Within the first-person shooter genre, there’s no doubt that the Call of Duty franchise still reigns supreme. It ranks as the fourth-highest best-selling gaming franchise of all time and has a total of nineteen titles in its extensive history. Despite its most recent title garnering plenty of popularity, many Call of Duty fans still find themselves drawn to some of the classics.
While not the highest-rated fan-favorite of the series, Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 is still a popular choice among fans when it comes to iconic gameplay. Black Ops 3 features a great campaign, a fantastic Zombies mode, and a ton of great maps and modes for multiplayer. There are also plenty of weapons to choose from as well, though some are better than others.
12 Gorgon
The Gorgon LMG is one that divides many Black Ops 3 fans, which is why it places among the lowest on this list. Though it has a nearly guaranteed two-hit kill, it’s the handling of the Gorgon that ultimately lets it down.
The Gorgon is a great option for those who prefer a more defensive style of play, as it fairs best for those who tend to sit back from the main free-for-all. It has medium recoil and a low rate of fire but makes up for it with incredibly high damage.
11 Vesper
The SMG class in Black Ops 3 has a great range of weapons for dedicated players. One of the more overlooked SMGs is the Vesper due to its low magazine size and high vertical recoil. However, with the right technique, the Vesper is a great weapon choice.
The Vesper’s 30-round clip means players will need to be smart and have a careful aim when they hit the trigger. Due to its recoil, players should aim low and fire from the hip. The Vesper’s exceptionally high rate of fire makes it ideal for close-quarter "run and gun" style combat.
10 Weevil
Another decent SMG is the Weevil. Like the Vesper, it has a high vertical recoil that necessitates an accurate low aim and is usually best when fired from the hip. However, unlike the Vesper, it has a higher magazine size, allowing players to work with its high rate of fire.
The Weevil also has increased range and accuracy compared to the Vesper, making it ideal for close combat but also decent in medium-range combat as well. The Weevil is a gun that’s decent on its own and effective even without additional attachments.
9 ICR-1
As the usual measuring stick used for all weapons in the game, Assault Rifles are often a preferred class of weaponry. Despite its unusually low damage for an AR, the ICR-1 is a popular member of the class.
The ICR-1 makes up for its low damage with decent range and fire rate stats. Like most ARs, it functions best in medium to long-range engagements. By far the biggest selling point of the ICR-1, however, is its accuracy. This gun has minimal recoil, making it a great choice for those who prioritize stability.
8 HVK-30
Another fan-favorite AR with a little more diversity in playstyle is the HVK-30. It’s a fairly standard member of its class and has medium accuracy, range, and damage stats. The HVK-30 is great for those who like a "run and gun" playstyle but also prioritize caution.
The HVK-30 has a high rate of fire and moderate recoil so players should try to be aware of this and aim accordingly. The HVK-30’s fire rate is the highest in the AR class, making it great for tearing through enemies at medium range.
7 Dingo
One of the more consistently popular choices within the LMG class is the Dingo, which performs well at all ranges. It has medium stats for damage and accuracy but is incredibly easy to use with practice. Its handling is better than other members of its class, which adds to its appeal as a weapon.
The Dingo does have moderate recoil which should be kept in mind when firing. However, its firing rate is high, and has a magazine size of 80 rounds. It performs well without additional attachments, but can always be improved and tailored to players’ preferences with the right build.
6 Razorback
Another SMG that performs well in Black Ops 3 is the Razorback. This gun is a great choice for fans of both the SMG and AR weapon classes as it almost functions like a hybrid of the two. Its best selling point is its handling due to having the highest accuracy stat in its class.
The Razorback has minimal recoil but does only have a moderate rate of fire and a magazine size of 30 rounds. It has the potential to be the best in its class with the right build but is still a decent gun on its own. The Razorback is best used in close and medium-range combat.
5 VMP
Compared to the Razorback, the VMP is a great powerhouse in the SMG class. It has a much higher damage stat but trades off with reduced range and lower handling. Despite this, the VMP has a high fire rate and great magazine capacity, holding 40 rounds.
This makes the VMP quite a versatile gun that allows players to easily dominate. It does have high vertical recoil that should be taken into account, but this is easily corrected by aiming and firing from the hip.
4 M8A7
Another AR that routinely makes its way into Black Ops 3 fans’ favorites is the M8A7. Being a four-round burst AR, it can take a bit of getting used to compared with other weapons of its kind. However, with practice, the M8A7 will often get one burst kills.
The M8A7 does have some vertical recoil that should be considered, but aside from that the accuracy is incredibly high. It also has a high rate of fire when compared with other burst-type weapons, making it a good choice for those less familiar with them.
3 Man-O-War
As one of the leading ARs in Black Ops 3, the Man-O-War is, unsurprisingly, also a fan favorite. It’s a steady choice of AR and an incredibly reliable weapon choice. It deals out higher damage than many other ARs, which more than makes up for its lower fire rate.
The Man-O-War is great for long-range combat but still holds its own in medium-range engagements as well. It does have some vertical recoil but, like in many cases, this can be counteracted with the right firing technique.
2 KN-44
When compared with the Man-O-War, the KN-44 may seem like a less appealing choice. It has moderate stats in terms of damage and accuracy, and its fire rate, though fast, is fairly unremarkable too. But what earns the KN-44 a higher place in this list is the ease at which players can use it.
The KN-44 probably requires the least experience and effort to be effective. It has a decent three-hit kill range and is very versatile in terms of playstyle. This weapon is a great choice for players regardless of whether they want to rush into the center of the action or sit back and play defensively.
1 Kuda
As the default gun in the campaign loadout, the Kuda is a well-balanced and standard member of its class while also being a particular fan favorite. It’s the benchmark against which all SMGs are measured and is a great choice for new and seasoned players alike.
The Kuda features a steady rate of fire and great accuracy and is a solid example of a good SMG. It’s a great performer without additional attachments but easily personalized with the right build. Overall, it’s hard to go wrong with the Kuda, which is why it takes the top spot.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.