and precision, especially when optimized with the right perks, enables players to craft a loadout that is both versatile and powerful, capable of dominating competitive play across various scenarios.

Conclusion

Selecting the right secondary weapon in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is crucial for building an effective loadout that complements your playstyle and enhances your competitive edge. From the explosive capabilities of the HE-1 Launcher to the rapid-fire precision of the Grekhova pistol, each secondary weapon offers unique advantages that can prove decisive in various combat scenarios. Whether you need a reliable backup for close-quarters combat or a specialized tool for taking down enemy equipment and Scorestreaks, understanding the strengths and applications of each secondary weapon will help you make informed decisions that align with your tactical needs and gameplay strategies. By integrating these insights into your loadout choices, you’ll be better prepared to face any challenge that comes your way on the battlefield.