Key Takeaways
- The Vaznev-9k and ISO 45 dominate as META SMGs due to their fast TTK and manageable recoil, excelling in close-quarters combat.
- A-Tier SMGs like the VEL 46 and Lachmann Sub provide excellent alternatives, balancing ease of use with competitive TTK and versatility.
- Lower-tiered SMGs (C and D Tiers) are viable in specific scenarios but generally underperform compared to META and A-Tier options, requiring more strategic play.
This tier list ranks the best SMGs to use in Warzone Ranked for Season 3. The tier system ranges from META (the absolute best weapons) to D (below average weapons).
The current meta in Warzone is defined by close-quarters combat effectiveness and fast time-to-kill (TTK) weapons. Mobility and ease of use are also key factors.
Our ranking methodology combines statistical analysis (TTK, recoil patterns, mobility) with practical in-game testing. Weapons are evaluated based on their performance in typical Warzone engagements. Recent game updates and balance changes are also considered to reflect the current state of the game.
META Tier
META tier weapons represent the absolute best choices, dominating the current Warzone meta. These weapons provide statistical advantages and are frequently used by top players for their superior performance in most combat situations.
Vaznev-9k
The Vaznev-9k excels in close-quarters combat with a fast time-to-kill. Its key strengths include manageable recoil and high mobility, making it effective in aggressive playstyles. While statistically strong in close ranges, its damage drop-off at longer distances is a weakness. The Vaznev-9k dominates in scenarios requiring quick engagements and fast target acquisition.
ISO 45
The ISO 45 is a fast-firing SMG known for its exceptional mobility. Its high fire rate translates to a very competitive time-to-kill in close engagements. However, the weapon can be difficult to control due to its recoil. The ISO 45 excels in aggressive, run-and-gun playstyles where mobility and rapid target elimination are crucial.
A Tier
A-tier weapons are excellent choices, just shy of meta status in Warzone. They remain highly competitive and can challenge meta weapons, but typically have minor disadvantages in certain stats or situations.
VEL 46
The VEL 46 is a high-fire-rate SMG that is easy to use, making it a strong contender in the A tier. It has a good time-to-kill and low recoil, which makes it effective in various combat scenarios. The VEL 46 is a reliable choice for players who prioritize ease of use and consistent performance.
Lachmann Sub
The Lachmann Sub is a powerful weapon suited for close-quarters combat, placing it firmly in the A tier. Its high fire rate and significant damage output allow for quick enemy takedowns. While effective in CQB, its recoil can be challenging to manage at longer ranges. The Lachmann Sub excels in aggressive, fast-paced engagements.
PDSW 528
The PDSW 528 is a high-fire-rate SMG recognized for having the highest mobility in its class, securing its spot in the A tier. It offers a competitive time-to-kill, making it effective in close-quarters engagements. However, its iron sights are a common point of criticism among players. The PDSW 528 is ideal for players who prioritize agility and speed in their gameplay.
FSS Hurricane
The FSS Hurricane is a versatile SMG that functions well in both close-quarters and mid-range engagements, earning it a place in the A tier. It features high bullet velocity and a good time-to-kill at short and medium ranges. Its versatility makes it an excellent sniper support weapon.
B Tier
B-tier weapons are strong and remain viable in most situations within Warzone. While not as dominant as META or A-tier options, they can still be effective with the right playstyle and strategic use.
MX9
The MX9 is a powerful SMG with a fast time-to-kill, placing it in the B tier. However, its limiting factor is its smaller 32-round magazine. This makes it best suited for solo play where engagements are typically one-on-one.
Minibak
The Minibak is a viable SMG in Warzone, earning its place in the B tier. It delivers high damage at close range and exhibits low recoil. Its large magazine capacity makes it a suitable choice for sniper support roles. However, it's not the most powerful SMG, which can be a disadvantage in certain encounters.
C Tier
C-tier weapons are considered good but come with limitations or specific use cases in Warzone. They can be effective in niche scenarios but often struggle against higher-tier weapons in general gameplay.
BAS-P
The BAS-P is a high-fire-rate SMG with manageable recoil and great mobility, placing it in the C tier. It boasts one of the fastest time-to-kill values in close range and offers the highest damage range in its class. This makes it a viable option for sniper support.
D Tier
D-tier weapons are average options in Warzone, usable but generally outclassed by higher-tier alternatives. They possess significant disadvantages that make them less effective in most combat situations.
Fennec 45
The Fennec 45 is an SMG characterized by a high fire rate and great mobility, landing it in the D tier. However, its high recoil and low ammo capacity can be challenging to manage effectively.
Lachmann Shroud
The Lachmann Shroud is placed in the D tier due to its underperformance compared to other SMGs in Warzone.
ISO 9mm
The ISO 9mm is a high-fire-rate SMG, celebrated for its agility and stability, placing it in the D tier. While excelling in close combat and offering rapid-fire capabilities, its overall performance is outclassed by other options. It is best suited for players prioritizing speed and maneuverability.
RIVAL-9
The Rival-9 is a lightweight, 9mm submachine gun designed for agility and quick room clearing, placing it in the D tier. While its maneuverability is a strength, it generally underperforms compared to other SMGs.
AMR9
The AMR9 is a fully automatic 9mm submachine gun designed for close to mid-range engagements, placing it in the D tier. While it can be effective in shredding opponents at those ranges, it is outclassed by other SMGs.
Striker
The Striker is a hard-hitting and controllable submachine gun chambered in .45 Auto, placing it in the D tier. It is reliable at close to mid-range but is generally outclassed by other SMGs.
WSP Swarm
The WSP Swarm is an ultra-compact and maneuverable 9mm SMG, designed to overwhelm targets with a fast fire rate, placing it in the D tier.
WSP-9
The WSP-9 is a fully automatic SMG featuring a slow rate of fire balanced by high damage, control, and mobility, placing it in the D tier. It has a fast time to kill, but its slow fire rate is unforgiving when missing shots.
Striker 9
The Striker 9 is a compact SMG that handles like a carbine while taking advantage of the low recoil and versatility of 9mm rounds, placing it in the D tier.
HRM-9
The HRM-9 is a light yet stable 9mm submachine gun effective in close-quarters combat for quickly eliminating enemies, placing it in the D tier. Sporting a high fire rate, excellent handling, and mobility, it suits aggressive run-and-gun playstyles.
RAM-9
The RAM-9, more maneuverable than its assault rifle counterpart, is a 9mm bullpup SMG lethal at close range, placing it in the D tier. Offering best-in-class recoil control and mobility, it mows down opponents with high-damage, chamber-emptying assaults.
FJX Horus
The FJX Horus is a high fire rate SMG capable of very fast kills in close-range combat, placing it in the D tier. It has great mobility and handling but significant recoil, making it deadly yet requiring a precise loadout.
Superi 46
The Superi 46 is a high-damage SMG that fires at a slow yet controllable rate, placing it in the D tier. It has high mobility and an impressive time to kill, making it easy to use and versatile.
Static-HV
The Static-HV is the fastest SMG available, offering really high mobility and a really fast TTK, placing it in the D tier.
WSP Swarm
The WSP Swarm is placed in the D tier due to its underperformance compared to other SMGs in Warzone.
BP50
The BP50 is placed in the D tier due to its underperformance compared to other SMGs in Warzone.
Lachmann Shroud
The Lachmann Shroud is placed in the D tier due to its underperformance compared to other SMGs in Warzone.
FJX Horus
The FJX Horus is placed in the D tier due to its underperformance compared to other SMGs in Warzone.
DG-58 LSW
The DG-58 LSW is placed in the D tier due to its underperformance compared to other SMGs in Warzone.
Renetti
The Renetti is placed in the D tier due to its underperformance compared to other SMGs in Warzone.
MCW
The MCW is placed in the D tier due to its underperformance compared to other SMGs in Warzone.
Conclusion
Currently, the SMG meta in Warzone for Season 3 is characterized by a concentration of high-performing weapons in the META and A tiers, with the Vaznev-9k and ISO 45 leading the pack. The D tier contains the most weapons, indicating a wide range of less optimal choices. Future meta shifts may occur based on upcoming balance adjustments, potentially elevating some B or C tier weapons if their stats are improved.
Methodology
Weapons were tested and evaluated based on a combination of statistical data and practical in-game performance. Key criteria included time-to-kill (TTK), recoil control, mobility, and effective damage range. TTK was weighted most heavily (40%), followed by recoil control (30%), mobility (20%), and damage range (10%). Testing was conducted in both private matches against bots and public Warzone matches to simulate real-game scenarios. Higher tiers prioritize weapons with the fastest TTK, manageable recoil, and sufficient mobility to excel in close-quarters engagements.
NoLagVPN