CoD Black Ops 6 Zombies: 10 Best Weapons

Black Ops 6 brings back the classic round-based Zombies mode, launching with two highly detailed maps and promises of additional ones arriving throughout the seasons. For players ready to dive into this thrilling Zombies experience, there’s plenty to enjoy, from complex Easter Egg quests to fearsome enemies and an extensive selection of weapons to try out against the undead.

The weapon lineup in Black Ops 6 Zombies offers something for every playstyle, from standard loadout options to unique Wonder Weapons, which can be crafted or discovered in the Mystery Box. While weapon choice often depends on player preference, some stand out for their efficiency and sheer power. In this article, we’ll highlight the 10 best weapons you can equip to survive the relentless waves of Zombies in Black Ops 6.

#10: XM4

Starting off the list is the XM4, a staple Assault Rifle accessible to players once they reach level 4. While it’s not the most powerful gun on this list, the XM4 excels with a solid fire rate and respectable damage per shot, offering a reliable time-to-kill (TTK) that’s effective for early rounds. The weapon’s smooth handling and mobility also make it an excellent choice for those just getting started in Black Ops 6 Zombies.

When upgraded with the Pack-a-Punch to become the “Xyster Meister,” the XM4 gains increased ammo capacity and a notable damage boost, further enhancing its effectiveness against groups of zombies. Although it lacks any unique, game-changing effects, its boosted fire rate and damage make it perfect for mowing down zombie hordes and landing critical shots. Versatile with attachments, the XM4 can be customized for a quicker handling setup or to prioritize ammo capacity and power, making it a reliable weapon for nearly any strategy.

#9: LR 7.62

The LR 7.62 might not be the first weapon that comes to mind for Zombies mode, especially since Sniper Rifles aren’t typically known for crowd control. But, like the SVD, the LR 7.62 can hold its own through the early rounds with solid damage output. However, once you pack-a-punch it, this rifle transforms into a true powerhouse that can handle even the higher rounds with ease.

Upgraded to the “RAD Lamblaster” through Pack-a-Punch, the LR 7.62 gains explosive rounds, along with increased ammo capacity and damage. This upgrade allows it to deal devastating damage to groups of zombies, blowing apart clusters and making it ideal for taking down tougher enemies like Manglers. Despite its naturally slower fire rate—which can be mitigated with the Rapid Fire Mod—the explosive rounds make the LR 7.62 highly effective for crowd control, especially in tighter spaces. It’s a solid pick for those looking to make it through the higher rounds on both Terminus and Liberty Falls.

#8: SVD

The SVD stands out as a strong option in the early rounds of Black Ops 6 Zombies, packing a punch with high critical damage when aimed at the head and boasting an impressive fire rate. While base Sniper Rifles often fall short in Zombies mode compared to other weapon types, the SVD proves reliable through the initial rounds. But its true potential shines when upgraded at the Pack-a-Punch machine.

Once transformed into the “Shadow Veil Demon,” the SVD gains a unique twist: it fires rounds with a pellet spread similar to a Shotgun, tightening up when aiming down sights. This Pack-a-Punch enhancement boosts its ammo capacity and damage, effectively turning the SVD into a versatile crowd-control weapon that can handle close-range encounters with ease. The added spread and powerful punch make it an unexpectedly valuable choice for players pushing through the mid and high rounds.

#7: ASG-89

The ASG-89 is a powerful Shotgun in its base form, dealing substantial damage with a semi-automatic fire mode that makes it a strong choice for the early rounds. This weapon is particularly effective for hip-firing, letting players quickly clear out hordes of zombies in the initial stages. However, as rounds progress, the ASG-89’s damage range falls short, typical of most Shotguns, making it less effective against tougher enemies.

When upgraded to its Pack-a-Punch variant, “Munmu’s Protection,” the ASG-89 becomes significantly more viable in the later rounds. The Pack-a-Punch upgrade provides a tighter pellet spread, allowing for more consistent damage output and slightly improved range. Additionally, the boosted ammo capacity and damage make it highly effective against both standard and elite zombies. While the ASG-89 remains excellent for close-range combat, the tighter spread makes aiming down sights more rewarding, adding versatility to this reliable weapon as players advance through rounds.

#6: GS45

The GS45 might initially seem like a lackluster choice for Zombies, as its base form only delivers moderate damage and quickly loses effectiveness beyond the first few rounds. However, a trip to the Pack-a-Punch machine transforms this pistol into the formidable “Sally,” a weapon that seasoned Zombies players will recognize from past Call of Duty titles. Once upgraded, the GS45 gains explosive rounds, turning it into a powerful tool for taking down large groups of zombies.

With the explosive rounds, Sally can deal impressive overall damage, making it highly effective even in later rounds. The Pack-a-Punch also boosts ammo capacity and general firepower, allowing players to mow down hordes effortlessly. For those who equip the Akimbo Stock, this weapon transforms further into the “Mustang and Sally” variant, doubling the explosive output and wreaking havoc on any undead in sight. Despite its humble beginnings, the Pack-a-Punched GS45 is a standout choice for players seeking high area-of-effect damage.

#5: C9

The C9 is a solid weapon choice for handling early rounds on any Zombies map, with a respectable fire rate and DPS that make it effective against lower-level zombies. Its agility and ease of handling also allow players to dodge and maneuver through zombie trains comfortably. These strengths carry over into later rounds, but the C9 truly shines when upgraded through the Pack-a-Punch machine.

Once Pack-a-Punched into the “CNile,” the C9 receives a significant boost to its fire rate, rivaling faster weapons like the Kompakt 92. With this upgrade, the C9 excels at chaining together critical hits, effortlessly tearing through zombie hordes, especially in higher rounds. Although the increased fire rate means the C9 can chew through ammo quickly, staying near an Ammo Cache provides a quick fix, costing just 2,500 Essence. For those looking for a reliable, high-DPS weapon with added firepower in late rounds, the Pack-a-Punched C9 is a standout option.

#4: PP-919

The PP-919 may not be a go-to choice in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer, but it brings surprising utility to Zombies mode. While Submachine Guns typically struggle to compete with the damage output of other weapons in Zombies, the PP-919’s high ammo capacity makes it a strong option for early rounds, as it allows players to fend off waves without frequent reloads.

The weapon’s true potential is unlocked after it’s Pack-a-Punched into the “UR-N-TRBL.” Upgraded, the PP-919’s magazine size balloons to an impressive 256 rounds, letting players fire continuously and tackle hordes of zombies without much interruption. This extended ammo capacity makes it invaluable for those without GobbleGums like Kill Joy, offering sustained fire and powerful crowd control. For anyone who likes to keep the pressure on without worrying about reloads, the Pack-a-Punched PP-919 is a fantastic option in Black Ops 6 Zombies.

#3: Jetgun (Thrustodyne M23)

The Jetgun, also known as the Thrustodyne M23, stands out as one of the most powerful weapons players can wield in Black Ops 6 Zombies. Available to build on Liberty Falls or obtained from the mystery box, the Jetgun’s versatility and power make it a top choice for those aiming to reach high rounds. Its primary fire mode has a unique ability to draw in nearby zombies, pulling them directly toward the player and dispatching standard enemies in most rounds with ease. While tougher foes like the Mangler take more hits, they’re still vulnerable to the Jetgun, especially once it’s Pack-a-Punched into the upgraded “Scramjet Model 3200.”

Beyond handling zombies, the Jetgun also has a practical utility: it can attract nearby Salvage, Power-Ups, and other valuable items, making it a great tool for recovering items that might otherwise be unreachable due to incoming zombies. Additionally, the weapon’s secondary mode allows players to charge up a powerful blast by using the ADS button, releasing an area-wide shockwave that eliminates nearby zombies and deals substantial damage to stronger enemies like the Mangler. This charged blast uses up all remaining ammo, but the Jetgun’s ammunition is self-replenishing when not in use, giving players an endless supply. With its high damage potential and tactical advantages, the Jetgun is an essential weapon for players looking to dominate in Black Ops 6 Zombies.

#2: DRI-11 Beamsmasher

The DRI-11 Beamsmasher is a formidable Wonder Weapon that players can acquire on the Terminus map in Black Ops 6 Zombies. Though it requires some initial effort to unlock, particularly for those opting to build it, the payoff is immense. This weapon’s main laser attack is exceptionally powerful, slicing through groups of zombies with ease, especially when aimed for critical headshots. Its ability to take down multiple zombies in one sweep makes it a prime choice for crowd control in the heat of the action.

What sets the DRI-11 Beamsmasher apart is its unique secondary-fire mode. By pressing the ADS button, players can activate a feature that slows down approaching zombies, similar to the Paralyzer from Black Ops 2’s Buried map. This slowdown effect is perfect for controlling hordes or stalling elite zombies like the Amalgam, giving players more time to aim and land high-damage shots. With just one Pack-a-Punch upgrade, the DRI-11 Beamsmasher retains its potency well into the later rounds, making it a great option without breaking the bank on upgrades. While its only real downside is its moderate ammo usage, requiring around 10,000 Essence to refill, its high damage and strategic advantages make the DRI-11 Beamsmasher a standout choice for players pushing into high rounds.

#1: Ray Gun

No list of top-tier Black Ops 6 Zombies weapons would be complete without the iconic Ray Gun. Known as one of the most powerful Wonder Weapons in Call of Duty Zombies, the Ray Gun consistently delivers heavy damage, making it a staple choice for many players. In early rounds, it easily one-shots regular zombies, and its effectiveness holds up even in higher rounds when Pack-a-Punched to become Porter’s X2 Raygun. This upgraded version boosts its ammo capacity and overall damage, keeping it lethal as the game progresses.

One of the Ray Gun’s standout features is its splash damage, which allows it to wipe out groups of zombies when they’re clustered together. It’s also particularly useful for creating crawlers, a tactic that can help players gain some breathing room to complete Easter Egg objectives on maps like Liberty Falls and Terminus. However, the splash damage does have a downside, as firing it too close can harm the player. With PHD Flopper equipped, though, this risk is eliminated, enabling players to safely clear zombies at close range if overwhelmed. All in all, the Ray Gun’s versatility, high damage, and legacy status make it a must-have weapon for players aiming to dominate Black Ops 6 Zombies.

Conclusion

In Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Zombies, having the right weapon can make all the difference as you progress through increasingly intense rounds. From classics like the Ray Gun to powerful additions like the Jetgun and DRI-11 Beamsmasher, each of the top 10 weapons on this list offers unique advantages to help you tackle hordes of undead and survive longer. Whether you’re gearing up for boss fights or strategizing for high rounds, choosing the best weapon for your playstyle is key. With these loadouts and upgrades, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the challenges that await in Black Ops 6 Zombies.