More than a decade after its original release…
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is back in the spotlight, and with thousands of players returning, one question keeps coming up:
What’s the best weapon in the game today?
Even though Black Ops 2 is often remembered as one of the most balanced Call of Duty titles ever made, some weapons still dominate the multiplayer meta thanks to their damage, accuracy and versatility.
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At the very top sits the AN-94.
For many players, it’s still the undisputed king of Black Ops 2.
Its unique mechanic—where the first two bullets fire at an incredibly high rate—combined with low recoil and excellent damage, makes it devastating at both medium and long range. Whether you’re playing aggressively or holding angles, the AN-94 remains the most complete assault rifle in the game.
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If close-range combat is more your style, the MSMC continues to dominate.
Thanks to its lightning-fast time-to-kill (TTK) and excellent mobility, it’s considered the best SMG in Black Ops 2. Right behind it are classics like the MP7 and PDW-57, both offering outstanding versatility, with the PDW’s massive 50-round magazine making it perfect for taking on multiple enemies without reloading.
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Burst rifle fans haven’t been forgotten either.
The M8A1 remains one of the deadliest weapons ever added to a Call of Duty game. Its four-round burst is incredibly accurate and can eliminate opponents almost instantly in skilled hands. Meanwhile, the SCAR-H and FAL OSW continue to reward players who prioritize precision and stopping power over raw fire rate.
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And then there’s sniping.
Two names still dominate the conversation: DSR-50 and Ballista.
The DSR-50 remains the favorite for players who love consistency and one-shot eliminations, while the Ballista offers faster handling and ADS speed, making it the weapon of choice for quickscope enthusiasts. Even after all these years, these rifles are still considered two of the most iconic sniper weapons in Call of Duty history.
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Of course, not every weapon has aged well.
Guns like the Chicom CQB, SMR, S12 and Executioner sit at the bottom of most tier lists due to their limited versatility and lower effectiveness compared to the game’s strongest options. While they can still be fun to use, they’re generally reserved for challenge runs or players looking for something different.
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More than 13 years after its original release, Black Ops 2 continues to prove why so many fans consider it one of the greatest Call of Duty games ever made. And if you’re jumping back into multiplayer, the AN-94, MSMC, M8A1 and DSR-50 are still the weapons to beat.
