Best AK-74 loadout and class build in Black Ops 6

The best AK-74 loadout in Black Ops 6 (note: not the AK-47) bridges the gap between close-range combat and fighting at long distances because, while it packs a serious punch, it takes some work to control the recoil.

In previous Call of Duty games, the AK-74 has featured as an SMG instead, whereas the AK-47 was always the assault rifle, so we want to play to its strengths here.

For that reason, while we want to manage the recoil a little, we’re primarily focused on ensuring the gun can kill quickly at close-mid range rather than anything further. If you want to fight at further ranges, go for the AMES 85 or XM4, which both feature in our list of best guns in Black Ops 6.

Here’s the best AK-74 loadout in Black Ops 6, the best class to use with it, and how to unlock the gun to begin with.

To unlock the AK-74 in Black Ops 6, all you need to do is reach level 10. This should take no longer than an hour or two of gameplay, at which point you’ll unlock it alongside the operator Toro.

Here is the best AK-74 loadout in Black Ops 6:

While we want to get control over the recoil a little with our AK-74 build, we don’t want to lean into it too hard because we’re not trying to make it compete across the entire map. We’re entirely skipping the optical sight here, because AK weapons famously have very usable iron sights and this gun is no different.

The Ported Compensator is the first attachment that will help with the recoil, buffing both the first shot and vertical recoil control, while the Vertical Foregrip assists with the horizontal recoil. Then, we have the Commando Grip to assist with mobility, since this build is suited to a faster playstyle than most assault rifles otherwise would be. This one buffs and aim down sight and sprint to fire speeds.

Next, the Balanced Stock buffs movement speed, and finally, the Recoil Springs do what they say on the tin: they buff both the vertical and horizontal recoil control. We’re not opting for the Gunfighter wildcard here because the gun doesn’t need an optic or a laser attachment, but if you do go for it, make sure you grab an Extended Mag and either the Long or Reinforced Barrel.

Here is the best class to use with the AK-74 in Black Ops 6:

The best playstyle with this class is to focus on the objective, so that’s what all of our picks here are geared towards.

The Grekhova and the Knife are two standard picks as the best sidearm and melee choices across any class, and we’ve gone for a Smoke in the tactical slot to ensure you can jump on the objective in respawn-based modes and plant bombs with ease.

The Semtex is a solid lethal option, while the Trophy System is essential to protect you on objectives much like the Smoke. However, if you don’t plan on playing the objective, switch these for a Flashbang and Morphine Injector.

With the perks, we’ve opted for the three green choices, because the protection from either Flak Jacket or Tac Mask depending on your preference is invaluable.

Meanwhile, Fast Hands allows you to switch weapons much quicker if needed (and it extends fuses when throwing back grenades), while Gearhead gives you two field upgrade charges, and the ability to hack enemy equipment. That all comes together to grant Strategist, which gives you a score bonus for completing objectives and destroying enemy equipment.

Our recommended wildcard is Danger Close, because you can get two lethal grenades, but Perk Greed is an equally strong choice: go for whichever of Flak Jacket or Tac Mask you don’t already have selected. Alternatively, pick Ghost if you’re struggling with being detected by enemy UAVs.