In Battlefield 6, light machine guns (LMGs) can feel heavier to handle than other weapon types. However, they provide great long-range stopping power and can maintain heavy suppressive fire, hindering enemies from regaining health. While equally deadly as other weapons in the game, players must adjust their tactics to accommodate using these guns.
Below is a ranking of all LMGs in Battlefield 6, based on their power relative to each other and their performance across the various maps and game modes. If you’re looking to master the role of a machine gunner, this guide will assist you in selecting the right armament for your gameplay style.
Best Light Machine Guns in BF6
- M250
- M240L
- M60
- DSR-IAR
- RPKM
- MG123K
- L110
- KTS100
This ranking is based on weapon performance and versatility across different distances. The maps in Battlefield 6 typically present a mix of short and long sightlines, with some smaller maps featuring more constrained engagement ranges compared to larger ones. The top LMG should be effective at varying distances, although some specialized weapons also deserve recognition. Here’s a breakdown of the rankings for each weapon.
M250
The King of Consistency
The M250 resembles the M277 in BF6, sharing a notably consistent damage profile with an output of 25 damage to the body at distances of up to 80 meters or more. Although classified as a long-range weapon, it has a fire rate of 675 RPM, making it a competent option for close-quarters encounters too.
A critical drawback of the M250 is its magazine size. It only has a 50-round box magazine, and upgrading to a 100-round magazine necessitates reaching Rank 22 with the weapon while using a hefty 55 attachment points. Despite this limitation, it performs reliably across all ranges, allowing players in good positions to dominate enemy infantry.
M240L
High-Caliber Firepower
The M240L can be viewed as a more aggressive alternative to the M250. Like its counterpart, it deals up to 25 damage for body shots at 80 meters, but it excels at killing an enemy with just three body shots from roughly 10 meters. Its fire rate of 600 RPM may feel less oppressive in medium to long-range combat; however, it can still hold its own in those scenarios if mounted or supported by a bipod.
The M240L also starts with a modest 50-round magazine but has a 100-round option available that only requires 25 points to unlock, making it a more appealing choice compared to the M250.
M/60
The Ol’ Reliable
Although the M/60 fires slower than most weapons in the game, it compensates with solid stopping power, delivering the same lethality as the previous LMGs–hitting for three bullets for a kill up close, or four at distances above 80 meters. Its accuracy is commendable, and its reduced fire rate can make it a more enjoyable weapon to shoot.
The M/60 initially comes with a larger 100-round magazine. While it delivers significant damage, players might find themselves outgunned by ARs or SMGs in close-quarter situations. Although you can bring down targets in a few shots, an encounter with a flanker may leave you vulnerable before you can fire your third bullet. Still, the M/60’s three-bullet kill potential and reliability at medium to long ranges justify its position in the rankings.
DRS-IAR
The Assault Rifle in Disguise
Derived from the M27 design, the DRS-IAR serves the role of an automatic rifleman in BF6. It remains a highly precise firearm capable of suppressing foes at long distances while also excelling at close-quarters combat. It can outperform most carbines in its class regarding damage delivered over distance and can be configured to serve as a heavy support weapon or a lightweight rifle for close engagements based on player customization.
There are minimal complaints to make about this LMG, though it does feel somewhat sluggish at baseline. The reload speed is relatively slow, and the weight of the weapon affects the aim-down-sights (ADS) speed compared to lighter firearms.
RPKM
High Accuracy, Low Recoil
The RPKM shares similarities with the DRS-IAR–both appear and function like heavy assault rifles. However, the RPKM prioritizes medium-range effectiveness over close combat. With a steady fire rate of 553 RPM, its bullet-to-kill ratio is about five from 15 to over 80 meters. While its time to kill (TTK) may be a little slower, it can surprise and devastate unprepared enemies.
Despite competing against the top three weapons in this list for mid to long-range supremacy, the RPKM’s AK-style magazine allows for quicker reloads during tense matches.
M123K
The Cheesemaker
The M123K boasts the highest firing rate among LMGs in BF6, with a blistering 830 RPM and a maximum damage output of 25. This weapon can rapidly dispatch targets, and its recoil is manageable. Though classified as effective for close combat, it can also engage targets at distances exceeding 80 meters, requiring the use of bipods or controlled bursts at those ranges.
If your goal is to unleash a barrage of bullets, the M123K is the ideal choice, especially if fulfilling the Support role takes advantage of the LMG handling bonus. It’s particularly gratifying to use in maps featuring close-quarter engagements, though it may fall short at longer distances without the right setup.
L110
General Purpose Support Weapon
The L110 is effective from the start and requires minimal upgrades to perform well across various distances. With a 720 RPM fire rate, it’s suitable between 10 and 80 meters. However, the M123K presents a superior option, as both weapons inflict identical damage over the same distances, yet the M123K’s higher rate of fire increases its lethality in nearly all scenarios.
Nevertheless, the difference between the L110 and the M123K is marginal. If a player favors one of these LMGs, they will likely appreciate the other as well.
KTS100 MK8
Extreme Accuracy and Ease-of-Use
The KTS100 MK8 excels in delivering precise suppressive fire over extensive distances. Not only does it exhibit minimal recoil, but it also maintains remarkable accuracy even during lengthy firing bursts. Typical bloom effects seen in BF6 have a minor impact on this weapon, allowing it to remain accurate even after firing around 20 continuous shots, becoming only slightly inaccurate thereafter.
Although the capability to consistently hit targets at range is beneficial, the KTS100’s damage output drops to 17 at 80 meters–the weakest among the LMGs up to this point. Apart from its low recoil and consistent accuracy, it tends to be outperformed by the majority of other options available at all ranges.
