Best SMGs in Warzone: Meta loadouts for Season 2

If you want to dominate close-range fights, Warzone holds a ton of powerful SMGs to pick from. However, the introduction of several buffs and nerfs in Season 2 has made selecting the best SMG more challenging.

The introduction of a brand-new weapon in the classic PPSh-41 only complicates matters further. So, to help you out, we’ve ranked all SMGs from best to worst, including the top 5 loadouts for Warzone Season 2.

Best SMG loadouts in Warzone

1. C9

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

Activision

The C9 is essentially BO6’s version of the MP5, and in that regard, it does not disappoint. Just like other MP5s from previous titles, the C9 offers balance on all fronts. The SMG’s superb mobility stands out in particular and helps compensate for some of its shortcomings. During Season 1, the weapon did struggle at mid-range encounters but the Season 2 update addressed those issues starting with a damage range buff.

Its ADS times, sprint-to-fire speed, and bullet velocity were also improved. Add to that some drastic nerfs to the dominant Jackal PDW, and the C9 now sits at the top of the meta.

Our loadout brings the best out of the SMG, starting with some recoil improvements through the Vertical Foregrip and Compensator attachments. Next, we’ve gone with the Reinforced Barrel for a boost to the effective damage range, along with the Ergonomic Grip to improve handling.

2. Jackal PDW

• Optic: Kepler Microflex
• Muzzle: Compensator
• Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
• Underbarrel: Ranger Foregrip
• Magazine: Extended Mag II

Activision

The Jackal PDW has been a force since Black Ops 6’s integration and you likely ran into the weapon during almost every game. Fortunately, that should no longer be the case as the SMG has seen some significant nerfs. These include damage range reductions, decreased bullet velocity, worse handling, and a damage drop-off across the board.

While the weapon isn’t unusable by any means, thanks to its insane close-range TTK of 616 ms, it might be time to move on to the C9. If you’re planning on sticking with it, make sure to improve its recoil and range using our recommended loadout.

The Compensator and Ranger Foregrip attachments reduce vertical and horizontal recoil, increasing the weapon’s stability for medium-range engagements. The Reinforced Barrel also improves its range-combat capabilities by increasing the effective damage range.

3. PP-919

• Muzzle: Suppressor
• Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
• Rear Grip: Ergonomic Grip
• Stock: Balanced Stock
• Fire Mods: Recoil Springs

Activision

The PP-919, also known as the Bizon, fares much better in Warzone as compared to BO6 multiplayer. Its best-in-class magazine size coupled with the impressively low recoil make it well-suited to medium-range engagements. Having 64 bullets in a single magazine is especially handy for taking down full-plated enemies. As far as versatility goes, the SMG has a strong argument for being the best in the meta.

As for the loadout, a clean set of iron sights and excellent base ammo capacity mean that two attachment slots can be used to increase its range and ADS speed. To enhance its accuracy, make sure to use the Recoil Springs mod.

4. PPSh-41

• Muzzle: Compensator
• Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
• Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
• Magazine: Extended Mag II
• Fire Mods: Recoil Springs

Activision

Released as part of the Season 2 update, it isn’t surprising to see the PPSh-41 cement itself in the meta almost immediately. The WW2 era SMG wreaked havoc back during the Warzone Caldera days and it continues to do so in Urzikstan. Its primary quality is the rapid fire rate that can melt enemies at close ranges. Its close-range TTK is only marginally worse than the Jackal PDW and it manages to outperform the weapon at engagements between 15.5 meters and 25 meters.

Just like all other iterations of the PPSh-41, the SMG is held back by its recoil at longer distances and its tendency to chew through ammo quickly. To help mitigate the former, make sure to use the Vertical Foregrip while the Extended Mag II attachment can boost the magazine size.

5. Saug

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

Activision

The Saug made its debut with the Season 1 Reloaded update for Black Ops 6 and while it’s nowhere near the multiplayer meta, the SMG’s attributes make it a solid pick for Warzone. Its close-range TTK stands at a remarkable 594 ms, although the damage does fall off as the range increases. Other strong points of the Saug include its rapid fire rate and excellent mobility, making it a great choice as a sniper support weapon or as a deputy for an AR.

Our loadout improves its recoil through the Compensator and Vertical Foregrip attachments. The Reinforced Barrel is also crucial since it increases the SMG’s range.

All Warzone SMGs ranked

Rank	SMG	TTS (ms)
1	C9	656
2	Jackal PDW	616
3	PP-919	672
4	PPSh-41	630
5	Saug	594
6	KSV	675
7	Kompakt 92	605
8	Static-HV	657
9	Superi 46	630
10	WSP Swarm	605
11	Striker 9	630
12	Tanto .22	680
13	FJX Horus	610
14	Striker	651
15	Lachmann Shroud	607
16	Rival-9	660
17	WSP-9	654
18	RAM-9	650
19	AMR9	648
20	ISO 45	670
21	Minibak	644
22	PDSW 528	660
23	MX9	648
24	BAS-P	690
25	Fennec 45	660
26	Lachmann Sub	675
27	HRM-9	680
28	VEL 46	693
29	FSS Hurricane	688
30	Vaznev-9K	693
31	ISO 9MM	660

Meta analysis

The Season 2 update shook up the SMG meta in a big way as the Jackal PDW was finally dethroned, with the C9 taking its place. This was partly due to damage range buffs for the C9 but mainly because the Jackal PDW was hit with a host of nerfs. Despite this, the once-dominant SMG continues to be solid in close-quarters combat, even if it doesn’t hit quite the same.

In third is the PP-919, an SMG whose traits are tailor-made for Warzone. The weapon was untouched by the Season 2 update so you expect it to be just as effective. However, this also means that no improvements were made to its damage profile, meaning it still has no chance of cracking the top 2.

If you’re looking for other close-range beasts, the Saug and Kompakt 92 are capable options. They can down enemies quicker than the Jackal but you’ll struggle to control their recoil during engagements beyond 15 meters.

The KSV gets a special mention as the update buffed its range, bullet velocity, and handling, making it a capable weapon worth trying out. That said, its close-range TTK still pales in comparison to the C9 or the Jackal, which is why it sits a tier below the top 5.

Upgrading weapons to get the meta attachments can take plenty of time. So if you’re not willing to go through the grind, older weapons like Superi 46, Static-HV, or the WSP Swarm are still worth using.

No matter which SMG you pick, be sure to use the best controller, audio, and FOV settings, allowing you to take care of any close-range threats in the battle royale.