Throughout Call of Duty’s history, many assault rifles (ARs) have left a lasting impression, and the XM4 is no exception. Making its return in Black Ops 6, the XM4 has reclaimed its spot as a top-tier weapon, especially after the recent update that nerfed the popular Jackal PDW.

In Black Ops 6’s first beta weekend, the Jackal PDW dominated, with 61% of players using the SMG thanks to its incredible range. However, Treyarch responded by reducing its damage range, allowing the XM4 to step into the spotlight and take control of the meta.

Here’s the best loadout to get the most out of the XM4.

Gunsmith

• Optic: Merlin Mini
  A non-intrusive red-dot sight for clearer vision while aiming down sights.
• Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
  Extends your range and bullet speed, making long-range gunfights more advantageous.
• Magazine: Extended Mag I
  Adds extra ammo per mag, perfect for those long killstreaks without reloading interruptions
• Rear Grip: Quickdraw Grip
  Improves aim-down-sights time, allowing for more aggressive play.
• Fire Mod: Recoil Springs
  Increases vertical and horizontal recoil, making long-range gunfights easy to challenge.

Why These Attachments Work

• Optic – Merlin Mini: While the XM4’s iron sights are usable, they can be a bit difficult to see through in intense situations. The Merlin Mini optic offers a clean line of sight with a minimal frame, giving you better visibility without being intrusive.
• Barrel – Reinforced Barrel: The Reinforced Barrel boosts bullet velocity and increases the damage range, making the XM4 much more effective at medium and long distances. It’s a must-have for AR players looking to compete across different ranges.
• Magazine – Extended Mag I: For public matches, especially when running aggressive, the Extended Mag I is the best choice. It provides extra rounds without significantly hindering mobility, perfect for racking up kills in 6v6 matches. If you prefer a more passive playstyle, Extended Mag II could also work.
• Rear Grip – Quickdraw Grip: Every AR loadout should include the Quickdraw Grip. This attachment enhances your aim-down sight (ADS) speed, giving you a crucial advantage in quick-draw gunfights where milliseconds matter.
• Fire Mod – Recoil Springs: To improve overall control, equip the Recoil Springs. This fire mod provides better vertical and horizontal recoil control without any drawbacks, making the XM4 easier to handle during sustained fire.

With these attachments, the XM4 becomes an even more formidable weapon, capable of dominating Black Ops 6’s multiplayer landscape.