XDefiant: Best M16A4 Loadouts

XDefiant features a roster of different weapons that players can choose from, each with its own spot in the meta. Some of the most popular options in the game include the ACR 6.8 and the MP7, both of which dominate in their respective damage ranges. However, though the ACR 6.8 is a popular Assault Rifle, the M16A4 is another great pick.

The M16A4 is one of the many Assault Rifles available in XDefiant and leads the way in potential TTK. This burst-fire weapon is an absolute powerhouse in the medium-to-long-range meta, fully capable of eliminating opponents with a single shot to the head—except against Phantoms or the GSK Faction—along with providing a two-shot kill to the upper torso. All these attributes make the M16A4 one of the best Assault Rifles in the game. Here are the best loadouts for the M16A4 in XDefiant!

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Best Early Game M16A4 Loadout

Solid Early-Game Build For Low-Level Players

Screenshot showcasing the best early game build for the M16A4 in XDefiant

M16A4 Attachments:

Light Suppressor (Muzzle)
Recon Barrel (Barrel)
Superlight Grip (Front Rail)
Reflex Sight (Optic)
Quick Mag (Magazine)

This first build for the M16A4 is specifically designed for players who are gradually leveling up their weapons. All the attachments included in this build can be acquired once players hit level 11, making it an excellent choice to carry them over until they reach higher levels. The two standout attachments for this build are the Superlight Grip and the Recon Barrel, providing a 15% increase in ADS speed. Though not the fastest speed possible, players will still find that their M16A4 is ready to fire much quicker than the base build.

Another neat attachment in this build is the Quick Mag, which boosts both reload speed and increases the weapon’s magazine size by six rounds, thus providing players with two extra shots per magazine. Lastly, players can equip the Reflex Sight for a cleaner precision picture across range. Though this build does little to boost the weapon’s TTK, the M16A4 can still achieve a two-shot kill to the torso and a one-shot kill to the head if all three burst shots hit their mark. For a solid Secondary option, weapons like the 93R and the 686 Magnum are recommended.

Best Close Range M16A4 Loadout

High Handling Loadout For Close-Range Gunfights

M16A4 Attachments:

Heavy Barrel (Barrel)
Superlight Grip (Front Rail)
Quick Mag (Magazine)
Quick Draw Grip (Rear Grip)
Removed Stock (Stock)

The M16A4 is a rather unique case when it comes to optimizing it for close range. While most players may lean towards using the Rapid Fire Barrel to increase the weapon’s fire rate, this actually does very little to improve the weapon’s TTK. Instead, players should opt for the Heavy Barrel in most of their setups, as this allows the weapon to provide a much more consistent two-shot kill to the torso, yielding an average TTK of 343 milliseconds from 12 meters to 32 meters, compared to 406 milliseconds with the Rapid Fire Barrel.

From here, players can then focus on improving the weapon’s handling attributes to better perform in close-range gunfights. Two must-have attachments include the Superlight Grip and Quick Draw Grip, boosting both ADS speed and sprint-to-shoot time. To boost sprint-to-shoot time even further, along with providing increased movement speed, players can also opt for the Removed Stock. Last but not least, the Quick Mag will serve as a welcome addition for improving the weapon’s reload speed. While the weapon’s recoil control does take a small reduction, it remains fairly controllable from close to medium range. For a good close-range Secondary, the 93R is a solid option.

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Best Long Range M16A4 Loadout

High Damage Range Loadout For Long Distance Gunfights

Screenshot showcasing the best long range build for the M16A4 in XDefiant

M16A4 Attachments:

Barrel Extender (Muzzle)
Heavy Barrel (Barrel)
Superlight Grip (Front Rail)
Reflex Sight (Optic)
Quick Draw Grip (Rear Grip)

This final build for the M16A4 in XDefiant is more tailored for long-range gunfights. Much like the previous build, the Heavy Barrel has been retained to boost the weapon’s damage. However, this time, it has been paired with the Barrel Extender, which boosts the weapon’s effective damage range from 34 meters and 45 meters to 37 meters and 50 meters. This allows the weapon to have a much more consistent two-shot kill to the torso at long range, allowing it to compete with the likes of the MK 20 SSR.

Much like the previous build, the Superlight Grip and the Quick Draw Grip have also been used, providing a nice 20% increase in ADS speed. For the final attachment, players can opt for the Reflex Sight to provide a clearer sight picture for long-distance gunfights. Though this build does harm the weapon’s ADS stability by 1%, the weapon is still easy to control, perfect for long-range gunfights. For a good Secondary option, stick to some of the best Pistols like the 93R and the 686 Magnum.