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The Tanto .22 SMG as shown in Black Ops 6.
Screenshot by Dot Esports

The best Tanto .22 loadout and class setup in Black Ops 6

Slow firing, but hard hitting.

Week two of the Call of Duty Black Ops 6 beta nerfed the game’s incredibly powerful Jackal, but also introduced a third SMG to the mix in the form of the Tanto .22—and this one is a little more unique compared to its peers.

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The reason? It’s got a very slow fire rate for an SMG, but what it lacks in output it makes up for in mid-range effectiveness and damage. The other downside is a rough recoil, but with the right attachments, this SMG becomes a brilliant all-rounded for any game mode.

Here’s the best build and class setup to use with the Tanto .22 SMG in Black Ops 6.

Best Tanto .22 loadout and class setup in BO6

A screenshot of a loadout from Blackl Ops 6 featuring the Tanto .22 SMG.
On the move once again. Screenshot by Dot Esports

Best Tanto .22 build in Black Ops 6

  • Optic: Merlin Reflex
  • Muzzle: Compensator
  • Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
  • Underbarrel: Precision Foregrip
  • Rear Grip: CQB Grip

The Tanto’s advantage is its damage, so we’re offsetting its lack of fire rate by correcting its brutal recoil with a Compensator and a Precision Foregrip. This corrects many of the recoil issues already—if you’re happy with where the weapon’s recoil is at, head back for mobility boosters in the form of the CQB Grip.

Then, we’re maxing range and bullet velocity with a Reinforced Barrel. Close out with a scope of your choice: I quite like the Merlin Reflex, but anything outside of the longer-range optics works great here.

Keep in mind your lack of fire rate in gun fights. Landing that all-important second shot after the opener will set you up for a three-shot kill at close range, which is where this SMG truly shines.

Best Tanto .22 class setup in Black Ops 6

Equipment

  • Secondary: Pistol (personal preference)
  • Melee: Knife
  • Tactical: Stim Shot
  • Lethal: Semtex
  • Field Upgrade: Assault Pack

Perks and class setup

  • Perk One: Assassin
  • Perk Two: Gung-Ho
  • Perk Three: Double Time
  • Perk Four: Ghost (personal preference)
  • Wildcard: Perk Greed
  • Specialty: Enforcer

As expected we’re all in on the Enforcer Specialty again by picking up the three red perks designed to keep us running and gunning. Assassin, Gung-Ho, and Double Time all help with sprint speed, reloading on the go, and even give us a little info about enemy locations.

Perk Greed unlocks a fourth perk for us, and honestly, you can pick whatever you feel you need here. Do you want access to your scorestreaks a little early? Go for Bankroll. Are concussion grenades annoying you? The Tac Mask saves you here. I prefer Ghost to avoid appearing on minimaps and UAVs while on the move which is a constant with this build.


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Nicholas Taifalos
Weekend editor for Dot Esports. Nick, better known as Taffy, began his esports career in commentary, switching to journalism with a focus on Oceanic esports, particularly Counter-Strike and Dota. Email: nicholas@dotesports.com