COD Mobile AR tier list - Every assault rifle ranked from best to worst for Season 9

Call of Duty: Mobile Season 9, entitled: "Nightmare," rolls out on 20th October and features a slew of new spooky content and gameplay feature adjustments, including the return of the "Standoff" multiplayer map, a new "Sawmill" map, a new "Dropzone" multiplayer mode, new Perks and Scorestreaks.

There is, of course, also a shiny new battle pass, in addition to a menu of weapon balance changes and a new "Flash Drone" tactical unit. Activision has also introduced two new weapons to COD Mobile: the Swordfish assault rifle (AR) and Thumper tactical rifle. 

Activision changed the CR-56 AMAX, M13, KN-44, UL736, and the S36 in survival and multiplayer modes, and nerfed only the MX9 submachine gun in battle royale mode this season.

Given these changes, you're probably wondering which weapons are the strongest and most broken weapons to use in COD Mobile Season 9. Well, we have the answer -- Let's have a look.

COD Mobile Season 9 Assault Rifle tier list

If you didn't know, assault rifles are all-purpose guns and are the most-used class in the game. Additionally, weapons can be tailored to various use cases depending on the attachments and loadout used.

Note: Our tier lists are not an exact science; however, we do strive to make our AR list as accurate as humanly possible.

Description of the tiers

• S-Tier: Even without the perfect loadout, the S-Tier assault rifles in COD Mobile Season 9 are considered the best of the best. You can't go wrong.
• A-Tier: With the right attachments and a great loadout that suits your playstyle, the A-Tier assault rifles can compete with the S-Tier.
• B-Tier: These ARs can still pack a punch with the perfect loadout and should be considered average.
• C-Tier: Weapons in this tier are only effective in specific situations or for particular playstyles. You will require the perfect loadout to get the job done.
• D-Tier: The trash tier. You would be better off simply going for one of the other assault rifles on this list.

AR tier list

There's a total of 20 assault rifles in COD Mobile, including the recently-added M13 (Season 8) and Swordfish (Season 9). We have omitted the Swordfish from our list, pending the review of its performance this season.

We've ranked all the assault rifles from best to worst, taking into consideration balance changes for both weapons and attachments, as well as the current meta.

S-tier ARs:

• M13
• Man-O-War
• DR-H
• ASM-10
• LK24

The M13 received the most extensive set of changes this season and could be the most broken weapon in the game. However, having established itself as a powerhouse last season, thanks to its extremely high fire rate, potent damage and strong headshot multiplier, Activision has bolstered the M13 further this patch.

In COD Mobile Season 9, Activision buffed the M13's movement speed, reload speed, and bullet velocity. Activision also changed the M13 .300 RTC-30 Rnd magazine, adding a silencer effect that reduces ADS and movement speed, collectively making the M13 even more lethal.

A-tier ARs:

• AK-117
• HVK-30
• KN44

The KN44 is promoted to our A-tier list of weapons to use in COD Mobile Season 9, following a menu of buffs by Activision. These buffs include reduced horizontal recoil, hip fire spread, increased damage to the upper body and an overall increase in damage range.

While it's always boasted tremendous damage, fast fire rate, decent accuracy and recoil, the KN44 was subjected to several nerfs in the past. It is, therefore, welcoming to see Activision buff the KN44 and restore it to its former glory.

B-tier ARs:

• CR-56 AMAX
• Peacekeeper MK2
• AK-47
• AS-VAL

The CR-56 AMAX is demoted to our B-tier list following a menu of nerfs when equipped with the M67 magazine. These changes include a reduction to damage range, damage on the upper arm and an increase to vertical recoil control. Ultimately, these changes make the CR-56 AMAX less potent in medium-range engagements.

C-tier ARs:

• BK-57
• HBRa3
• Type 25
• FR.556

There are no changes here either; all of these weapons have some potential, but only if you are a skilful player confident with these guns; otherwise, avoid them.

D-tier ARs:

• M4
• M16
• ICR-1

Our D-tier list remains the same in Season 9. We will continue to advise players to avoid the M4, M16 and ICR-1 ARs this season. They are in this tier for a reason: they're sh*t.

That completes our list of the best Assault Rifles in COD Mobile Season 9, ranked from best to worst. If you disagree with our ranking, then unlucky for you -- we don't care.

• Read more: COD Mobile Season 9 update APK and OBB download link for Android.

Don't forget to check out our dedicated COD Mobile section, featuring all the news, guides, weapon tier lists, loadouts and more.

Featured image courtesy of Activision.