The quick answer
This page is a 2026-11-04 balance snapshot for Multiplayer. The strongest choice still depends on range and input: the M4 is the most flexible all-round rifle, the ISO Nightshade and VEL 46 win close-to-mid fights with faster handling, and the Oris 8.6 gives a marksman option for players who can quick-scope. The current IGN tier list and a post-update creator build both put the M4/ISO/VEL family near the top of the meta.
Quick tier list
| Tier | Weapons | Use when |
|---|---|---|
| S | M4, ISO Nightshade, VEL 46, Oris 8.6, KG-7 Vulcan, Kastov 762 | You want the most flexible or highest-value pick in a normal match. |
| A | Rezi 12, Hyeon Burst, Axion, HAN 86, Oden | You want a specific range, Apex conversion, or close-range playstyle. |
| B | FiNN LMG, APOC-338 | You need sustained fire and can manage weight and reload windows. |
The M4 is still the safest first investment. The ISO Nightshade is the aggressive SMG pick; the VEL 46 is the other top SMG after its post-update consistency changes. The Oris 8.6 is the best marksman-rifle option for quick-scoping, while the Kastov 762 rewards controlled fire and one-headshot accuracy. The Axion is a strong post-update assault rifle, but its lower bullet velocity means you must lead shots at longer range.
Reproducible builds
The following attachment lists and import codes come from IGN’s November 3 tier-list update. Use the code in the Gunsmith import field if it is available on your platform.
| Weapon | Attachments | Build code |
|---|---|---|
| M4 | Laser: SZ GEN.6 PEQ; Muzzle: FSS IS300; Underbarrel: FSS Fireline Grip; Ammunition: 5.56 NATO Frangible; Stock: EXP G2-44 Stock | A05-3K9Y8-86S9Z-HU11 |
| ISO Nightshade | Laser: Schlager Visiv-5; Barrel: ZLR Carbon-900; Muzzle: TA Lightning R3M; Underbarrel: FSS Fireline Grip; Stock: EXP G2-44 Stock | S06-3NDIK-SCS11 |
| VEL 46 | Laser: XRK Clutch-LS; Barrel: VB-46 Series 11; Muzzle: 212 LC40 Comp; Underbarrel: FSS Fireline Grip; Rear Grip: LM Combat Grip | S03-6AI3M-U5111 |
| Oris 8.6 | Bolt: LIGHTFIRE-5 Quick Bolt; Barrel: EXP CROSSTAC 22”; Muzzle: EXP UNDERTOW Gen. 2; Underbarrel: FSS TAC90 Grip; Stock: No Stock | M01-3SKJY-9951 |
| Hyeon Burst | Barrel: MUGI HWANDO-Z3 521MM; Muzzle: FSS IS300; Underbarrel: FSS Fireline Grip; Ammunition: 6.8x43MM High Velocity; Heavy Stock: HVY-80 Stockpad; Apex: Hyeon Hyperburst | A09-3K9Y5-L7UNI-H811 |
| HAN 86 | Laser: XRK Clutch-LS; Muzzle: FSS IS300; Underbarrel: FSS Fireline Grip; Rear Grip: XRK Justice II Grip; Stock: Meiko L9P-Fold | A03-6AL6S-S2N11 |
The Hyeon build uses six listed items because the Apex Attachment does not consume a normal attachment slot. The same rule applies to other Apex weapons: you can keep five standard attachments and still equip the Apex conversion.
Unlock context
- Player Level 4: Han 86, ISO Nightshade, Rezi 12, FiNN LMG, MAR-9, KG-7 Vulcan, PILA, and the FSS Carbon Edge knife. Create-a-Class also unlocks here.
- Level 11: Oris 8.6. Level 13: VEL 46. Level 14: M4. Level 21: Hyeon Burst. Level 34: Kastov 762. Level 52: Axion. Level 55: Cronen Squall.
- Weapon leveling unlocks attachments and the Apex Attachment. Apex attachments change a weapon’s behavior and have tradeoffs; they are not automatic upgrades.
- The post-update creator build makes the Axion, VEL 46, Kastov 762, ISO Hemlock, and M4 its top five. Use that as a second opinion, not as a substitute for testing the recoil on your input and maps.
How to choose
- New account / one class: M4. It covers close and mid range and has a simple, flexible build.
- Aggressive SMG: ISO Nightshade for speed and a fast fire rate; VEL 46 if you want more range and can control recoil.
- Long sightlines: Oris 8.6 if you can quick-scope; KG-7 Vulcan if you want a true sniper.
- Burst / Apex play: Hyeon Burst with Hyperburst. The burst is precise, then the automatic follow-up finishes the target.
- Heavy mid-range: Kastov 762 with a recoil-control build; it rewards deliberate pre-aim and headshots.
- Close-range specialist: Rezi 12 if you expect to fight inside buildings or around tight corners.
Do not copy a build code and assume it is optimal for every map. The M4 build is flexible; the SMG builds are more sensitive to long lanes; the Oris and sniper builds demand a different route and scope discipline.