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The best Black Ops 6 AEK-973 loadout and build

Guides
By Jake Green last updated 20 December 2024

The AEK-973 in BO6 is a DMR that packs power at range

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Black Ops 6 AEK-973 best build
(Image credit: Activision)
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The best Black Ops 6 AEK-973 build is perfect for landing headshots, so if you’ve got a knack for precision, it's absolutely worth building a proper Call of Duty AEK-973 loadout. The weapon’s three-round bursts come with amazing range and are useful in many situations, but beware that you won’t reach the AEK-973’s full potential without the best attachments, gear, and perks. While you're at it, you should get the perfect full-auto sidearm, too.

To realize this perfect build, impress your teammates, and complete the toughest headshot challenges, here’s a guide for the best AEK-973 loadout in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. 

Best AEK 973 loadout in Black Ops 6 

Best AEK 973 loadout in Black Ops 6

(Image credit: Activision)

Recommended AEK-973 attachments (eight with Gunfighter Wildcard):

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  • Optic: Dobrych 4X
  • Muzzle: Muzzle Brake
  • Barrel: Long Barrel
  • Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
  • Magazine: Fast Mag I
  • Rear Grip: Quickdraw Grip
  • Stock: Heavy Stock
  • Fire Mods: Recoil Springs

This best AEK-973 build for Black Ops 6 focuses on boosting the handling, accuracy and firepower of the weapon, primarily by boosting the recoil control with the Vertical Foregrip and the Recoil Springs.

The Fast Mag I magazine means you can reload faster, which, even with the smaller magazine size, you shouldn’t have to do all that often. This is because of how few bullets it can take to eliminate an enemy, especially if you hit the upper body and head.

Best AEK-973 class in Black Ops 6 

Best AEK-973 class in Black Ops 6

(Image credit: Activision)
  • Secondary: Grekhova
  • Melee: Knife
  • Tactical Gear: Flashbang
  • Lethal Gear: Semtex
  • Field Upgrade: Spring Mine
  • Perks: Gung-Ho, Assassin, Double Time
  • Speciality: Enforcer 
  • Wildcard: Gunfighter

This best AEK-973 loadout brings in the Grekhova pistol. This is a full auto pistol that can be modified to be extremely accurate in hipfire by adding the Weighted Stock. Here’s the Grkhova attachments to aim for:

  • Muzzle: Compensator
  • Barrel: Long Barrel
  • Magazine: Extended Mag I
  • Rear Grip: Assault Grip
  • Stock: Weighted Stock

The Spring Mine can be used to block off any entrances that lead to your position. You’ll be setting up and lining up shots, picking vantage points that allow you to get the drop on your enemy, so it’s good to have your back covered. Semtex is our personal favorite Lethal Gear, as it’s still an absolute blast to stick an opponent and have them explode.

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In terms of Perks, go with Gung-Ho, Assassin and Double Time. This will unlock the Enforcer Speciality, which grants a temporary buff to movement speed and health regen rate. The Gunfighter Wildcard is essential, as it allows you to add a whopping eight attachments to the AEK-973.What you end up with is a laser-precise and extremely hard-hitting weapon that’s perfect for landing headshots. You can kill enemies with one 3-burst round, which feels extremely satisfying. Definitely one to try out if you’re looking for a change of pace.

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Jake Green
Jake Green
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Jake Green is a freelance writer with a love for Fortnite, Resident Evil and anything made by FromSoftware. Hailing from the overcast shores of Brighton in the United Kingdom, Jake can be found covering everything from features to guides content around the latest game releases. As seen on NME, Eurogamer, and VG247, Jake specializes in breaking games down into approachable pieces for guides, and providing SEO advice to websites looking to expand their audiences.

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