Initial impressions suggest that the XM4 and AK-74 are shaping up to be the top contenders among Assault Rifles in Black Ops 6. However, the AS VAL distinguishes itself from the pack with its remarkable damage output.
In Black Ops 6, Assault Rifles typically fall into one of two distinct categories. The XM4 exemplifies versatility, serving as a reliable option that may not shine in any single area but excels across the board. Similarly, some players gravitate towards weapons such as the AK-74, drawn in by its formidable damage output, even if it comes with the trade-off of challenging recoil management.
The AS VAL embodies the essence of the AK-74, taking it to an even more intense level. It dispatches enemies with remarkable speed, outpacing any other AR, though it comes with the trade-off of significant recoil. This weapon’s high-risk, high-reward dynamic, positions it as an intriguing choice, but its true potential shines only when wielded by skilled players.
Let’s dive straight into the attachments that enhance the AS VAL’s control and make it deadlier than any other gun in the game.
Best Black Ops 6 AS VAL loadout
- Barrel: Suppressed Reinforced Barrel
- Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
- Magazine: Extended Mag II
- Rear grip: Ergonomic Grip
- Fire Mods: Recoil Springs
The AS VAL struggles with two significant drawbacks: its high recoil and limited magazine size. This loadout is designed to tackle those challenges head-on. The Vertical Foregrip is a game-changer for managing horizontal recoil, and when paired with the Recoil Springs, it effectively mitigates the first shot and vertical recoil as well.
The Suppressed Reinforced Barrel takes the AR to the next level by enhancing its damage range and boosting bullet velocity, making it a formidable choice. While some players lean towards the Reinforced Gain-Twist Barrel for its superior bullet velocity boost, others argue that extending the maximum damage range by a few meters is the better choice.
The Ergonomic Grip stands out as a top-tier attachment, delivering significant enhancements to slide-to-fire, dive-to-fire, and ADS speeds, making it a must-have for any serious player.
To complete your AS VAL setup, it’s essential to equip the Extended Mag II. This upgrade boosts your magazine capacity from 20 to 40 rounds, though it does come with trade-offs in reload speed, ADS, and sprint-to-fire times. Maintaining mobility is crucial, yet a mere 20 bullets just won’t cut it.
Best Perks, Equipment & Combat Specialty for AS VAL loadout
- Wildcard: Perk Greed
- Perk 1: Dexterity
- Perk 2: Tracker
- Perk 3: Double Time
- Perk Greed: Gung-Ho
- Specialty: Enforcer
- Lethal: Frag
- Tactical: Flashbang
- Field Upgrade: Sleeper Agent
CharlieIntelDouble Time is essential for any almost loadout, significantly extending the duration of tactical sprinting. This Perk proves invaluable time and again, whether you’re making a hasty retreat from a gunfight or skillfully outrunning your opponents.
Comparably, Gung Ho enables players to enhance their speed when reloading or using equipment and even allows for reloading while executing a tactical sprint. Tracker enhances your situational awareness by revealing enemy footprints, allowing you to keep tabs on the opposition at all times.
With the Ergonomic Grip in play, enhancing slide-to-fire, dive-to-fire, and aim-down-sight speeds, it’s clear that Dexterity is an essential perk. It effectively minimizes weapon motion during critical sliding and diving maneuvers.
AS VAL pros and cons
Where is the AS VAL in the Black Ops 6 meta?
According to insights from TrueGameData, the AS VAL boasts the quickest TTK of all assault rifles in Black Ops 6. That said, the recoil demands a high level of confidence in aiming for players to truly excel with it.
In the current Multiplayer landscape, the AS VAL stands out as a dominant choice, but players might find the XM4 and AK-74 to be more user-friendly alternatives. These weapons offer a lower risk of costly errors that could lead to sudden death in the heat of battle.
How to unlock AS VAL in Black Ops 6
Unlocking the AS VAL requires you to hit Level 55, positioning it as the final weapon you acquire before diving into Prestige mode. Unfortunately, players will find that Double XP tokens from Modern Warfare 3 do not transfer over, adding an extra layer of challenge to hitting that milestone.
Black Ops 6 AS VAL alternatives
The AS VAL might not tick all the boxes for your ideal AR, but the AMES 85 stands out as an underrated alternative that truly deserves a closer look. Moreover, there’s a fraction of players who argue that the GPR 91 ranks as the worst assault rifle in Black Ops 6. However, when equipped with the right attachments, it can truly shine on the battlefield.
For more, check out the best PC settings for Black Ops 6 and if you’re looking for meta guns, check out our tier list.