When it comes to close-range duels, SMGs dominate Warzone’s meta. For this reason, using a powerful submachine gun equipped with the best loadout is a must to win more games.

While meta Assault Rifles and LMGs are great options for long-range gunfights, this class is far superior up close. Not only do they kill faster, but they also offer better mobility and handling for getting the jump on enemies.

Verdansk made the overall TTK much faster in Season 3 thanks to a host of buffs, so being able to drop enemies quickly has never been so important. So, here are the best SMGs to help you rack up kills and win more Warzone matches.

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Best SMG loadouts in Warzone

1. KSV

Dexerto

• Muzzle: Compensator
• Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
• Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
• Magazine: Extended Mag 1
• Rear Grip: Ergonomic Grip

Following a huge buff in the Season 3 update, the KSV has stolen the crown of the best SMG in Warzone. This is mostly because it’s the most well-rounded gun in its class, combining everything you could possibly want into a deadly package.

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For starters, it has a rapid TTK that melts enemies in the blink of an eye, and it boasts great mobility that lets you tear around the map. Plus, it has better range than the C9, which was considered the stronger of the two in previous updates.

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For a full breakdown of how to dominate matches, check out our best KSV loadout.

2. Saug

Dexerto / Activision

• Muzzle: Compensator
• Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
• Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
• Magazine: Extended Mag 1
• Stock: Light Stock

The Saug was a solid pick before Verdnask returned, but a healthy buff has taken it straight into the meta. Its fire rate is one of the fastest in the category, giving it an incredible TTK if you can land all of your shots at short range.

The only thing keeping it off the top spot is that its recoil is a little more unwieldy than the KSV, but when it comes to a sniper support designed purely for aggressive players, nothing else comes close.

Related

This underrated Black Ops 6 SMG is better than Warzone’s meta Jackal PDW

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Don’t take our word for it, though; use this meta Saug loadout and see for yourself.

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3. C9

Dexerto

• Muzzle: Compensator
• Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
• Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
• Magazine: Extended Mag 1
• Rear Grip: Ergonomic Grip

The C9 has been lurking around as one of the best SMGs in Warzone for some time, and while it’s not quite as strong as previous seasons, it’s still a great option. Its main strength is its lack of weaknesses, with this being a remarkably well-rounded weapon that is as versatile as it is effective.

It also just feels really good, as its low recoil and wonderful iron sights make it easier to use than any other option in the current meta.

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Just be sure to equip the Vertical Foregrip to reduce horizontal recoil. Otherwise, this C9 loadout will bounce around a lot and be hard to keep on target in those stressful moments.

4. PPSh-41

Dexerto

• Muzzle: Compensator
• Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
• Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
• Magazine: Extended Mag 1
• Fire Mod: Recoil Springs

The PPSh-41 is a classic SMG that made its return in Season 2. It’s better than ever, too, offering a blistering fire rate and a highly competitive TTK, which combine to make this a particularly forgiving weapon.

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The big trade-off is that it has a lot of recoil, so it’s hard to recommend anywhere over around 10-15 meters. But if you play to its strengths and pick your moments, very few weapons can touch it in terms of sheer firepower.

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To try and address some of that recoil, take a look at our best PPSh-41 loadout.

5. Kompakt 92

Dexerto

• Muzzle: Compensator
• Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
• Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
• Magazine: Extended Mag 1
• Rear Grip: Ergonomic Grip

To be honest, the Kompakt 92 is actually a pretty flawed weapon. It has a lot of recoil and limited range, meaning that it is only viable up close and on Resurgence game modes. However, a lot of these issues can be forgiven due to its incredible damage.

It has the fastest overall TTK of any SMG in Warzone up to 13 meters, but it takes plenty of work to keep it on target. However, if you can keep it under control and land all of your shots, you’ll be melting squads in an instant.

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Check out the best Kompakt 92 loadout to get the most out of it.

All Warzone SMGs ranked

RANK	WEAPON
1	KSV
2	Saug
3	C9
4	PPSh-41
5	Kompakt 92
6	PP-919
7	Superi 46
8	Jackal PDW
9	Striker
10	Rival-9
11	Lachmann Shroud
12	Static-HV
13	Striker 9
14	AMR9
15	Tanto .22
16	FJX Horus
17	RAM-9
18	BAS-P
19	Lachmann Sub
20	FSS Hurricane
21	Fennec 45
22	WSP-9
23	PDSW 528
24	Vaznev-9K
25	VEL 46
26	ISO 45
27	ISO 9mm
28	HRM-9
29	WSP Swarm
30	MX9
31	Minibak

Meta analysis

Dexerto

The major buffs in Season 3 mean that Black Ops 6 guns are comfortably the best weapons in Warzone right now, and the same is true for the SMG class.

Although the meta is very competitive, there is one standout that reigns above everything else – the KSV. Whether you want an aggressive powerhouse to clear buildings or a sniper support that covers you at mid-range, look no further.

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However, you also have the option to use the PPSh-41or C9, both of which are meta options right now. Each of them has its own strengths, so it’s worth giving these four guns a go and seeing what works best for you. After all, the margins between them are extremely tight, so there’s no incorrect choice.

Beyond that, the Kompakt 92and Saug are powerful up close, and the Superi 46has the best mobility of any SMG in Warzone. This helps them carve out a niche for specific playstyles, but they aren’t well-rounded enough to knock the KSV off its perch.

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Looking for another Warzone gun to partner with your SMG loadout? Check out the best one-shot snipers and the best controller settings to help your aim.