Assault rifles are a staple weapon type in any shooter game. Battlefield 2042 has a wide range of assault rifles, with almost every one of them filling a specific niche or playstyle. There are a few standouts, though—weapons you can use regardless of the situation.
Here’s our pick for the five best assault rifles in Battlefield 2042.
5 best assault rifles in Battlefield 2042
AK 5C
The AK 5C assault rifle is one of the most versatile assault rifles in Battlefield 2042. It’s easy to control, and the customization options allow you to tailor it to your playstyle. If you’re unsure which weapon to pick, go for the AK 5C.
Here are the AK 5C base stats:
- Firepower: 55
- Accuracy: 55
- Range: 45
- Handling: 55
- Rate of Fire: 670
The AK 5C has access to three extended magazine types, including High-Power, Close Combat, and Standard Issue. You can easily change configurations from mid-range to CQC or add more power, without switching weapons.
M5A3
The starting M5A3 is great in many ways and is a solid pick even if you’ve been playing Battlefield 2042 for some time. Every stat at base is 50 points, from Firepower to Handling, and you can build it into power or speed, depending on what you want.
Here are the M5A3 base stats:
- Firepower: 50
- Accuracy: 50
- Range: 50
- Handling: 50
- Rate of Fire: 750
What makes the weapon so comfortable is its 750 fire rate. Pair it with an extended mag (only Standard Issue is available, unfortunately) and a simple recoil pattern that gets even simpler when the Champion Muzzle Brake is equipped, and you get a reliable rifle for any occasion.
SFAR-M GL
SFAR-M GL is great if you prefer using underbarrel grenade launchers, because it comes with one installed. But even if you don’t, this is an assault rifle worth using. With high base Firepower and low recoil, the SFAR-M GL hits hard and has almost no downsides.
Here are the SFAR-M GL base stats:
- Firepower: 65
- Accuracy: 48
- Range: 52
- Handling: 36
- Rate of Fire: 600
The only downside to the SFAR-M GL is that you can’t customize the underbarrel to reduce recoil or improve accuracy. At the same time, this rifle has access to a 40-round High-Power ammunition drum mag – something you can’t find anywhere else.
RM68
When it comes to heavy hitters, it’s tough not to mention the RM68. Despite lower base Firepower than the SFAR-M GL, it becomes a beast with High-Power Rounds. It’s only a 20-round mag, so you must be precise when using it or swap to Standard Issue.
Here are the RM68 base stats:
- Firepower: 45
- Accuracy: 55
- Range: 48
- Handling: 58
- Rate of Fire: 620
The RM68 has high base recoil and needs a specific set of attachments to reduce it as much as possible. This includes attachments like the Champion Muzzle Brake and the STNR Laser Sight, so prepare to grind some XP.
AEK-971
AEK-971 is among the fastest-firing assault rifles in Battlefield 2042. With higher base stats than the M5A3 and the right attachments, the AEK-971 is outshining the opposition in almost every department. The only downside is the lack of ammunition types.
Here are the AEK-971 base stats:
- Firepower: 54
- Accuracy: 50
- Range: 48
- Handling: 58
- Rate of Fire: 900
On AEK-971, you have access to Standard Issue, Standard Issue / Extended, and Standard Issue / Underloaded magazines. Most of the time, this isn’t a problem, but if you want to have heavy-hitting or silent ammo, this assault rifle can’t provide that.
