Warzone best SMG options - the top tier submachine guns

Warzone best SMG
(Image credit: Activision)

The best Warzone SMGs out there are more broadly various in their forms and functions than you might first think. From close-quarters bullet sprayers like the MAC-10 to the middle-range all-purpose AK-74u, SMGs are one of the most versatile gun types in all of Call of Duty Warzone.

In this guide below we'll be working our way through some of the best SMGs in Warzone, talking through the best attachments to put on them, and how they're best used in actual combat. This is one of those metas that's constantly changing, but we can assure you that the top entries here look like they'll hold their own for the foreseeable future. Whatever you need, try one of the options below to experience some of the best Warzone SMGs.

1. MAC 10

Warzone mac 10

(Image credit: Activision)

The MAC 10 is probably the Warzone SMG right now. Since Cold War introduced it into the mix it's been a popular choice due to a fire rate that simply melts enemies. The recoil is obviously hell so your options are to keep it for close encounters only, or use the Warzone best MAC-10 loadouts to try keep things more controllable. If you're only going to spray and pray at point blank use things like the Agency Suppressor to boost vertical recoil control and the Steady Aim Laser to improve hip fire accuracy. If you want to squeeze more range out of it then use things things like the Agency Suppressor (again) and Field Agent Foregrip to control the recoil. You can also add in options such as the 6.1” Reinforced Heavy Barrel to improve damage range and bullet velocity. Any optic choice is also vital at range to help tighten your aim, and something like the Salvo 53 RND Fast Mag will increase you clip size so you don't empty it in one burst. 

2. AK-74u

Warzone best guns

(Image credit: Activision)

There's something quite unglamorous about the AK-47u, probably because everyone immediately thinks up to its bigger brother. However, this stubby little sub is a real workhorse of a gun. It's got decent accuracy and one of the highest damage outputs in the class. The recoil is easy to manage and with attachments like the 10.3″ Task Force  barrel to boost damage, bullet velocity, and range it can inch into assault rifle territory. If you want to go full spray and pray then using the VDV 50 RND Fast Mag and something like the Spetsnaz Grip underbarrel to help with recoil and you can keep a real wall of fire up against an enemy .

3. LC10

Warzone best guns

(Image credit: Activision)

A Cold War Season 2 addition, the LC10 is one of those Warzone SMGs that feels more like a small Assault Rifle. It performs beautifully at medium range with attachments like the SOCOM Eliminator Muzzle and Field Agent Grip Underbarrel to improve recoil, and the 11.9” Reinforced Heavy Barrel to help with range and bullet velocity - once again, a great choice for medium range. If you just want a close range hose however then things like the Salvo 52 RND Fast Mag will let you fire forever, while the 13.9” Task Force Barrel will boost your mobility to dance around your enemies. 

4. Bullfrog

Warzone best guns

(Image credit: Activision)

The Bullfrog is another good medium range choice, with a slightly slower fire-rate but a useful 50 round clip as the default. Even without changing anything you can keep the pressure on much longer before needing to reload. Add in the Stanag 85 RND magazine and you've basically got a tiny little pocket LMG. A barrel option like the 6.7” VDV Reinforced will lift damage range and bullet velocity, while the GRU Suppressor will keep you hidden and increase damages ranges again. If you are going to take advantage of the generous clip size then the Spetsnaz Grip will help manage the recoil. 

5. MP5

Modern Warfare best SMG: MP5

(Image credit: Activision)

Ah, the MP5. A true classic that debuted in Call of Duty 4, it excels once again in Modern Warfare. If you're rocking an SMG, your strongest aspect will be runnin' n' gunnin', so we recommend the attachments like the 5mW Laser to increase hip fire accuracy, the FSS Mini barrel and FTAC Collapsible stock for better Aim Down Sight speed and movement speed, and the Stippled Grip Tape for another boost for ADS. You can easily turn it into a long-range gun or a stealth build though; just check out our Modern Warfare MP5 builds guide.

6. MP7

Modern Warfare best SMG: MP7

(Image credit: Activision)

If accuracy is what you're after, despite it looking much harder to control than the lengthier MP5, the MP7 is the one. This Mini Uzi-looking SMG is like an absolute laser beam if you can control it with the right attachments, destroying enemies at range. Use a Compensator to keep the recoil down, a FSS RECON barrel for better damage range, bullet velocity and more recoil control. Then throw on a Ranger Foregrip underbarrel for even more recoil control and aiming stability, and some Granulated Grip Tape for more aiming control again.

7. Aug

Warzone best guns

(Image credit: Activision)

You can make a great close reange weapon with the Aug. Use the 5mW Laser for better hip fire, the FORGE TAC CQB Comb stock for better Aim Down Sights (ADS) speed and increased stability, the Merc Foregrip for recoil control and Stippled Grip Tape for another ADS boost. You'll have a fearsome SMG in a tight spot. However, the 622mm Long Barrel opens up really interesting long range options. Use the ranger Foregrip on the underbarrel to dampen the recoil and increase aiming stability. Then add on Granulated Grip Tape, again for more stability, and you've got a good longer range base to build on.  You can read up on our Warzone AUG loadouts for more details. 

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Leon Hurley
Managing editor for guides

I'm GamesRadar's Managing Editor for guides, which means I run GamesRadar's guides and tips content. I also write reviews, previews and features, largely about horror, action adventure, FPS and open world games. I previously worked on Kotaku, and the Official PlayStation Magazine and website.