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.

Season 3 Reloaded added the Ladra SMG, essentially the Spectre from the original Black Ops, on top of a host of buffs and nerfs. 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. Ladra

Activision / Dexerto

• Muzzle:Compensator
• Barrel:Long Barrel
• Underbarrel:Ranger Foregrip
• Magazine:Extended Mag II
• Rear Grip: Ergonomic Grip

The Ladra arrived in the Season 3 Reloaded update and immediately cemented itself as the best SMG in the game. With a rapid fire rate, low recoil, great mobility, and a fast TTK, it’s the perfect weapon to take into close-range gunfights – it’s essentially the KSV but even better.

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Whether you play Battle Royale, Ranked Play, or Resurgence, it’s impossible to go wrong with the Ladra, so check out the best loadout attachments.

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2. KSV

Dexerto

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

Despite having its crown stolen by the Ladra, the KSV is still a fantastic option. This is mostly because it’s extremely well-rounded, combining everything you could possibly want into a deadly package.

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.

Related

Best Warzone Assault Rifle loadouts in Season 3

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

3. 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.

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It’s a little more unwieldy than the KSV, but when it comes to a sniper support designed purely for aggressive players, it’s well worth your time.

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

4. 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.

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5. 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.

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.

All Warzone SMGs ranked

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

Meta analysis

Activision / Dexerto

Black Ops 6 guns are still comfortably the best weapons in Warzone right now, and the Ladrastands out above all other close-range options.

Whether you want an aggressive powerhouse to clear buildings or a sniper support that covers you at mid-range, look no further.

However, you also have the option to use the?KSV,PPSh-41,or C9, all of which are meta options right now. They each have their own strengths, so it’s worth giving these 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.

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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 Ladra off its perch.

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.