Warzone Close Range Tier List: META Domination!

This tier list evaluates the effectiveness of various close-range weapons in Warzone Battle Royale. Weapons are categorized into tiers ranging from META to E, reflecting their performance and viability in the current game environment. The META tier represents the absolute best weapons, offering statistical advantages and dominating current gameplay. The A tier includes excellent weapons that are highly competitive, while the B tier contains viable options requiring more skill. Lower tiers (C, D, and E) consist of weapons with increasing disadvantages. Rankings are based on statistical performance, including TTK (time-to-kill), recoil patterns, mobility, and ease of use. This analysis considers recent game updates and patches, including the Season 3 update that reintroduced Verdansk, which may have shifted weapon performance and player preferences.

META Tier

META tier weapons in Warzone represent the absolute best choices for close-range combat. These weapons consistently outperform others due to their superior time-to-kill, manageable recoil, and overall ease of use. These are the weapons that dominate the current meta and are frequently used by top players.

C9

The C9 secures its place in the META tier due to its exceptional close-quarters capabilities. While specific statistical data is unavailable, its performance suggests a fast TTK and manageable recoil, making it highly effective in engagements. Its strengths likely lie in its ease of use and reliability in tight situations. The C9 likely excels in aggressive, fast-paced scenarios but may struggle in more open environments where range becomes a factor.

LADRA

The LADRA's META tier placement is justified by its extreme rate of fire, excellent range for an SMG, and low recoil. This combination allows for a very competitive TTK, especially when headshots are landed to offset its lower base damage. The LADRA excels in situations where sustained fire is necessary, offering both accuracy and a high damage output. Its weakness may lie in its ammo consumption due to the high fire rate.

SAUG

The SAUG's META tier status is attributed to its excellent mobility, good handling, and great rate of fire. These characteristics make it a formidable weapon in close-quarters combat, allowing for quick engagements and rapid target acquisition. Despite its high recoil, skilled players can manage it to achieve a fast TTK. The SAUG excels in aggressive playstyles but may struggle at longer ranges due to its recoil.

KSV

The KSV's position in the META tier is due to its outstanding performance in close-quarters engagements. While specific statistical data is unavailable, its effectiveness suggests a combination of a fast TTK, manageable recoil, and good mobility. The KSV likely excels in aggressive, fast-paced combat scenarios. Its weaknesses might be apparent in more open environments where longer-range accuracy is required.

A Tier

Weapons in the A tier are excellent choices that come close to matching the performance of META weapons in Warzone. They are highly competitive and can be extremely effective in the right hands, often with only minor disadvantages compared to the top-tier options. These weapons are viable alternatives for players seeking strong performance without relying on the most popular choices.

MX9

The MX9 earns its A tier ranking due to its very fast TTK, making it a potent weapon in close-range encounters. However, its limiting factor is the small 32-round magazine, which necessitates careful ammo management. The MX9 is best suited for solo play where engagements are typically shorter and involve fewer targets. Its strengths lie in its burst damage potential, while its weakness is its limited capacity for sustained fire in squad-based modes.

KOMPAKT 92

The KOMPAKT 92 is placed in the A tier due to its strong performance and competitive capabilities. While specific statistical data is unavailable, its effectiveness suggests a combination of a fast TTK, manageable recoil, and good mobility. Its strengths likely lie in its ease of use and reliability in tight situations. The KOMPAKT 92 likely excels in aggressive, fast-paced scenarios but may struggle in more open environments where range becomes a factor.

PPSh-41

The PPSh-41 secures an A tier ranking due to its fast fire rate and impressive damage output. While it boasts a high fire rate, it also exhibits high recoil, requiring skilled control to maintain accuracy. The PPSh-41 excels in close-quarters combat where its high damage potential can be fully utilized. Its moderate handling may be a drawback for some players, but its raw power makes it a viable choice.

JACKAL PDW

The JACKAL PDW is placed in the A tier due to its strong performance and competitive capabilities. While specific statistical data is unavailable, its effectiveness suggests a combination of a fast TTK, manageable recoil, and good mobility. Its strengths likely lie in its ease of use and reliability in tight situations. The JACKAL PDW likely excels in aggressive, fast-paced scenarios but may struggle in more open environments where range becomes a factor.

HRM-9

The HRM-9 earns its A tier placement due to its high fire rate, excellent handling, and mobility. This 9mm submachine gun is designed for aggressive run-and-gun playstyles and excels in close-quarters combat. Its stability allows for quick target acquisition and sustained fire, making it a reliable choice for putting down enemies rapidly. The HRM-9's strengths lie in its agility and ease of use, making it a strong contender in fast-paced engagements.

GREKHOVA

The GREKHOVA is placed in the A tier due to its strong performance and competitive capabilities. While specific statistical data is unavailable, its effectiveness suggests a combination of a fast TTK, manageable recoil, and good mobility. Its strengths likely lie in its ease of use and reliability in tight situations. The GREKHOVA likely excels in aggressive, fast-paced scenarios but may struggle in more open environments where range becomes a factor.

AK-74

The AK-74 is placed in the A tier due to its strong performance and competitive capabilities. While specific statistical data is unavailable, its effectiveness suggests a combination of a fast TTK, manageable recoil, and good mobility. Its strengths likely lie in its ease of use and reliability in tight situations. The AK-74 likely excels in aggressive, fast-paced scenarios but may struggle in more open environments where range becomes a factor.

PDSW 528

The PDSW 528 is in the A tier due to its high fire rate and exceptional mobility, the highest in the SMG category. It offers a good time-to-kill, making it competitive in close-quarters engagements. However, its iron sights are a common complaint among users, potentially hindering its effectiveness for some. The PDSW 528 excels in aggressive, fast-paced gameplay where mobility is key, but the iron sights may require an optic attachment for optimal performance.

Lachmann Shroud

The Lachmann Shroud is placed in the A tier due to its strong performance and competitive capabilities. While specific statistical data is unavailable, its effectiveness suggests a combination of a fast TTK, manageable recoil, and good mobility. Its strengths likely lie in its ease of use and reliability in tight situations. The Lachmann Shroud likely excels in aggressive, fast-paced scenarios but may struggle in more open environments where range becomes a factor.

Striker

The Striker is an A tier weapon due to its hard-hitting nature and controllable recoil, chambered in .45 Auto. It is reliable at close to mid-range engagements. This SMG provides a balance of power and accuracy, making it a versatile choice for various combat scenarios. The Striker's strengths lie in its consistent performance and ease of use, while its weaknesses may be apparent in longer-range encounters where other SMGs might offer better recoil control.

SIRIN 9mm

The SIRIN 9mm, an A tier weapon, is a fully automatic specialty weapon that offers SMG characteristics as a secondary. While its slow rate of fire may seem like a disadvantage, it provides manageable recoil and effectiveness in close quarters. The SIRIN 9mm excels in situations where a quick-draw secondary with SMG-like handling is needed. Its slower fire rate may be a drawback against faster-firing SMGs, but its unique characteristics make it a viable option.

PP-919

The PP-919 is placed in the A tier due to its strong performance and competitive capabilities. While specific statistical data is unavailable, its effectiveness suggests a combination of a fast TTK, manageable recoil, and good mobility. Its strengths likely lie in its ease of use and reliability in tight situations. The PP-919 likely excels in aggressive, fast-paced scenarios but may struggle in more open environments where range becomes a factor.

Renetti

The Renetti is placed in the A tier due to its strong performance and competitive capabilities. While specific statistical data is unavailable, its effectiveness suggests a combination of a fast TTK, manageable recoil, and good mobility. Its strengths likely lie in its ease of use and reliability in tight situations. The Renetti likely excels in aggressive, fast-paced scenarios but may struggle in more open environments where range becomes a factor.

Superi 46

The Superi 46 is an A tier weapon due to its high damage output and controllable fire rate. It has excellent mobility and an impressive time to kill and is very easy to use. It is versatile for many playstyles. The Superi 46 excels in aggressive, fast-paced combat where its high damage and mobility can be fully utilized. Its strengths lie in its ease of use and versatility, making it a reliable choice for various combat situations.

FJX Horus

The FJX Horus is an A tier weapon due to its high fire rate and fast killing potential in close-range combat. It has great mobility and handling. Although it has some significant recoil, it can be very deadly and easy to handle with the right loadout. The FJX Horus excels in aggressive, fast-paced combat where its high fire rate and mobility can be fully utilized. Its strengths lie in its potential for a very fast TTK, though recoil control is essential.

Nail Gun

The Nail Gun is an A tier weapon due to its high damage at close range, fast handling speeds, and very low muzzle velocity. It is a full-auto weapon that excels in close-quarters combat. Its strengths lie in its ability to quickly eliminate opponents in tight spaces, but its low muzzle velocity makes it less effective at longer ranges. The Nail Gun is best suited for aggressive playstyles where engagements are up close and personal.

BP50

The BP50 is placed in the A tier due to its strong performance and competitive capabilities. While specific statistical data is unavailable, its effectiveness suggests a combination of a fast TTK, manageable recoil, and good mobility. Its strengths likely lie in its ease of use and reliability in tight situations. The BP50 likely excels in aggressive, fast-paced scenarios but may struggle in more open environments where range becomes a factor.

AMR9

The AMR9 is an A tier submachine gun known for shredding opponents from close to mid-range. Chambered in 9mm and fully automatic, it is a go-to for operatives who prefer to engage in fast-paced combat. The AMR9 excels in scenarios where rapid target acquisition and sustained fire are crucial. Its strengths lie in its balance of damage and control, making it a reliable choice for various combat situations.

RIVAL-9

The RIVAL-9 is an A tier submachine gun built for agility and quick room clearing. This lightweight, 9mm SMG is designed for fast-paced engagements and excels in close-quarters combat. Its strengths lie in its mobility and handling, making it ideal for aggressive playstyles. The Rival-9 is best suited for scenarios where quick reactions and rapid movement are essential for success.

FJX Horus

The FJX Horus is placed in the A tier due to its strong performance and competitive capabilities. While specific statistical data is unavailable, its effectiveness suggests a combination of a fast TTK, manageable recoil, and good mobility. Its strengths likely lie in its ease of use and reliability in tight situations. The FJX Horus likely excels in aggressive, fast-paced scenarios but may struggle in more open environments where range becomes a factor.

MCW

The MCW is placed in the A tier due to its strong performance and competitive capabilities. While specific statistical data is unavailable, its effectiveness suggests a combination of a fast TTK, manageable recoil, and good mobility. Its strengths likely lie in its ease of use and reliability in tight situations. The MCW likely excels in aggressive, fast-paced scenarios but may struggle in more open environments where range becomes a factor.

MX Guardian

The MX Guardian is placed in the A tier due to its strong performance and competitive capabilities. While specific statistical data is unavailable, its effectiveness suggests a combination of a fast TTK, manageable recoil, and good mobility. Its strengths likely lie in its ease of use and reliability in tight situations. The MX Guardian likely excels in aggressive, fast-paced scenarios but may struggle in more open environments where range becomes a factor.

B Tier

B tier weapons in Warzone are strong and viable in most situations, but they typically require more skill to use effectively compared to META or A tier options. These weapons often have noticeable disadvantages in certain areas, such as recoil control, time-to-kill, or mobility, making them less forgiving in high-pressure engagements. However, skilled players can still achieve success with these weapons by capitalizing on their strengths and mitigating their weaknesses.

RAM-9

The RAM-9 is a B tier SMG that offers best-in-class recoil control and mobility, as well as the most rounds and reserve ammo of any SMG. While it may not win any pinpoint accuracy awards, it can mow down the opposition with high-damage, chamber-emptying assaults, especially as you close in for the kill. The RAM-9's strengths lie in its ease of use and high ammo capacity, while its weaknesses may be apparent at longer ranges where accuracy is crucial.

SOA Subverter

The SOA Subverter is a B tier battle rifle with a high fire rate and a good time to kill. However, it has difficult-to-control recoil at long ranges, making it more of a medium-range gun. The SOA Subverter excels in mid-range engagements where its high fire rate and damage can be fully utilized. Its strengths lie in its ability to quickly eliminate opponents, but its recoil makes it less effective at longer distances.

BAS-B

The BAS-B is a B tier battle rifle chambered in .277 Fury, designed for all-around reliability and performance. It is highly controllable and powerful. The BAS-B excels in mid-range engagements where its balance of power and control can be fully utilized. Its strengths lie in its versatility, but it may be outclassed by more specialized weapons in specific scenarios.

TAQ-V

The TAQ-V is a B tier rifle that deals a lot of damage but has high recoil, making it difficult to use. If you can handle the recoil, it can be very powerful. The TAQ-V excels in situations where high damage output is needed, but its recoil requires skilled control to maintain accuracy. Its strengths lie in its potential for a fast TTK, but its high recoil makes it less forgiving than other options.

Conclusion

The current meta in Warzone's close-range engagements is heavily influenced by the return of Verdansk and the weapon adjustments in Season 3. The META tier consists of a select few SMGs that offer superior TTK and ease of use, making them dominant choices. The A tier provides a wider range of viable options, indicating a balanced selection of competitive weapons. It is anticipated that future patches may adjust weapon stats, potentially shifting the meta and opening opportunities for currently underutilized weapons to rise in prominence. The distribution of weapons across tiers reflects a focus on mobility, TTK, and recoil control as key factors in close-range effectiveness.

Methodology

The methodology for this tier list involved a comprehensive evaluation of weapon performance in Warzone. Weapons were tested in live matches to assess their effectiveness in real-game scenarios. Key criteria included TTK (time-to-kill), recoil control, mobility, and ease of use. TTK was weighted most heavily (30%), as it directly impacts a weapon's lethality. Recoil control (25%) was also a significant factor, influencing accuracy and sustained fire capability. Mobility (25%) was considered for its impact on maneuverability and engagement speed. Ease of use (20%) accounted for the weapon's learning curve and accessibility for different skill levels. Higher tiers prioritize weapons with low TTK, manageable recoil, and good mobility, making them effective and versatile choices for most players.