Warzone’s fifth season is now upon us, bringing its own series of weapon buffs and nerfs alongside all the new content. As a result, the SMG meta has shifted and our rankings of the top 5 in Warzone have changed considerably.
Season 5 dropped on August 2, tweaking a number of weapons and their in-game performances. In terms of SMGs, there were buffs to the MX9, Minibak, BAS-P, VEL 46 and Fennec 45. At the other end of the spectrum, the Lachmann Sub was nerfed, with its max-range damage and close mid-range damage decreased.
Those changes have translated to our rankings, with the Lachmann falling out of the top three for the first time ever. Here are the best five SMGs in Warzone, ranked:
5) PDSW 528
Undoubtedly the biggest strength of the PDSW is its large default magazine, offering players 50 shots. It means you can save the attachment that would normally go on extended mags and invest it elsewhere.
We’ve opted to improve speed and range, letting you fly at opponents with a lot of shots to back you up:
- Muzzle: Bruen Pendulum
- Barrel: FTAC Series IX 14.5″
- Stock: CQB Stock
- Rear Grip: Bruen Q900 Grip
- Laser: VLK LZR 7MW
4) Lachmann Sub
For the first time in Warzone 2 (now technically just Warzone), the Lachmann Sub has dropped out of the medal positions. It’s high fire-rate and snappy ADS still remain, but it’s overall viability has been decreased hugely by multiple nerfs to its damage.
In short, it just doesn’t kill as fast as it once did. We’ve dropped it down to fourth and its standing could change again if nerfs are worse than we fear. Either way, your best build is detailed below:
- Muzzle: XTEN RR-40
- Magazine: 40 Round Mags
- Laser: VLK LZR 7MW
- Underbarrel: Lockgrip Precision-40
- Rear Grip: Lachmann TCG-10
3) Vaznev-9K
Long a popular choice in Warzone and MW2, the Vaznev-9K has become a bit of a punching bag in recent seasons. It’s still objectively strong, but it’s far from the jaw-droppingly powerful SMG it once was.
Decreases to range and headshot damage mean it just doesn’t kill as fast as it once did, nor stack up as well against its weapon class counterparts. The attachments below will give you the best chance:
- Muzzle: XTEN RR-40
- Underbarrel: Lockgrip Precision-40
- Magazine: 45 Round Mag
- Rear Grip: True-Tac Grip
- Ammunition: 9mm Overpressured
2) ISO 45
The ISO 45 continues to defy its Season 4 nerf and remains one of the fastest killing guns at close-ranges. It boasts a strong fire-rate, snappy handling and strong mobility, all valuable characteristics in a SMG.
We’ve pushed it up to second spot as nerfs to competitors strengthen its grip on the weapon class. It could even close in on first depending on how Season 5 progresses.
- Underbarrel: FTAC Ripper 56
- Magazine: 45 Round Drum
- Barrel: 9″ PTX Trainer
- Stock: SK-3 Cheetah
- Rear Grip: EXP Shear
1) 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, multiple damage buffs have seen it grow in viability to the point of being the very best close-range weapon in the battle royale.
It still struggles at longer ranges, explaining why our chosen attachments augment its range and accuracy. However, up close, there’s no SMG that drops enemies faster, especially considering the strengthening it had with Season 5:
- Ammunition: 4.6mm Overpressured
- Laser: VLK LZR 7MW
- Rear Grip: Schlager Soldier Grip
- Magazine: 50 Round Mag
- Underbarrel: Edge-47 Grip
Those are the best SMGs in Warzone Season 5, ranked. For everything else CoD, Warzone and DMZ, stay with us at Twinfinite and give the related content below a perusal.
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