10 Best SMGs in Call of Duty: Warzone Last Stand Season 5

Submachine guns are close-range beasts that boast an insanely high fire rate and a disgustingly high damage output. They especially excel in Caldera, where close-quarter fights are much more frequent and intense. If you want to melt the competition this season before the release of Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone 2, then you’ll definitely want an SMG in your loadout. 

In this article, we’ll be looking at the best submachine guns in Warzone: Last Stand Season 5, as well as their most powerful loadouts so that you can come out of every chaotic, close-quarter fight on top.  

Let’s get started!

10 Best SMG’s in Warzone: Last Stand Season 5

So far, there are a total of thirty-four submachine guns in Warzone, making it one of the largest weapon classes. Although there are more than enough options to choose from, there are only a select few that are dominating the meta. Below, we’ll be listing the top ten best submachine guns, and highlighting their best loadouts and unlock requirements. 

1. H4 Blixen

Warzone’s Most Powerful SMG

This new and broken addition to the SMG class holds first place in the Season 5 meta. Although a couple of its star attachments did receive nerfs in the Season 5 patch, they were not enough to topple its throne. 

It takes traits from the Sten and the PPSh-41 from Vanguard, which are both very strong picks for Season 5. It boasts incredible mobility, accuracy, and a solid fire rate. Immediately pick up this new SMG in Caldera if you want to sweep the competition in any close to mid range engagement. 

No challenge needs to be completed to get this overpowered weapon, so you can use it right away!

Best Loadout

• Muzzle: Recoil Booster 
• Barrel: Bergström 17″ F3
• Optic: Slate Reflector 
• Stock: Removed Stock 
• Underbarrel: SG98 Compact 
• Magazine: 9mm 72 Round Mags 
• Ammunition: FMJ Rounds 
• Rear Grip: Taped Grip 
• Perk 1: Fleet
• Perk 2: Quick

This particular build mainly focuses on improving your damage, mobility, and control so that you can quickly get in, melt the enemy, and get out. This build also makes the H4 Blixen more of a mid-range contender so that you’re not just limited to close range engagements. It’s fast, flexible, and disgustingly strong in Caldera and Rebirth Island.  

2. MP40

Warzone’s Most Balanced SMG

This WW2 beast has remained extremely strong and popular for a reason. Its base stats are well-rounded, and although it may not have as high of a fire rate as other SMGs, its TTK and mobility are phenomenal and are made even better with the best attachments. 

Despite the nerf that it received to its damage output back in Season 2, the Season 5 patch left it untouched. It is a reliable and strong pick that can beat out other top-tier SMGs that did receive nerfs in the Season 5 patch like the Amraguerra 43 and the PPSh-41 from Vanguard. 

Reach Level 16 and it’s all yours! 

Best Loadout

This loadout further highlights the MP40’s major strengths — its TTK and its mobility. It will also adjust its recoil so that it is more manageable and enjoyable to use. The Recoil Booster and the VDD 189mm Short drastically boost your TTK, and help the gun maintain its damage from medium range. 

The Krausnick 33M Folding, m1941 Hand Stop, and the Stippled Grip all increase your mobility, and improve your recoil. The Slate Reflector is a basic but reliable optic that will help you down your opponents every time. 

Lengthened ammunition will only further increase your TTK, while your Steady and Quick perks will help you move even faster. This build is nothing short of lethal and will serve you very well in Caldera, and Rebirth Island.  

3. PPSh-41 (Vanguard)

Warzone’s Fastest Firing SMG

This lightning-fast powerhouse came out of the Season 5 patch with a significant buff, unlike the Armaguerra 43. The 8mm Nambu 71 Mags got their damage penalty removed, which makes them stronger in close-range fights. 

The ZAC 300mm Barrel received an even more substantial buff. The barrel’s hip-fire accuracy penalty was decreased by 5%, and its damage range was increased by 5%. Not only does this attachment further improve the PPSh-41’s already disgusting fire rate, but it also sharply increases its damage. The PPSh-41 also boasts excellent mobility, control, and accuracy. 

Grind your way to Level 51, and it’s yours!

Best Loadout

• Muzzle: Recoil Booster 
• Barrel: ZAC 300mm
• Optic: Slate Reflector
• Stock: Kovalevskaya Skeletal
• Underbarrel: M1941 Hand Stop 
• Magazine: 8mm Nambu 71 Round Mags
• Ammunition: Hollow Point 
• Rear Grip: Stippled Grip 
• Perk 1: Tight Grip
• Perk 2: Quick

This loadout takes both of the newly buffed attachments and uses them to create something terrifyingly strong. This build, which was inspired by a Call of Duty content creator named Marathon, gives you an enormous magazine, an incredible fire rate, and an insane damage output so that you can quickly overpower any enemy you come across in Caldera or Rebirth Island. 

It’s crazy fast, aggressive, and has impeccable hip-fire accuracy. Although it mainly excels in close-range fights, it can also hold its own in a mid-range engagement.  

4. Armaguerra 43

Warzone’s Most Resilient SMG

This relatively new addition to the SMG class was the undisputed champion back in Season 4. Although this new SMG received some very heavy nerfs to many of its best attachments in Season 4 and in the Season 5 patch, it is surprisingly still considered a top-tier pick. Its solid range, accuracy,  and insane fire rate are its strongest qualities. With just the right attachments, it can still dominate this season. 

Although it used to have an unlock challenge, you can now use this new SMG right away in Season 5!

Best Loadout 

• Muzzle: Recoil Booster
• Barrel: Botti 315mm CII
• Optic: Slate Reflector
• Stock: Imerito SA Folding
• Underbarrel: Mark VI Skeletal
• Magazine: 9mm 60 Round Mags
• Ammunition: Lengthened
• Rear Grip: Polymer Grip
• Perk 1: Hardscope
• Perk 2: On-Hand

This build focuses on improving the weapon’s recoil, damage output, and already disgusting fire rate so you can shred the competition at close-range. The Recoil Booster and the Botti 315mm CII will boost both your fire rate, and damage output. 

The Imerito SA Folding, Mark VI Skeletal, and Polymer Grip will boost your recoil control, and your ADS speed so you can act faster than your enemy. Lengthened ammunition improves your bullet velocity, and the 9mm 60 Round Mags give you the extra firepower that you desperately need. Despite the many nerfs the Armaguerra 43 has been hit with, this build will make it an unstoppable heavy-hitter if you can consistently land your shots. 

5. Marco 5

Warzone’s Most Popular SMG

Although this close-range beast received some significant nerfs to its damage output and key attachments in the Season 5 patch, it is one of the most popular weapons in Warzone right now. When it was released in Season 4, it quickly rose to the top of its class and has continued to stay very strong in the Season 5 meta.  

It has excellent mobility, and its reliable hip-fire accuracy makes it an absolute steamroller in close-range fights. It may not be as powerful as it once was, but it still packs an insanely strong punch with the correct attachments. 

You’ll need to get fifteen hip fire kills to pick it up, which shouldn’t take too long if you play Rebirth Island.

Best Loadout

• Muzzle: Recoil Booster
• Barrel: Imerito 342mm 04P
• Optic: Slate Reflector 
• Stock: Imerito FR
• Underbarrel: Mark VI Skeletal
• Magazine: 8mm Nambu 62 Round Drums 
• Ammunition: Lengthened 
• Rear Grip: Taped Grip 
• Perk 1: Frenzy 
• Perk 2: Quick

This build mainly enhances the Marco 5’s mobility and fire rate so that it can be faster and deadlier. The Recoil Booster improves your fire rate, while the Imerito FR stock and Mark IV Skeletal underbarrel increase your mobility. 

The Imerito 342mm 04P boosts your headshot damage, and the 8mm Nambu 62 Round Drums give you all the ammo you’ll need to be aggressive and lethal in close-quarter gunfights.

Quick, which increases your move speed, gives you that extra speed that can really make a difference when you’re in a tight spot and need to act fast. This build keeps the Marco 5 incredibly strong regardless of its nerfs. It’s an extremely popular build that won’t be falling out of the meta easily. 

6. Type 100

Warzone’s Most Accurate SMG

This high-powered SMG absolutely slaps the competition with its excellent accuracy, fire-rate, and mobility. Its accuracy and fire-rate specifically are what makes it so lethal. 

Unlike its top Vanguard competitors, it was left alone by the Season 5 patch. It is crazy strong at close range and can compete in medium range engagements as well. With the right attachments, this SMG can easily beat the most meta SMGs right now. 

Work your way to Level 39 to get it — that’s it! 

Best Loadout

• Muzzle: Recoil Booster  
• Barrel: Warubachi 134mm Rabid 
• Optic: Slate Reflector 
• Stock: Warubachi Grip Folding 
• Underbarrel: M1930 Strife Angled 
• Magazine: 9mm Kurz 48 Rounds Drum
• Ammunition: Subsonic 
• Rear Grip: Taped Grip 
• Perk 1: Acrobatic 
• Perk 2: Quick

This loadout enhances the Type 100’s main strengths, which are its fire-rate and its mobility. The Recoil Booster and the Warubachi 134mm Rapid will boost your fire-rate and damage range. 

Both the Taped Grip and the Warubachi Grip Folding will increase your mobility so you can act fast and be aggressive in stressful, close-quarter situations. The Slate Reflector is a basic but perfect optic that allows you to zero in on your enemies and eliminate them consistently. 

The 9mm Kurz 48 Round Drums give you enough ammo to clear an enemy squad if need be, while your perks supply you with more movement and sprint speed. This is the perfect build for an aggressive player that can quickly navigate Caldera and always stay a few steps ahead of their enemy. 

7. RA 225

Warzone’s Newest SMG

This brand new SMG has definitely been outshined by its Vanguard predecessors; however, it still has a strong spot in the current meta. Its high fire-rate and excellent mobility make it a powerful close-range beast. 

Although its damage output is a bit underwhelming when compared to other top-tier SMGs, attachments can boost this stat and make it more of a close-range contender. JGOD, a well-known YouTuber who specializes in Warzone, shared his best build for the RA 225, which became very popular and inspired many other similar builds.  

You will need to get fifteen headshot kills to unlock this overpowered SMG. Once again, this task should not take you too much time to complete if you play Plunder or Rebirth Island. 

Best Loadout

• Muzzle: Recoil Booster
• Barrel: Moravec 18” Needle
• Optic: Slate Reflector
• Stock: Moravec MB
• Underbarrel: M1941 Hand Stop 
• Magazine: 9mm 44 Round Drums 
• Ammunition: Lengthened 
• Rear Grip: Taped Grip 
• Perk 1: Acrobatic 
• Perk 2: Quick

This specific build really focuses on improving the RA 225’s jarring recoil and low damage range. The Recoil Booster and the Moravec 18” Needle help fix your recoil, and provide better damage range. The Slate Reflector lets you zoom in on your targets without adding any real negative effects. 

The Taped Grip boosts your recoil control and mobility, while the M1941 Hand Stop increases your recoil control even more. Your perks give you even more mobility so that you can be fast, aggressive, and deadly in close-range combat. 

The 9mm 44 Round Drums give you way more firepower, and allow you to be even more aggressive. Although the RA 225 is best suited for close-range fights, this build makes it a bit more of a mid-range contender. 

8. Welgun

Warzone’s Most Reliable SMG

Although the Welgun has received a slew of nerfs over the last couple seasons, it still remains a popular and viable pick for Season 5. It came out of the Season 5 patch without a nerf, and it has an insane fire rate and TTK.

This close-to-mid range monster deletes opponents quickly, and has great damage output. With the right attachments, it can easily compete with higher-tier Vanguard SMGs. 

This insanely strong SMG is available right away in Season 5!  

Best Loadout

• Muzzle: Recoil Booster
• Barrel: 320mm SA Shrouded
• Optic: Slate Reflector
• Stock: Removed Stock
• Underbarrel: Mark IV Skeletal
• Magazine: 7.62 Gorenko 40 Round Mags
• Ammo Type: Hollow Point
• Rear Grip: Taped Grip
• Perk 1: Acrobatic
• Perk 2: Quick

This particular build turns the Welgun into more of a medium range contender, and makes its already disgusting fire rate even better. It also greatly enhances its mobility so that you can be more aggressive. 

The Recoil Booster and the 320mm SA Shrouded Barrel increase your fire rate and damage range. If you prefer an even better fire rate over damage range, sub the 320mm SA Shrouded out for the 120mm Gawain Short. 

The Removed Stock, Mark VI Skeletal underbarrel, and the Taped Grip all significantly boost the Welgun’s mobility. The 7.62 Gorenko 40 Round Mags, when combined with the above attachments, give you an exceptional TTK. 

Hollow Point ammunition allows you to deal even more damage, while your perks increase your mobility even more. This is a super fast and high-damage build that can easily wipe out enemy teams if you aren’t afraid to be aggressive. 

9. Owen Gun

Warzone’s Most Satisfying SMG

The Owen Gun wasn’t as popular as its Vanguard peers in previous seasons, but it’s quickly gained more popularity due to its incredible TTK potential. Its ease of use, high fire-rate, and solid damage range make it a very strong and satisfying pick for Rebirth Island and Caldera. Although it has received heavy nerfs in the past, it remained unchanged after the Season 5 patch.

Reach Level 29 and this SMG is all yours!

Best Loadout

• Muzzle: Recoil Booster
• Barrel: Gawain 188mm Shrouded 
• Optic: M38/Slate 2.5x Custom
• Stock: Gawain H4 Folding
• Underbarrel: Carver Foregrip 
• Magazine: 8mm Kurz 60 Round Drum Mags 
• Ammo Type: Lengthened  
• Rear Grip: Polymer Grip
• Perk 1: Acrobatic
• Perk 2: Quick

This loadout makes the Owen Gun a stronger mid-range weapon, reduces its recoil, and gives it more mobility. The Recoil Booster improves your recoil, while the Gawain 188mm Shrouded boosts its damage range. The M38/Slate 2.5x Custom makes the Owen Gun more of a mid-range fighter. 

The Carver Foregrip improves your recoil control even more, while Lengthened ammo increases your bullet velocity. Your perks give you more mobility so that you move faster and be more aggressive. 

The 8mm Kurz 60 Round Drum Mags significantly increase your firepower, and allow you to be even more aggressive. This loadout is versatile and deadly in Rebirth Island and Caldera, and can easily compete with other higher-tier SMGs. 

10. UGR

Warzone’s Most Underestimated SMG

This underrated Black Ops: Cold War SMG was in the dark until it received a decent buff in the Season 5 patch. Its magazine capacity was increased from 40 to 45. Its Explosive Flechettes, which had a magazine capacity of 36, were drastically increased to 50. 

The Explosive Flechettes give players fourteen extra bullets in each clip, and additional damage with each bullet. This unexpected buff, which significantly boosts the UGRs TTK, has made the UGR a much stronger and more viable option for Season 5. 

Although its fire-rate isn’t as high as some of its Vanguard peers, its solid accuracy, high-damage, and exceptional mobility and control shouldn’t be overlooked.

The UGR definitely has the most complicated unlock requirement out of all the SMGs on this list. While using an SMG, you will need to kill an enemy revealed by your Spy Plane, UAV, or Field Mic in fifteen different completed matches. This is a challenge that will take some time to complete, but less time if you stick to respawn modes like Plunder.

Best Attachments

• Muzzle: GRU Suppressor 
• Barrel: 10.7” Task Force 
• Laser: Tiger Team Spotlight
• Underbarrel: Bruiser Grip 
• Magazine: Explosive Flechettes

This build obviously isn’t complete without the recently buffed Explosive Flechettes. The rest of the build buffs the UGR’s damage output, range, and ADS speed. The GRU Suppressor helps with recoil control, keeps you hidden, and improves your bullet velocity and damage range. 

The 10.7” Task Force increases your damage range and bullet velocity. Tiger Team Spotlight gives you more movement speed and aim walking speed. Finally, the Bruiser Grip improves your movement speed, sprinting move speed, shooting move speed, and aim walking movement speed. This lethal loadout makes the UGR a formidable adversary, and an extremely fun alternative option for Rebirth Island and Caldera.

Join the High Ground 

Submachine guns make up one of the largest and strongest weapon classes in Warzone right now. With its many compact spaces, Caldera creates many stressful close-range encounters where speed and high-damage output are critical. Pair one of the best submachine guns this season with a powerful assault rifle, and you’re ready to steamroll the competition. What submachine gun is your favorite to use this season? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter! 

Happy gaming! 

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