While Warzone Season 4 didn’t contain the plethora of weapon changes we’re used to, the subsequent Reloaded patch did. As a result, our recommendations for the best SMGs in Warzone have changed.
Season 4 Reloaded came on July 12, bringing a wealth of new content into Warzone and Modern Warfare 2. From the Temp V Field Upgrade to a Vondel Waterfront multiplayer map, there was a lot for all WZ players to enjoy. We also received a series of weapon buffs and nerfs, with some fan favorites being strengthened and others weakened.
For SMGs, the headline was a nerf to the ISO 45, the SMG that only debuted with Season 4 itself. It did drop hot, but it drops down our list as a result of its nerf. It stays above plenty of SMGs though, as you can see in our reworked SMG rankings.
5) PDSW 528
The PDSW 528 has flirted with this list for some time, dropping out in Season 3. It comes back for Season 4 thanks mainly to its high fire-rate and large default magazines. It’s just not powerful enough to compete with some of the heavy hitters that take the spots above it. Even so, your best loadout is detailed below:
- Muzzle: Bruen Pendulum
- Barrel: FTAC Series IX 14.5″
- Stock: CQB Stock
- Rear Grip: Bruen Q900 Grip
- Laser: VLK LZR 7MW
4) ISO 45
Shortly after it dropped with Season 4, it became clear that the ISO 45’s close range TTK was one of the best in the entire game. However, it was nerfed considerably with S4R, with the devs clearly keen to slow its explosion in popularity.
We’ve pushed it back to fourth spot below some more established and reliable SMGs. It could move back up into the medal spots if the nerf proves weaker than first feared.
- Underbarrel: FTAC Ripper 56
- Magazine: 45 Round Drum
- Barrel: 9″ PTX Trainer
- Stock: SK-3 Cheetah
- Rear Grip: EXP Shear
3) VEL 46
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 at longer ranges, explaining why our chosen attachments augment its range and accuracy, but also 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
2) Vaznev-9K
Despite another MW2 nerf, the Vaznev stays in second place. It’s still as reliable and powerful as it’s always been, boasting excellent damage and range for a SMG.
Its recoil and headshot damage (nerfed in recent updates) are slightly weaker, but there’s only one SMG 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
1) Lachmann Sub
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 S4 and S4R 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 Reloaded. 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.
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