Battlefield 2042 Portal: Top Battlefield 3 Weapons in 2026

Battlefield 2042 offers three distinct modes: All-Out Warfare, Hazard Zone, and Portal. The Portal mode is a love letter to the franchise's past, letting players mix and match weapons, gadgets, and vehicles from different eras. Among its offerings, the Battlefield 3 mode stands out, and in 2026, the meta still revolves around a handful of iconic guns. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a fresh recruit, knowing which weapons dominate the sandbox is key to victory.

Here's a quick breakdown of the best weapons in Portal's Battlefield 3 mode, followed by detailed insights.

🔫 M416: The Reliable Workhorse

The M416, developed by a German gunsmith, is a favorite among players who value consistency. It fires in full-automatic or semi-automatic modes, with a 30-round magazine and a fast reload. Its low recoil makes it a laser beam at mid and long range, up to 900 meters. Interestingly, it has better accuracy while sprinting or standing than crouching – a quirky trait that veterans exploit. As any Battlefield veteran will tell you, the M416 is a beast that can shred multiple enemies in seconds.

💥 AN-94: The Two-Tap Wonder

The AN-94 is a Russian assault rifle with a unique burst mode that fires twice as fast as its full-auto mode. However, its heavy recoil makes it challenging in close combat. Experienced players can squeeze off three to four bullets before the crosshair settles. With a 30-round magazine and the ability to equip a GP-30 smoke grenade launcher, it's a devastating tool for those who master its rhythm. Players often joke that the AN-94 is a two-tap machine – if you can control it, that is.

🎯 AKS-74U: The Bunker Buster

The AKS-74U blends rifle firepower with submachine gun size. It excels at close range, with a maximum range of 660 meters. Players can toggle between full and semi-auto, and its high zoomed accuracy makes it deadly. Camping on top of bunkers, crouched and ready, this carbine can pick off rushing soldiers with ease. Its 30-round magazine empties quickly, so make each shot count.

🔭 SCAR-H: The Long-Range Surgeon

Developed by US armed forces, the SCAR-H is a carbine with a shortened barrel for a firmer grip. It offers single and automatic fire modes, and shines at long range up to 630 meters. Attachments like the Holographic scope and Bipod extend its reach further. With a 20-round magazine and over 100 rounds in reserve, players have plenty of time to line up shots. It's a surgeon's tool – precise and punishing.

🤫 AS VAL: The Silent Assassin

The AS VAL is a Russian assault rifle from the late 1980s, featuring an integrated suppressor. This allows players to take down unsuspecting enemies without revealing their position. It's effective at mid-range, with a max range of 450 meters. Compared to other assault rifles, it has improved handling and a higher rate of fire, piercing armor with every shot. Its 30-round magazine and stealth capabilities make it a top pick for flankers.

💨 PP-2000: The Versatile Bullet Hose

The PP-2000 is a Russian submachine gun with low recoil and amazing handling. It's versatile in close and mid-range combat, reaching up to 540 meters. It fires in automatic and semi-automatic modes, with a 40-round magazine. Its high muzzle velocity shreds opponents, though sprinting while shooting lowers accuracy. Equip a Suppressor to stay off the minimap. You know the drill – spray and pray, but with style.

🇧🇪 P90: The Belgian Bullpup

Developed in Belgium, the P90 boasts an incredibly high rate of fire. It has automatic and burst modes, and is highly destructive in close to mid-range combat, with a max range of 630 meters. Its 50-round magazine and three forward rails allow for extensive customization. The Laser Sight boosts accuracy, while a Suppressor keeps you hidden. Trust me, once you get a taste of that fire rate, you'll never look back.

⚖️ M16A3: The All-Rounder

The M16A3, designed by the US Marine Corps, features a Rail Interface System. It deals devastating damage at long range, up to 975 meters – the highest among assault rifles here. With automatic and semi-automatic modes, it balances firepower, accuracy, and handling. Its 30-round magazine and 124 rounds in reserve give players plenty of chances to dominate. It's a versatile choice for any engagement.

🏋️ G3A3: The Heavy Hitter

Known as the AK4 in Sweden, the G3A3 uses a fixed stock and long barrel. It has automatic and semi-automatic modes, effective at mid to long range up to 750 meters. Its heavy recoil can be tamed with a Foregrip underbarrel attachment, and the PK-A 3.4x scope improves zoom and visibility. With a 20-round magazine, it rewards precise, deliberate shooting. It's not for the faint of heart, but it hits like a truck.

💥 DAO-12: The Room Clearer

Manufactured by Sentinel Arms Company, the DAO-12 is a shotgun with a revolver-style cylinder. Its fixed magazine of individual chambers gives it a semi-automatic fire mode. It has a wide bullet spread, making it a close-range monster. Compared to other shotguns and assault rifles in Portal's Battlefield 3 mode, it has increased firepower. Each magazine holds 12 rounds, but the rotating cylinder means long reloads. Get in close, and it's game over.

Battlefield 2042 is available on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. So whether you're reliving the glory days or writing new ones, these weapons will serve you well in 2026.

Expert commentary is drawn from Game Developer (Gamasutra), and it helps frame why Battlefield 2042 Portal metas—like the Battlefield 3 loadouts built around flexible ARs (M416/M16A3), high-skill burst options (AN-94), and close-quarters staples (PP-2000/DAO-12)—tend to stabilize around weapons that combine controllable recoil, consistent time-to-kill, and role clarity across varied engagement ranges.