The best assault rifles in Call of Duty: Black Ops 4

Find out which assault rifles you should prioritize using in Black Ops 4.

Screengrab via Activision

Assault rifles have always been some of the most popular weapons in Call of Duty titles—and that’s still the case in Black Ops 4

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Black Ops 4 launched with five assault rifles and three tactical rifles. Although they aren’t technically classified as ARs, the tactical rifles are essentially ARs that aren’t fully-automatic (semi-auto or burst fire).

Related: Here are all of the weapons in Call of Duty: Black Ops 4

Most of the weapons in Black Ops 4 seem pretty balanced right now—but some will always stand out above others. Here are the best assault rifles (and tactical rifles) available right now in Call of Duty: Black Ops 4.

VAPR-XKG

Screengrab via Activision

The VAPR feels like one of the best assault rifles in Black Ops 4 so far from our experience. It almost seems like more of a hybrid weapon that does exceptionally well in close-to-medium range gunfights.

The gun has a pretty high rate of fire with little to no recoil. But, as previously mentioned, it’s definitely not the best AR for long-range engagements. We recommend the VAPR if you want to use an AR on some of Black Ops 4’s smaller maps.

ICR-7

Screengrab via Activision

The ICR, on the other hand, might be the most well-rounded AR in this weapon class. Like the VAPR, it also has low recoil and is an extremely accurate gun. You can still use this for close-range engagements, but it’s also a good choice for longer gunfights.

This AR is definitely a well-balanced gun and can serve multiple purposes in-game. If you’re looking for an all-around assault rifle, the ICR could be the AR for you.

Maddox RFB

Screengrab via Activision

The Maddox is another great choice if you’re looking for a strong assault rifle in Black Ops 4. It has the fastest fire rate in this weapon class, and it also hold 40 rounds per magazine.

Similar to the VAPR, the Maddox excels in close-to-medium range gunfights. Although it has a faster rate of fire, the Maddox isn’t as accurate and has more recoil than the VAPR. It’s very strong, though—so you just have to make sure to land your shots.

Swordfish

Screengrab via Activision

The Swordfish might be classified as a tactical rifle, but it’s basically an AR at heart. Call of Duty fans who love burst-fire rifles will definitely enjoy the Swordfish.

This gun is extremely strong. It has low recoil and essentially has the power to eliminate enemies in one to two bursts (if you hit all your shots). Obviously, the Swordfish isn’t the best choice for close-quarters engagements, but it definitely excels in long-range fights.

Auger DMR

Screengrab via Activision

Another strong tactical rifle is the Auger DMR. This semi-automatic rifle has the highest damage in its weapon class, and like the Swordfish, it’s great at long-range engagements.

Since it’s a single-fire weapon, it’s once again important to have an accurate shot if you want to use it. But due to its strength, the Auger is a powerful gun that can kill opponents in just a few bullets.

Author
Image of Justin Binkowski
Justin Binkowski
Dot Esports Editor. I primarily play, watch, and write about Call of Duty but can also occasionally be found feeding the enemy ADC in League of Legends. I have been following competitive Call of Duty since 2011 and writing about it since 2015.