Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 launches with three light machine guns (LMGs) to choose from. The first one you’ll unlock is the PU-21, which is considered one of the best options available. It offers some interesting attachment combinations that give it the versatility of both an assault rifle (AR) and an LMG. If you enjoyed the Hades LMG from Black Ops 4 or the similar underbarrel attachment from MW3, then the PU-21 will likely appeal to you.
This guide will present two different builds for the PU-21, making it a strong choice for various gameplay scenarios. The first build is designed for players who prefer a more stationary style in core multiplayer, while the second is tailored for those who like to engage aggressively.
Accuracy PU-21 Build
PU-21 Build | ||
---|---|---|
Attachment | Pros and Cons | Advanced Stats |
Volzhskiy Reflex (Optic) | ||
Compensator (Muzzle) |
|
|
Vertical Foregrip (Underbarrel) |
|
|
Quickdraw Grip (Rear Grip) | ||
Target Laser (Laser) |
|
The PU-21 can be incredibly effective when you manage to hit your targets consistently. However, it does come with noticeable recoil and sway issues that need addressing. Using a Target Laser is highly recommended, as it helps delay the aiming sway for three seconds, making it easier to secure kills from greater distances.
For improving accuracy, we recommend the Compensator to minimize vertical recoil and the Vertical Foregrip to control horizontal drift. These enhancements make the PU-21 much more accurate than you’d expect from an LMG, but it’s advisable to add an optic of your choice to enhance the aiming stability. Lastly, equip the Quickdraw Grip to improve the aiming down sights (ADS) speed. While you may not rival SMGs or certain ARs, you’ll excel in mid-range confrontations once well-positioned.
Loadout Recommendations
Perks | |
---|---|
Specialty | Strategist |
Column One | Flak Jacket, Tac Mask |
Column Two | Dispatcher |
Column Three | Bankroll |
Equipment | |
Wildcard | Perk Greed |
Lethal | Your Choice |
Tactical | Stim |
Field Upgrade | Trophy System |
This anchored setup pairs perfectly with the Strategist specialty, which rewards you with bonus score when you’re near objectives and when you destroy enemy devices. To maximize this benefit, utilize the Perk Greed to equip both Flak Jacket and Tac Mask at the same time, reducing the effects of enemy equipment. Additionally, Dispatcher allows your support Scorestreaks to be cheaper, and Bankroll gives you some starting score, making it easier to chain together UAVs and HARPs.
For equipment, your best choice is the Trophy System as a Field Upgrade. This device intercepts incoming enemy equipment, making it significantly easier to capture and hold objectives in multiplayer modes like Hardpoint and Domination.
Gunfighter PU-21 Build
PU-21 Build | ||
---|---|---|
Attachment | Pros and Cons | Advanced Stats |
Compensator (Muzzle) |
|
|
Short Barrel (Barrel) |
|
|
Crossbar (Underbarrel) |
|
|
Fast Mag I (Magazine) |
|
|
Quickdraw Grip (Rear Grip) | ||
Infiltrator Stock (Stock) | ||
Steady Aim Laser (Laser) |
|
|
5.45x39mm FMJ (Fire Mods) |
|
If you fondly remember the Hades from Black Ops 4, you might find this build appealing. The unique Crossbar attachment allows the PU-21 to switch to a focused hipfire mode, enhancing its agility while aiming. Unlike its predecessor, the Crossbar mode does not count as hipfiring, so it remains unaffected by hipfire modifiers. It’s still wise to include a Steady Aim Laser since hipfiring can be beneficial in close-quarters situations, but it has no effect on the Crossbar mode’s performance.
Accuracy is key in this setup, so a Compensator muzzle is recommended to reduce the high vertical recoil of the weapon. For improved handling, add Fast Mags I to give the PU-21 a quicker magazine reload capability, while also enhancing your ADS speed. Coupling this with the Quickdraw Grip allows you to compete closely with assault rifles in terms of aiming speed.
Finally, the Infiltrator Stock will significantly boost your strafe speed while aiming down sights. This complements the Crossbar attachment, bringing your movement speed in line with SMGs. Finish off the build with the FMJ enhancement and a Short Barrel to truly optimize your weapon.
Loadout Recommendations
Perks | |
---|---|
Specialty | Enforcer |
Column One | Dexterity |
Column Two | Assassin |
Column Three | Double Time |
Equipment | |
Wildcard | Gunfighter |
Lethal | Your Choice |
Tactical | Stim |
Field Upgrade | Trophy System |
For this build, opt for the Enforcer specialty, which provides health regeneration after a short time, along with a speed boost for a few seconds following a kill. To activate this bonus, equip Dexterity for reduced weapon sway, Assassin for points against top players, and Double Time for increased tactical sprint duration. Your choice of additional equipment is largely based on personal preference.