Black Ops 6: Top 21 Close Range WEAPONS Tier List! (Ranked - April 2025)

The meta in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025 is heavily influenced by close-range engagements. Submachine guns, pistols, and shotguns are crucial for securing objectives and winning fast-paced gunfights. This article analyzes the top 21 close-range weapons, providing a tier-based ranking to help players optimize their loadouts.

Close-range weapons are vital in Ranked due to the prevalence of tight maps and objective-based game modes. A strong understanding of which weapons excel in these scenarios can significantly improve a player's performance and contribute to team success. The ranking criteria is based on a detailed analysis of each weapon's performance, considering factors such as time-to-kill (TTK), mobility, and ease of use. The methodology involves assessing weapon data and observing high-level gameplay to determine the most effective options for competitive play.

#1: JACKAL PDW

The JACKAL PDW SMG is a Meta-tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. This SMG excels in close-quarters combat due to its rapid fire rate and high damage output. Its strengths include a fast time-to-kill (TTK) and excellent mobility, making it ideal for aggressive players who like to push objectives.

However, the JACKAL PDW is not without its weaknesses. The weapon suffers from significant recoil, which can be difficult to control, especially at longer ranges. This limits its effectiveness in mid-range engagements, requiring players to rely on precise aiming and recoil management. Despite this drawback, its close-range dominance makes it a top pick in the current meta.

#2: C9

The C9 SMG is an A-tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. This submachine gun is recognized for its balanced performance, offering a blend of firepower, mobility, and control. A notable strength of the C9 is its adaptability in various combat scenarios, making it a reliable choice for players who prefer a versatile weapon.

While the C9 excels in many areas, it falls short of the top-tier meta weapons in specific categories. Its time-to-kill (TTK) is slightly slower compared to the JACKAL PDW, and its range is limited compared to assault rifles. However, its ease of use and consistent performance make it a strong contender in Ranked play.

#3: PP-919

The PP-919 SMG is an A-tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. This submachine gun is known for its high fire rate and manageable recoil, making it a solid choice for close to medium-range engagements. Its strengths lie in its ability to quickly eliminate opponents and maintain accuracy during sustained fire.

However, the PP-919 is not without its drawbacks. Its damage output is lower compared to some of the meta SMGs, which can sometimes result in needing more bullets to secure a kill. Additionally, its performance at longer ranges is limited due to damage drop-off. Despite these limitations, the PP-919 remains a viable option for players who prioritize accuracy and control.

#4: KOMPAKT 92

The KOMPAKT 92 SMG is an A-tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. This submachine gun stands out for its unique combination of a compact design and reliable performance. Its strengths include excellent hip-fire accuracy and quick handling, making it ideal for aggressive, run-and-gun playstyles in tight spaces.

However, the KOMPAKT 92 has notable weaknesses. Its effective range is limited, and its damage output is moderate compared to other SMGs in its class. This means players must be highly accurate and strategic in their engagements to maximize its potential. Despite these limitations, its agility and ease of use make it a popular choice for players who excel in close-quarters combat.

#5: STRYDER .22

The STRYDER .22 Pistol is an A-tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. This pistol is recognized for its exceptional accuracy and surprisingly high damage output for a sidearm. Its strengths include a clean sight picture and manageable recoil, allowing for precise shots even in rapid succession.

However, the STRYDER .22 is not without its limitations. Its magazine capacity is relatively low, requiring frequent reloads, and its effectiveness drops significantly at longer ranges. Despite these drawbacks, its accuracy and damage make it a viable option for skilled players who can consistently land their shots.

#6: KNIFE

The KNIFE Assault Rifle is a B-tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. This assault rifle is designed for versatility, offering a balance between firepower and handling. Its strengths include moderate damage, decent accuracy, and a manageable recoil pattern, making it suitable for a variety of combat scenarios.

However, the KNIFE Assault Rifle has notable weaknesses. Its time-to-kill (TTK) is slower compared to the meta assault rifles, and its performance in long-range engagements is subpar. This makes it a less favorable option for competitive players who prioritize maximizing their lethality. Despite these limitations, it can still be effective in the hands of a skilled player who understands its nuances.

#7: 9mm PM

The 9mm PM Pistol is a D-tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. This pistol is characterized by its low damage output and limited range. Its strengths are primarily its fast draw time and high rate of fire, making it a decent option as a last-resort weapon in emergency situations.

However, the 9mm PM Pistol has significant weaknesses. Its low damage per bullet and poor accuracy make it highly ineffective in most combat scenarios. Players will struggle to secure kills, even in close-quarters engagements. Due to its limitations, it is rarely a viable choice in Ranked play.

#8: GS45

The GS45 Pistol is a D-tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. This pistol is characterized by its very low damage output and substantial recoil. Its strengths are its fast draw time and high rate of fire, making it a decent option as a last-resort weapon in emergency situations.

However, the GS45 Pistol has significant weaknesses. Its low damage per bullet and poor accuracy make it highly ineffective in most combat scenarios. Players will struggle to secure kills, even in close-quarters engagements. Due to its limitations, it is rarely a viable choice in Ranked play.

#9: GREKHOVA

The GREKHOVA Pistol is a D-tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. This pistol is characterized by its very low damage output and substantial recoil. Its strengths are its fast draw time and high rate of fire, making it a decent option as a last-resort weapon in emergency situations.

However, the GREKHOVA Pistol has significant weaknesses. Its low damage per bullet and poor accuracy make it highly ineffective in most combat scenarios. Players will struggle to secure kills, even in close-quarters engagements. Due to its limitations, it is rarely a viable choice in Ranked play.

#10: SAUG

The SAUG SMG is a D-tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. This fully automatic submachine gun offers excellent mobility and good handling, coupled with a high rate of fire. However, its high recoil is a significant drawback, making it difficult to control during sustained fire.

While the SAUG's mobility can be advantageous in certain situations, its high recoil and limited damage output make it a less effective choice compared to other SMGs. Players may struggle to maintain accuracy, especially at medium ranges, resulting in a lower time-to-kill (TTK). Due to these limitations, the SAUG is not typically recommended for competitive play.

#11: PPSh-41

The PPSh-41 SMG is a D-tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. This full-auto submachine gun boasts a fast fire rate with impressive damage. However, it suffers from high recoil and moderate handling, making it difficult to control effectively.

While the PPSh-41's high damage potential can be appealing, its recoil and handling issues make it a challenging weapon to use consistently. Players may find it difficult to maintain accuracy, especially at medium ranges, leading to inconsistent performance. Due to these limitations, the PPSh-41 is not typically recommended for competitive Ranked play.

#12: KSV

The KSV SMG is a D-tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. This submachine gun is characterized by its very low damage output and substantial recoil. Its strengths are its fast draw time and high rate of fire, making it a decent option as a last-resort weapon in emergency situations.

However, the KSV SMG has significant weaknesses. Its low damage per bullet and poor accuracy make it highly ineffective in most combat scenarios. Players will struggle to secure kills, even in close-quarters engagements. Due to its limitations, it is rarely a viable choice in Ranked play.

#13: TANTO .22

The TANTO .22 SMG is a D-tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. This submachine gun is characterized by its very low damage output and substantial recoil. Its strengths are its fast draw time and high rate of fire, making it a decent option as a last-resort weapon in emergency situations.

However, the TANTO .22 SMG has significant weaknesses. Its low damage per bullet and poor accuracy make it highly ineffective in most combat scenarios. Players will struggle to secure kills, even in close-quarters engagements. Due to its limitations, it is rarely a viable choice in Ranked play.

#14: Marine SP

The Marine SP Shotgun is a D-tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. This shotgun is characterized by its very low damage output and substantial recoil. Its strengths are its fast draw time and high rate of fire, making it a decent option as a last-resort weapon in emergency situations.

However, the Marine SP Shotgun has significant weaknesses. Its low damage per bullet and poor accuracy make it highly ineffective in most combat scenarios. Players will struggle to secure kills, even in close-quarters engagements. Due to its limitations, it is rarely a viable choice in Ranked play.

#15: ASG-89

The ASG-89 Shotgun is a D-tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. This shotgun is characterized by its very low damage output and substantial recoil. Its strengths are its fast draw time and high rate of fire, making it a decent option as a last-resort weapon in emergency situations.

However, the ASG-89 Shotgun has significant weaknesses. Its low damage per bullet and poor accuracy make it highly ineffective in most combat scenarios. Players will struggle to secure kills, even in close-quarters engagements. Due to its limitations, it is rarely a viable choice in Ranked play.

#16: BASEBALL BAT

The BASEBALL BAT Assault Rifle is a D-tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. This assault rifle is characterized by its very low damage output and substantial recoil. Its strengths are its fast draw time and high rate of fire, making it a decent option as a last-resort weapon in emergency situations.

However, the BASEBALL BAT Assault Rifle has significant weaknesses. Its low damage per bullet and poor accuracy make it highly ineffective in most combat scenarios. Players will struggle to secure kills, even in close-quarters engagements. Due to its limitations, it is rarely a viable choice in Ranked play.

#17: HE-1

The HE-1 Assault Rifle is a D-tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. This assault rifle is characterized by its very low damage output and substantial recoil. Its strengths are its fast draw time and high rate of fire, making it a decent option as a last-resort weapon in emergency situations.

However, the HE-1 Assault Rifle has significant weaknesses. Its low damage per bullet and poor accuracy make it highly ineffective in most combat scenarios. Players will struggle to secure kills, even in close-quarters engagements. Due to its limitations, it is rarely a viable choice in Ranked play.

#18: Cigma 2B

The Cigma 2B Assault Rifle is a D-tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. This assault rifle is characterized by its very low damage output and substantial recoil. Its strengths are its fast draw time and high rate of fire, making it a decent option as a last-resort weapon in emergency situations.

However, the Cigma 2B Assault Rifle has significant weaknesses. Its low damage per bullet and poor accuracy make it highly ineffective in most combat scenarios. Players will struggle to secure kills, even in close-quarters engagements. Due to its limitations, it is rarely a viable choice in Ranked play.

#19: MAELSTROM

The MAELSTROM Shotgun is a D-tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. This fully automatic shotgun offers good range and handling. However, it suffers from high recoil and a large hip spread, making it difficult to use effectively in tight situations.

While the MAELSTROM's automatic fire can be advantageous in certain scenarios, its recoil and spread make it a less effective choice compared to other shotguns. Players may struggle to maintain accuracy, especially at longer ranges, resulting in a lower time-to-kill (TTK). Due to these limitations, the MAELSTROM is not typically recommended for competitive play.

#20: SIRIN 9mm

The SIRIN 9mm Assault Rifle is a D-tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. This fully automatic specialty weapon offers SMG characteristics as a secondary weapon but suffers from a slow rate of fire.

While the SIRIN 9mm's SMG-like handling might seem appealing, its slow fire rate significantly hinders its performance in close-quarters combat. Players will find it challenging to compete against opponents using faster-firing weapons. Due to these limitations, the SIRIN 9mm is not typically recommended for competitive Ranked play.

#21: POWER DRILL

The POWER DRILL Assault Rifle is a D-tier weapon in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025. This assault rifle is known for its two-hit kill potential in Multiplayer and very fast attack speed, but it is limited by its very short range.

While the POWER DRILL's fast TTK is attractive, its extremely short range makes it highly situational and unreliable in most combat scenarios. Players must be in very close proximity to their targets to be effective, which is often difficult to achieve consistently. Due to these limitations, the POWER DRILL is not typically recommended for competitive Ranked play.

Conclusion

In summary, the close-range meta in Black Ops 6 Ranked for April 2025 showcases a diverse range of weapon viability, categorized by tiers. Meta-tier weapons like the JACKAL PDW SMG dominate due to their superior time-to-kill and mobility. A-tier weapons such as the C9, PP-919, KOMPAKT 92 SMGs, and STRYDER .22 Pistol offer balanced performance and are viable alternatives. The JACKAL PDW excels in aggressive, close-quarters engagements, while the C9 provides a more versatile option for varied combat scenarios. The PP-919 offers accuracy, while the KOMPAKT 92 is great for run-and-gun.