The original Warzone bolsters an impressive arsenal of weapons spanning multiple categories, SMGs are no exception. So if you’re looking for the best SMGs to use in it then this is the place to be. In this guide, we ranked every Warzone SMG and picked out the strongest meta loadouts for each one.
Warzone Caldera’s close range encounters are dominated by weapons from the SMG category. But every weapon has it’s weakness, so keep an Assault Rifle in the second weapons slot for those medium range engagements.
This hyper-aggressive playstyle may not be for every player, but having an SMG you can rely on in Warzone is incredibly important. Unlike the AR class, the SMG category is not that varied, and many players often gravitate towards only a couple of picks.
Of course, that hasn’t stopped certain loadouts from cropping up. To help you increase your win rate in Warzone, we’ve ranked all the best Warzone SMGs and the attachments you should be using with them.
Remember, if you’re ready to dive into Warzone 2 and want to check out the best SMGs in the sequel to dominate Al Mazrah, be sure to check out our list of the best meta SMGs to use in Warzone 2.
What is the best SMG in Warzone?
The best SMG in Warzone right now is the Armaguerra 43. This efficient gun has an extremely fast TTK and also has incredible mobility making it a top-tier pick on Caldera, Rebirth Island, and Fortune’s Keep.
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26. M1912
Best M1912 Warzone loadout
- Muzzle: Recoil Booster
- Barrel: CBC 12″ Cooling
- Optic: Slate Reflector
- Stock: CGC S Adjustable
- Magazine: 9mm 50 Round Drums
- Underbarrel: M1941 Hand Stop
- Ammunition: Hollow Point
- Rear Grip: Polymer Grip
- Perk1: Fleet
- Perk2: Quick
The M1912 SMG, also known as the Tommy Gun, in Warzone arrived as a part of the Vanguard integration, and it didn’t disappoint. This weapon boasts an especially fast fire rate, which will be favored among many long-time Warzone players.
This loadout simply increases this weapon’s accuracy, mobility, and recoil control. If you’re a fan of an aggressive playstyle, this SMG is a must-pick.
25. PP19 Bizon
Best Bizon Warzone loadout
- Muzzle: Monolithic Suppressor
- Barrel: 8.7” Steel
- Laser: Tac Laser
- Stock: Corvus Skeleton Stock
- Rear Grip: Stippled Grip Tape
The PP19 Bizon became a common sight across Verdansk when it was introduced as floor loot back in Season 4. Since then, this SMG has taken a dive in the popularity rankings.
Off meta guns aren’t exactly known for their competitive nature, however, a damage buff in the Season 2 Reloaded patch made the community start experimenting with the Bizon.
Our loadout focuses on maximizing the weapon’s damage while retaining plenty of mobility, making it a great non-meta pick for fans of Fortune’s Keep.
24. P90
Best P90 Warzone loadout
- Muzzle: Monolithic Suppressor
- Barrel: FORGE TAC Retribution
- Optic: PBX Holo 7 Sight
- Stock: FORGE TAC CQB Comb
- Rear Grip: Rubberized Grip Tape
Unlike the other SMGs on the list, the P90 is actually capable of taking down mid-range targets. Its high rate of fire and minimal recoil will keep your shots accurate, while also keeping you competitive in close-quarter environments.
The P90 remains an underrated gun that rarely sees play in Warzone However, if you’re willing to try out another SMG, then you might find some luck with this classic Modern Warfare SMG.
23. LAPA
Best LAPA Warzone loadout
- Muzzle: Agency Suppressor
- Ammunition: Salvo 45 Round Fast Mag
- Laser: Tiger Team Spotlight
- Optic: Microflex LED
- Stock: SAS Combat Stock
While the LAPA goes under the radar for a lot of players, this weapon did previously make a good sniper support weapon. This is partly down to its high ADS speed and overall mobility.
Unfortunately, it simply can’t compete with a lot of the meta options that offer a better TTK.
However, if you’re looking for a gun to pair with your 3-Line Rifle or Gorenko, this could be the perfect solution that can effectively take out enemies at close to medium range.
22. Fennec
Best Fennec Warzone loadout
- Barrel: ZLR 18″ Deadfall
- Laser: Tac Laser
- Perk: Slight of Hand
- Underbarrel: Operator Foregrip
- Ammunition: 40 Round Drum Mags
Featuring a vast array of features that makes this gun a decent choice for a non-meta run, the Fennec is a fun SMG to utilize in your Warzone Season 5 Reloaded loadouts.
The Fennec’s easy-to-manage recoil pattern, high rate of fire, and exceptional hip-fire will see you through many sticky situations. These attachments will push this Modern Warfare gun to its very limits.
21. AUG
Best AUG Warzone loadout
- Muzzle: Monolithic Suppressor
- Laser: Tac Laser
- Stock: FORGE TAC CQB Comb
- Rear Grip: FORGE TAC CQB Comb
- Ammunition: 5.56 NATO 60-Round Drums
While Modern Warfare’s AUG had a brief stint in the meta spotlight, it was quickly overshadowed by Warzone’s best Assault Rifles. Despite this, the reliable SMG boasts decent accuracy and range, making it an incredibly versatile option.
The Modern Warfare version performs very differently when compared to its Cold War cousin. There are no burst fire rounds to be found here – instead, this variant enables players to go full-auto. If you’re after a highly mobile SMG, then you will be disappointed, but the range and accuracy do make it an underrated option.
20. AK-74u
Best AK-74u Warzone loadout
- Muzzle: GRU Suppressor
- Barrel: 10.3″ Task Force
- Stock: Spetsnaz PKM Stock
- Underbarrel: Spetsnaz Grip
- Ammunition: 40 Rnd Drum
The AK-74u has always been a reliable choice among SMG enthusiasts. This deadly weapon rewards hyper-aggressive plays, while also giving players tremendous amounts of accuracy. To make matters even better, the AK-74u also has a fairly decent damage range.
The AK-47’s sibling may have dropped a few places over time, but don’t be surprised if you see this build occasionally crop up across Warzone Season 5 Reloaded.
19. LC10
Best LC10 Warzone loadout
- Muzzle: Agency Suppressor
- Barrel: 13.9” Task Force
- Laser: Tiger Team Spotlight
- Stock: Raider Stock
- Ammunition: STANAG 55 Rnd
The LC10 features fantastic accuracy, great mobility, decent close-quarters damage, and a high fire rate. To top things off this pint-sized SMG also has fantastic handling, which makes gunning for those all-important headshots a breeze.
Having an SMG that also has little extra range damage can also help secure more kills when you’re low on AR ammo or scrambling for your primary.
18. Sten
Best Sten Warzone loadout
- Muzzle: Recoil Booster
- Barrel: Hockenson 348mm B13S
- Optic: Slate Reflector
- Stock: Gawain Para
- Underbarrel: M1941 Hand Stop
- Magazine:7.62 Gorenko 36 Round Mags
- Ammunition: Hollow Point
- Rear Grip: Taped Grip
- Perk1: Acrobatic
- Perk2: Quick
The Sten in Warzone is an SMG that boasts a fast fire rate, moderate damage, and easily controllable recoil — perfect for players who prefer aggression and racking up close-quarter kills.
Our loadout helps to improve this weapon’s accuracy and mobility even further, while also giving you more bullets in the mag to potentially take out more opponents and claim victory in Warzone Season 5 Reloaded.
17. Cold War PPSH
Best PPSH Warzone loadout
- Muzzle: GRU Suppressor
- Barrel: 15.7″ Task Force
- Stock: Raider Stock
- Underbarrel: Spetsnaz Grip
- Ammunition: 55 Rnd Drum
Warzone and Cold War’s Season 3 update brought with it the PPSH. This iconic WWII SMG comes packed with an incredible rate of fire and has barely any recoil when kitted out with the best attachments. While the gun’s damage per shot may be on the low side, its rapid-fire and large ammo capacity enable players to quickly chew through many a foe.
Simply attach the Gru Suppressor, Spetsnaz Grip, and 55 Rnd Drum and you have an SMG that is capable of some truly devastating things. It’s certainly not hard to see why the PPSH has quickly risen through the rankings.
16. MAC-10
Best MAC-10 Warzone loadout
- Muzzle: Agency Suppressor
- Barrel: 5.9” Task Force
- Laser: Tiger Team Spotlight
- Stock: Raider Stock
- Underbarrel: Field Agent Grip
The MAC-10 is no longer the powerhouse it used to be, but it can still hold its own with the correct build. Although small in stature, this weapon is an absolute beast, featuring an incredible rate of fire, good damage, and staggeringly accurate hip fire.
Our loadout above increases the MAC-10’s attributes even further, streamlining the spray-and-pray-type recoil with the Field Agent Grip and Agency Suppressor.
15. OTs 9
Best OTs 9 loadout
- Muzzle: GRU Suppressor
- Barrel: 8.1” Task Force
- Laser: Tiger Team Spotlight
- Stock: KGB Skeletal Stock
- Ammunition: VDV 40 Rnd Fast Mag
This lightning-fast SMG may no longer be the most popular, but that hasn’t stopped it from being used by both casual and competitive players alike.
With its incredible accuracy and added damage range, it’s not hard to see why this SMG continues to get ever-close to the top 10.
14. Bullfrog
Best Bullfrog Warzone loadout
- Muzzle: GRU Suppressor
- Barrel: 7.4” Task Force
- Laser: Tiger Team Spotlight
- Stock: KGB Skeletal Stock
- Underbarrel: Bruiser Grip
The Bullfrog’s massive magazine and decent range damage make this Cold War SMG incredibly viable. This deadly gun has proven itself in many close and medium-range scenarios, making it a highly versatile SMG pick in Warzone.
After all, having to constantly reload can lead to some rather frustrating deaths. Fortunately, the Bullfrog gives you enough rounds to down multiple foes in just a single magazine. Simply hold down the trigger in close-quarter fights and watch the bullets fly.
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13. MP7
Best MP7 Warzone loadout
- Muzzle: Monolithic Suppressor
- Barrel: FSS Recon
- Laser: Tac Laser
- Underbarrel: Merc Foregrip
- Ammunition 60 Round Mags
You will find the odd MP7 loadout here and there in Warzone and while it may not deal as much damage as the MP5, it is still a worthy choice. Unlike most guns in Modern Warfare, the MP7 delivers highly accurate hip fire, making it great for those moments when you don’t have time to ADS.
Whether you’re tired of using any of the top three SMGs or just want to melt squads with the hip fire, then the MP7 is a great choice.
12. Owen Gun
Best Owen Gun Warzone loadout
- Muzzle: Recoil Booster
- Barrel: Gawain 188mm Shrouded
- Optic: Slate Reflector
- Stock: Removed Stock
- Underbarrel: M1941 Hand Stop
- Magazine: 7.62 Gorenko 72 Round Drums
- Ammunition: Lengthened
- Rear Grip: Fabric Grip
- Perk1: Acrobatic
- Perk2: Quick
The Owen Gun used to be an absolute meta melter, but now the SMG is no longer a top pick in Warzone Season 5 Reloaded.
This lethal Vanguard SMG may not have the fastest fire rate, but its reliable TTK and effectiveness at both short to medium range make it the perfect pick on Caldera, Rebirth, and Fortune’s Keep.
11. Milano 821
Best Milano Warzone loadout
- Muzzle: Agency Suppressor
- Optic: Microflex LED
- Stock: Marathon Stock
- Underbarrel: Bruiser Grip
- Ammunition: 45 Rnd Drum
Top Warzone players like Aydan showcased just how deadly this pint-sized SMG can be and despite the odd nerf it’s still pretty good.
Not only are there several builds that favor close-quarter engagements, but there are several loadouts that also dish out great damage in mid-range firefights. This makes the Italian SMG more versatile than most weapons in its class.
10. Welgun
Best Welgun Warzone loadout
- Muzzle: Recoil Booster
- Barrel: 320mm SA Shrouded
- Optic: Slate Reflector
- Stock: Removed Stock
- Underbarrel: M1941 Hand Stop
- Magazine: 7.62 Gorenko 40 Round Drums
- Ammunition: Lengthened
- Rear Grip: Polymer Grip
- Perk1: Acrobatic
- Perk2: Quick
Since arriving in the Warzone Pacific Season 1 Reloaded update, the Welgun has been a popular pick that does devastating damage to foes at close quarters.
It’s well worth experimenting with this fast-firing weapon and allocating it to one of your loadout slots to see if it can still do the business for you.
The loadout above focuses on maximizing the Welgun’s TTK without sacrificing too much mobility, allowing you to outmaneuver your opponents.
9. MP5 (Modern Warfare)
Best MP5 Warzone loadout
- Barrel: Monolithic Integral Suppressor
- Laser: 5mW Laser
- Stock: FTAC Collapsible
- Underbarrel: Merc Foregrip
- Ammunition: 45 Round Mags
It should come as no surprise that the MP5 is one of the top picks. In fact, this snappy SMG has remained popular since Warzone’s launch. Its high fire rate and incredible damage make it a great choice for close-quarters firefights.
This loadout is one the fastest in the entire game, allowing players to quickly sweep corners and flush out any pesky campers. Consider using this loadout to supplement your favorite Assault Rifle class to ensure you’re dealing as much damage as possible.
8. Cold War MP5
Best Cold War MP5 loadout
- Muzzle: Agency Suppressor
- Laser: Tiger Team Spotlight
- Stock: Raider Stock
- Underbarrel: Brusier Grip
- Ammunition: STANAG 50 Rnd
The Cold War MP5 plays very similarly to its Modern Warfare counterpart. However, it does come packed with a higher rate of fire, meaning you can absolutely melt foes in close-quarter firefights.
This current build is purely focused on making the MP5 as quick and reactive as possible. After all, mobility is imperative in Warzone, particularly when you wish to aggressively rush your foes and eliminate them in late-game rounds.
7. PPSh-41 (Vanguard)
Best PPSh-41 Warzone loadout
- Muzzle: Recoil Booster
- Barrel: Kovalevskaya 230mm B03P
- Optic: Slate Reflector
- Stock: Removed Stock
- Underbarrel: Carver Foregrip
- Magazine: 7.62mm Gorenko 71 Round Mags
- Ammo Type: Hollow Point
- Rear Grip: Pine Tar Grip
- Perk1: Tight Grip
- Perk2: Quick
The PPSh-41 SMG is perfect for aggressive players who prefer a run-and-gun playstyle. The main strength of this weapon lies in its insanely fast fire rate, which allows players to down enemies extremely quickly in close-range engagements.
As a result, this loadout aims to focus on further improving this weapon’s mobility and fire rate.
6. CX-9
Best CX-9 Warzone loadout
- Muzzle: Monolithic Suppressor
- Underbarrel: Commando Foregrip
- Stock: CX-FR
- Perk: Sleight of Hand
- Ammunition: 50 Rnd Drum
This punchy SMG offers great mobility, lightning-fast fire rate, fantastic close-quarters damage, and an insanely quick reload. The CX-9 was originally meant to be released in Modern Warfare, but the gun was never officially added to the game until later on.
While the CX-9 may not be as competitive as the MP40 and Armaguerra, this punchy SMG is great fun to use. In fact, several streamers like FaZe Swagg have demonstrated just how deadly it can be when kitted out with the best attachments.
5. Type 100
Best Type 100 Warzone loadout
- Muzzle: Recoil Booster
- Barrel: Warubachi 134mm Rapid
- Optic: Slate Reflector
- Stock: Warubachi Grip Folding
- Underbarrel: M1941 Hand Stop
- Magazine: 30 Russian Short 36 Round Mags
- Ammo Type: Hollow Point
- Rear Grip: Polymer Grip
- Perk1: Acrobatic
- Perk2: Quick
The Type 100 is an SMG that boasts a rapid-fire rate resulting in a quick time to kill and is finally getting the attention it deserves in Season 5 Reloaded.
If you wish to increase this weapon’s potential further, the loadout listed above does a perfect job of increasing range, accuracy, and damage.
4. MP40
Best MP40 Warzone loadout
- Muzzle: Recoil Booster
- Barrel: VDD 189mm Short
- Optic: Slate Reflector
- Stock: Krausnick 33M Folding
- Underbarrel:M1941 Hand Stop
- Magazine: 7.62 Gorenko 45 Round Mags
- Ammo Type: Lengthened
- Rear Grip: Polymer Grip
- Perk 1: Brace
- Perk 2: Quick
Since the Pacific update, the MP40 has risen through the ranks, cementing itself as one of the best SMGs in Warzone’s current meta. The gun offers a great TTK as well as exceptional mobility, which are all characteristics of an effective SMG in CoD Warzone.
The loadout listed above is essential as it increases this weapon’s fire rate, aids in recoil, and further boosts its mobility. If you’ve been looking for a solid all-rounded SMG to use in Warzone, then look no further than the MP40.
3. H4 Blixen
Best H4 Blixen Warzone Loadout
- Muzzle: Recoil Booster
- Barrel:Bergström 17″ F3
- Optic: Slate Reflector
- Stock: Removed Stock
- Underbarrel:SG98 Compact
- Magazine: 7.62 Gorenko 54 Round Mags
- Rear Grip: Taped Grip
- Ammunition: Lengthened
- Perk 1: Fleet
- Perk 2: Quick
Since arriving in the Season 3 Reloaded patch, the H4 Blixen has been a popular pick in Warzone’s SMG category.
While it also got hit with nerfs in Season 4 Reloaded, it’s overtaken the PPSh-41 in terms of pick rate and stolen the third spot on our list thanks to its overwhelming power in close-quarter gunfights.
With impressive accuracy and reliable damage, the H4 Blixen has quickly established itself as a strong choice on Caldera and Fortune’s Keep, especially when used alongside the Cooper Carbine or the STG44.
The build above maximizes the SMG’s damage but also maintains a huge amount of mobility, allowing you to outmaneuver your opponents.
2. Marco 5
Best Marco 5 Warzone loadout
- Muzzle: F8 Stabilizer
- Barrel: Imerito 342mm 04P
- Optic: Slate Reflector
- Stock: Perfetto Esatta
- Underbarrel: Mark VI Skeletal
- Magazine: 8mm Nambu 64 Round Drums
- Ammo Type: Lengthened
- Rear Grip: Taped grip
- Perk 1: Frenzy
- Perk 2: Quick
The Marco 5 has secured the second spot despite being hit with a set of nerfs in Warzone Pacific Season 4 Reloaded.
Despite this, it’s still an immensely powerful pick and the build above enables players to greatly enhance mobility – allowing you to effortlessly run rings around your foes.
However, it’s not just the Marco 5’s incredible speed that makes it potent, the gun also delivers huge amounts of damage.
1. Armaguerra 43
Best Armaguerra 43 Warzone loadout
- Muzzle: Recoil Booster
- Barrel:Imerito 550mm 03P
- Optic: Slate Reflector
- Stock: Botti DA
- Underbarrel:M1941 Hand Stop
- Magazine: 9mm 60 Round Mags
- Ammo Type: Lengthened
- Rear Grip: Polymer Grip
- Perk: Hardscope
- Perk2: Quick
The Armaguerra 43 has had a significant impact on the meta and even though it dropped off for a while, the king has returned to reclaim its throne as the ruler of the lands.
As you would expect, our loadout above focuses on maximizing the gun’s damage and providing plenty of ammunition to gun down multiple foes – which it inevitably will do with very little fuss.
So, there you have it, the best SMGs in Warzone ranked. We’ll be updating this list over time, so be sure to check back here for all the latest updates.
If you’re looking for more of the best Warzone loadouts and tips? Check out our list of guides below:
C58 | Grau 5.56 | Kilo 141 | Krig 6 | CR-56 AMAX | FFAR 1 | Mac 10 | MP5 | Kar98k | HDR | Best controller settings | Top 10 best class setups and loadouts | Best streamer loadouts | Most popular Warzone weapons| Best Sniper Rifles | All Warzone bunker codes | Mac-10 loadout | FFAR Warzone class | Best Warzone Weapons | Bren Loadout | Cooper Carbine Loadout
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