Best Warzone Assault Rifle loadouts in Season 1

Kurt Perry

It doesn’t matter what map or mode you prefer, assault rifles are always a great option thanks to their unmatched versatility, with the best AR loadouts typically dominating Warzone’s meta.

Assault rifles are the most adaptable weapons in Call of Duty. Whether you’re shooting an enemy from 10 meters or 100 meters, they can get the job done. Their ability to perform well in most situations is a massive strength that’s largely exclusive to this weapon class.

With the Black Ops 6 integration being added to Warzone to kick off Season 1, eleven different ARs have been introduced. This has drastically shaken up the Warzone meta, with many new rifles rising to the top after previous meta weapons received nerfs. Here are the best assault rifle loadouts and recommended builds for each gun in Warzone Season 1.

Best Assault Rifle loadouts

1. GPR 91

The best GPR 91 loadout in Call of Duty: Warzone.
  • Optic: Willis 3x
  • Muzzle: Compensator
  • Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
  • Underbarrel: Vertical Grip
  • Magazine: Extended Mag II

Despite being our lowest-ranked AR in BO6 due to its lackluster TTK in multiplayer, the GPR 91 performs much better in Warzone and is by far the best long-range weapons following the launch of Season 1.

It boasts exceptional mobility, handling, and accuracy, especially at longer ranges. While it has a slightly slower TTK than some top-tier ARs like the AK-74, XM4, and Krig C, its 756 ms TTK up to a 52-metre range is still easily one of the best after the update. Combined with the right attachments, such as the Reinforced Barrel and Vertical Grip, it’s a top choice for players seeking mobility without sacrificing performance​.

2. Model L

The best Model L loadout in Call of Duty: Warzone.
  • Optic: Kepler Red Dot
  • Muzzle: Compensator
  • Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
  • Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
  • Magazine: Extended Mag II

The Model L is a reliable, well-rounded assault rifle that excels in all areas without any major weaknesses. It offers excellent accuracy, manageable recoil, and a large magazine, making it effective at both medium and long range.

While not as powerful as the iconic Grau 5.56 was, this AR shares traits like an easy-to-control vertical recoil pattern. The Krig C is similar and highly ranked in the meta, but lags in TTK and range. Like the GPR 91, the Model L’s balanced attributes make it more versatile than higher-damage ARs in Season 1, giving it an edge in the meta. Its popularity is only expected to continue to grow as players favor its consistent performance.

3. XM4

The best XM4 loadout in Call of Duty: Warzone.
  • Optic: Jason Armory 2x
  • Muzzle: Compensator
  • Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
  • Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
  • Magazine: Extended Mag II

The XM4 is ranked as the third-best AR in Warzone Season 1, providing incredibly low recoil and versatility that makes it ideal for most gunfights across the map. Though the Model L is slightly better in certain aspects, such as being easier to use, the XM4 remains a top choice.

With attachments that improve damage, recoil control, and magazine capacity, it excels in early-game engagements and remains a strong contender alongside the Model L in this season’s meta.

4. AK-74

The best AK-74 loadout in Call of Duty: Warzone.
  • Optic: Jason Armory 2x
  • Muzzle: Compensator
  • Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
  • Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
  • Magazine: Extended Mag II

To make the AK-74 a strong contender, you’ll need to equip the optimal attachments. The main aim here is to reduce recoil, as the AK much like in any CoD title suffers from shakey recoil, but makes up for it with its high damage output.

Its insanely high TTK at close to mid-range outperforms every other Black Ops 6 AR up to 36 meters, making it a formidable choice off this alone. While accuracy may require adjustments at longer distances in standard matches, it shines on the smaller Resurgence maps with more close-quarter engagements.

5. Krig C

The best Krig C loadout in Call of Duty: Warzone.
  • Optic: Jason Armory 2X
  • Muzzle: Suppressor
  • Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
  • Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
  • Magazine: Extended Mag II

The Krig C stands out with its high accuracy and easy-to-control recoil, making it perform well across all ranges. Its effectiveness in both close and long-range combat suits both aggressive and stealthy playstyles well.

However, the Cold War classic has made a bigger impact in the Black Ops 6 meta than in Warzone, where its slower fire rate and lower TTK hold it back despite its adaptability. When compared to similar options such as the Model L and XM4 which have nearly an identical recoil pattern, these outshine the Krig C offering better TTK and range. Nevertheless, the Krig C remains a solid, reliable choice for players this season.

All Warzone Assault Rifles ranked

Warzone Season 1 features 33 assault rifles. The integration of Black Ops 6 into the game with the season’s launch added 11 new ARs, significantly expanding the weapon pool and taking over the meta.

Here’s every assault rifle ranked from best to worst, assuming you use the best loadout possible for each gun:

RANKGUN
1GPR 91
2Model L
3XM4
4AK-74
5Krig C
6AMES 85
7Goblin MK 2
8AS VAL
9Holger 556
10SVA 545
11STG44
12BAL-27
13MCW
14MTZ-556
15BP50
16M16
17Tempus Razorback
18STB 556
19M13B
20Kastov 545
21FR Avancer
22Kastov 762
23RAM-7
24TR-76 Geist
25Lachmann 556
26DG-56
27FR 5.56
28Chimera
29ISO Hemock
30M4
31TAQ-56
32M13C
33Kastov-74u

Meta analysis

The GPR 91 being inspected in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.

The new ARs from Black Ops 6 have quickly taken over the Warzone meta, pushing older weapons down the ranks due to their powerful TTK, accuracy-focused stats, and nerfs to legacy guns.

All of the ARs on the list are some of the best weapon options available post-Season 1 launch, offering a strong arsenal for your loadout during Battle Royale matches. The Model L, XM4, and Krig C share similar profiles, but the AK and GPR 91 stand out with faster TTK and higher damage.

However, the top two ranked ARs in Season 1 are a league above the rest. The Model L is the go-to for less experienced players due to its ease of use and reliability across all situations. Meanwhile, the GPR 91 is the ultimate weapon in the overall weapon meta, making it a must-use option following the new BO6 Warzone era. Both are essential picks and are the main two weapons for any player aiming to dominate.

If you fancy using something that isn’t an assault rifle, check out these meta SMG loadouts, including the best builds possible for the Jackal PDW and PP-919. You’ll also want to make sure you are using the best graphics settings and controller settings to streamline your experience.