The Deceptive Tanto .22
In the expansive arsenal of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, the Tanto .22 stands out as one of the most deceptive submachine guns (SMGs) available. Initially, its slow-firing rate might seem like a significant drawback, but this weapon quickly proves its worth once you understand its capabilities. According to its in-game description, the Tanto is "slow-firing, but hard-hitting," and it is indeed easy to handle with impressive mid-range performance. The key to unlocking its full potential lies in the Gunsmith and your patience. While the Tanto’s fire rate is surprisingly slow the first time you use it, once you get the hang of its mechanics and equip the right attachments, it can easily find its way into the competitive meta. This guide will help you build the best Tanto .22 class in BO6, ensuring you can wield this powerful SMG to its fullest.
Best Tanto .22 Build in BO6
To maximize the Tanto .22’s effectiveness, you need to focus on improving its fire rate, damage range, bullet velocity, mobility, and recoil control. Here’s a recommended build that will transform this SMG into a lethal force:
- Muzzle: Compensator (Vertical Recoil Control)
- Barrel: Reinforced Barrel (Bullet Velocity, Damage Range)
- Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip (Horizontal Recoil Control)
- Magazine: Extended Mag I (Magazine Ammo Capacity)
- Rear Grip: Ergonomic Grip (Slide to Fire Speed, Dive to Fire Speed, Aim Down Sight Speed)
- Stock: Balanced Stock (Aim Walking Movement Speed, Movement Speed, Hipfire Movement Speed, Strafing Movement Speed)
- Fire Mods: Rapid Fire (Fire Rate) (optional: Recoil Springs or Kepler Microflex Optic)
The most critical attachment for the Tanto .22 is the Rapid Fire attachment, which significantly boosts its fire rate. This attachment is essential because it allows the Tanto to compete with other SMGs in terms of damage per second (DPS) at close and mid-range distances. However, the Rapid Fire attachment is only unlocked at level 38, so you’ll need to level up the weapon and be patient. In the meantime, you can use a Muzzle Brake or a different attachment to manage recoil. If you prefer precision over a higher fire rate, consider using the Kepler Microflex optic for a clearer sight picture.
Unlocking the Tanto .22’s Potential
The Tanto .22’s slow-firing rate might be off-putting at first, but it is a double-edged sword. The slow rate allows for more controlled, accurate shots, making it particularly effective at mid-range distances. However, this slow rate also means that the Tanto can be outclassed by faster-firing SMGs like the Jackal PDW or C9 in close-quarters combat. The key to making the Tanto shine is to use it in situations where its strengths can be leveraged, such as in open areas with moderate ranges.
Once you unlock the Rapid Fire attachment, the Tanto’s high firepower becomes its defining feature. This attachment increases the fire rate, making the Tanto more competitive in various scenarios. However, it also increases the weapon’s recoil, so it’s crucial to balance your build with attachments that control this recoil. The Compensator and Vertical Foregrip are excellent choices for vertical and horizontal recoil control, respectively. The Reinforced Barrel and Extended Mag I improve damage range and magazine capacity, ensuring you can maintain your lethality over longer distances and in sustained engagements. The Ergonomic Grip and Balanced Stock enhance your mobility, making the Tanto .22 a versatile and dynamic weapon in your arsenal.
Optimal Equipment for the Tanto .22
To complement the Tanto .22’s build, you need to choose the right equipment. Here’s a suggested setup that will help you dominate the battlefield:
- Pistol: GS45
- Muzzle: Muzzle Brake
- Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
- Magazine: Extended Mag I
- Rear Grip: Quickdraw Grip
- Fire Mods: .45 ACP Overpressured
- Melee: Knife
- Tactical: Concussion
- Lethal: Semtex
- Field Upgrade: Trophy System
The GS45 pistol is a reliable backup weapon that can help you in tight spots where the Tanto .22 might not be as effective. The Muzzle Brake helps reduce recoil, making your shots more accurate. The Reinforced Barrel and Extended Mag I, as mentioned earlier, improve damage range and magazine capacity. The Quickdraw Grip enhances your slide to fire speed, dive to fire speed, and aim down sight speed, allowing you to engage targets more quickly. The .45 ACP Overpressured fire mod further increases your weapon’s damage, making it more lethal. The Concussion and Semtex provide excellent tactical and lethal options, while the Trophy System is a powerful field upgrade that can protect you from enemy scorestreaks.
Perks and Class Setup
Choosing the right perks is crucial to maximizing your effectiveness with the Tanto .22. Here’s a recommended class setup that emphasizes aggression and mobility:
- Perk One: Gung-Ho
- Perk Two: Fast Hands
- Perk Three: Vigilance
- Wildcard: Gunfighter
Gung-Ho is an excellent choice for the first perk as it grants increased movement speed and faster sprint recovery, making you more agile and harder to hit. Fast Hands speeds up your weapon switching and reload times, which is particularly useful with the Tanto .22, allowing you to stay in the fight longer. Vigilance lights up your HUD in the direction an enemy that sees you is in, giving you a crucial advantage in turning and eliminating threats quickly. The Gunfighter wildcard allows you to use more than five attachments, which is essential for fully optimizing the Tanto .22’s build.
If you want to activate a Combat Specialty, consider using the Enforcer. Equip Gung-Ho, Hunter’s Instinct, and Double Time to activate it, enabling you to play with all-out aggression. This setup will make you a formidable opponent, capable of taking on multiple enemies and maintaining a high kill-to-death ratio.
Strategies for Using the Tanto .22
To get the most out of the Tanto .22, you need to play to its strengths and adapt to its weaknesses. The weapon excels in mid-range engagements, so avoid close-quarters combat where faster-firing SMGs have the upper hand. Instead, position yourself where you can take advantage of the Tanto’s high damage and accuracy. Use cover and quick movements to close the distance on enemies, and always be ready to engage with a controlled, precise spray.
In team-based modes, communicate with your squad to cover areas where the Tanto .22 can shine. Your teammates can provide support in close-quarters combat while you maintain control of mid-range areas. The Tanto’s slow fire rate makes it an excellent choice for players who prefer a more methodical, controlled approach to combat. Practice aiming down sights (ADS) and controlling your shots to maximize the weapon’s effectiveness.
Conclusion
The Tanto .22 is a unique and powerful SMG in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, but it requires a different approach compared to other fast-firing SMGs. Its slow fire rate and high damage make it a versatile weapon that excels in mid-range engagements. By focusing on improving its fire rate, damage range, bullet velocity, mobility, and recoil control, you can transform the Tanto .22 into a lethal force. Choose the right equipment and perks to complement your build, and adapt your playstyle to make the most of its strengths. With patience and practice, the Tanto .22 can become one of the most reliable and deadly weapons in your arsenal.
