What is the best Tanto .22 loadout in Black Ops 6 and Warzone? When it comes to picking SMGs, the differentiating factors between weapons in this category are usually down to fire rate and mobility. The Tanto .22 is one of the slowest SMGs we’ve ever used, but when paired with the right attachments, this gun can shred through enemies like nothing else.
While the C9 is the go-to SMG in Black Ops 6, the Tanto .22 is a low-investment alternative that can do plenty of damage. Our loadout makes an incredible case to include the Tanto .22 in our best Black Ops 6 loadouts list, this SMG rewards those with good aim and excellent decision-making.
How to unlock the Tanto .22 in Black Ops 6
The Tanto .22 is unlocked by reaching player level 16. This is early enough in Black Ops 6 prestige that you won’t have to worry about using a permanent unlock token if you do want to use it regularly.
Best Black Ops 6 Tanto .22 loadout
- Barrel: Long Barrel
- Muzzle: Ported Compensator
- Underbarrel: Ranger Foregrip
- Rear Grip:Â Commando Grip
- Fire Mods: Rapid Fire
The stock Tanto .22 is a powerhouse, but we can always go further. The Long Barrel improves the weapon’s range, helping it hold its own ~15% further afield. Sitting at the tip of it is the Ported Compensator muzzle attachment, which we’d argue is the best in the game thanks to the first shot and vertical recoil control it offers.
Another upgrade for the Tanto .22 is the Ranger Foregrip, providing the SMG with improved horizontal recoil control and most importantly, faster sprinting movement speed and sprinting movement speed. The Commando Grip, meanwhile, lets you go from firing to shooting that bit faster, bolstering the run-n-gun playstyle SMGs are renowned for.
The Rapid Fire attachment seems to be a no-brainer option for most weapons in the game, but for the Tanto .22 it’s practically essential. Rapid Fire is one of the harder attachments to unlock due to strict level requirements, but once you have it, you won’t want to be without it.
Best Black Ops 6 Tanto .22 class build
- Secondary weapon:Â LR 7.62
- Melee: Knife
- Tactical: Stim Shot
- Lethal: Drill Charge
- Field Upgrade: Tactical Insertion
- Perk 1:Â Gung-ho
- Perk 2:Â Assassin
- Perk 3:Â Double Time
- Specialty:Â Enforcer
- Wildcard:Â Overkill
Our picks for our Tanto .22 class setup keep you on the go, maximizing your ability to play fast and loose. Because it can still be a bit unruly at range, we’ve partnered it up with a long-range option for when you find yourself across the map from your enemies.
Though we do have the Long Barrel attached, the Tanto .22 is still going to struggle at a distance. If a more reckless run-n-gun playstyle isn’t working in the lobby, then switch to the LR 7.62 and start picking off foes from afar – you’ll need to take the Overkill Wildcard for this. Alternatively, slap on our best Black Ops 6 XM4 loadout to take better advantage of this class setup’s mobility while at mid-range.
To keep you zooming, opt for the Stim Shot in your Tactical slot to keep your sprint and health refreshed. The Drill Charge, meanwhile, is the perfect Lethal for clearing campers out of buildings or generally creating chaos you can take advantage of with your mobility. The Tactical Insertion Field Upgrade, meanwhile, lets you pick your respawn spot – it’d be a real shame if you suddenly appeared behind a group of enemy combatants.
As for Perks, our recommended trio of Gung-ho, Assassin, and Double Time will grant access to the all-important Enforcer Specialty, which will further keep you healthy while you’re zipping about the place. Gung-ho can be swapped for Dexterity if you do a lot of your best work while diving and sliding about.
Best Warzone Tanto .22 loadout
- Muzzle:Â Suppressor
- Barrel: Long Barrel
- Underbarrel: Ranger Foregrip
- Magazine: Extended Mag I
- Rear Grip: Ergonomic Grip
The Tanto .22 is incredibly powerful despite its low fire rate. At 10 meters you’re cleaving through enemies with just three rounds to the body – one of the lowest rounds-to-kill we’ve seen. Of course, not every firefight in Urzikstan and Area 99 is going to be up close and personal, so we’d recommend running it with an AR or sniper in an Overkill configuration. As such, we’re going with the standard five attachments.
If used in a sniper support build, make use of the Suppressor to keep you nice and safe. The Compensator, meanwhile, is what we’d use when paired with an AR or DMR. Next is the Long Barrel, which is necessary to maximize the Tanto’s usefulness beyond that 10m power point.
The Tanto has a surprising amount of recoil for a tiny SMG, so we’re letting the Ranger Foregrip remedy that while providing some extra mobility. Speaking of mobility, the Ergonomic Grip is a must-use to keep you moving around the map at pace. Top off the build with the Extended Mag I for some extra juice in the chamber, and you’re solid.
Best Warzone Tanto .22 class build
- Secondary weapon: LR 7.62
- Melee: Knife
- Tactical: Smoke Grenade
- Lethal: Semtex
- Perk 1:Â Dexterity
- Perk 2: Tracker
- Perk 3:Â Ghost
- Wildcard:Â Overkill
The best Warzone Tanto .22 class build that we’ve put together is based on a sniper support setup. This means we’re going to be using the best LR 7.62 loadout as our Overkill weapon while accentuating its playstyle through our equipment and perks.
If you’ve used any of our other SMG/sniper builds then you’ll know how highly we rate the Smoke Grenade. It’s a fantastic rotation tool, and thanks to the suppressor on your Tanto you’ll have the upper hand in CQB against unsuppressed targets. You can track them, they can’t track you. The Lethal is largely preferential, but we’ve been enjoying the Semtex so it gets the nod from us.
Perks-wise, we’ve gone sneaky sneaky with our trio of Dexterity, Tracker, and Ghost. While Dexterity is more about keeping your aim stable while diving about, Tracker marks tagged enemies (amazing if you’re fighting in smokes), while Ghost keeps you off UAVs and other recon tools.
Best Black Ops 6 Tanto .22 alternatives
The best Black Ops 6 Tanto. 22 alternatives are the best C9 loadout and best KSV loadout. Not only was the C9 a fan-favorite after the Jackal PDW got nerfed during the beta, but it has persisted to the full game as the go-to SMG for classic MP5 fans. The KSV, meanwhile, is a monster when kitted out with its best build, making it a must-use if you’re not vibing with the Tanto .22.
That’s all you need to put together the best Black Ops 6 Tanto .22 loadout. This is the perfect loadout to get to grips with the Omnimovement system thanks to the Tanto’s impressive mobility stats. While you’re here, check out our Black Ops 6 camos guide to find out what you’ll need to do to unlock the coveted weapon skins.
Additional guiding by Aaron Down.
