As fans wait patiently for the re-releases of Call of Duty: Black Ops and Black Ops 2 on PS4/PS5, newcomers and older players alike may be curious about what weapons they should be using when they return to these classics. Fortunately, just like with the best guns of the original Black Ops, Black Ops 2’s meta is set in stone. The ports are not expected to make any balance changes, so players need look no further than the following weapons if their goal is to dominate the battlefield. And with BO2 being where the competitive CoD scene really took off, matches will likely get pretty sweaty once again, so getting any edge one can get over tryhards is going to be a must.
Though the Black Ops 1 and 2 ports lack a release date, they are expected to cost $40 each. BO1 and BO2 DLC will likely have to be re-purchased on modern PlayStation consoles as well.
PSA: Call of Duty: Black Ops’ Most OP PS5 Guns Are Already Clear
The original Black Ops is coming to modern PlayStation consoles at some point in July, so it’s worth refreshing one’s knowledge on the best guns.
Black Ops 2’s Iconic AN-94 Leads a Pack of Great Assault Rifles
By returning via Black Ops 3 supply drops and the currently active Uncaged event in Black Ops 7 (pictured above), the AN-94 has been a beloved and sought after gun within every era of the CoD franchise. From boots on the ground to advanced movement to the modern Warzone era, this gun has stood out for its beautiful aesthetic, satisfying sounds, and a useful gimmick with its firing pattern.
In Black Ops 2, the AN-94 shined because it fired its first two rounds at a faster rate. This initial boost to damage gave it a very quick time-to-kill and made it competitive in any scenario, from short range to long range. Beyond this significant benefit, the AN-94 was a very well-rounded Assault Rifle. For attachments, optics can be ignored since the default iron sights are excellent, with a stock for faster movement and a suppressor for stealthy engagements being more useful. In general, suppressors are a good option in any CoD game with the traditional red dots on the mini-map.
Unlike Black Ops 1, which only allowed one attachment on primaries by default but 2 with the Warlord perk, BO2 players have access to two attachments per primary by default and 3 with the Gunfighter wildcard. Secondaries can be increased from 1 to 2 with a wildcard.
Black Ops 2’s MSMC is One of Many Competitive SMGs
However, unlike the original Black Ops (and many other Call of Duty games) where either the SMG or AR class is dominant, and the other was clearly the lesser, BO2 managed to offer both great ARs and great SMGs simultaneously. For instance, the MSMC was a virtually flawless weapon that players could have no issue dominating the lobby with.
While “flawless” isn’t a word to use lightly, it truly does apply to this weapon because of its very manageable recoil, extremely generous 3-shot kill range, and speedy reloads. Few guns have ever handled better than this one in the CoD franchise, especially when it has the right attachments. An extended mag can help accommodate for the fast fire rate (fast mag is also viable if you prefer this approach), while a long barrel is a must to further boost the 3-shot kill range. Suppressors are also valid. Since the MSMC is the SMG king, a wildcard other than Gunfighter can be used, as it doesn’t really need more than two of the four attachments listed above.
Alternatives to Black Ops 2’s AN94 and MSMC
Black Ops 2 is packed with great weapons, so while these may be the most well-rounded choices of the two main categories, other standout BO2 guns are as follows:
- M8A1 — A four-round burst machine that returned in BO7, this gun is great for long-range battles.
- FN FAL — If someone has a fast trigger finger (or the DualSense Edge and its adaptive triggers) this gun will be a menace on PS5.
- Scar H — A solid Assault Rifle that trades accuracy for damage, this gun is a solid choice for those who struggle to manage recoil.
- MP7 — The Scar H of the SMG class, MP7 users will be able to enjoy the benefits of no recoil.
- Skorpion EVO — If someone prefers getting up close (or grinding Nuketown 2025 for camos), this SMG’s absurd fire rate will help get the job done every time. Just prepare for some recoil.
- Remington 870 MCS — Unlike BO1’s lackluster shotguns, this pump-action weapon one-shots at close range.
- KSG — If players have good aim, this weapon will outshine the Remington, as its slug rounds can kill from very long distances.
- DSR-50 — Even after BO2’s controversial quickscoping nerf, this strong sniper is best-in-class and synonymous with the game.
- LSAT — Specifically with the target finder, this accurate and powerful LMG can let players lock down any lane of their choosing with ease.
- KAP-40 — Arguably the second most-iconic pistol in CoD history — the M1911 takes the cake thanks to Zombies — This full auto beast can outcompete numerous primary weapons.
With far more viable, top-tier weapons available in Black Ops 2 than its predecessor, players will be spoiled for choice as they grind their way back to unlocking the series’ first mastery camo, Diamond. Still, if seeking out the best of the best, the AN-94 and MSMC really can’t be beat.