Every year, a new Call of Duty rises to the top of the shooter genre, bringing fresh maps, fresh metas, more Call of Duty Black Ops 7 Bot Lobbies and a fresh wave of players trying to figure out which weapon defines the game. But in Black Ops 7, that mystery evaporated faster than ever. The moment players stepped into multiplayer, it became clear that one weapon wasn't just strong-it was dominant. Overpowered. Ridiculous. And now, after back-to-back 100+ kill gameplays with nukes dropping left and right, the community has a new name to fear.

 

Meet the X9 Maverick, the undisputed god gun of Black Ops 7.

Whether you're getting instantly deleted in close quarters or melted from across the map in what feels like half a second, chances are it was the Maverick doing the dirty work. This rifle's combination of power, mobility, and versatility places it at the absolute top of the food chain. And after hundreds of levels, countless engagements, and a full Prestige Master grind with the weapon, its dominance is undeniable.

 

In this article, we're breaking down why the X9 Maverick is so strong, the best attachments to run, the top perks, and how players are using it to secure nukes, helicopter streaks, and some of the most absurd statlines the game has seen so far.

 

Why the X9 Maverick Dominates the Meta

 

The Maverick stands out because it simply does everything right. It has elite mobility, laser-beam accuracy, and unmatched killing power, especially when equipped with the right attachments. One of the most interesting quirks of the weapon is that its barrel attachments affect magazine size-a unique design choice that dramatically increases its potential when optimized properly.

 

In a game where milliseconds decide every gunfight, the Maverick is the rare rifle that gives you every advantage at once: fast aim-down-sight speed, excellent range, reliable recoil, and enormous potential for multi-kills. Whether you're playing Hardpoint, Domination, or TDM, the Maverick never feels out of place.

 

The Best X9 Maverick Class Setup

 

After extensive testing-Prestige II with the weapon and climbing toward Prestige Master-this is the loadout that has proven itself time and time again. This setup prioritizes fast reaction times, amazing clarity, and recoil stability without sacrificing mobility.

 

1. Optic: ELO Sight

 

The Maverick's iron sights aren't terrible, but the ELO sight provides crystal-clear visibility that makes target tracking effortless. In a fast-paced game like BO7, clarity equals kills.

 

2. Barrel: Shroud Long Barrel

 

This attachment is the heart and soul of the build.

 

Not only does the Shroud Barrel increase damage range, making the weapon deadlier at mid-to-long distances, but it also increases magazine size, bumping it from the default to 45 or even 51 rounds depending on the configuration.

 

Two major benefits in one slot-this is the barrel every Maverick user should be running.

 

3. Rear Grip: Quickdraw Grip

 

Aim-down-sight speed determines almost every gunfight in Black Ops 7. The Quickdraw Grip makes your weapon feel lightweight and snappy, letting you win engagements before the enemy even fires a bullet.

 

When using the Maverick, the second you ADS, the fight is already over.

 

4. Stock: ADS Movement Stock

 

This stock allows for faster strafe speed while aiming-one of the most valuable traits for high-skill players. Fast strafing makes you harder to hit while maintaining full accuracy, which pairs perfectly with the Maverick's recoil pattern.

 

If you prefer even more mobility, you can swap this for the Mobility Stock for enhanced movement and strafing. But for gunfights in motion, ADS Movement Stock is king.

 

5. Recoil Springs

 

Recoil control is essential, but the Maverick doesn't need much help. This single recoil attachment is all it takes to stabilize the weapon for long-range engagements. Adding more recoil attachments becomes overkill, stealing slots from more valuable mobility options.

 

This five-attachment setup has become the gold standard-anything beyond this is unnecessary and wastes loadout potential.

 

The Perfect Perk Setup for the Maverick

 

Because this weapon is so strong with only five attachments, players unlock more room for a perk-focused build instead of needing to run Gunfighter. Using the Perk Greed Wildcard opens the door to one of the most powerful perk lineups for streaking, slaying, and maintaining a nuke run.

 

Perk 1: Gung-Ho

 

Allows firing while sprinting, improved reload mobility, and faster use of equipment. It adds a fluidity to your movement that complements the Maverick's aggressive playstyle.

 

Perk 2: Scavenger

 

Mandatory for nuke streaks. You want to stay on the Maverick the entire time without switching weapons.Perk 3: Looper

 

One of the strongest perks in the game. It allows multiple scorestreaks in one life-and once you loop your first set, the next set becomes even easier thanks to assist points from your active streaks.

 

Bonus Perk: Vigilance (Via Perk Greed)

 

Essential for map awareness. This perk expands your minimap similar to Forward Intel and dampens the effect of counter UAVs. With Vigilance, your radar becomes reliable even when the enemy tries to blind it.

 

Field Upgrade & Equipment Choices

 

Field Upgrade: Assault Pack

 

A must-run for Maverick users. It not only gives you ammo but grants bonus score per kill, accelerating streak progress dramatically.

 

Tactical: Stim Shot

 

Pairs perfectly with the Overclock perk. Whenever you get stunned or gassed, Stim removes the debuff instantly, letting you stay aggressive.

 

Lethal: Frag (or SEEX with High-Density Explosive)

 

Many players are grinding for diamond badges or other camo challenges, so the choice here is flexible. The SEEX grenade with high-density explosives is lethal and currently considered one of the strongest explosives in the game.

 

How the Maverick Performs in Real Matches

 

In live matches, the X9 Maverick is a monster. With the right setup, players are routinely dropping:

 

 100+ kill games

 Back-to-back nukes

 Double and triple feed chains

 Helicopter and Harp loops

 Full-team wipes inside Hardpoint hills

 

Because the weapon is so mobile and accurate, it excels in tight map control situations. You can snap onto enemies instantly, strafe through gunfire, and melt anyone who tries to challenge you.

 

Even in lopsided matches where your team is getting stomped early, the Maverick can flip the momentum. Many players have posted comebacks where they were down 100+ points in Hardpoint and still fought their way back using streaks fueled entirely by the Maverick.

 

Even the gameplay dialogue from frustrated opponents tells the story: the Maverick is the weapon they fear, the one they complain about, and the one they pull out when they're getting overwhelmed.

 

Is the X9 Maverick the Best Assault Rifle in Black Ops 7?

 

Short answer: yes.

 

Long answer: not only is it the best AR, but it might be the best weapon in the game-period.

 

From casual lobbies to high-skill ranked matches, the Maverick stands above every other rifle in terms of versatility, ease of use, and raw killing power. Even weapons with 10-round setups or high-precision snipers struggle to compete with its speed-to-kill and mobility.

 

Other guns have niche strengths.

 

The Maverick has every strength.

 

Final Thoughts

 

With its unmatched performance, flexible build options, and ability to dominate every range, the X9 Maverick has secured its place as Black Ops 7's god gun. Whether you're grinding camos, chasing nukes, CoD BO7 Bot Lobbies or simply trying to level up fast, this is the weapon that will carry you through every match.

 

If other players claim a different gun deserves the throne, let them talk-then show them the scoreboard.

 

Once you try this setup, you'll understand immediately why the community considers the Maverick the strongest weapon in BO7 today.