Summary
Battlefield 2042is a first-person shooter that is set, as the title suggests in the year 2042. The game portrays a semi-futuristic world that is on the brink of collapse due to intense warfare and the absence of resources. Like other games in the series,Battlefield 2042yet again brings out its massive 128-player multiplayer mode where both parties try to fight it out and control zones to win.
Weapons are one of the main aspects of the game. Deciding which weapon to take into battle can change the outcome of the fight. There are many different and unique assault rifles in the game, but these are the best options.
Updated June 14, 2025 by Waseem Muhammad: Battlefield has always been popular because of the impact it has on the multiplayer-loving community. Not only has Battlefield innovated the genre by including an intense multiplayer combat experience, but features like the Levolution introduced in Battlefield 4 took environmental hazards to the next level. Battlefield 2042, though not the best game in the franchise, has been producing frequent content with the addition of new seasons.
The new season brings a new map and weapon, including theAK 5C, which is a new Assault Rifle. This weapon is very versatile, making it deadly if the player can use it to its full potential.
7AK 5C
Low Rate Of Fire But Can Overperform Other Rifles In Many Ways
The AK 5C can be a very situational weapon as it also relies on the player to build it properly. It needs different attachments depending on the fights the player is going to take. If the maps are smaller and closed, like Operation Locker, then equipping theLaser Sightalong with Suppressor andFusion Holo Sightis the way to go.
Meanwhile, for long-ranged fights, the player can opt for a semi-DMR experience by equipping any4X Optic Sight,ADR Bipod, andHeavy Barrelto increase the accuracy. The AK 5C has a lower rate of fire, making it weaker in close-combat situations compared to other weapons.
6MTAR-21
High Fire Rate Allows Lasering Down Enemies Easier
MTAR-21has a whopping 900 Rate of Fire, which is the highest out of all the Assault Rifles in the game. It is one of the weapons from theBattlefield 3Vault. Its Rate of Fire makes it by far the best option in indoor maps like Operation Locker, Redacted in Rush, and more. In terms of attachments, the best option is theWarhawk Compensator.This attachment increases Recoil control, which is much needed for the MTAR.Extended MagazineandCobra Griparealso good attachments. They restrict the player’s movement but melt down enemies' health faster.
To unlock this Vault weapon, a player needs toget 100 Kills and Assists with the A-91,as well as50 Kills with Assault Rifles at a distance of 25m or more.
5M416
Decent Stats All Over The Board For This Classic Weapon
TheM416was the most used Assault Rifle inBattlefield 3and makes a reappearance as a Vault weapon inBattlefield 2042. With decent stats across the board, it has become a popular weapon for new and returning players alike. Its Rate of Fire and Range stats allow the weapon to dominate in the medium range. TheHolographic 2xattachment, paired with theLaser Sightallows for smooth close to medium-range gunplay. TheHeavy Barrelis also a good attachment if most fights are occurring at longer distances.
The requirement for M416 is to get100 Kills and Assists with M416 (Portal) or the PBX-45,along with60 Kills with Assaults Rifles or Teammates Revived.
4ACW-R
Has Low Accuracy But Shines In Close Range Combat
TheACW-Rwas one of the Vault weapons inBattlefield 3.It was a poor choice in assault rifles in previousBattlefieldgames. However, inBattlefield 2042,the ACW-R has been one of the most popular choices in the game. It has the two-shot Headshot capability, allowing players to kill enemies in mere seconds if they can land hits on the head. The weapon is quite good at close range, having manageable recoil. In medium to long range, the player canmake use of the weapon’s three fire modes, especially the burst fire mode.
To unlock the ACW-R, a player must get100 Kills and Assists with ACW-R (Portal) or M5A3.They must also get20 Headshot Kills with assault rifles.
3M5A3
Low Handling Compensated By The Little Recoil It Has
TheM5A3is the starting assault rifle inBattlefield 2042and has been one of the most consistent weapons since the game’s release. The rifle is a versatile weapon that is good in pretty much all ranges. In the short to medium range, there is very little recoil, making it a popular choice among players.
TheShortened Barrelis a great attachment for the M5A3, as it increases the Rate of Fire quite a lot at the expanse reducing Projectile Velocity. This, along withStandard Issue Extendedmagazine, allows the player to laser their enemies at close range. At long range, the weapon still does its job. However, certain weapons can challenge the M5A3 and are relatively better.
2SFAR-M GL
High Damage Along With Underbarrel Launcher For Utility
The SFAR-M GL is one of the few assault rifles that has stayed consistently good in every season ofBattlefield 2042. Most people only use the weapon because of theunderbarrel grenade launcher or smoke bomb attachment it has. The grenade launcher is handy, but the rifle is much more than that. The SFAR has a lower rate of fire than the M5A3, which reduces recoil on the weapon. Having the Standard Issue magazine attachment further decreases Recoil, but it also decreases range. This allows for quick picks in short to medium range.
To use the weapon, the player has tosimplylevel up to 27and the weapon will unlock automatically.
1RM68
A Powerhouse Weapon Useful In All Combat Ranges
TheRM68is a rifle that just can’t quit.After multiple patches and countless nerfsto the weapon, the RM68 still feels like a monster of a gun. It is a great option for all ranges. The player will have to useSingle Firemode to accurately gun down enemies that are far away. One of the main drawbacks RM68 has is that it has a very slowReload Speed,along with a 20 base Magazine Size. Players will need to use the Extended magazine to prolong the time before reloading.
The requirement to unlock the RM68 is to get20 Kills and Assists with the M5A3 in a Round.The player must also get10 Headshot kills while aiming with Assault Rifles.
