You’re not alone if you’re tired of the usual “meta” guns dominating every match in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Meta weapons—especially the go-to SMGs—can feel like the only way to stay competitive. But what if you want to break the mold and prove you can win without relying on identical overused setups? Maybe you’re looking for a fresh challenge or trying to master a personal favorite that doesn’t get much spotlight.

Good news: it’s possible. Winning without meta weapons isn’t about picking a random gun and praying for the best. It’s about playing smarter, knowing your maps, using your equipment well, and honing your playstyle. Let me show you how to consistently come out on top using non-meta SMGs in Black Ops 6—no meta needed.

1. Movement and Map Knowledge: Your Greatest Allies

When you’re not packing the highest-damage, tightest recoil SMG, your positioning and movement become your secret weapons. Maps in Black Ops 6 are filled with little corners, tight angles, and multiple routes. Knowing them inside and out lets you catch opponents off guard before they see you.

This means playing the corners and tight spaces that funnel enemies into your line of fire. Don’t just run into the open or fight in the middle of a long hallway where your non-meta gun’s weaknesses show. Instead, use walls, doors, and cover to break sightlines and force enemies to come to you individually.

The better you know each map’s flow, the easier it is to predict where enemies will go and set up ambushes or flanks. Meta players often focus on direct fights, but if you focus on map control and smart movement, you’ll get the jump on them.

2. Use Utility to Level the Playing Field

Just because your gun isn’t meta doesn’t mean you must go in empty-handed. Tactical and lethal equipment can give you a significant edge, especially if your SMG can’t match the raw power of meta guns.

Use flashbangs, stuns, or concussion grenades to disorient opponents before you rush in. Even a well-timed smoke grenade can let you push through open spaces or hold objectives without taking damage.

Don’t overlook field upgrades like Dead Silence, which let you move quietly. It’s harder for enemies to hear your footsteps and react if they don’t know where you are. Jammers or radar denial equipment can also frustrate meta players who rely on tracking you.

Utility can often win fights for you before you even pull the trigger. Use it creatively and adapt your playstyle around what gear you have.

3. Attachments: Amplify What Makes Your Gun Unique

Every gun shines when you pick the right attachments. For non-meta SMGs, this usually means focusing on what the weapon does best, like fast aim-down-sights (ADS) time, better hip-fire, or more rapid movement.

Don’t try to turn your SMG into something it’s not by putting on long-range barrels or heavy stocks that slow you down. Instead, double down on speed and agility. The faster you can aim and move, the better your chances in close-quarters fights where SMGs shine.

Experiment with attachments that reduce recoil or improve accuracy on the move. The goal is to keep your gun effective within its natural range and playstyle, not to mimic the meta.

4. Play Supportive or Unpredictable Roles

If you’re not using a meta weapon, don’t try to force yourself into the same playstyle as those who are. Instead, think about how your role on the team can be different—and maybe even more valuable.

Try flanking aggressively or sneaking around enemy lines to cause confusion and distraction. When you’re unpredictable, you constantly force opponents to look over their shoulders. This can open up opportunities for your teammates or let you pick off distracted players.

You can also be the “wildcard” of your team. Rush key points quickly, bait enemies into traps, or play disruptor by harassing snipers and objective holders. Even a non-meta SMG can feel deadly when you’re hard to predict.

5. Master One Non-Meta Gun

It’s tempting to hop between guns looking for something better, but consistency beats variety when using an off-meta weapon.

Pick one SMG that fits your style and learn it inside and out. Study its recoil, reload times, firing rate, and the best engagements to use it in. When you’re comfortable with one weapon, your muscle memory will improve, and you’ll instinctively know what situations favor your gun.

This confidence alone can help you win fights against better-equipped opponents. Mastery beats raw power in many cases.

6. Stick to Objectives or Zone Control

Playing non-meta doesn’t mean you have to go for all the kills. Sometimes, the best way to win is to focus on the objective or control essential zones.

Meta players often go for kill counts and aggressive engagements. If you control key objectives, force spawns, or hold choke points, you give your team an advantage that’s hard to beat.

Play smart and take fewer risks. Let the meta players chase kills while you secure wins through map control.

7. Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

If you’re playing with a team, communication and coordination become even more important when not using meta weapons.

Call out enemy positions, share information about enemy whereabouts, and coordinate pushes. Your non-meta SMG might not win every 1v1, but you can overwhelm opponents with strategy when combined with team support.

Stick with your teammates, cover flanks, and play roles that complement the team. Winning isn’t just about gun skill; it’s about working together.

Pro Tips for Dominating Without Meta Guns

Just because you’re not using the most popular SMG doesn’t mean you can’t dominate. In fact, with smart movement, map knowledge, and awareness, you can use the Jackal PDW to outperform even the sweatiest meta players.

1. Use Map Knowledge: Learn every flank route, shortcut, chokepoint, and objective location. Use your speed to reach influential positions before the enemy and catch them off guard. Smaller maps like “Subway” or “Factory Core” are ideal for fast play.
2. Flank Often: With your fast loadout, you should avoid direct engagements. Circle enemies and hit them from behind. A well-timed flank can wipe out entire squads and turn the tide of the match.
3. Stick to Close Quarters: The Jackal PDW is most deadly in close-quarters combat. Stick to buildings, tunnels, and tight corridors where quick reflexes and hip-fire Control can be used.
4. Always Play the Objective: You’re not just here to rack up kills—you’re here to win. Rush into hard points, protect the flag, and drop that Trophy System as soon as you secure an area. With your mobility and gear, you’re built for frontline action.
5. Sound Awareness: A solid headset is one of your best weapons. Listen for footsteps, reloads, and broken glass. This audio intel lets you pre-aim, take cover, or ambush enemies with perfect timing.
6. Master Movement Mechanics: Slide canceling, jump shots, bunny hopping, and strafing are your bread and butter. Winning fights isn’t just about aim—it’s about being unpredictable and outmaneuvering your opponents. Train in private matches if needed to get comfortable with these mechanics.
7. Use Your Stim Wisely: Don’t just pop your Stim after every shot. Use it to recover mid-fight or when escaping a dangerous position. Timing your heels properly can help you survive situations others wouldn’t.
8. Practice Trigger Discipline: Don’t waste bullets because the Jackal PDW is slightly less forgiving than meta SMGs regarding damage output. Burst-fire at mid-range and aim for the chest-to-head area. Stay on target to win your duels.
9. Coordinate with teammates: Call out enemy locations and request Trophy Systems and ping objectives. Team coordination becomes even more valuable when you’re not using meta guns.
10. Adapt Based on the Match: If you’re on a long-range map, swap out your Reinforced Barrel for something that boosts mobility. If you’re playing Domination, plant that Trophy System on key flags. Your loadout is flexible—don’t be afraid to tweak it.

Why Non-Meta Guns Can Be Better

The truth is, non-meta guns like the can offer unique advantages. For starters, fewer players use them so opponents may be unfamiliar with their fire rate, range, and recoil patterns. That unpredictability gives you a subtle edge in many encounters.

Also, using lesser-known weapons forces you to refine your skills—aim, movement, positioning—rather than relying on raw weapon stats. In the long run, this makes you a better player overall.

And let’s not forget the satisfaction. There’s nothing like outgunning a meta player with a so-called “trash” gun. It’s a statement: skills beat stats.

Use Smart Movement and Map Awareness

Running a non-meta SMG pushes me to be more thoughtful about how I move and position myself. You can’t rely on your gun alone. Here’s how I get the most out of my setup:

Stick to Tight Spaces

SMGs shine in close quarters. I get more favorable fights by avoiding open lanes and sticking to buildings or tight corridors. If I know the routes where enemies like to push objectives, I’ll use my speed and surprises to create fights on my terms.

Flank and Create Angles

Don’t run straight at an enemy holding. I use routes and hop onto windows or slide through side doors to catch players off guard. Speed is my ally. I want to be where enemies least expect me, not just running headfirst down the middle of the map.

Use Audio Cues

Even though my gun is quieter with a suppressor, I’m still careful about situational awareness. A decent headset helps me hear enemy footsteps or reloads, letting me ambush distracted players or avoid groups. If I hear multiple footsteps, I’ll prevent direct fights and look for a chance to isolate them. Paying attention to sound adds a layer to my gameplay and helps keep me alive longer.

Objective Strategy: Play for Disruption

Getting the most value from an off-meta weapon sometimes means thinking differently about the objective. My strategy focuses on disruption and creating chaos. If I’m playing Hardpoint or Domination, I make quick pushes to capture, then rotate out to cause trouble elsewhere. SMG speed lets me keep moving before the enemy can call out my position.

How I Stay Useful On Objectives:

• Drop a Trophy System as my first step after entering an objective area. This helps the team hold the point against grenades and slows enemy pushes.
• I use my mobility to scout upcoming enemy spawns and call them out to teammates. Sometimes, being aware of the other team’s position can make it easier to hold an objective longer.
• If I’m low on ammo or outnumbered, I’ll quickly switch to my pistol for a fast finish or even fall back and reapproach from a new angle to keep the enemy guessing.

If you’re playing something like Control, try to split the enemy’s attention by rushing their spawn or making noise in their backline. Even if you get taken out, you’ve distracted them enough to give your team some breathing room around the objective. Don’t just focus on holding one spot. Use your agility to shape the fight and open opportunities for your team.

Essential Tips for Winning Without Meta Weapons

Your playstyle matters more than the gun you’re carrying. Here’s what’s made the most significant difference in my experience:

• Mix up your routes. If you keep coming from the same place, enemies will prey on or trap you. Switch it up every couple of lives.
• Be unpredictable. Slide cancel, bunnyhop to avoid return fire. If you make your movement hard to read, you can win fights even with a less popular weapon.
• Stay aware of spawns. Know where enemies are likely to appear after losing an objective. Quick rotations often net easy kills on unaware opponents.
• Don’t be afraid to back off. If you push into a bad situation, escape and reset. Your speed gives you options that other weapon classes don’t have.
• Stay patient. When using non-meta SMGs, sometimes it takes a second longer to secure kills or get into good spots. Don’t get discouraged by early deaths. With some practice, your positioning and map sense will shine through.

Consider playing private matches or custom lobbies to practice routes and test your loadout before hopping into intense public matches. The extra preparation pays off when the game is on the line.

Answering Common Questions About Nonmeta SMG Play

What if I struggle to win 1v1 gunfights?

If my shots aren’t hitting hard enough, I’ll switch up my attachments to focus more on accuracy and ADS speed. Practicing recoil control in a private lobby for a few minutes before jumping into matches helps. Also, try to avoid face-to-face fights with enemies who are full of health. Catch them as they’re reloading, distracted, or just after they’ve fired—timing is everything!

How can I get more kills with a lower-damage SMG?

• Stick to close-range routes and avoid long sight lines.
• Use equipment, flashbangs, or stuns to let you jump on enemies.
• Try pairing with teammates when possible. Weak guns become strong in coordinated pushes.
• Experiment with different loadouts to find attachments that give you the cutting edge in handling or speed.

Are there specific game modes better for off-meta SMGs?

I have the most fun using these weapons in objective modes like Hardpoint, Domination, or Headquarters. The constant movement and mix of close-quarters fights let you maximize the SMG’s strengths, even if it’s not a community favorite. If you enjoy Team Deathmatch, stick to the busy areas of the map to maximize your close encounters. The more you play, the more you’ll find the right rhythm for your chosen SMG.

My Take: Winning Your Way in Black Ops 6

I’ve had some of my best matches using forgotten or overlooked SMGs. It forces me to rely on clever play, movement, and map sense; over time, that has improved my skills across every class. Stick to the tips here, picking a solid off-meta SMG, building for mobility, using clever positioning, and playing objectives quickly. You’ll see more success, even against top-tier guns.

Action Steps:

1. Pick a non-meta SMG and practice your setup for a few matches.
2. Focus on movement and map awareness, not just aiming.
3. Switch up your routes, fight on your terms, and back your teammates during objective pushes.

You don’t have to follow the crowd to score a win. You can stand out and rack up the wins with the right approach. Actual skill in Black Ops 6 isn’t about having the popular guns but how well you can adapt and make the game your own. So grab that forgotten SMG, build a loadout that fits your style, and get in there—the next leaderboard spot is yours to claim!

Thanks for reading How To Win In Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6 Without Using Meta Weapons (SMG Edition). You can also read Inside Elite Teddy’s Mind: What Happens Beyond the Lobby.

Ask Questions: If you have any questions, leave them in the comments below.

Happy Gaming!