Best SMG loadouts in Black Ops 6 Season 1 Reloaded

If you want to dominate close-range in Black Ops 6, then you can’t go wrong with an SMG, and we’ve put together the meta loadouts for all of the best options.

This year’s Call of Duty doesn’t have the biggest lineup of guns, but the ones that are there all serve a unique purpose. While Assault Rifles are great all-rounders, SMGs are the kings of close-quarters engagements.

But with several to choose from, it can be hard to separate the strong from the weak. So, here are the best SMGs in Black Ops 6, as well as the loadouts you’ll want to be using for each of them.

Best SMG loadouts in BO6

1. C9

Dexerto

• Muzzle: Compensator
• Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
• Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
• Rear Grip: Flig Mag
• Rear Grip: Ergonomic Grip

Although it’s the first SMG you get your hands on, its impressive versatility makes the C9 the top option in the current meta. Regardless of whether you are just getting started or have reached Master Prestige, it is a fantastic option that dominates up close. The C9 has very few weaknesses, with it being the most well-rounded submachine gun in BO6.

The best C9 build doubles down on its versatility by improving several key stats across the board. The Compensator and Vertical Foregrip boost recoil control, the Flip Mag improves reload speed, and the Reinforced Barrel provides a massive boost to damage range. With this loadout, you’ll be able to outgun assault rifles and SMGs alike, both up close and even at medium range.

2. Jackal PDW

Dexerto

• Optic: Kepler Microflex
• Muzzle: Compensator
• Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
• Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
• Rear Grip: Ergonomic Grip

The Jackal PDW was the standout weapon during the beta, and it has continued that form into Season 1 Reloaded. There’s a good reason why this is the SMG that pros prefer, with its predictable recoil and competitive TTK making it an accessible yet powerful option. It doesn’t quite have the same punch as the C9, but its recoil is easier to control as it kicks almost exclusively vertically.

If you value consistency and ease of use above everything else, this is the best submachine gun in Black Ops 6. This weapon’s exceptional ease of use also makes it easier to keep shots on target from further away, meaning the Jackal PDW has better range than you might expect. This is especially true if you use the Reinforced Barrel to boost damage range and turn it into a mini-AR of sorts.

3. Tanto .22

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• Muzzle: Compensator
• Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
• Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
• Rear Grip: Ergonomic Grip
• Fire Mods: Rapid Fire

In many ways, the Tanto .22 is the polar opposite of the Jackal PDW, boasting a slower rate of fire but much higher damage per shot. This makes for a weapon that’s perfect for mid-range duels, so if you like the feel of an SMG but don’t want to be left exposed on larger maps, this is the pick for you.

It already kills faster than most other Black Ops 6 guns, but the Rapid Fire mod brings the TTK down to blistering speeds. The extra recoil this produces can be largely offset by using a Compensator, which keeps the Tanto feeling nice and accurate. You’ll also want to use the Ergonomic Grip to improve handling, as this gun can feel a little sluggish without it.

4. KSV

Dexerto

• Optic: Kepler Microflex
• Muzzle: Compensator
• Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
• Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
• Rear Grip: Ergonomic Grip

When it comes to raw power, it doesn’t get much better than the KSV. This formidable SMG is capable of downing an enemy in just 225 ms. That’s the second-fastest TTK of any submachine gun in Black Ops 6, only bettered by the Kompakt 92. However, this is a much superior gun than the Kompakt, as it has better recoil and range, as well as higher mobility stats across the board.

While the KSV is undoubtedly dominant up close, it does struggle somewhat at medium range. This can be improved by using the Reinforced Barrel and the Compensator, which boost damage range and recoil control, respectively. All things considered, this isn’t quite a top-tier SMG, but its vast upsides will make it a fan favorite for those who love playing aggressively.

5. Saug

Dexerto

• Muzzle: Compensator
• Barrel: Reinforced Barrel
• Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
• Rear Grip: Ergonomic Grip
• Stock: Balanced Stock

With this being the new SMG added in Season 1, you have probably seen the Saug a lot in your lobbies. This has led to the misconception that it is an overpowered weapon, but the reality is that it’s essentially just a worse version of the C9. It has similar recoil, handling, and handling yet also has a slower TTK and worse range.

That’s not to say that it’s a bad weapon, as the Saug is still very effective and can hold its own against any other gun on this list. You just shouldn’t expect it to be out of this world, with it really just being yet another viable SMG. The only exception to this is the Akimbo Saug on tiny maps like Stakeout, where it is the most dominant weapon you can use.

All Black Ops 6 SMGs ranked

RANK	WEAPON	TTK (ms)
1	C9	246
2	Jackal PDW	264
3	Tanto .22	272
4	KSV	225
5	Saug	264
6	PP-919	288
7	Kompact 92	220

Meta analysis

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The SMG meta in Black Ops 6 has undergone substantial changes following the Season 1 Reloaded update. This patch saw several submachine guns buffed, with their range being improved considerably. This follows similar changes in the update prior that also buffed SMGs, making them very powerful options in the current meta.

The two standouts are the Jackal PDW and C9, both of which are among the best guns in the game. They are accurate, deal great damage, and offer superior versatility to other SMGs. You can’t go wrong with either of these, so feel free to try them both and see what suits your playstyle best.

Some other options to consider are the Tanto .22, KSV, and Saug. All three of these are competitive weapons that offer some kind of unique selling point but aren’t as well-rounded as the two SMGs that rank above them. Be it the Tanto’s impressive range, the KSV’s high damage, or the Saug’s high mobility stats, these are more niche weapons that can still dominate if you use them right.

As for the PP-919 and Kompakt 92, these aren’t as bad as their ranking would suggest. The PP-919 is actually a solid weapon with Rapid Fire, as this boosts its damage to levels comparable to the Jackal PDW. As for the Kompakt 92, it is deadly up close and has a sensational fire rate, but there’s really no reason to use it when the Akimbo Saug exists.

That’s everything you need to know about the best SMG loadouts in Black Ops 6. For more guidance, check out our BO6 gun tier list that ranks all of the game’s weapons from best to worst, as well as how the assault rifles compare to one another.