Key Takeaways
- The Vaznev-9k and ISO 45 SMGs dominate the close-range meta in Warzone Ranked due to their fast TTK and manageable recoil, making them top choices for aggressive players.
- Weapons in the A tier, like the VEL 46 and Lachmann Sub, offer excellent performance and versatility, providing viable alternatives to the meta choices for skilled players.
- Weapons in the D tier, such as the Basilisk and FTAC Siege, suffer from significant drawbacks like high recoil or low ammo capacity, making them less effective in most combat situations.
This tier list ranks the best close-range weapons in Warzone Ranked for April 2025. The tier system ranges from META (the best weapons) to E (the weakest). Weapons are evaluated based on their performance in close-quarters combat scenarios.
The current meta in Warzone is characterized by high-mobility SMGs and shotguns that excel in fast-paced engagements. Weapons like the Vaznev-9k and ISO 45 dominate due to their quick time-to-kill (TTK) and ease of use.
The rankings in this tier list are determined by a combination of factors, including TTK, recoil control, mobility, and effective damage range. Statistical data, community feedback, and in-game testing are used to assess each weapon's performance.
Recent game updates have impacted weapon balance, with buffs and nerfs affecting the viability of certain close-range options. These changes are considered in the current rankings.
META Tier
META tier weapons are the absolute best choices in the current Warzone environment. These weapons consistently outperform others due to superior stats, ease of use, and overall effectiveness in the prevailing meta. They are commonly favored by top players and professionals.
Vaznev-9k
The Vaznev-9k is a top-tier SMG in Warzone, excelling in close-quarters combat. Its key strengths include a fast time-to-kill (TTK) and manageable recoil, making it easy to control during intense firefights. While it may not have the longest damage range, its statistical performance makes it ideal for aggressive plays within confined spaces. The Vaznev-9k is a consistent performer in the current meta.
ISO 45
The ISO 45 is a META-tier SMG in Warzone, known for its high fire rate and excellent mobility. Its strengths lie in its ability to quickly eliminate opponents in close-quarters engagements. While it can be challenging to control due to its rapid fire rate, skilled players can leverage its speed and agility to outmaneuver enemies. The ISO 45 excels in aggressive playstyles and tight spaces.
MX Guardian
The MX Guardian is a META-tier shotgun in Warzone, excelling in close-quarters combat. Its strengths lie in its ability to quickly eliminate opponents in close-quarters engagements. Situations where this weapon excels is in tight spaces.
A Tier
A tier weapons are excellent choices, just shy of meta status in Warzone. These weapons offer strong performance and can compete with meta weapons in the right hands. They typically have minor disadvantages compared to the absolute best but remain highly competitive.
VEL 46
The VEL 46 is an A-tier SMG in Warzone, known for its high fire rate and ease of use. Its strengths include a good time-to-kill (TTK) and low recoil, making it a reliable option for various combat scenarios. While it may not have the same dominance as META weapons, the VEL 46 remains a solid choice for players seeking a versatile and controllable SMG.
Lachmann Sub
The Lachmann Sub is an A-tier SMG in Warzone, known for its power and effectiveness in close-quarters combat. Its strengths include a high fire rate and significant damage output, making it ideal for quickly taking down enemies. While it may require some recoil control, its overall performance makes it a strong contender in close-range engagements. The Lachmann Sub is a viable alternative to META weapons.
PDSW 528
The PDSW 528 is an A-tier SMG in Warzone, distinguished by its high fire rate and exceptional mobility. Its primary strengths include best-in-class mobility, allowing for quick maneuvers and aggressive plays. While its iron sights may not be preferred by all players, its statistical performance and agility make it a competitive option in close-quarters combat. The PDSW 528 is a strong choice for players who prioritize speed and maneuverability.
FSS Hurricane
The FSS Hurricane is an A-tier SMG in Warzone, recognized for its versatility in both close-quarters and mid-range engagements. Its strengths include high bullet velocity and a good TTK at short and medium distances. Making it a great sniper support weapon. While it may not dominate in any single category, its balanced performance makes it a reliable choice for diverse combat situations.
B Tier
B tier weapons are strong and viable in most situations within Warzone. These weapons may not have the statistical advantages of META or A tier options, but they can still be effective with skillful use. They often have noticeable disadvantages that require players to adapt their playstyle.
MX9
The MX9 is a B-tier SMG in Warzone, recognized for its high damage output and fast TTK. However, its limiting factor is its small 32-round magazine, making it best suited for solo play. While it can be deadly in one-on-one engagements, its limited ammo capacity requires precise aim and tactical awareness. The MX9 is a situational weapon that excels in specific scenarios.
Minibak
The Minibak is a B-tier SMG in Warzone, offering a balance of damage, control, and magazine size. Its strengths include high close-range damage, low recoil, and a large magazine, making it suitable as a sniper support weapon. While it may not be the most powerful SMG, its reliability and ease of use make it a viable option for various combat situations. The Minibak is a solid choice for players seeking a dependable SMG.
X12
The X12, when used Akimbo, is a B-tier pistol in Warzone, excelling in close-quarters combat. Its strengths include no recoil, a high magazine capacity, and tremendous mobility. This combination makes it ideal for aggressive plays in tight spaces, allowing players to quickly eliminate enemies. The X12 Akimbo is a situational weapon that shines in specific close-range scenarios.
Cronen Squall
The Cronen Squall is a B-tier battle rifle in Warzone, distinguished by its high damage and high fire rate. Designed primarily for long-range engagements, it boasts the highest range in its class. While it may not be as versatile in close-quarters combat, its long-range capabilities make it a viable option for players who prefer to engage from a distance.
C Tier
C tier weapons are good but come with limitations or are best suited for specific use cases in Warzone. These weapons can be effective in the right hands but often struggle against higher-tier options in general gameplay. Players using C tier weapons may need to adjust their tactics to maximize their effectiveness.
BAS-P
The BAS-P is a C-tier SMG in Warzone, characterized by its high fire rate, manageable recoil, and great mobility. It boasts one of the fastest close-range TTKs and the highest damage range in its class, making it a viable sniper support weapon. While it may not dominate in all situations, its strengths make it a situational weapon that can excel in specific scenarios.
D Tier
D tier weapons are average and generally outclassed by other options in Warzone. While they can still be used, they come with significant disadvantages that make them difficult to use effectively in most situations. Players are generally advised to use higher-tier weapons for better performance.
GS Magna
The GS Magna is a D-tier pistol in Warzone, functioning as a fully automatic version of the .50 GS. Its primary strength lies in its very high damage output. However, its recoil and control issues make it difficult to use effectively in most combat situations. The GS Magna is best used in very specific close-quarters scenarios.
FTAC Siege
The FTAC Siege is a D-tier pistol in Warzone, designed for compact maneuverability and boasting a jaw-dropping fire rate and rapid swap speed. As a machine pistol, it is intended as a secondary weapon for up-close engagements. However, its performance is generally outclassed by other weapons in its category, making it a situational choice at best.
.50gs
The .50 GS is a D-tier pistol in Warzone, recognized for its high damage output and fast time-to-kill. However, it suffers from significant recoil, making it challenging to control in rapid-fire situations. While it can be effective in skilled hands, its drawbacks make it a less desirable option compared to other pistols and weapons in its class.
FTAC Recon
The FTAC Recon is a D-tier assault rifle in Warzone, functioning as a semi-automatic battle rifle with a high damage output. Its fast time-to-kill is offset by difficult-to-control recoil at longer distances. While it can be switched to full auto for close to mid-range engagements, its limited 15-round magazine further restricts its effectiveness. The FTAC Recon is a situational weapon with notable drawbacks.
X13 Auto
The X13 Auto, when used Akimbo, is a D-tier pistol in Warzone, described as a high-powered automatic pistol delivering huge damage in close-quarter combats. However, it's high recoil and hip-fire bullet spread make it difficult to use effectively. While it can be powerful in specific situations, its drawbacks make it a less reliable choice compared to other weapons.
Fennec 45
The Fennec 45 is a D-tier SMG in Warzone, known for its high fire rate and great mobility. However, its recoil and low ammo capacity make it difficult to manage effectively. While it can be deadly in close-quarters combat, its limitations often outweigh its strengths, making it a less desirable option compared to other SMGs.
P890
The P890, when used Akimbo, is a D-tier pistol in Warzone, delivering one of the fastest time-to-kill (TTK) in close range. It features low hip-fire spread and manageable recoil. However, its limited ammunition capacity requires careful shot placement and tactical awareness. The P890 Akimbo is a situational weapon with specific strengths and weaknesses.
TAQ-V
The TAQ-V is a D-tier assault rifle in Warzone, characterized by its high damage output and significant recoil. Its primary drawback is the difficulty in controlling the recoil, which makes it challenging to use effectively. While it can be powerful in the right hands, its high recoil makes it a less desirable option compared to more controllable weapons.
KV Broadside
The KV Broadside is a D-tier shotgun in Warzone, recognized for its powerful semi-auto action. It features a very fast time to kill but is offset by slow mobility and ADS speed. While it can be devastating in close quarters, its mobility limitations make it less versatile than other shotguns and weapons in its class.
Bryson 800
The Bryson 800 is a D-tier pump-action shotgun in Warzone. Its primary weakness is that it is not powerful enough to compete against the meta weapons. This makes it a less desirable option in most combat scenarios.
Basilisk
The Basilisk, when equipped with Snakeshot ammunition, is a D-tier revolver in Warzone. It can down an enemy with two shots, effectively turning it into a mini-shotgun. However, its limited 5-round capacity demands precise aim and tactical reloading. The Basilisk Snakeshot is a situational weapon with specific strengths and weaknesses.
SO-14
The SO-14 is a D-tier assault rifle in Warzone, functioning as a semi-automatic battle rifle. It has a fast time to kill but with recoil that is hard to control at longer distances. It can be switched into full auto mode which can turn it into a very strong close to mid range weapon. Due to its recoil, it is less effective than other rifles.
Expedite 12
The Expedite 12 is a D-tier semi-automatic shotgun in Warzone, characterized by moderate damage and a very short damage range. Its limited effective range makes it difficult to use in most combat situations. The Expedite 12 is a situational weapon with significant drawbacks.
Lockwood 300
The Lockwood 300 is a D-tier shotgun in Warzone, known for its powerful double-barrel action. With the trigger action attachment, it can kill in one shot by firing both barrels simultaneously. However, it requires reloading after every shot, limiting its effectiveness in sustained engagements. The Lockwood 300 is a situational weapon with specific strengths and weaknesses.
Bryson 890
The Bryson 890 is a D-tier pump-action shotgun in Warzone. Its primary weakness is that it is not powerful enough to compete against the meta weapons. This makes it a less desirable option in most combat scenarios.
Lachmann-762
The Lachmann-762 is a D-tier assault rifle in Warzone, recognized as a powerful semi-automatic battle rifle. It has a fast time to kill but with recoil that is hard to control at longer distances. It can be switched into full auto mode which can turn it into a very strong close range weapon. However, its recoil makes it difficult to use effectively.
Lachmann Shroud
The Lachmann Shroud is a D-tier SMG in Warzone. The Lachmann Shroud's performance is generally outclassed by other weapons in its category, making it a situational choice at best.
9mm Daemon
The 9mm Daemon is a D-tier Pistol in Warzone. The 9mm Daemon's performance is generally outclassed by other weapons in its category, making it a situational choice at best.
Conclusion
In April 2025, the close-range meta in Warzone is dominated by SMGs, with the Vaznev-9k and ISO 45 leading the pack due to their exceptional TTK and manageable recoil. The META and A tiers contain the majority of viable weapons, indicating a competitive but somewhat limited selection of top-tier choices. Recent patches have adjusted weapon balance, and further updates could shift the meta, potentially elevating some B-tier weapons or nerfing current META options. Players should monitor patch notes and adapt their loadouts accordingly to stay competitive.
Methodology
The methodology for this tier list involves a combination of statistical analysis, in-game testing, and community feedback. Key criteria include TTK (30%), recoil control (25%), mobility (20%), damage range (15%), and ease of use (10%). Weapons are tested in real-world scenarios within Warzone, focusing on close-quarters engagements. Higher tiers prioritize weapons with low TTK, manageable recoil, and high mobility, enabling aggressive playstyles and quick eliminations. Statistical data from various sources is cross-referenced with practical performance to ensure accuracy and objectivity.
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