Battlefield 6 Season 3: How to Unlock the M16A4, L115, and RPK-74M

How to Unlock All New Weapons in Battlefield 6 Season 3: Warlords Supremacy Guide

Battlefield 6 Season 3 is here! Learn how to unlock the M16A4, L115 sniper, and RPK-74M light machine gun. Discover the best challenges for the Speed Holster and Burst Mode attachments in the Warlords: Supremacy update.

The frontline has shifted once again. In May 2026, Battlefield 6 has officially launched its highly anticipated Season 3, titled Warlords: Supremacy. This massive update doesn't just bring the nostalgic "Railway to Golmud" map back to the rotation; it introduces a lethal trio of new firearms and game-changing attachments that are set to redefine the meta for the rest of the year.

Whether you are a long-range marksman or a close-quarters specialist, the 2026 Season 3 Battle Pass and seasonal challenges offer a clear path to upgrading your arsenal. In this comprehensive 1500-word guide, we break down exactly how to unlock every new weapon and attachment, alongside the best strategies to grind XP in Redsec and multiplayer.

The Warlords: Supremacy Update – A New Era for Battlefield 6

Season 3 marks a pivotal moment for Battlefield 6. Following the success of the previous two seasons, Warlords: Supremacy focuses on high-intensity infantry combat and vehicle superiority. The update introduces three iconic weapons—the M16A4, the RPK-74M, and the L115—each serving a specific role in the evolving tactical landscape of 2026.

Before diving into the unlocks, it is worth noting the Battle Pass structure. While all weapons are part of the "Free Tiers," purchasing the Standard ($10) or Pro ($25) versions provides a 10% and 15% XP boost respectively. This significantly cuts down the time required to reach the later tiers where the M16A4 and RPK-74M reside.

1. How to Unlock the New Season 3 Weapons

The weapons in Season 3 are unlocked via the new branching Battle Pass system. Once you complete the mandatory "Recruit" path, you can choose which "Sector" to focus your progression on.

The L115 Sniper Rifle: Long-Range Dominance

The L115 is a bolt-action beast designed for the massive sightlines of the Golmud Railway. It offers high stopping power and a flatter trajectory than the standard snipers, making it the premier choice for extreme distances.

  • How to Unlock: The L115 is found in the "Recruit" section of the Season 3 Battle Pass. This is the first weapon you will unlock as you begin your Season 3 journey.

The M16A4 Assault Rifle: The Burst-Fire Icon Returns

A staple of the franchise, the M16A4 returns with its signature three-round burst and fully automatic modes. In the 2026 meta, this rifle excels in mid-range engagements where accuracy is more important than raw fire rate.

  • How to Unlock: Navigate to the "Tiger Shark" section of the Battle Pass. You will need to complete several tiers in this branch to add this classic to your loadout.

The RPK-74M LMG: Precision Under Pressure

The RPK-74M is unique among light machine guns. While it deals lower damage per shot, its recoil is almost non-existent. This makes it an "AR-style" LMG perfect for players who want to provide suppressive fire without losing their target at range.

  • How to Unlock: This LMG is tucked away in the "Warlord Hunters" section of the Battle Pass. Focus your tokens here if you prefer a more methodical playstyle.

2. How to Unlock the New Seasonal Attachments

Unlike weapons, the new attachments are earned through Sequential Seasonal Challenges. You must complete the challenges in a specific order to unlock the later tiers.

Step 1: Unlock Burst Mode

The Burst Mode attachment converts fully automatic weapons into burst-fire variants. This is essential for the M16A4 to reach its full potential but can also be applied to various SMGs.

  • Challenge: Get 40 kills using Carbines or SMG weapons in any multiplayer mode.

Step 2: Unlock the Aftermarket Buffer

The Aftermarket Buffer is a revolutionary attachment for 2026. It doesn't just reduce recoil numbers; it dampens the visual flinch and screen shake, allowing your soldier to stay on target even while being suppressed.

  • Challenge: First, complete the Burst Mode challenge. Then, get 40 kills with Assault Rifles or DMRs.

Step 3: Unlock the Speed Holster

The Speed Holster is the ultimate secondary attachment. It drastically improves your weapon draw speed, which is a life-saver when your primary weapon runs dry in the middle of a firefight.

  • Challenge: Complete both the Burst Mode and Aftermarket Buffer challenges. Then, get 10 kills using only sidearms (pistols).

XP Grinding Strategy: Redsec vs. Multiplayer

To reach the Gold Tiers of the Battle Pass quickly, players are utilizing a "Dual-Mode" strategy in 2026. While Redsec (Battlefield's high-stakes extraction mode) offers higher XP multipliers for successful extractions, the "Railway to Golmud" 24/7 playlist in multiplayer provides a more consistent stream of combat XP.

The Redsec Advantage

If you have a coordinated squad, Redsec is the fastest way to unlock the RPK-74M. Extracting with "Warlord Intel" provides a massive boost to your Battle Pass tokens. However, the risk of losing your gear to "Supremacy" hunters makes it a high-stakes gamble.

Missed Previous Seasons? The Challenges Tab is Your Friend

If you’re a new player jumping into Battlefield 6 in May 2026, don't worry about the gear from Seasons 1 and 2. All previous weapons and attachments have been moved to the Challenges Tab. Instead of Battle Pass tiers, these items now have static challenges (e.g., "Get 50 Headshots with Sniper Rifles to unlock the Season 1 Marksman Gear").

"The 2026 meta in Battlefield 6 is about more than just fast reflexes; it's about optimizing your loadout with the right attachments to counter visual recoil and flinch."

Technical Performance and Availability

Battlefield 6 is currently performing at its peak on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC. The Season 3 update has optimized the Destruction 2.0 engine, making the "Golmud Levolution" events—where the train tracks can be completely destroyed—smoother than ever. Prices for the physical edition have dropped to around $42.41 at major retailers like Amazon, making it a great entry point for new fans this spring.

Conclusion: Dominating the Warlords Supremacy Update

The Warlords: Supremacy update is a robust addition to the Battlefield 6 ecosystem. By mastering the L115's range, the M16A4's precision, and the RPK's stability, you'll be well-prepared for the challenges of Season 3. Remember to prioritize your Seasonal Challenges for the Aftermarket Buffer early, as it is a game-changer for winning mid-range duels.

See you on the battlefield!

Quick Unlock Checklist:

  • L115: Reach the "Recruit" Sector in the Battle Pass.
  • M16A4: Complete the "Tiger Shark" Sector.
  • RPK-74M: Complete the "Warlord Hunters" Sector.
  • Burst Mode: 40 SMG/Carbine Kills.
  • Aftermarket Buffer: 40 AR/DMR Kills (Post-Burst Mode).
  • Speed Holster: 10 Sidearm Kills (Post-Buffer).