Searching for the best SMG in Warzone? With constant updates and balance changes, staying on top of the meta is important if you want to dominate the battlefield.
The right SMG can give you the edge in fast-paced, close-quarters fights, whether you’re playing battle royale or Resurgence.
After this, we’ll share the top SMGs in Warzone, their most effective load-outs, and how to maximize your firepower.
The Best SMGs in Warzone Right Now
Regarding the best SMGs in Warzone, a few standout weapons dominate the current meta. Here’s a list of the top contenders that are shredding through lobbies right now:
1. C9
The C9 is currently the undisputed king of the SMG category in Warzone.
It’s a well-rounded powerhouse with low recoil, a fast time-to-kill (TTK), and excellent handling, making it deadly in close and mid-range engagements.
Thanks to its smooth iron sights, you won’t even need to waste an attachment slot on an optic.
Best C9 Loadout:
- Muzzle: Compensator (Reduces recoil for better control)
- Barrel: Reinforced Barrel (Boosts damage range)
- Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip (Improves recoil stability)
- Magazine: Extended Mag II (Increased ammo capacity)
- Rear Grip: Ergonomic Grip (Better handling and ADS speed)
If you want a versatile SMG that performs well in nearly any scenario, the C9 is your best bet. With this loadout, you’ll beam enemies before they know what hit them.
2. PPSh-41
The PPSh-41 has returned to Warzone with a vengeance, offering one of the fastest fire rates in the game.
It’s perfect for aggressive players who love to push fights and overwhelm opponents at close range.
While it can be a bit unwieldy due to its recoil, the right attachments make it far more manageable.
Best PPSh-41 Loadout:
- Muzzle: Compensator (Tames the wild recoil)
- Barrel: Reinforced Barrel (Extends effective damage range)
- Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip (Controls vertical kick)
- Magazine: Extended Mag II (More bullets for longer engagements)
- Fire Mod: Recoil Springs (Further reduces recoil bounce)
This build focuses on maximizing the PPSh-41’s strengths while minimizing its biggest weakness–recoil.
It’s a beast in close-range gunfights and perfect for fast-paced modes like Resurgence.
3. KSV
If the C9 is out of reach, the KSV is a solid runner-up. It offers a similar performance profile with a slightly better range but trades off a bit of raw damage.
It’s a reliable pick if you want an SMG that can hold its own at mid-range while still melting up close.
Best KSV Loadout:
- Muzzle: Compensator (Stabilizes recoil)
- Barrel: Reinforced Barrel (Improves range and bullet velocity)
- Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip (Better recoil control)
- Magazine: Extended Mag II (Increased ammo for sustained fights)
- Rear Grip: Ergonomic Grip (Enhances mobility and handling)
This loadout transforms the KSV into a deadly, adaptable weapon that shines whether you’re clearing buildings or taking mid-range fights.
4. PP-919
The PP-919 is the most beginner-friendly SMG in the current meta. Its low recoil and generous magazine size make it easy to handle, even in intense firefights.
While its TTK is slightly slower, the weapon’s accuracy more than makes up for it.
Best PP-919 Loadout:
- Muzzle: Suppressor (Keeps you off the radar)
- Barrel: Reinforced Barrel (Improves range and damage)
- Rear Grip: Ergonomic Grip (Faster ADS and better handling)
- Stock: Balanced Stock (Increased aiming stability)
- Fire Mod: Recoil Springs (Maximizes recoil control)
If you prefer a weapon that’s easy to control and offers a forgiving playstyle, the PP-919 won’t disappoint. It’s especially effective in Resurgence, where quick, accurate shots are key.
5. Kompakt 92
If raw damage output is your priority, the Kompakt 92 is a monster. With the fastest TTK among all SMGs, it melts enemies up close.
Its trade-off has significant recoil and lacks versatility beyond close quarters.
Best Kompakt 92 Loadout:
- Muzzle: Compensator (Controls recoil)
- Barrel: Reinforced Barrel (Improves damage range)
- Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip (Stabilizes vertical recoil)
- Magazine: Extended Mag III (More ammo for multi-kills)
- Rear Grip: Ergonomic Grip (Improves handling during movement)
This loadout focuses on taming the Kompakt 92’s recoil while preserving its devastating TTK. It’s a high-risk, high-reward weapon that thrives in aggressive playstyles.
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Warzone SMG Tier List for 2025
The SMG meta in Call of Duty: Warzone is constantly evolving as new updates roll out, introducing weapon buffs, nerfs, and fresh additions.
As of March 2025, the SMG tier list reflects the most effective weapons based on kill potential, ease of use, and versatility across different game modes like Battle Royale and Resurgence.
Below is a breakdown of the best SMGs in Warzone, ranked from S-Tier (absolute meta) to C-Tier (viable but underwhelming).
S-Tier
These SMGs dominate the meta with exceptional TTK, handling, and versatility. If you want to stay competitive, these are your go-to choices.
1. C9
- Reason: The C9 is the current king of SMGs, offering a perfect balance of low recoil, blistering fire rate, and solid range. It’s the most versatile SMG right now and fits seamlessly into both close and mid-range combat.
- Best Mode: Battle Royale & Resurgence
- Pick Rate: 7.17%
2. Kompakt 92
- Reason: While harder to control, the Kompakt 92 delivers the fastest TTK of any SMG in the game. It thrives in close-quarters combat, especially when fully kitted for recoil control.
- Best Mode: Resurgence (ideal for aggressive pushes)
- Pick Rate: 7.00%
3. KSV
- Reason: Slightly less potent than the C9, the KSV compensates with better range while still offering excellent mobility and handling.
- Best Mode: Battle Royale
- Pick Rate: 6.15%
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A-Tier
These SMGs may not be as dominant as the S-Tier options, but they’re still incredibly powerful and can easily carry you to victory.
1. PPSh-41
- Reason: With its insane fire rate and competitive TTK, the PPSh-41 is a fan favorite for players who love fast-paced action. Just watch out for the recoil.
- Best Mode: Resurgence (where close-range fights are frequent)
- Pick Rate: 5.98%
2. PP-919
- Reason: This SMG is easy to control, making it an excellent choice for beginners or players who value accuracy over raw power.
- Best Mode: Battle Royale (thanks to its versatility)
- Pick Rate: 0.57%
3. Lachmann Shroud (JAK Decimator Conversion Kit)
- Reason: With the JAK Decimator Kit, the Lachmann Shroud becomes a beast at medium ranges, offering a competitive mix of stability and damage.
- Best Mode: Battle Royale
- Pick Rate: 0.61%
4. Striker
- Reason: The Striker remains a solid all-rounder, with smooth handling and consistent TTK across most ranges.
- Best Mode: Resurgence
- Pick Rate: 0.60%
B-Tier
These SMGs can still perform well but are generally outshined by stronger options. If you can’t access the top-tier weapons, these are good fallback choices.
1. VEL 46
- Reason: Reliable in close fights, but low damage output makes it less appealing compared to higher-tier SMGs.
- Best Mode: Resurgence
- Pick Rate: 0.17%
2. HRM-9
- Reason: Solid accuracy and decent TTK, but it struggles when compared to faster-killing options like the Kompakt 92.
- Best Mode: Battle Royale
- Pick Rate: 0.17%
3. ISO 45
- Reason: While it offers good handling, the ISO 45 is held back by a weaker damage profile at mid-range.
- Best Mode: Resurgence
- Pick Rate: 0.13%
C-Tier
These SMGs are niche picks–fun to use but lacking the raw power or flexibility to compete against the meta’s best.
1. Lachmann Shroud (Base Version)
- Reason: Without the conversion kit, the Lachmann Shroud feels underwhelming, with poor range and inconsistent TTK.
- Best Mode: Resurgence (only if fully upgraded)
- Pick Rate: 0.14%
2. ISO 9mm
- Reason: Despite being easy to control, it’s one of the slowest-killing SMGs in the game.
- Best Mode: Casual Play
- Pick Rate: 0.13%
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For now, the C9 is the best SMG in Warzone thanks to its well-rounded stats, low recoil, and strong TTK. However, if you prefer insane fire rates, go with the PPSh-41, or if you want raw damage output, try the Kompakt 92.
Want to stay on top of the ever-changing Warzone meta? Keep checking back for the latest updates as weapon balance changes shake things up.
What’s your go-to SMG in Warzone? Let us know in the comments!
