Best SMGs In Black Ops 6

Key Takeaways

• SMGs like Jackal PDW cater to swift, close-quarters playstyles in Black Ops 6 with balanced nerfs.
• Unique SMGs like Tanto .22 and KSV offer different playstyles with varying strengths and weaknesses.
• Early-game options like C9 and PP-919 provide powerful, well-rounded choices for aggressive gameplay.

In the intense, fast-paced world of Black Ops 6, players are likely to find themselves in a variety of close-quarters combat situations where the likes of sniper rifles won’t win them a gunfight. Instead, plenty of people turn to submachine guns (SMGs) to win their battles, and the latest installment of Call of Duty has plenty of great options to choose from.

Known for their mobility, rapid-fire capabilities, and effectiveness in tight spaces, SMGs cater to those who prefer a swift, aggressive playstyle. Each of the options has its unique strengths and weaknesses, and if players want to succeed on the battlefield, they must know the perks and drawbacks of these effective firearms.

Updated December 5, 2024 by Charlie Champion: The first season for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is well underway, and with it comes a new battlepass full of unlockable rewards for players to grind for. One of the most noteworthy additions is the SAUG SMG, a fast-firing weapon that’s shaken up the meta in multiplayer matches.

7 Kompakt 92

Late Game Let Down

When it comes to Fire Rate, there’s no other SMG quite like the Kompakt 92. However, its biggest strength is also a huge detriment to its play during online matches, as the rapid-fire increases its recoil, making the handling less than ideal. With the right attachments equipped, though, it can still be turned into a close-ranged powerhouse.

Even with a smart loadout, it still excels primarily at short distances, with any encounter over that typically resulting in being outgunned by stronger Assault Rifles or even better SMGs. An extended magazine is a must on the submachine gun, as the ammo reserve drains frustratingly quickly due to the staggering rpm.

6 Jackal PDW

Balanced By A Reasonable Nerf

When the Black Ops 6 Beta was released to the public, it was generally agreed upon that the Jackal PDW was one of the best guns in the game. Now, upon full release, the gun has seen some balancing updates to its performance, but luckily, it hasn’t been nerfed into obscurity. Instead, it’s an entirely solid pick for the SMG class, especially with the right attachments.

The biggest strength of this gun is its mobility, so players looking to make the most of the new omnimovement system would get a real kick out of the Jackal PDW. The range is also reasonable, so long as the lower accuracy is compensated for with the right underbarrel and grip.

5 Tanto .22

Assault Rifle In Disguise

The Tanto breaks the mold of the typical submachine gun, as it drops the usual high rate of fire for blistering damage instead. It might take some getting used to, as the slow and steady stream of bullets is certainly unusual for an SMG. Once players get to grips with it, though, their accuracy will be duly rewarded with regular three-shot kills.

It’s especially effective at range when compared to other guns in its class, too, and this versatility sets it apart from other close-range options, as it’s a more well-rounded approach to combat. However, with the quick time-to-kill, missing even just one bullet can spell the difference between life and death, so players should use the Tanto with caution, especially in close-quarter encounters.

4 SAUG

Close Range Demon

Players using SMGs can expect to excel in close-range encounters, and the SAUG SMG might do it better than any of its competitors. With its blistering rate of fire and lightweight design, the SAUG is perfect for close-quarters combat, though it does seriously struggle when some range is added into the equation.

Its recoil is more than manageable, but the SAUG is definitely a better choice for players who prefer a run-and-gun playstyle. Thanks to its smaller frame, it can even be wielded akimbo (an attachment unlocked at the weapon’s 38th level), effectively doubling its firepower in tighter situations.

3 KSV

Underrated SMG

The submachine gun class is one of the more popular picks for a reason, and that’s because practically every weapon is a solid option. One that seems to be often swept under the rug, however, is the KSV SMG, and plenty of players might be missing out. Unlocked early in the game, it’s an incredibly well-rounded choice.

The range on offer is perhaps the gun’s main limiting factor, but everything else, from its mobility to its handling, is top-notch. Compared to the rest in its class, the KSV has one of the higher damage outputs, too. With this SMG in hand, players can expect quick kills, especially when they’re fighting at a closer range.

2 C9

Early Game Heavy Hitter

A player of any previous Call of Duty, or any other popular shooter for that matter, will immediately recognize the C9 as an MP5 lookalike, and they’ll be glad to know it plays just as similarly, too. There isn’t a direct flaw to the C9’s game other than the expected slight difficulty at range, but even that’s some of the best in class.

Its damage is nothing to laugh at, and the rounds fly out of the gun at a decent enough speed, too; the recoil can be a little tricky to handle at times, though, but that’s easily remedied with some smart attachments. It’s been common in the past for guns unlocked early to be meta, and with these attributes, the C9 is definitely the latest addition to the trend.

1 PP-919

More Bullets Means More Kills

The PP-919 is the perfect SMG for players looking to be aggressive on the battlefield. It boasts the largest magazine size, allowing players to sprint, slide, and dive around maps without having to reload between every kill. It even makes going for Scorestreaks that little bit easier, since there’s less downtime between hostile encounters.

It’s not only one of the best SMGs in Black Ops 6, but it’s arguably one of the best guns in the game full stop. The handling is a dream, and the movability whilst using the submachine gun is suitably smooth. Whether players find themselves in a close-range skirmish or trading shots at further distances, the PP-919 is an incredibly reliable gun suited to dominate any multiplayer match.