For years, the Maddox RFB was the undisputed king of Black Ops 7, its mix of close-range devastation and long-range precision making it a staple in nearly every match. But Season 2 has arrived with two weapons that don’t just compete—they redefine what’s possible. The EGRT-17 assault rifle and REV-46 SMG aren’t just upgrades; they’re meta-shifters, forcing players to adapt or fall behind.
The EGRT-17, in particular, flips the script on traditional assault rifle design. Where the Maddox excelled at mid-range accuracy, the EGRT-17 thrives in the chaos of close-quarters combat, its fire rate second only to the Peacekeeper. But its true innovation lies in its ricochet mechanics—standard bullets bounce off surfaces, while the prestige version triples that effect, turning walls and floors into extended range. Combine that with a recoil pattern that’s surprisingly manageable and a reload speed that can be mitigated with attachments, and you’ve got a weapon that rewards aggression without punishing inexperience.
The REV-46 takes adaptability to another level. Unlike any other SMG in Call of Duty, it features a folding stock that dynamically alters its performance. Folded, it’s a blistering hipfire machine with lightning-fast aim-down-sights speed. Extended, it tightens recoil and refines accuracy—effectively giving players two guns in one. The prestige version amplifies this versatility, boosting movement and ADS speed even further, making it the ultimate tool for both sprint-and-pop tactics and methodical room-clearing.
The Myth of Balance
Players might assume that with two weapons this dominant, balance patches would swiftly nerf them into obscurity. Yet, the delay in Season 2’s adjustments suggests developers are treating these guns as cornerstones rather than anomalies. The EGRT-17 and REV-46 aren’t just strong—they’re complete, offering depth that older weapons lack. Their success isn’t accidental; it’s intentional.
For competitive players, this shift means mastering attachment builds becomes more critical than ever. The EGRT-17’s recoil control hinges on the right setup, while the REV-46’s stock mechanics demand quick reflexes to toggle between configurations mid-fight. It’s a return to fundamentals, where gear knowledge outweighs raw skill.
Blackout’s Revival and the New Meta
The real test for these weapons will come with Blackout’s return in Season 2 Reloaded. Originally launched in Black Ops 4, this battle royale mode thrived on fast-paced, high-mobility combat—perfect for the EGRT-17’s ricochets and the REV-46’s stock-switching agility. While the new Blackout promises a fresh experience, the core appeal remains: a mode where precision and adaptability are rewarded over brute force.
For now, grinding the battle pass for these weapons is a no-brainer. They’re not just tools; they’re statements. The EGRT-17 proves that assault rifles can be both devastating and controllable, while the REV-46 redefines what an SMG can do. In a meta where every second counts, these guns aren’t just dominating—they’re setting the standard.
