Call of Duty

The Top 5 Best SMGs in Warzone Season 4, Ranked

The best SMGs can be a key to victory.

Warzone 2 logo next to character aiming down sights with a SMG
Image Credit: Activision via Twinfinite

Warzone (previously Warzone 2) follows its predecessor in letting players take their own weapon builds into the battlefield. Submachine guns (SMGs) remain among the most popular thanks to their speed and strength up close. Here are the top five best SMGs in Warzone Season 4.

Warzone Season 4 dropped on June 14 and, despite the overhaul it constituted in a number of areas, featured relatively few weapon changes. SMGs were largely untouched but, thanks to the addition of the ISO 45 and health increase, there’s still been movement in our SMG rankings.

As before, the SMGs that don’t make this list miss out because they’re just as not as strong as the following five.

5) FSS Hurricane

FSS Hurricane in Warzone and MW2 Gunsmith
Image Credit: Activision via Twinfinite

Coming into this list late in Season 3, the FSS Hurricane retains its spot. It’s a jack-of-all-trades SMG and can drop enemies reliably and at decent ranges – if not as quickly as some of the stronger SMG options.

Regardless, its large magazines, solid range and easy-to-learn recoil mean its among the easiest SMGs to use in Warzone. If you’re new to CoD’s BR and are struggling with some of the bouncier SMGs, this could be what you’re after. A simple damage buff would see it rise considerably in the rankings, but the developers have refrained – so far.

  • Muzzle: AVR-T90 Comp
  • Laser: FSS OLE-V Laser
  • Underbarrel: Commando Foregrip
  • Stock: Demo Quicksilver Stock
  • Rear Grip: Phantom Grip

4) VEL 46

Image Credit: Activision via Twinfinite

The VEL 46, perhaps better known as the MP7, struggled to find its footing in Warzone’s earlier seasons. A fast fire-rate and strong mobility were negated by mediocre damage. However, consecutive damage buffs have seen it grow in viability to the point of being one of the best very-close-range weapons in the battle royale.

It still struggles (a lot) at longer ranges. As a result, we’re recommending attachments to augment its range and accuracy, but also ones that ensure you can run and gun to your heart’s content. That’s how the VEL 46 should be used:

  • Ammunition: 4.6mm Overpressured
  • Laser: VLK LZR 7MW
  • Rear Grip: Schlager Soldier Grip
  • Magazine: 50 Round Mag
  • Underbarrel: Edge-47 Grip

3) Vaznev-9K

Vaznev-9K in Warzone 2 and MW2 Gunsmith
Image Credit: Activision via Twinfinite

That’s right, we’ve dropped the Vaznev down to third. It’s the first time it’s been outside the top two in the history of this list, with it so reliable and powerful it’s always occupied first or second place. It’s still very strong, boasting excellent damage and range for a SMG.

Its recoil and headshot damage (nerfed in recent updates) are slightly weaker, but there’s only two SMGs we’ve got ahead of it right now. The best Vaznev loadout in Warzone improves its accuracy and range, without compromising too much on speed:

  • Muzzle: XTEN RR-40
  • Underbarrel: Lockgrip Precision-40
  • Magazine: 45 Round Mag
  • Rear Grip: True-Tac Grip
  • Ammunition: 9mm Overpressured

2) ISO 45

ISO 45 in Warzone and MW2 Gunsmith
Image Credit: Activision via Twinfinite

Despite only dropping with Season 4, we threw the ISO 45 straight into the bronze medal position. It’s now up to second by virtue of having one of the best close range time-to-kills (TTKs) in the entire game. Up close, it’s an absolute monster.

We’re not giving it top spot just yet; it’s still slightly too fresh to prove itself in a way that warrants the title of best SMG in Warzone. The Lachmann Sub is definitely looking over its shoulder though, especially if you run the attachments below:

  • Underbarrel: FTAC Ripper 56
  • Magazine: 45 Round Drum
  • Barrel: 9″ PTX Trainer
  • Stock: SK-3 Cheetah
  • Rear Grip: EXP Shear

1) Lachmann Sub

Lachmann Sub in Warzone 2 and MW2 Gunsmith
Image Credit: Activision via Twinfinite

The Lachmann Sub (MP5 of old) remains our favorite Warzone SMG in Season 4. Its powerful, quick and lethal up close. Its only real drawback is its moderate kick; a weakness we’re minimizing with some smartly chosen attachments. It’s also worth dealing with to get the ferocious damage and fire-rate.

Avoiding a nerf with Season 4 was important, especially as its Season 3 dominance meant we half expected one.

Our recommended build is the perfect combination of speed, accuracy and damage, letting you fly at enemies in the knowledge you’ve got the best weapon you could have for a close-range engagement:

  • Muzzle: XTEN RR-40
  • Magazine: 40 Round Mags
  • Laser: VLK LZR 7MW
  • Underbarrel: Lockgrip Precision-40
  • Rear Grip: Lachmann TCG-10

That’s all you need to know about the best SMGs in Warzone 2 Season 4. The related Call of Duty content below may pique your interest, or you can check out our other weapon class guides such as the best ARs, best sniper rifles, and best overall weapons in Warzone.

About the author

Alex Gibson

Alex was a Senior Editor at Twinfinite and worked on the site between January 2017 and March 2023. He covered the ins and outs of Valorant extensively, and frequently provided expert insight into the esports scene and wider video games industry. He was a self-proclaimed history & meteorological expert, and knew about games too. Playing Games Since: 1991, Favorite Genres: RPG, Action

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