The weapon list for Black Ops 6 has been unveiled, confirming the absence of the controversial riot shield, much to the relief of fans. Previous Call of Duty titles faced criticism for the shield’s impact on gameplay, slowing down matches and rewarding camping tactics. While some players may miss the shield’s strategic use, its removal is seen as a positive step towards enhancing the game’s pace and skill-based competition, with hopes that it won’t return as a post-launch addition.
The complete weapon roster for the launch of Black Ops 6 has been unveiled, and many fans are relieved to see the exclusion of one of Call of Duty’s most divisive weapons.
Although each multiplayer mode in Call of Duty is overseen by one of the major studios, the weapon categories tend to remain consistent. Players can anticipate versatile assault rifles suitable for mid-range engagements, submachine guns ideal for close-quarters battles, and powerful sniper rifles for long-range eliminations.
However, the riot shield has become a staple within the franchise, frustrating many gamers. This contentious main weapon replaces a player’s standard weapon with a sizable shield that can deflect bullets, allowing skilled users to become quite resilient.
Fortunately, with the launch of Black Ops 6, Treyarch has maintained its tradition of excluding the riot shield. On October 18, the studio shared the complete launch weapon list, and the shield was not among them.
This decision isn’t shocking, considering that the riot shield has only appeared in one Treyarch title, Black Ops 2. Its absence is a welcome change after the challenges posed by players camping with shields over the past three years.
Why the Exclusion of the Riot Shield is Positive News
From our perspective, riot shields detract from what makes Call of Duty uniquely engaging. Our experiences in Vanguard, MW2, and MW3 only strengthen this view. Skilled players can drastically slow the pace of matches when using them, and it can be incredibly frustrating to be defeated by a seemingly indestructible shield.
While confronting a shield does require adapting tactics—such as using explosives or flanking the opponent—this “walking barrier” rewards players who camp and ambush their foes rather than those showcasing quick reflexes and accuracy.
Furthermore, some players employ the riot shield defensively on their backs, a strategy referred to as the “turtle.” This approach allows them to guard against rear attacks while wielding an additional main weapon, putting players who attempt to maneuver around them at a disadvantage.
Community feedback on social media has voiced strong calls for the removal or adjustment of the riot shield in nearly every Call of Duty installment featuring it. As a result, when it was confirmed that it would not appear in Black Ops 6, gamers expressed their excitement.
One user shared on X: “No riot shield in CoD this year for the first time in three games. God is good.” Another added: “I hope the riot shield remains absent for the entire lifecycle of BO6. We’ve been enduring this issue for 3 years.“
Some Players Will Miss the Riot Shield
However, not everyone is pleased with the riot shield’s removal. Many assert that effectively utilizing it demands as much skill as any traditional weapon. While we acknowledge the disappointment at losing this option, Black Ops 6’s enhanced mobility makes us wonder how dominant the shields would have been when paired with new multi-directional movements.
It’s also important to consider that the riot shield might return as a post-launch addition, as new weapons are introduced in seasonal updates. Yet, given Treyarch’s history of overlooking the shield in past games, this seems improbable.
Although there will always be supporters of the riot shield, Treyarch’s decision to exclude it from Black Ops 6 undeniably benefits the game’s pace. There may still be opportunities to incorporate it into temporary events or limited-time modes, but the core multiplayer experience for Black Ops 6 emphasizes pure skill, enhancing the gameplay for everyone involved.