In every Call of Duty title, there’s a small collection of weapons that manage to shine outside of the meta. With Black Ops 7 (COD BO7) now well into its life cycle, most players are familiar with the top-tier guns dominating Ranked and casual lobbies alike. However, if you're tired of mirror match lobbies filled with the same handful of ARs and SMGs, it's time to explore the off-meta options that still pack a serious punch.
Below is a curated list of 23 off-meta weapons in COD BO7 that continue to outperform expectations when used by skilled players or those who know how to build them right. Whether you're looking for something fresh for pubs or even Ranked, these guns prove you don’t always need to follow the crowd to rack up scorestreaks.
1. FFAR-3
Often overlooked for more meta rifles, the FFAR-3 rewards aggressive play with its blistering fire rate and strong mid-range potential.
2. G36C
This classic rifle returns with balanced handling and surprising accuracy at range, making it a reliable choice in skilled hands.
3. Type 95
Burst rifles are rarely in the spotlight, but the Type 95’s one-burst potential is still terrifying in close to mid-range fights.
4. Uzi Pro
Overshadowed by faster SMGs, the Uzi Pro’s mobility and accuracy make it deadly in the right setups.
5. M1 Garand
It’s not just nostalgia; the Garand’s precision and power remain potent for players who value accuracy over volume.
6. MP7A2
This SMG bridges the gap between agility and control, offering a fast TTK in chaotic, close-quarter maps.
7. SPAS-24
Shotguns may have fallen out of favor, but this one still deletes opponents up close if you’re precise.
8. L86A2
LMGs aren’t meta in COD BO7, but the L86A2’s hybrid handling makes it a flexible tool for anchoring lanes.
9. Dragunov
Snipers may lean towards faster bolt-actions, but the Dragunov rewards careful aim with faster follow-up shots.
10. M16A4
Another burst rifle, the M16A4 has a learning curve but is devastating when mastered.
11. AUG H3
Underestimated in BO7’s current pool, the AUG is a versatile SMG/AR hybrid that excels at mid-range.
12. PKM
Heavy, slow, but brutally effective at locking down objectives with its high damage per mag.
13. AK-74u
Still deadly when built for speed, despite newer SMGs stealing the spotlight.
14. R870 MCS
For close-quarters brawlers, this pump-action shotgun still delivers satisfying one-shots.
15. SCAR-H
Clunky but powerful, the SCAR-H rewards precision with some of the highest damage per shot in its class.
16. FAL-OSW
Semi-auto rifles aren’t for everyone, but the FAL’s raw stopping power can’t be ignored in slower, tactical playstyles.
17. Kriss Vector
A laser beam at close range, the Vector chews through enemies if you can manage its ammo consumption.
18. HCAR
Heavy-hitting and often forgotten, the HCAR rewards players who can leverage its range and power.
19. XM8
Underused due to its awkward recoil, but those who tame it enjoy its fast kill potential.
20. M60-E4
Anchors love the M60 for its raw bullet output and oppressive presence on certain maps.
21. TAR-21
A favorite for those who prefer a balanced rifle with solid mobility and consistent damage.
22. KSG-12
Unique in its slug-only firing mode, it plays more like a rifle than a shotgun in practice.
23. RPD
Another classic LMG that can dominate chokepoints when paired with the right perks and positioning.
Why Go Off-Meta?
There’s a certain satisfaction in outperforming the meta with weapons others write off. Off-meta guns often require a bit more mechanical skill, map knowledge, and awareness to maximize their effectiveness. They also tend to suit more specific roles — something that can play in your favor in a team that’s otherwise locked into the standard meta loadouts.
How Boosting Can Help Experiment with Loadouts
Experimenting with these weapons might mean grinding through ranks or weapon levels, and let’s face it — not everyone has the time. That’s where options like
COD BO7 boosting services come in. Whether you’re looking to quickly unlock attachments or skip the painful parts of Ranked, some players choose to
buy Black Ops 7 boosting to free up their time to focus on the fun parts: building unique loadouts and surprising opponents.
One platform that players often turn to for these services is
U4N, known for its range of boosting options. While boosting isn’t for everyone, it’s undeniably popular among players looking to get the most out of the game without grinding through the parts they find less enjoyable.
Meta weapons will always dominate the headlines and highlight reels, but these 23 off-meta options prove that creativity and skill can still carve out a space in Black Ops 7. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself, break up the monotony, or simply find that perfect sleeper pick, there’s a weapon on this list worth revisiting.
