There’s a lot of talk surrounding Call of Duty Black Ops 6 about how the game has to be played. A lot of people think this game is all about running fast and gunning down the opposition while doing parkour all around the map. Others have found themselves enjoying the process of slowing down, holding an angle, and aiming down. Playing tactically. In this article, we will talk about these two ways of approaching this game, and maybe you can see yourself switching between them!
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The Legacy of Run-and-Gun in Call of Duty
Call of Duty multiplayer has always been synonymous with fast reflexes and quick fights. There are plenty of examples of maps that favor this kind of gameplay, like Nuketown. They have lots of smaller areas and plenty of corners to pop out of. Run-and-gun players thrive on momentum: keep moving and overwhelm the enemy. The game encourages this kind of playstyle, which separates it from its tactical competitors.
Yet, in Black Ops 6, things aren’t so straightforward.
Tactical Play Gains Ground in BO6
While Call of Duty will never be a slow-paced, purely tactical experience, BO6 introduces several features that tilt the balance slightly in favor of players who think two steps ahead.
- Map Design – Several of the launch maps emphasize multi-layered sightlines and central control points. Unlike small, chaotic maps that favor rushing, these encourage teams to hold areas, anchor spawns, and play strategically.
- Perk Adjustments – Perks that aid stealth, like Ghost or Cold-Blooded equivalents, reward players who linger and flank rather than sprint constantly. On the flip side, perks boosting speed still exist, but they don’t dominate the meta as much as in past titles.
- Weapon Balance – Assault rifles and tactical rifles are performing very well early on. These weapons naturally reward players who position themselves smartly rather than charging blindly.
The result is a multiplayer experience that encourages patience — at least more than many fans expected.
Run-and-Gun Still Has Its Place
That said, it would be wrong to claim BO6 killed the run-and-gun style. If anything, it simply redefined when and where it works best. Submachine guns remain highly competitive, particularly on maps with tighter chokepoints and interior-heavy layouts.
Aggressive players also thrive in objective modes like Hardpoint or Domination. By pushing spawns and contesting objectives early, run-and-gunners can flip momentum for their team. In fact, many professional players still default to a fast-paced style when competing, proving that pure aggression hasn’t disappeared — it’s just situational.
In public lobbies, you’ll often see a hybrid style: players rushing off spawn but then slowing down once they’ve secured power positions.
Playstyles Shaped by Scorestreaks
Scorestreaks have always been a central part of the franchise. Tactical players lean into UAVs and Counter-UAVs, which give them better map control. Run-and-gunners, on the other hand, go for high-kill streaks by stringing together rapid eliminations.
This creates a feedback loop. Tactical players bunker down in an area in an attempt to rack up kills, while runners move all around trying to rack up kills before being shut down.
The Community Debate
If you scroll through Reddit threads or Twitter discussions about Black Ops 6, you’ll find no shortage of arguments about playstyle balance. Some players argue the game caters too heavily to “campers,” complaining that slower players dominate lanes with rifles and cover. Others say aggressive players still have the upper hand thanks to movement mechanics that let them fly across the map.
The truth lies somewhere in between. BO6 is a rare Call of Duty entry where both sides feel somewhat validated. Tactical players appreciate the added depth, while rushers enjoy enough tools to keep their playstyle viable. Of course, balance patches will likely shift this equilibrium further over time.
Esports and Competitive Play
The run-and-gun vs. tactical debate isn’t just happening in casual lobbies — it’s shaping the professional scene too. Early competitive scrims show pro players leaning on balanced team compositions. Squads often run two aggressive SMGs alongside two more tactical AR players, reflecting the current state of BO6’s meta.
This dynamic makes matches exciting to watch. Competitive BO6 feels more strategic than past entries, which may be exactly what the franchise needs to keep its esports scene fresh.
Adapting as a Player
So how should the average BO6 player approach multiplayer? The answer is adaptability. Locking yourself into one rigid playstyle is a recipe for frustration. Instead, think about situational awareness:
- On small maps like tight urban arenas, speed pays off. Equip an SMG, use perks that boost sprint speed, and keep the pressure on.
- On larger, layered maps, tactical rifles or ARs shine. Hold lanes, pre-aim chokepoints, and punish over-aggressive enemies.
- In objective modes, blend both. Push aggressively when your team needs map control, but anchor strategically once you have it.
The best BO6 players are hybrids, shifting between styles based on the flow of the match.
The Future of Playstyle Balance
The conversation doesn’t end here. Treyarch is known for regular weapon balancing, and future patches could drastically change the multiplayer landscape. If SMGs get buffed, the meta may swing back toward run-and-gun dominance. If ARs are nerfed, tactical play might lose some of its edge.
Beyond weapon tuning, new maps will also play a huge role. A close-quarters DLC map could reignite the rush-heavy meta, while larger maps might push things further toward strategy.
One thing’s certain: the tension between tactical play and run-and-gun isn’t going anywhere. It’s part of what makes Call of Duty multiplayer endlessly engaging.
Tactical vs. Run-and-Gun: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Tactical Play | Run-and-Gun |
| Core Strategy | Methodical positioning, holding lanes, map control | Constant movement, fast rotations, overwhelming enemies with pressure |
| Best Weapon Choices | Assault rifles, tactical rifles, LMGs | SMGs, shotguns, some fast-firing ARs |
| Map Advantage | Larger or multi-layered maps with strong sightlines | Small, close-quarters maps with lots of chokepoints |
| Strengths | Higher survivability, better map awareness, streak efficiency | Fast-paced, exciting, snowball potential with kill chains |
| Weaknesses | Can be vulnerable to flanks, slower momentum if team loses control | Riskier, easier to shut down with smart positioning or defensive setups |
| Pro Scene Role | Anchor AR players locking down lanes and spawns | Entry fraggers and slayers who break open maps for their team |
Conclusion
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 doesn’t choose sides in the tactical vs. run-and-gun debate — it embraces both. The multiplayer meta rewards players who can adapt, blending fast aggression with smart positioning.
While tactical play has gained more respect than in previous entries, pure rushers still carve out a niche in specific modes and maps. Now that you have a clearer vision of what the main playstyles in the game are, be sure to get a Call of Duty boost to get yourself to the higher ranks and take advantage of these tactics. Ultimately, BO6 manages to keep a very healthy playerbase because they cater to every playstyle!
FAQs
Does Black Ops 6 favor tactical or aggressive players?
Neither! You can rest easy knowing that the developers cater to both playstyles.
What weapons support tactical gameplay best in BO6?
Assault rifles and tactical rifles dominate in mid- to long-range engagements, rewarding players who hold power positions.
Are SMGs still strong in Black Ops 6?
Yes. They’re especially deadly on smaller maps and in objective modes where close-quarters combat is common.
Q4: Which playstyle works better in ranked play?
Both. Ranked matches usually feature balanced teams with a mix of aggressive slayers and tactical anchors. However, if the grind is too slow for you, then consider getting a rank boost for your account or buying a new one altogether.
Q5: Will BO6’s playstyle balance change over time?
Definitely. Weapon tuning, patches, and new maps will likely shift the meta throughout the game’s lifecycle.
