Best Warzone SMG loadouts: Attachments & setups ranked

❘ Updated: 2024-05-06T15:58:13

Activision

When it comes to close-range duels, SMGs dominate the meta. You’ll want to use this list of the best SMGs in Warzone Season 3 Reloaded, including recommended loadouts, to make sure your classes aren’t holding you back.

While assault rifles and LMGs are great options for long-range gunfights, SMGs are far superior up close. Not only do they have faster TTKs, but they also offer better mobility and handling for getting the jump on enemy players.

Both Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone provide plenty of SMGs to play with, although it can be overwhelming trying to figure out what stands out from the rest. This is especially true with all the constant buffs and nerfs in every season.

This guide on the best SMGs to use in Warzone and the recommended loadouts to get the most out of each gun should help with that.

Best Warzone SMGs, ranked

There are currently 21 SMGs in Warzone, courtesy of the Carry Forward system uniting MW2 and MW3’s armories. The latest addition to the SMG lineup was the FJX Horus in the Season 3 update.

Here are all 21 Warzone SMGs ranked from best to worst:

Striker 9
WSP-9
Striker
HRM9
WSP Swarm
FJX Horus
RAM-9
Rival-9
AMR9
Lachmann Sub
BAS-P
Fennec 45
Vaznev-9k
PDSW 528
VEL 46
FSS Hurricane
ISO 45
ISO 9mm
MX9
Minibak
Lachmann Shroud

Best SMGs in Warzone Season 3 Reloaded

These are the five best SMGs to use in Warzone Season 3 Reloaded, plus what loadouts you will want to use on each of them:

5. WSP Swarm

Best WSP Swarm Warzone Loadout

Muzzle: Trebuchet Brake
Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
Stock: FSS Fortress Heavy Stock
Ammunition: 9mm High Grain Rounds
Magazine: 50 Round Mag

The WSP Swarm has long since fallen from grace with it not featuring in the meta since Season 1. However, it can still be surprisingly strong, especially up close where it can outgun just about everything. This SMG may not be particularly versatile, but for a close-range option that melts enemies, it still does a fine job.

4. HRM-9

Best HRM-9 Warzone Loadout

Muzzle: Zehmn35 Compensated Flash Hider
Barrel: Princeps Long Barrel
Underbarrel: XRK Edge BW-4 Handstop
Magazine: 50 Round Drum
Rear Grip: PCS-90 Assault Grip

At the beginning of Season 3, the HRM-9 was undoubtedly the best SMG in Warzone. However, a hefty nerf in Season 3 Reloaded has humbled the once-meta SMG by lowering its damage. Despite the nerfs, the HRM-9 is still a viable option that some players will enjoy using over its more meta counterparts.

3. Striker

Best Striker Warzone Loadout

Muzzle: Zehmn35 Compensated Flash Hider
Barrel: Striker Recon Long Barrel
Stock: FSS Priority Tactical Stock
Underbarrel: XRK BW-4 Handstop
Magazine: 60 Round Drum

The Striker has been lurking in the shadows for some time but never quite dealt enough damage to justify using. However, a big buff in Season 3 Reloaded saw this SMG’s minimum and medium range damage both increase solving this problem. It still isn’t quite absolute meta, but the Striker is now a serious meta contender and could even become top-tier as the season progresses.

2. WSP-9

WSP-9 previewed in Call of Duty: Warzone.

Best WSP-9 Warzone Loadout

Muzzle: Zehmn35 Compensated Flash Hider
Barrel: HISS Short Light Barrel
Optic: JAK Glassless Optic
Underbarrel: XRK Edge BW-4 Handstop
Magazine: 50 Round Mag

The WSP-9 was already strong in Season 3 yet didn’t see that must use. This was largely due to the RAM-9 and HRM9 being so dominant that other SMGs weren’t worth considering. Now that they are both nerfed though this rendition of the Uzi is a fantastic option. Just be aware that with a fire rate of just 600 RPM, the WSP-9 can be trickier to use than other top-tier SMGs as missed shots ruin its TTK.

1. Striker 9

Best Striker 9 Warzone Loadout

Muzzle: Zehmn35 Compensated Flash Hider
Barrel: Striker Recon Long Barrel
Stock: Lachmann Recon Series Stock
Underbarrel: FTAC SP-10 Angled Grip
Magazine: 50 Round Drum

It was a close call between the WSP-9 and Striker 9, but the latter is the best SMG in Warzone Season 3 Reloaded. Despite not receiving any buffs, this powerful SMG has taken the top spot thanks to its impressive damage, mobility, and handling. It is a fantastic all-around weapon with a fast fire rate that is competitive at both close range and medium range.

Be sure to check out these other Warzone guides to stay ahead:

Best Warzone loadouts: Meta weapons and classes – Best Warzone One-Shot Sniper Rifle loadouts – Black Ops Gulf War (COD 2024): Leaks, zombies, campaign, more – MW3 & Warzone Season 3 Battle Pass: All rewards & tiers