21 BEST SMGs in Warzone Ranked (Season 3): Dominate Verdansk!

Season 3 of Warzone introduces significant changes to the weapon meta, especially within the SMG category. With the return of Verdansk, close-quarters combat is more prevalent than ever, making the right SMG a critical choice for success in Ranked play. This analysis identifies the top 21 SMG weapons currently dominating Warzone Ranked, providing players with a guide to optimize their loadouts.

The importance of SMGs in Warzone Ranked stems from their effectiveness in tight spaces and rapid engagements. A high-performing SMG can be the difference between victory and defeat when pushing objectives or clearing buildings. This ranking is based on a tier system, evaluating each weapon's performance based on factors such as time-to-kill (TTK), recoil control, mobility, and overall versatility.

This guide uses a data-driven approach, combining in-game statistics with community feedback to provide an objective assessment of each weapon's strengths and weaknesses.

#1: Vaznev-9k

The Vaznev-9K is a Meta tier SMG in Warzone Ranked Season 3, known for its effectiveness in close-quarters combat. This weapon offers a short time-to-kill, making it a formidable choice for aggressive players who prioritize speed and efficiency in engagements. The Vaznev-9K's manageable recoil enhances its usability, allowing players to maintain accuracy while firing rapidly.

While the Vaznev-9K excels in close-range scenarios, its performance may diminish at longer distances due to damage drop-off. Therefore, it is best suited for players who adopt a run-and-gun playstyle, focusing on clearing buildings and engaging enemies in confined spaces. Its strengths make it a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and easy-to-control SMG in Warzone Ranked.

#2: ISO 45

The ISO 45 is a Meta tier SMG in Warzone Ranked Season 3, characterized by its rapid fire rate and exceptional mobility. This weapon is designed for players who excel in fast-paced, close-quarters combat. While it may require a degree of skill to master, the ISO 45 is capable of delivering devastating results in the right hands.

The ISO 45's high fire rate allows for a very competitive time-to-kill, making it highly effective in one-on-one engagements. However, its recoil can be challenging to control, especially during sustained fire. Players must balance its strengths with its need for precision and recoil management. This SMG is ideal for aggressive players who thrive in chaotic, close-range scenarios.

#3: VEL 46

The VEL 46 is an A tier SMG in Warzone Ranked Season 3, recognized for its ease of use and reliable performance. This weapon combines a high fire rate with manageable recoil, making it a solid choice for players of all skill levels. The VEL 46 offers a good time-to-kill, ensuring its effectiveness in close-quarters engagements.

While the VEL 46 may not boast the fastest TTK in its class, its low recoil and user-friendly handling make it a consistent performer. This SMG is particularly effective for players who value accuracy and control, allowing them to stay on target even during extended firefights. Its balanced attributes make it a versatile option for various combat scenarios in Warzone Ranked.

#4: Lachmann Sub

The Lachmann Sub is an A tier SMG in Warzone Ranked Season 3, renowned for its power and effectiveness in close-quarters combat. This weapon features a high fire rate and significant damage output, making it an ideal choice for quickly eliminating enemies in confined spaces. Its aggressive capabilities make it a favorite among players who prioritize fast-paced engagements.

The Lachmann Sub's strengths lie in its ability to deliver rapid bursts of damage, overwhelming opponents in close-range encounters. While its recoil can be somewhat challenging to manage, skilled players can harness its power to dominate firefights. This SMG is perfect for aggressive playstyles, excelling in scenarios where quick reflexes and decisive action are crucial for success in Warzone Ranked.

#5: PDSW 528

The PDSW 528 is an A tier SMG in Warzone Ranked Season 3, known for its exceptional mobility and high fire rate. This weapon offers the best mobility in the SMG category, allowing players to move quickly and efficiently around the map. While its time-to-kill is competitive, some players find its iron sights less than ideal.

The PDSW 528's strengths lie in its agility, enabling players to navigate tight spaces and react quickly to threats. However, the iron sights can be a hindrance for some, potentially requiring an optic attachment to improve visibility. This SMG is well-suited for players who prioritize speed and maneuverability, making it a strong choice for aggressive playstyles in Warzone Ranked.

#6: FSS Hurricane

The FSS Hurricane is an A tier SMG in Warzone Ranked Season 3, celebrated for its versatility in both close-quarters and mid-range engagements. This weapon boasts a high bullet velocity and a good time-to-kill at short to medium distances, making it an excellent sniper support option. Its adaptability allows players to engage effectively in various combat scenarios.

The FSS Hurricane's strengths lie in its ability to perform well in multiple roles, providing a balance between close-range firepower and mid-range accuracy. Its high bullet velocity makes it easier to hit targets at a distance, while its TTK ensures effectiveness in closer engagements. This SMG is a solid choice for players who prefer a flexible weapon that can adapt to different combat situations in Warzone Ranked.

#7: MX9

The MX9 is a B tier SMG in Warzone Ranked Season 3, recognized for its potent time-to-kill (TTK). However, its effectiveness is limited by its small 32-round magazine. This weapon is best suited for solo play, where engagements are typically shorter and less frequent.

The MX9's strengths lie in its ability to quickly eliminate opponents in one-on-one encounters. However, its small magazine capacity necessitates careful shot placement and frequent reloads. This SMG is ideal for players who excel in precision and can make every bullet count. It is most effective in Solos, where the reduced number of targets mitigates the magazine size limitation in Warzone Ranked.

#8: Minibak

The Minibak SMG is a B tier weapon in Warzone 2, offering high damage at close range and low recoil. Its large magazine makes it a solid choice for providing sniper support. While not the most powerful SMG available, it remains a reliable option for many players.

The Minibak's strengths include its ease of use and forgiving nature, thanks to its low recoil and ample magazine capacity. However, it may struggle against top-tier SMGs in direct confrontations. This weapon is well-suited for players who value stability and sustained fire, making it a practical choice for supporting snipers and controlling areas in Warzone Ranked.

#9: BAS-P

The BAS-P is a C tier SMG in Warzone Ranked Season 3, distinguished by its high fire rate, manageable recoil, and excellent mobility. It offers one of the fastest time-to-kill (TTK) in close range, and its damage range is the highest in its class. This makes it an excellent choice for sniper support.

The BAS-P's strengths lie in its agility and rapid damage output. However, its overall effectiveness is somewhat limited compared to higher-tier options. This SMG is ideal for aggressive players who prioritize speed and maneuverability, making it a viable option for supporting snipers and engaging enemies in close-quarters combat in Warzone Ranked.

#10: Fennec 45

The Fennec 45 is a D tier SMG in Warzone Ranked Season 3, known for its high fire rate and great mobility. However, its recoil and low ammo capacity can be difficult to manage, limiting its overall effectiveness in combat.

The Fennec 45's strengths lie in its ability to quickly unleash a barrage of bullets, overwhelming opponents in extremely close quarters. However, its high recoil and limited magazine size make it challenging to control and sustain fire. This SMG is best suited for highly skilled players who can mitigate its drawbacks through precise aim and strategic play in Warzone Ranked.

#11: Lachmann Shroud

The Lachmann Shroud is a D tier SMG in Warzone Ranked Season 3. Its overall effectiveness is limited compared to higher-tier options.

While it may have some redeeming qualities, the Lachmann Shroud generally underperforms in key areas such as damage output and recoil control. This SMG is best used by players looking for a unique challenge or those who have mastered its specific nuances in Warzone Ranked.

#12: ISO 9mm

The ISO 9mm SMG is a D tier weapon in Warzone Ranked Season 3, standing out with its high fire rate, agility, and unmatched steadiness. A prime choice for those prioritizing speed, this addition to the ISO platform excels in close combat. For players aiming for rapid-fire dominance, the ISO 9mm is the go-to weapon.

While the ISO 9mm boasts impressive agility and a high fire rate, its overall effectiveness is limited by its damage output and range. This SMG is best suited for players who prioritize speed and maneuverability, making it a situational choice for specific close-quarters engagements in Warzone Ranked.

#13: RIVAL-9

The Rival-9 is a D tier SMG in Warzone Ranked Season 3, described as a lightweight, 9mm submachine gun built for agility and quick room clearing.

While the Rival-9 excels in maneuverability, its overall effectiveness is limited by its damage output and range. This SMG is best suited for players who prioritize speed and agility, making it a situational choice for specific close-quarters engagements in Warzone Ranked.

#14: AMR9

The AMR9 is a D tier SMG in Warzone Ranked Season 3. This fully automatic submachine gun chambered in 9mm is a go-to for operatives who prefer to shred the competition from close to mid-range.

While the AMR9 can be effective in specific scenarios, its overall performance is limited compared to higher-tier options. This SMG is best suited for players who prioritize a balance of control and firepower in close to mid-range engagements within Warzone Ranked.

#15: Striker

The Striker is a D tier SMG in Warzone Ranked Season 3, a hard-hitting and controllable submachine gun chambered in .45 Auto. It is reliable at close to mid-range.

While the Striker offers a balance of power and control, its overall performance is limited compared to higher-tier options. This SMG is best suited for players who value reliability and ease of use in close to mid-range engagements in Warzone Ranked.

#16: WSP Swarm

The WSP Swarm is a D tier SMG in Warzone Ranked Season 3. Ultra combat and maneuverable, this 9mm SMG overwhelms targets with a fast fire rate.

While the WSP Swarm boasts exceptional maneuverability and a high fire rate, its effectiveness is limited by its recoil and damage range. This SMG is best suited for aggressive players who prioritize speed and close-quarters dominance in Warzone Ranked.

#17: WSP-9

The WSP-9 is a D tier SMG in Warzone Ranked Season 3. This fully automatic SMG features a slow rate of fire balanced by high damage, control, and mobility. It has a fast time to kill, but its fire rate is slow and unforgiving when missing shots.

While the WSP-9 offers high damage and control, its slow fire rate makes it less forgiving than other SMGs. This weapon is best suited for players who prioritize accuracy and can make each shot count in Warzone Ranked.

#18: Striker 9

The Striker 9 is a D tier SMG in Warzone Ranked Season 3. This compact SMG handles like a carbine while taking advantage of the low recoil and versatility of 9mm rounds.

While the Striker 9 offers good handling and low recoil, its overall performance is limited compared to higher-tier options. This SMG is best suited for players who value ease of use and versatility in Warzone Ranked.

#19: HRM-9

The HRM-9 is a D tier SMG in Warzone Ranked Season 3. A light yet stable 9mm submachine gun for close-quarters combat and putting down enemies quickly. Sporting a high fire rate and excellent handling and mobility, the HMR-9 is the perfect fit for aggressive run-and-gun playstyles.

While the HRM-9 excels in handling and mobility, its overall effectiveness is limited compared to higher-tier options. This SMG is best suited for aggressive players who prioritize speed and close-quarters combat in Warzone Ranked.

#20: RAM-9

The RAM-9 is a D tier SMG in Warzone Ranked Season 3, more maneuverable and agile than its assault rifle counterpart. This bullpup SMG chambered in 9mm is lethal at close range.

Offering among the best-in-class recoil control and mobility, as well as the most rounds and reserve of any SMG, the RAM-9 may not win any pinpoint accuracy awards (especially a distance), but it can certainly mow down the opposition with high-damage, chamber-emptying assaults, especially as you close in for the kill.

While the RAM-9 offers excellent recoil control and a large magazine, its overall performance is limited compared to higher-tier options. This SMG is best suited for players who prioritize sustained fire and close-quarters dominance in Warzone Ranked.

#21: FJX Horus

The FJX Horus is a D tier SMG in Warzone Ranked for Season 3. It is a high fire rate SMG that is capable of killing very fast in close range combat. It has great mobility and handling but has some significant recoil. It can be very deadly and easy to handle with the right loadout.

While the FJX Horus offers a high fire rate and great mobility, its significant recoil can be a challenge. This SMG is best suited for skilled players who can manage its recoil and take advantage of its close-range lethality in Warzone Ranked.

Conclusion

In summary, Season 3 of Warzone Ranked showcases a diverse range of SMGs, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. The Vaznev-9K and ISO 45 stand out in the Meta tier, offering exceptional time-to-kill and mobility, respectively. The VEL 46, FSS Hurricane, Lachmann Sub, and PDSW 528 reside in the A tier as viable alternatives.

The Vaznev-9K excels in close-quarters combat, making it ideal for clearing buildings in Verdansk. The ISO 45 shines in aggressive, fast-paced engagements, allowing players to quickly eliminate opponents. Lastly, the VEL 46 provides a balanced approach, offering ease of use and consistent performance in various combat scenarios.