Top 21 META Close Range Weapons in Warzone Ranked - Season 3

Season 3 of Warzone Ranked introduces significant shifts in the close-range meta, largely influenced by the return of Verdansk. The map's design favors aggressive, close-quarters engagements, making weapon selection critical for success. This analysis focuses on the top 21 close-range weapons, ranked by their Tier, to provide a clear understanding of the current meta.

Close-range weapons—SMGs, shotguns, and pistols—are essential for navigating Verdansk's tight corners and enclosed spaces. A weapon's effectiveness is determined by factors such as TTK (time to kill), mobility, and ease of use.

The ranking criteria is based on weapon Tier, reflecting performance data and community feedback. This approach ensures an objective assessment of each weapon's viability in the current Warzone environment.

This guide provides an overview of each weapon's strengths and weaknesses, enabling players to optimize their loadouts and dominate close-quarters combat in Season 3 of Warzone Ranked.

#1: Vaznev-9k

The Vaznev-9K SMG stands out as a Meta tier weapon in Warzone Ranked Season 3. Its effectiveness is rooted in a combination of manageable recoil and a rapid time-to-kill (TTK) in close-quarters combat. This allows players to quickly eliminate opponents, making it a strong choice for aggressive playstyles.

Its strengths lie in its ease of control, enabling consistent accuracy even during sustained fire. This is particularly advantageous in the fast-paced engagements common in Warzone. However, like most SMGs, the Vaznev-9K suffers in long-range encounters.

Overall, the Vaznev-9K is a top-tier option for players who prioritize close-range dominance. Its manageable recoil and quick TTK make it a reliable choice for securing victories in tight spaces.

#2: ISO 45

The ISO 45 SMG is a Meta tier weapon in Warzone Ranked Season 3, known for its exceptional fire rate and mobility. This combination makes it a formidable option in close-quarters combat, allowing players to quickly engage and eliminate opponents. However, its high fire rate can be challenging to control, demanding precision and skill to maintain accuracy.

The ISO 45's strengths lie in its ability to rapidly dispatch enemies, making it ideal for aggressive players who excel in fast-paced engagements. Its mobility allows for quick maneuvers and flanking, providing a tactical advantage in tight spaces. A key weakness is its demanding recoil control, which may make it less accessible to novice players.

Overall, the ISO 45 is a high-risk, high-reward weapon that shines in the hands of skilled operators. Its rapid fire rate and mobility make it a top choice for dominating close-range encounters.

#3: MX Guardian

The MX Guardian shotgun is a Meta tier weapon in Warzone Ranked Season 3. The MX Guardian is very effective in close quarters combat.

Its strengths lie in its ability to quickly eliminate enemies, making it ideal for aggressive players who excel in fast-paced engagements. Its weakness is that it is only effective in close quarters.

Overall, the MX Guardian is a high-risk, high-reward weapon that shines in the hands of skilled operators.

#4: VEL 46

The VEL 46 SMG is an A-tier weapon in Warzone Ranked Season 3, recognized for its ease of use and reliable performance. Its high fire rate and manageable recoil make it a popular choice for players of all skill levels. With a good time-to-kill (TTK), the VEL 46 is effective in close-quarters combat, providing a balance of power and control.

Its strengths lie in its accessibility and consistency. The low recoil allows for accurate shots, even during sustained fire, making it forgiving for newer players. However, compared to Meta tier weapons, the VEL 46 may lack the raw damage output needed to consistently win engagements against highly skilled opponents.

Overall, the VEL 46 is a solid choice for players seeking a dependable SMG that performs well in various combat scenarios. Its ease of use and balanced stats make it a reliable option in Warzone Ranked.

#5: Lachmann Sub

The Lachmann Sub SMG is an A-tier weapon in Warzone Ranked Season 3, renowned for its effectiveness in close-quarters combat. Its high fire rate and significant damage output make it a formidable choice for aggressive players. Designed to quickly eliminate enemies, the Lachmann Sub excels in fast-paced engagements within confined spaces.

Its strengths lie in its ability to deliver rapid bursts of damage, making it ideal for clearing rooms and taking down opponents swiftly. However, its high recoil can be a challenge to manage, requiring practice and skill to maintain accuracy. Additionally, its performance may drop off at longer ranges compared to other SMGs.

Overall, the Lachmann Sub is a powerful option for players who prioritize close-range dominance. Its high damage and fire rate make it a strong contender in the current Warzone meta.

#6: PDSW 528

The PDSW 528 SMG is an A-tier weapon in Warzone Ranked Season 3, distinguished by its high fire rate and exceptional mobility. This combination makes it a strong choice for players who prioritize agility and speed in close-quarters combat. Its rapid handling allows for quick maneuvers and swift engagements.

Its strengths lie in its unmatched mobility, enabling players to navigate tight spaces and outmaneuver opponents with ease. However, a common drawback is the unpopularity of its iron sights, which may hinder accuracy for some players. Despite this, the PDSW 528 maintains a competitive time-to-kill (TTK) in close-range encounters.

Overall, the PDSW 528 is a viable option for players who value mobility and aggressive playstyles. Its high fire rate and nimble handling make it a solid contender in the current Warzone meta, despite its iron sight limitations.

#7: FSS Hurricane

The FSS Hurricane SMG is an A-tier weapon in Warzone Ranked Season 3, noted for its versatility in both close-quarters and mid-range engagements. Its high bullet velocity and balanced TTK (time to kill) make it a reliable choice for various combat scenarios. Often used as a sniper support weapon, the FSS Hurricane provides adaptability and consistent performance.

Its strengths lie in its ability to effectively engage targets at multiple ranges, offering a blend of close-quarters power and mid-range accuracy. This versatility makes it suitable for players who prefer a flexible playstyle. However, it may not excel as much as specialized weapons in specific scenarios.

Overall, the FSS Hurricane is a solid option for players seeking a versatile SMG that can adapt to different combat situations. Its balanced stats and high bullet velocity make it a dependable choice in Warzone Ranked.

#8: MX9

The MX9 SMG is a B-tier weapon in Warzone Ranked Season 3. It delivers a very fast time-to-kill (TTK), making it a potent option in close-quarters combat. However, its effectiveness is limited by its small 32-round magazine, requiring careful ammo management and precise engagements.

Its primary strength lies in its rapid TTK, allowing skilled players to quickly eliminate opponents in one-on-one situations. However, the limited magazine capacity is a significant drawback, making it less forgiving in engagements against multiple enemies. The MX9 is most effective in Solos, where smaller engagements mitigate its limited ammo.

Overall, the MX9 is a situational weapon best suited for skilled players who can capitalize on its fast TTK while managing its limited magazine. Its niche role makes it a less versatile choice compared to higher-tier SMGs.

#9: Minibak

The Minibak SMG is a B-tier weapon in Warzone Ranked Season 3, offering a balance of damage, low recoil, and a large magazine. This combination makes it a viable option for players seeking a reliable SMG that is easy to control. While not the most powerful SMG available, its attributes make it a solid choice for various combat scenarios.

Its strengths lie in its high damage output at close range, combined with manageable recoil and a generous magazine size. This allows for sustained fire and reduces the need for frequent reloads. However, it may lack the raw power of higher-tier SMGs in direct confrontations.

Overall, the Minibak is a good option for players who prioritize ease of use and reliability. Its balanced stats make it a dependable choice for sniper support and general close-quarters engagements in Warzone.

#10: X12

The X12 pistol, when used in Akimbo configuration, is a B-tier weapon in Warzone Ranked Season 3. It excels in close-quarters combat due to its lack of recoil and high magazine capacity. This combination allows players to quickly eliminate opponents in tight spaces.

Its strengths lie in its ease of use and mobility. The absence of recoil makes it easy to stay on target, while the high magazine capacity allows for sustained fire. Additionally, its mobility allows for quick maneuvers around the battlefield. However, its effectiveness is limited to very close ranges.

Overall, the X12 Akimbo is a situational weapon that shines in specific scenarios. Its unique attributes make it a viable option for players who prioritize close-range dominance and mobility.

#11: Cronen Squall

The Cronen Squall is a B-tier battle rifle in Warzone Ranked Season 3, designed for long-range engagements. It combines high damage output with a rapid fire rate, making it effective at distances. As a battle rifle, it offers the highest range in its class, allowing players to engage targets from afar.

Its strengths lie in its ability to deliver significant damage at long ranges, making it suitable for players who prefer to engage from a distance. However, it is less effective in close-quarters combat due to its slower handling and fire rate compared to SMGs and assault rifles.

Overall, the Cronen Squall is a specialized weapon best suited for long-range engagements. Its high damage and range make it a viable option for players who excel in sniper support roles and prefer to maintain distance from their opponents.

#12: BAS-P

The BAS-P SMG is a C-tier weapon in Warzone Ranked Season 3. It features a high fire rate, manageable recoil, and great mobility, making it a decent choice for close-quarters combat. With one of the fastest times to kill (TTK) in close range and the highest damage range in its class, it can be an excellent sniper support weapon.

Its strengths lie in its rapid fire rate and mobility, allowing players to quickly engage and maneuver in tight spaces. The manageable recoil makes it relatively easy to control, even during sustained fire. However, its overall performance is not as competitive as higher-tier SMGs.

Overall, the BAS-P is a situational weapon that can be effective in specific scenarios. Its high fire rate and mobility make it a viable option for players who prioritize aggressive playstyles, but it may struggle against more powerful weapons in direct confrontations.

#13: GS Magna

The GS Magna pistol is a D-tier weapon in Warzone Ranked Season 3. It is a fully automatic version of the .50 GS pistol, known for its very high damage output.

Its primary strength lies in its potential to inflict significant damage in close-quarters combat. However, its overall performance is hindered by other factors, making it less competitive compared to higher-tier weapons.

Overall, the GS Magna is a niche weapon that may appeal to players seeking high damage output in specific situations. However, its limited utility and challenging handling make it a less viable option in most scenarios.

#14: FTAC Siege

The FTAC Siege pistol is a D-tier weapon in Warzone Ranked Season 3. Designed for compact maneuverability, this machine pistol features a jaw-dropping fire rate and rapid swap speed. It is intended as a trusted secondary for up-close engagements.

Its strengths lie in its high fire rate and quick swap speed, allowing players to rapidly engage enemies in close quarters. However, its overall performance is limited by its low damage output and high recoil, making it difficult to control during sustained fire.

Overall, the FTAC Siege is a situational weapon that may be useful in specific scenarios. Its high fire rate and rapid swap speed make it a viable option for players who prioritize speed and agility, but it may struggle against more powerful weapons in direct confrontations.

#15: .50gs

The .50 GS pistol is a D-tier weapon in Warzone Ranked Season 3, recognized for its high damage output and fast time to kill (TTK). However, it is also known for its significant recoil, which can be challenging to manage.

Its strengths lie in its ability to quickly eliminate opponents in close-quarters combat, thanks to its high damage. However, the high recoil makes it difficult to control, especially during sustained fire, limiting its effectiveness in most situations.

Overall, the .50 GS is a niche weapon that may appeal to players seeking high damage output in specific scenarios. However, its challenging handling makes it a less viable option compared to higher-tier pistols and other close-range weapons.

#16: FTAC Recon

The FTAC Recon is a D-tier weapon in Warzone Ranked Season 3. It is a powerful semi-automatic battle rifle with a fast time to kill (TTK). However, its recoil is hard to control at longer distances. It can be switched into full auto mode, which can turn it into a strong close- to mid-range weapon, but it is limited to a 15-round magazine.

Its strengths lie in its potential for a fast TTK and its ability to switch to full auto mode for close- to mid-range engagements. However, its high recoil and limited magazine capacity make it difficult to use effectively in most situations.

Overall, the FTAC Recon is a situational weapon that may appeal to players who can manage its recoil and limited magazine. However, its challenging handling makes it a less viable option compared to higher-tier assault rifles and SMGs.

#17: X13 Auto

The X13 Auto pistol, when used in Akimbo configuration, is a D-tier weapon in Warzone Ranked Season 3. It is a high-powered automatic pistol that delivers huge damage in close-quarters combat. However, the X13 can be tough to use because of its high recoil and hip-fire bullet spread.

Its strengths lie in its potential to deliver significant damage in close-quarters combat. However, its high recoil and hip-fire bullet spread make it difficult to control, limiting its effectiveness in most situations.

Overall, the X13 Auto Akimbo is a niche weapon that may appeal to players seeking high damage output in specific scenarios. However, its challenging handling makes it a less viable option compared to higher-tier pistols and SMGs.

#18: Fennec 45

The Fennec 45 SMG is a D-tier weapon in Warzone Ranked Season 3. It is an SMG with a high fire rate and great mobility. However, its recoil and low ammo capacity can be difficult to manage.

Its strengths lie in its high fire rate and mobility, allowing players to quickly engage and maneuver in close-quarters combat. However, its high recoil and low ammo capacity make it difficult to control and sustain fire, limiting its effectiveness in most situations.

Overall, the Fennec 45 is a situational weapon that may appeal to players seeking high fire rate and mobility. However, its challenging handling makes it a less viable option compared to higher-tier SMGs.

#19: P890

The P890 pistol, when used in Akimbo configuration, is a D-tier weapon in Warzone Ranked Season 3. It is a powerful pistol with one of the fastest time-to-kill (TTK) in close range. It has low hip-fire spread, making it easier to hit targets, and its recoil is manageable. However, it only has a limited amount of ammunition.

Its strengths lie in its fast TTK and manageable recoil, allowing players to quickly eliminate opponents in close-quarters combat. However, its limited ammunition capacity makes it difficult to sustain fire and engage multiple enemies.

Overall, the P890 Akimbo is a niche weapon that may appeal to players seeking a fast TTK in specific situations. However, its limited ammunition makes it a less viable option compared to higher-tier pistols and SMGs.

#20: TAQ-V

The TAQ-V is a D-tier weapon in Warzone Ranked Season 3. It is a high-recoil rifle that deals a lot of damage. It is difficult to use because of the recoil, but it can be very powerful if you can handle it.

Its strengths lie in its high damage output, allowing players to quickly eliminate opponents if shots are accurate. However, the high recoil makes it difficult to control, especially during sustained fire, limiting its effectiveness in most situations.

Overall, the TAQ-V is a niche weapon that may appeal to players seeking high damage output in specific scenarios. However, its challenging handling makes it a less viable option compared to higher-tier assault rifles and battle rifles.

#21: KV Broadside

The KV Broadside shotgun is a D-tier weapon in Warzone Ranked Season 3. It is a semi-auto shotgun that packs a powerful punch. It has a very fast time to kill but it has a slow mobility and ADS speed.

Its strengths lie in its very fast time to kill, allowing players to quickly eliminate opponents in close-quarters combat. However, its slow mobility and ADS speed make it difficult to use effectively in fast-paced engagements.

Overall, the KV Broadside is a situational weapon that may appeal to players seeking a fast TTK in specific scenarios. However, its slow handling makes it a less viable option compared to higher-tier shotguns and SMGs.

Conclusion

In summary, Season 3 of Warzone Ranked showcases a diverse range of close-range weapons, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. The Vaznev-9K and ISO 45 stand out as Meta tier SMGs, offering a blend of manageable recoil and high fire rates for aggressive playstyles. The MX Guardian is a Meta tier shotgun that is very effective in close quarters combat.

These top-tier weapons excel in Verdansk's close-quarters environments, providing players with the tools needed to dominate engagements. The Vaznev-9K offers a balance of control and TTK, making it ideal for consistent performance. The ISO 45 shines in the hands of skilled operators who can manage its recoil. The MX Guardian is a great option for players who like to rush. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of these weapons is crucial for optimizing loadouts and securing victories in Warzone Ranked Season 3.