Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 - All SMGs

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 brings a fresh intensity to the franchise with fast-paced gameplay and groundbreaking mechanics like omnidirectional movement, creating an electrifying battlefield experience reminiscent of the series’ golden era. These new dynamics enable players to explore unique tactics and inventive strategies, making it crucial to choose the right weapons for the job.

Submachine guns (SMGs) have long been a staple in Call of Duty’s meta, and in Black Ops 6, they’re as powerful and versatile as ever. With six SMGs available, picking the best one can give you the edge you need to outmaneuver and outgun even the quickest opponents. In this article, we’ll break down and rank all the SMGs in Black Ops 6 to help you find the perfect weapon to dominate the competition.

#6: PP-919

The PP-919 is a disappointing addition to Black Ops 6, especially considering the legacy of iconic SMGs like the MP5 and PP-19. While most SMGs in the game have distinct strengths that allow them to shine in specific situations, the PP-919 struggles to find its place on the battlefield.

This SMG suffers from a sluggish time-to-kill, combined with the slowest movement speed, ADS (aim down sights) speed, and reload time in its class. Additionally, its unpredictable horizontal bullet spread only adds to its inefficiency, making it difficult to control in intense firefights. Ultimately, the PP-919 lacks the versatility and speed needed to compete, consistently falling short in almost every combat scenario.

#5: Kompakt 92

The Kompakt 92 can be an incredibly lethal SMG in Black Ops 6 if you can maintain accuracy. With its blistering fire rate, this weapon boasts the quickest time-to-kill in its class, making it perfect for aggressive, close-range combat. Its relatively lightweight build also allows for swift movement, keeping you agile in heated firefights.

However, its intense fire rate comes with drawbacks. The Kompakt 92 has a modest magazine size and noticeable recoil, meaning you’ll often run out of bullets mid-fight. To maximize its effectiveness, focus on attachments that improve recoil control and increase magazine capacity, ensuring you can stay on target and finish off enemies without constant reloading.

#4: Tanto .22

The Tanto .22 has a unique design that almost resembles an assault rifle more than an SMG. While it offers high single-shot damage, its painfully slow fire rate leaves much to be desired, resulting in the second-worst average time-to-kill among SMGs in Black Ops 6.

Its one saving grace is a large magazine size, providing enough ammo to potentially take down two opponents before needing to reload. However, the Tanto .22 struggles with its role on the battlefield, lacking the speed and consistency expected from an SMG. Overall, it feels caught between being an assault rifle and a semi-automatic weapon, ultimately leaving it less effective in either role.

#3: Jackal PDW

The Jackal PDW has maintained its popularity since the beta, thanks to its user-friendly handling and balanced stats. With a solid time-to-kill in mid-range combat, this SMG allows players to stay competitive without sacrificing accuracy, even if a few shots miss.

On mid-range maps like Vorkuta, Vault, and Protocol, the Jackal PDW’s performance truly shines, making it a reliable choice for MVP-level gameplay. Its moderate recoil and responsive ADS allow for flexibility with attachments, so you can experiment with unique loadouts without worrying solely about stability. The Jackal PDW is the go-to choice for players seeking a well-rounded SMG that excels across various engagements.

#2: C9

The C9 may seem like a fresh addition, but it closely mirrors the classic MP5 from past titles, maintaining that familiar feel and reliability. As one of the best SMGs available early in the game, it offers a solid time-to-kill, though its damage tends to drop off at longer ranges.

Despite this range limitation, the C9 boasts excellent stats across the board, including a good magazine size, stability, and impressive DPS. Its accessibility makes it easy to pick up and master, and unlocking it early on allows players to quickly build out its attachments, giving the C9 a strong advantage in the early game.

#1: KSV

The KSV shares some similarities with the C9, but it surpasses it in terms of DPS, range, and accuracy, with only a slight compromise in fire rate. This makes the KSV one of the most reliable SMGs in Black Ops 6, boasting a highly competitive time-to-kill that excels on compact maps and remains effective at mid-range.

Maps like Payback and Babylon showcase the KSV’s versatility—whether you’re in tight indoor skirmishes or long alley fights, this weapon consistently performs at the top. Like the C9, the KSV is available early in the game, providing players with plenty of time to level it up and unlock powerful attachments. Its early accessibility and balanced power make it a top choice for those aiming to dominate the battlefield.

Conclusion

Each SMG in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 brings unique strengths and weaknesses, catering to a range of playstyles and strategic needs. From the versatile KSV and familiar C9 to niche options like the Tanto .22 and Kompakt 92, every SMG offers distinct advantages depending on your preferred approach to combat. Understanding these differences can give you an edge in both close-quarters and mid-range engagements, helping you adapt to the fast-paced, dynamic nature of Black Ops 6. By choosing the right SMG and experimenting with attachments, you can maximize your impact on the battlefield and climb the leaderboards.