Best AK-74 loadout in Black Ops 6
ActivisionIf you’re after an Assault Rifle that combines precision with high damage output over long distances, the AK-74 is a top choice in Black Ops 6. To help you maximize its potential, we’ve created the ultimate loadout guide, complete with the best perks, attachments, and equipment.
No Call of Duty game would be complete without a classic Kalashnikov, and the AK-74 takes on that role in Black Ops 6. This powerful AR is an underrated pick, often overshadowed by the community’s preference for SMGs like the KSV and C9.
Despite this, the AK-74 remains a strong contender, boasting one of the fastest time-to-kill (TTK) rates in the game. However, its significant recoil makes it a more challenging weapon to handle, better suited for skilled players who have confidence in their accuracy.
To fully optimize the AK-74, you’ll need a setup that enhances its stability and consistency. Below, you’ll find the best class build for this iconic rifle, complete with attachments, perks, and equipment to help you dominate your matches.
Best AK-74 loadout attachments in Black Ops 6 beta
- Optic: Merlin Reflex
- Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
- Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
- Rear Grip: Quickdraw Grip
- Magazine: Extended Mag 1
CharlieIntel / ActivisionWhen building the optimal loadout for the AK-74, the first priority is managing its significant recoil, which can be tricky. To address this, we recommend equipping the Vertical Foregrip underbarrel attachment, which significantly improves horizontal recoil control, making it easier to maintain accuracy during engagements.
However, recoil control alone isn’t enough if you can’t aim down sights quickly enough to react. To enhance ADS speed, the Quickdraw Grip is an excellent choice for the rear attachment, ensuring you’re ready to engage opponents swiftly. As for optics, the AK-74’s iron sights can be challenging, so the Merlin Reflex optic provides a clearer sight picture, improving target acquisition.
Although the AK-74 already delivers solid damage at range, adding the Reinforced Barrel is a smart move. This attachment boosts both bullet velocity and long-range damage, enhancing the rifle’s effectiveness across distances. Finally, an Extended Mag is a crucial addition, ensuring you have ample ammo to sustain firefights without constantly needing to reload.
Best Perks & Equipment for AK-74 loadout
- Wildcard: Tactical Expert
- Perk 1: Flak Jacket
- Perk 2: Forward Intel
- Perk 3: Double Time
- Lethal: Frag
- Tactical: Concussion
- Field Upgrade: Assault Pack
CharlieIntel / ActivisionThe Recon combat specialty is an excellent choice, providing temporary vision of enemies through walls after respawning. This pairs perfectly with the AK-74’s impressive bullet penetration and damage output, allowing you to hit enemies through surfaces more effectively than most other weapons.
In this setup, we start with Flak Jacket as the first perk to mitigate explosive damage, which is particularly common in Black Ops 6. Forward Intel is another crucial perk, as it expands your minimap and reveals the direction enemies are facing when they appear, making it easier to track down opponents. We also include Double Time to extend the duration of your Tactical Sprint, providing increased mobility across the map.
For the Wildcard, we chose Tactical Expert, which allows you to carry two additional Tactical Grenades. We recommend the Concussion grenade for its effectiveness in disorienting enemies, especially when pushing into enemy-occupied areas. As for the lethal equipment, we opted for a Frag Grenade, but feel free to customize this based on your preference.
Lastly, we include the Assault Pack as a Field Upgrade, providing a valuable ammo resupply, especially when you’re on a long killstreak and need to keep your momentum going.
AK-74 pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Class-leading TTK speed | Slower rate of fire |
| Impressive damage range | Shaky recoil |
| Rewards high-skill players | Below average handling and mobility |
Where is the AK-74 in the Black Ops 6 meta?
According to WZ Stats, the AK-74 is currently the sixth most popular weapon in Black Ops 6, with a pick rate of 1.91%. It trails significantly behind the leading SMGs, the C9 and KSV, which have pick rates of 14.3% and 11.5%, respectively.
When it comes to long-range weapons, the AK-74 also falls short, with the AEK-973 leading the pack at 11.4%, followed by the XM4 and AS VAL at 10.6% and 10%.
Although it hasn’t yet made a major impact on the early meta, the AK-74 is still comfortably positioned as a top contender outside the most dominant choices. Its usage could rise as more players unlock the weapon and its attachments in the days ahead.
How to unlock AK-74 in Black Ops 6 beta
You can unlock the AK-74 in Black Ops 6 once you reach Level 10. Fortunately, this makes it one of the earlier weapons available, so you won’t have to play extensively before getting your hands on it.
Best AK-74 alternatives
It’s worth trying out the best XM4 and KSV loadouts as well, as these weapons offer excellent accuracy and are effective at both medium and long distances, much like the AK-74. Additionally, for optimal gameplay, be sure to check out our guide on the best controller settings and tips for boosting FPS with the ideal PC settings.