One of the most popular quotes from Winston Churchill goes, “Give us the tools, and we will finish the job.” There’s probably no better time for that quote to ring true than now, with Call of Duty Mobile’s newest Season 8 being all about the thrill of a high-stakes job. 

‍

Twilight Heist has arrived in Call of Duty: Mobile, bringing new weapons, balance changes, and a fresh meta for players to master. As always, the competition is bound to get heated up in both Multiplayer and Battle Royale, and having the right gun can make all the difference. 

‍

This season introduces the RAM-7 assault rifle as a standout new addition, alongside tweaks to many old favorites. Some previously dominant guns got slight nerfs, while other sleeper weapons received buffs; shifting what’s worth using. In this article, we’ll rank the top 10 guns you should be using in COD Mobile Season 8, focusing on the newest weapons and the strongest meta performers that give you a competitive edge in current gameplay conditions.

‍

(Pro Tip: If you’re looking to unlock new guns or grab the Season 8 Battle Pass, you can save money on COD Points. The Carry1st Shop offers 10% off on Call of Duty: Mobile CP and Battle Pass purchases – a great deal for gearing up this season!)

‍

10. LW3–Tundra: Best Sniper of Season 8
‍

The Tundra sniper rifle remains the king of long-range engagements in COD Mobile Season 8. It outclasses the newer “Three-Line Rifle” thanks to superior mobility and a faster rate of fire, while still delivering one-shot kills with reliable consistency. Sharpshooters love how the Tundra balances speed and lethal power; you can quickly scan for targets and drop them with a single well-placed hit.
 
‍

In Search & Destroy or holding lanes in Ranked matches, the Tundra is perfect for securing early picks and locking down sightlines. Its handling is smooth for such a heavy hitter, meaning even aggressive snipers can reposition and re-scope quickly. While the classic DL Q33 sniper still has its fans for nostalgia, the LW3–Tundra’s combination of high damage and decent handling gives it the edge in the current meta. If long-distance domination is your style, this sniper won’t let you down.

‍

‍

9. HS0405: One-Tap Shotgun Power
‍

Shotguns are back in Season 8’s meta, and the HS0405 leads the charge in the close-quarters category. This pump-action shotgun can one-shot enemies up close with frightening consistency; even hip-firing, it’s capable of deleting targets in a single blast. 

‍

A recent buff to its choke attachment increased the movement speed while aiming, making the HS0405 more mobile and “run and gun” friendly than before. On tight maps like Nuketown or Shipment, a speedy HS0405 user can wreak havoc around corners. It even outperforms the KRM (another popular shotgun) when it comes to raw one-hit kill potential and reliability in close quarters. 

‍

For maximum effectiveness, equip the Choke muzzle (to tighten pellet spread and boost range) and consider the RTC Extended Light Barrel for faster movement; these attachments let you close the gap and hit your one-shot kills more easily. The HS0405 is best paired with a mid-range weapon (using an Overkill-style perk or in Battle Royale) or as a strong secondary in close-range maps. It’s a niche pick, but in the right scenarios this shotgun is an absolute terror that can turn a hardpoint or control point into your personal zone of dominance.

‍

8. Groza: Buffed Versatility for Free Players

The Groza assault rifle is “back in business” this season after some significant buffs to its damage multipliers. Once an underrated weapon, the Groza now boasts improved headshot and chest shot damage (1.5× and 1.3× multipliers after the update) and better effective range. 

‍

In practice, this means you can drop enemies in just a few shots at mid-range, giving the Groza a lethality that rivals the fan-favorite XM4. In fact, after the tweaks, the Groza nearly goes toe-to-toe with the XM4; it has a bit more range and power, while the XM4 retains slightly lower recoil for easier control. The Groza also offers great mobility and crisp iron sights, making it a strong free-to-play option.

‍

To make the most of the Groza, focus on a loadout that enhances its strengths: good range, mobility, and recoil stabilization. Here’s a recommended Groza gunsmith build:

• Barrel: 16.7″ VDV Reinforced – Increases damage range and improves lower arm damage, leveraging the Season 8 buff.
  
  
• Stock: Tactical Stock – Boosts ADS speed for quick snap aiming.
  
  
• Underbarrel: OWC Foregrip or BO Foregrip – Controls that horizontal recoil kick.
  
  
• Ammunition: 40 Round Drum – Extra ammo for multi-kills without major mobility loss.
  
  
• Rear Grip: Serpent Wrap – Faster ADS time, letting you react faster in close fights.
  
  

This setup maximizes the Groza’s newly improved range and keeps it steady. The result is a versatile AR that thrives in both close-quarters and longer mid-range duels.

‍

‍

7. BP50: Easy-to-Use Bullet Hose

The BP50 is an excellent choice for players who want a forgiving, high-fire-rate weapon that’s effective even without laser aim. Essentially the FN F2000 from older COD titles, the BP50 features a blistering rate of fire and very manageable recoil, making it ideal for those with average accuracy or those just getting into ranked play. It spits out rounds so fast that a missed shot or two matters less; you’ll still win the gunfight if the rest land. This ease-of-use has kept the BP50 in the conversation even as flashier guns get buffed or nerfed. It’s consistently competitive and great for beginners or anyone who prefers weapons that “just feel easy” in hand.

‍

One thing to note: the BP50 comes with a default 30-round mag, but it has an optional 60-round extended magazine. While a 60-round mag sounds amazing for mowing down multiple opponents, it comes with downsides: slower reload and slightly worse accuracy due to higher recoil over sustained fire. In Season 7, the 60-round mag was meta, but it got a slight nerf. Now, many players actually stick to the 30-round mag or a 40-round if available, because it keeps the weapon light and accurate. 

‍

With the smaller mag, the BP50 remains laser-accurate, letting you take advantage of that steady recoil pattern. If you do choose the 60-round drum for respawn modes, consider running the Vulture perk or an Overkill secondary weapon, as you’ll burn through ammo quickly in extended fights. Overall, the BP50’s reliable performance and ease of control earn it a spot among the top guns – it’s not the absolute fastest killer, but it’s so easy to succeed with that it’s a staple of the Season 8 meta.

‍

‍

6. Type 25: Aggressive AR Powerhouse

The Type 25 has roared back into relevance thanks to a slew of buffs in Season 8, transforming it into a close-range powerhouse AR. This classic assault rifle (a familiar sight from early CODM seasons) now benefits from increased damage multipliers to the upper body, meaning it can reliably kill in four shots within its optimal range. Essentially, with the new 1.1× multipliers to arms and other body parts, the Type 25 achieves a guaranteed 4-shot kill in its first damage phase, giving it time-to-kill comparable to the harder-hitting DR-H, but with a much faster fire rate. The buffs also tightened its bullet spread and reduced recoil, so it’s more accurate when aiming down sights. Even better, you can now equip a Monolithic Suppressor on the Type 25 without suffering a big range penalty, thanks to those damage tweaks. All this makes the Type 25 a fantastic choice for aggressive playstyles: you can rush and hip-fire or ADS in close quarters and melt foes, and still compete out to mid-range.

‍

However, there’s a bit of debate in the community about just how “meta” the Type 25 truly is. Some top players remain skeptical, pointing out that it’s still essentially a four-shot kill gun (when options like the Oden or DR-H can kill in 2–3 shots). If you miss even a couple of bullets with the Type 25, you might get outgunned by a higher-damage weapon. Its recoil, while improved, is also still on the higher side during prolonged fire.

‍

That said, for many players, the newfound consistency and handling make the Type 25 a top-tier choice in Season 8. It’s a fast, frenetic AR that rewards aggressive play and smart attachment choices. 
‍

Loadout tip: try a Stopping Power Reload (if available in Gunsmith) or Extended Mag to ensure those four shots down a target, and use a laser sight or firm grip to tighten that bullet spread further.

‍

5. RAM-7: The New Balanced Contender
‍

Meet the new kid on the block: the RAM-7. Introduced in Season 8 Twilight Heist, this bullpup assault rifle (borrowed from Modern Warfare II) is already making waves in multiplayer. The RAM-7 offers a fantastic blend of mobility, fire rate, and accuracy, filling a balanced mid-ground role in the AR category.

In practice, it behaves somewhat like a hybrid of the Type 25 and an M4: it has a fast rate of fire and competitive damage, but also a remarkably steady recoil pattern when built right. One huge advantage is its 50-round extended mag; unlike many fast-firing rifles that cap out at 30–40 rounds, the RAM-7 can hold 50, allowing you to take on multiple opponents without needing an urgent reload. This makes it extremely forgiving in modes like Hardpoint or Domination, where enemies might come at you back-to-back.

‍

In terms of performance, the RAM-7 can go toe-to-toe with the top ARs. It kills almost as quickly as the Type 25 up close (slightly slower in the very first few meters), but it shines in mid-range stability. It suffers less damage drop-off at range, meaning you can pick off foes at a distance more easily. The recoil is mostly vertical and easy to control, especially if you attach a foregrip. And if you’re into movement tricks, you’ll love that the RAM-7 is the first gun featuring a new peek-and-lean animation system that lets you slice the pie around cover more efficiently.

‍

Overall, the RAM-7 is a great all-rounder that can fit any playstyle: agile enough for rushers, but stable enough for more tactical players. (And don’t forget to slap on that 50-round mag and a Tactical Foregrip for best results.)

‍

4. VMP: Close-Quarters SMG King

The VMP submachine gun continues to be a top-tier pick for close-quarters combat, even after eating a minor nerf this season. Anyone who played Black Ops 3/4 will remember the VMP’s reputation, and in CODM it lives up to the legacy as a close-range shredder.

‍

This SMG features a ridiculous fire rate and a tight hip-fire spread, allowing you to blitz through enemies in the blink of an eye. In fact, the VMP can achieve a four-shot kill incredibly fast up close; it’s one of the fastest time-to-kill weapons within 5–10 meters. Its recoil is a bit wild at first, but mostly vertical, and experienced players can manage it even to win some mid-range fights. The base iron sights are clean and easy to use, so you don’t necessarily need an optic (which is excellent for freeing up an attachment slot). While the Mythic VMP blueprint looks awesome, performance-wise the base gun is just as good, so you won’t miss out if you don’t have a fancy skin.
‍

‍

Now, about that Season 8 nerf: the VMP’s hip-fire accuracy was very slightly reduced. In practical terms, it means you might miss a pellet or two extra if you’re spraying from the hip at point-blank range. But the change was so small that the VMP still dominates in its niche. You can mitigate this by using a Laser (MIP Laser 5mW) and maybe the Merc Foregrip to tighten the hip-fire spread again if you’re concerned. 
‍

At the end of the day, the VMP’s only real limitation is its range; unlike the USS 9, the VMP does suffer more noticeably beyond 15+ meters. In competitive play and legendary ranked, some players have actually shifted slightly away from the VMP in favor of the more all-purpose USS 9, precisely because of that range disadvantage. But if your playstyle is pure aggression and you love getting in enemies’ faces, the VMP remains arguably the best pure SMG in CODM right now. It’s fast, unforgiving, and lethal, making it a must-use gun for any close-quarters specialist.

‍

3. Oden: Two-Shot Titan of Mid-Range

If raw damage is what you crave, look no further than the Oden. This battle rifle/AR hybrid packs a punch like no other fully-automatic gun in the game: it’s the only automatic assault rifle in CODM that can consistently kill in just two shots to the upper body.
 

That’s right, land two chest or headshots with the Oden, and the enemy is done. This staggering damage per shot gives the Oden a niche as the powerhouse of mid-range engagements. Even after some balancing adjustments, the Oden's two-tap potential keeps it firmly in the meta. The default iron sights on the Battle Pass Oden are excellent, too, which is great for those who don’t have the Mythic version. (The Mythic Oden comes with a built-in red dot sight that’s nice to have, but not mandatory for success.)

‍

Using the Oden does require a bit of precision and trigger discipline. Its fire rate is slow, so if you miss shots or only hit limbs, you could get outgunned. And there’s noticeable recoil kick; not the worst, but enough that you’ll want to run a foregrip and perhaps disable full-auto firing in favor of trigger-tapping at longer ranges. 

‍

Essentially, treat the Oden like a semi-automatic marksman rifle that just happens to fire full-auto. If you aim for upper body, you’ll be rewarded with unbelievably fast kills. This weapon punishes sloppy aim but absolutely dumps on targets when used by a skilled shooter. It’s also surprisingly effective through cover; for example, you can slap on FMJ and wall-bang opponents since two Oden shots will crack even someone hiding behind medium cover. 

‍

Bottom line: the Oden is a heavy-hitter every serious player should try. It might not be as forgiving as a M13 or as mobile as a CBR4, but in the hands of a steady aim, it’s arguably the most devastating automatic weapon of Season 8.

‍

2. Type 63: High-Skill, High-Reward Marksman Rifle

The Type 63 is technically a tactical rifle (semi-automatic marksman rifle). Still, it’s making a strong case for being one of the most overpowered guns of Season 8 (if you can master it). This weapon offers an insane combination of damage and range: it will two-shot kill to the body at any range, and incredibly, it can one-shot a headshot at any range as well. 

‍

That means a single trigger pull to the noggin can drop a foe across the map; essentially, sniper-level lethality with DMR flexibility. It also has a faster fire rate cap than previous semi-auto rifles like the SKS, so in the hands of a skilled player, the Type 63 can pump out follow-up shots rapidly. In terms of pure stats, nothing matches its theoretical time-to-kill: two quick shots from the Type 63 outgun even the Oden’s two-shot capability, because the Type 63 has no delay between shots other than your own trigger finger.

‍

But before you ditch your automatics and grab the Type 63, beware: this rifle is very hard to use optimally. It’s the definition of high-risk, high-reward. As a semi-auto, you need excellent aim and trigger control to capitalize on it. Average players may struggle with it, which is probably why you won’t see it in every ranked match despite its power. You need to land those upper-body shots consistently, and you have to handle a good bit of recoil and flinch between shots. It’s recommended to use a recoil stabilizing grip (like the Field Agent or equivalent) and maybe the OWC Ranger barrel for better stability.

Also, extended mags are a must: the last thing you want is to run dry when you’re trying to land two hits. Many skilled players use a claw grip or 3-finger control setup to maximize their tap-firing speed with this weapon. If you can manage that, the Type 63 will reward you with god-tier performance. It out-mobilizes the Oden (faster movement and ADS) and still kills in two shots up to any distance, making it arguably the strongest gun on paper this season.

‍

1. USS 9: The Uzi-Like SMG Master
‍

Behold the USS 9, the undisputed SMG of Season 8. This compact SMG (which is essentially an Uzi PRO in CODM) has been sitting at the top of the food chain for multiple seasons now, and even with a slight nerf in the Twilight Heist patch, it refuses to give up its throne.


What makes the USS 9 so dominant? In short, it does everything an SMG should do, and then some. It has an unbeatable time-to-kill up close and remains lethally effective at mid-range. This SMG kills in 3 shots to the body within its optimal range, and amazingly it can manage roughly the same 3-shot kill out to medium range as well, behaving almost like an assault rifle in an SMG’s body. 

‍

It fires fast, hits hard, and features very low recoil, meaning even average players can beam targets across a map with it. Frankly, the USS 9 has it all; high damage, fast fire rate, low recoil, and great mobility.

‍

In Season 8, the developers reduced its bullet velocity (from 660 to 600 m/s) and removed the movement speed boost from the No Stock attachment. But these changes were pretty minor in practice. You can simply adjust your loadouts, dropping the No Stock and using a Long Shot perk or MIP Extended Light Barrel to compensate for range, or using an FMJ perk for wall penetration. The core strengths of the gun – its crazy fast time-to-kill and minimal recoil – remain intact, so the USS 9 continues to dominate both close firefights and mid-range duels. 

‍

A popular setup this season is to equip the .41 AE 32-Round Mag (often dubbed the “Damage Mag”), which increases damage and allows the USS 9 to achieve that 3-shot kill to anywhere on the body. It’s recommended to build the rest of your USS 9 for stability and range: try a Monolithic Suppressor, OWC Marksman barrel, and maybe an Operator Foregrip. 

‍

Simply put, the USS 9 is the meta for Season 8, and ignoring it puts you at a huge disadvantage.

‍

‍

Final Thoughts

With these ten guns in your arsenal, you’ll be well-equipped to dominate. From the versatile assault rifles like Groza, Type 25, and RAM-7, to the hard-hitting semi-auto Type 63 and Oden, to the lightning-fast SMGs USS 9 and VMP, there’s a weapon here for every playstyle. 

‍

Keep in mind that balance changes can always tweak the standings, and the “best” weapon also depends on your personal comfort and skill. It’s a great idea to experiment and find which of these top-tier guns fits you best. And remember: a well-rounded loadout can sometimes outperform raw weapon stats, so consider carrying a secondary or switching classes if needed (for example, some players run an Overkill shotgun alongside their Type 63, or a pistol with their sniper).

‍

Good hunting out there, and enjoy Season 8! And don’t forget, if you need a quick boost of CP for that new Mythic draw or Battle Pass, the Carry1st Shop’s 10% discount is a solid way to save while you gear up for victory. GG!

‍