As an avid Call of Duty player with over 2500 hours split across Warzone and traditional multiplayer, I live and breathe weapon stats and mechanics. SMGs dominate in Warzone 2.0 gameplay thanks to their blazing fast time-to-kill (TTK) potential at close range. Hence, in this extensive guide, I‘ll evaluate the best-in-class SMG options and provide tailored loadout suggestions for achieving victory.
Breaking Down the Stats
Before analyzing individual SMGs, let‘s overview the key statistics that determine effectiveness:
Time-To-Kill (TTK)
This critical metric indicates how quickly a weapon can down an enemy from full health. It factors in shots to kill and realistic fire rate. Lower TTK is better.
Rate of Fire (RPM)
The firing speed in rounds per minute. Higher RPM weapons send more bullets downrange.
Damage Profile
The damage dealt per shot at different body part ranges. Displayed as: Max/Upper Torso/Lower Torso/Extremities. Higher is better.
Recoil
How severely the weapon kicks upon firing. Lower recoil enables better shot control, especially in full auto.
Mobility
Determines ADS & sprint speed. Higher mobility = faster reactions and movement.
Balancing these attributes allows an SMG to dominate engagements under 25m. Now, let‘s analyze the top contenders…
XTEN RR-40
The XTEN RR-40 burst onto the scene in Warzone 2.0 with an impressive balance of power and accuracy. It quickly emerged as a fan favorite due to reliable performance and easier handling than many hard-hitting SMGs.
Key Stats:
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Damage Profile | 40/25/25/23 |
| Shots To Kill | 4/6/8/10 |
| Rate of Fire | 900 RPM |
| TTK | 200ms |
| Recoil | Very Low |
| ADS Speed | 233ms |
| Movement Speed | 92% |
| Bullet Velocity | High |
This newcomer deals less damage per shot than some alternatives, but makes up for it with excellent TTK thanks to a fast fire rate. The extremely low recoil pairs nicely with the slower, harder-hitting rounds for precisely placed shots.
While handling is a bit sluggish compared to ultra-mobile SMGs, the XTEN makes up for it with generous magazine size (50 rounds), bullet velocity, and accuracy at medium range.
Recoil Analysis
Very low bounce per shot makes it extremely easy to stay on target for repeated headshots:
Ideal Loadout
To push the XTEN RR-40 to its peak performance, I suggest augmenting it for max range and recoil control:
- Barrel: FTAC Castle Comp
- Laser: FSS OLE-V Laser
- Stock: Corio Precio Factory
- Underbarrel: FSS Sharkfin 90
- Magazine: 50 Round Mag
This loadout minimizes vertical and horizontal bounce while improving bullet velocity for increased damage at range. Combined with visual recoil reductions from the stock and laser, it becomes an absolute laser.
The mobility loss from longer barrels is counteracted by the laser‘s aim walking movement speed bonus. Faster re-centering speed between shots also improves reaction time during combat.
Tactical Analysis
I‘ve come to love the XTEN RR-40s versatility and reliability. While a tad slower handling than smaller SMGs, it makes up for it with easier control, allowing precise tracking of targets out to 18m. Recoil is very predictable even in full auto.
Reloads are slightly slower than average but are far less frequent thanks to the generous magazine size I suggest. This creates a very sustainable, well-balanced weapon that doesn‘t rely on perfectly placed shots. Just aim center-mass and let the low recoil keep shots on target!
Fennec 45
Players seeking sheer fire rate above all look no further than the Fennec 45. Its blistering rate of fire exceeds 1100 RPM – the fastest in Warzone 2.0 by a noticeable margin. The result is lightning fast TTK at close range.
Key Stats:
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Damage Profile | 42/27/25/23 |
| Shots To Kill | 4/6/8/10 |
| Rate of Fire | 1126 RPM |
| TTK | 160ms |
| Recoil | High |
| ADS Speed | 220ms |
| Movement Speed | 99% |
Such extreme RPM does have its tradeoffs. The Fennec kicks aggressively under rapid fire thanks to a lightweight build. Default magazine size is also only 30 rounds – you‘ll find yourself quickly tapping reload mid-fight.
But for sheer DPS this tiny monster reigns supreme. Capable of sub-200ms kill times inside 12 meters, it simply outpaces any human reaction time.
Recoil Analysis
The first 8 shots showcase the violently random bounce pattern before it becomes more uniform:
Controlling the initial kick and learning to pull down to compensate is key to mastering the Fennec.
Suggested Loadout
My Fennec setup focuses heavily on stability and ammunition to enable more consistent damage output:
- Laser: 5mW Laser
- Stock: FSS Close Quarters Stock
- Underbarrel: Commando Foregrip
- Magazine: 40 Round Drum
- Rear Grip: Stippled Grip Tape
I prefer the 5mW Laser over barrels to avoid mobility loss while still improving hip fire accuracy. The CQC stock enhances this by boosting sprint to fire and crouch movement speed for reactive flanking.
The Commando forgrip and rear grip help control vertical kick during continuous fire. And the 40 round drum keeps you shooting longer before the painfully slow reload.
Real World Performance
In-game footage shows just how quickly you can melt opponents inside 15 meters thanks to this setup:
I was able to take out 3 enemies in rapid succession thanks to the fast handling and quick TTK. Even 2v1 situations become winnable!
Just be warned, the visible muzzle flash while ADS makes tracking targets at mid-range more difficult. I treat the Fennec as a specialty CQB shredder rather than an all-purpose SMG.
Honorable Mentions
Beyond the top two, other SMGs certainly still have roles to fill depending on playstyle preference. Let‘s quickly touch on two more standouts before concluding.
Vel 46
Mobile players who prefer flanking and repositioning should look at the Vel 46. With a top tier movement speed rating, it allows aggressively pushing teams while still packing a punch.
A lightning fast empty reload (just 1.95 seconds) also keeps you in the fight instead of caught mid-animation. The hipfire crosshairs are wonderfully tight for playing on the move.
I use the Vel 46 successfully as a "get out of jail free" option on sniper loadouts. Paired with an SP-R 208 marksman rifle, it covers close range nicely when enemies push my position. I can quickly wipe a squad and escape using the movement speed.
Lachmann Sub
For those who already fell in love with the MP5 dominance across previous Call of Duty titles, the Lachmann Sub delivers that same solid performance. While not excelling in any one area, it brings very balanced handling perfect for newer players.
Mild vertical recoil and average TTK make it one of the more forgiving SMGs to use. Attachments like the 12" FTAC barrel add much needed damage range. Gunfighter perks allow boosting handling and reload quickness simultaneously.
While seasoned players might gravitate towards more specialized options above, the Lachmann Sub works nicely as an all-rounder primary weapon. And nostalgic fans get the same look and feel of previous MP5 iterations we already know and love.
Closing Thoughts
After extensive in-game testing and statistical analysis using resources like TrueGameData, the XTEN RR-40 stands above the pack as most well-rounded SMG across all engagement ranges. It lacks specialized niche strengths but makes up for it with versatility and consistency.
Of course personal playstyle matters hugely in weapon selection. The raw fire rate of the Fennec 45 will appeal to aggressively minded players who enjoy getting up close and personal. And mobility-focused roamers will love the Vel 46 for its nimble handling and fluidity.
Try mixing and matching suggested attachments for your natural preferences. SMG dominance relies upon playing to strengths while minimizing weakness exploitations from enemies.
I hope this guide has shed light on the current SMG meta for Warzone 2 and provided actionable suggestions for loadouts. Let me know your thoughts in the comments! What‘s working best in your experience?
