Top SMG Loadouts for Black Ops 6 Season 1

If you’re looking to excel in close-quarter combat in Black Ops 6, equipping a well-optimized SMG is essential. We’ve compiled a list of top-tier loadouts to help you dominate your opponents.

This year’s installment of Call of Duty may not feature an extensive arsenal, but each weapon plays a pivotal role in gameplay. While assault rifles cover all-round functionality admirably, SMGs reign supreme in intense, close-range encounters.

With several SMGs at your disposal, distinguishing the top performers from the lower-tier options can be challenging. Below, we present a detailed overview of the most effective SMGs in Black Ops 6, along with the recommended loadouts for maximizing their potential.

Top SMG Loadouts in Black Ops 6

1. C9

Best C9 loadout in Black Ops 6 Season 1. — Image Credit: Dexerto

Muzzle: Compensator
Barrel: Long Barrel
Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
Rear Grip: Commando Grip
Ammunition: Flip Mag

The C9 is the initial SMG available to players, yet its remarkable adaptability makes it a top choice for all skill levels, from newcomers to seasoned veterans reaching Master Prestige. This weapon boasts minimal weaknesses, establishing it as the most well-rounded SMG in Black Ops 6.

This C9 loadout amplifies its strengths through enhanced stats, ensuring superior performance in various combat scenarios. The Compensator and Vertical Foregrip improve recoil control, while the Flip Mag significantly boosts reload speed. Additionally, the Long Barrel extends damage range by 23%. With this configuration, you’ll find yourself outgunning both assault rifles and other SMGs at close and even medium distances.

2. So much. 22

Best Tanto .22 loadout in Black Ops 6 Season 1. — Image Credit: Dexerto

Muzzle: Compensator
Barrel: Long Barrel
Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
Rear Grip: Commando Grip
Fire Mods: Rapid Fire

The Tanto. 22 stands in stark contrast to the Jackal PDW, featuring a slower fire rate but delivering greater damage per shot. This makes it ideal for mid-range skirmishes—perfect for players who prefer SMG style without the risk of vulnerability on larger maps.

Its killing speed already outpaces many Black Ops 6 weapons, and the Rapid Fire mod further reduces time-to-kill significantly. The recoil from this modification is manageable thanks to the Compensator, allowing for accurate firing even in heated encounters.

3. PP-919

Best PP-919 loadout in Black Ops 6 Season 1. — Image Credit: Dexerto

Muzzle: Compensator
Barrel: Long Barrel
Rear Grip: Commando Grip
Stock: Balanced Stock
Fire Mods: Rapid Fire

Initially dismissed by many, the PP-919 has seen a resurgence in popularity due to significant buffs and the community’s revelation about the effectiveness of the Rapid Fire mod. These enhancements have propelled its damage capabilities, boosting its time-to-kill to an impressive 257 milliseconds.

Despite potential recoil from the mod, the PP-919’s baseline recoil is low, especially with the Compensator equipped, ensuring high accuracy over various ranges.

4. Jackal PDW

Best Jackal PDW loadout in Black Ops 6 Season 1. — Image Credit: Dexerto

Muzzle: Compensator
Barrel: Long Barrel
Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
Rear Grip: Commando Grip
Stock: No Stock

Once celebrated as the leading weapon during the beta phase, the Jackal PDW has experienced a decline in status due to a series of nerfs and the rise of its competitors. However, it maintains a solid reputation for balancing damage, range, and mobility.

This loadout employs the Long Barrel and Vertical Foregrip to enhance its mid-range viability, while the Commando Grip boosts aim-down-sights speed and sprint-to-fire time, ensuring that it remains nimble on the battlefield.

5. Suction

Best Saug loadout in Black Ops 6 Season 1. — Image Credit: Dexerto

Muzzle: Compensator
Barrel: Long Barrel
Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
Rear Grip: Commando Grip
Fire Mods: Rapid Fire

Introduced in Season 1, the Saug excels in close-range encounters due to its rapid fire rate and impressive mobility. While it lacks versatility compared to other SMGs, it’s a formidable opponent in the smaller maps of Black Ops 6.

Notably, the Saug’s predictable recoil pattern makes it compatible with the Rapid Fire mod, yielding a time-to-kill of just 243 milliseconds—one of the fastest in the game, surpassed only by the KSV and Kompact 92, both of which exhibit inferior performance attributes.

Ranking All SMGs in Black Ops 6

Rank	Weapon	TTK (ms)	Max Damage Range
1	C9	246	13m
2	So much. 22	272	17 m
3	PP-919	288	17 m
4	Jackal PDW	264	15m
5	suction	264	11m
6	KSV	225	11m
7	Kompact 92	220	11m

Meta Analysis

C9 SMG in Black Ops 6. — Image Credit: Dexerto

The SMG meta in Black Ops 6 has experienced significant shifts post-Season 1 updates, which provided additional buffs for all submachine guns, leading to clearer class distinctions. Notably, the C9 has emerged as the premier SMG, being competitive across various maps and modes.

Moreover, both the Tanto. 22 and PP-919 have climbed the ranks due to the efficacy of the Rapid Fire mod, enhancing their time-to-kill (TTK) while maintaining manageable recoil. This adaptability allows them to rival and often outperform other high-tier SMGs.

The Jackal PDW and Saug also hold relevance; while the Jackal has waned since its beta dominance, it remains a solid choice for close-range fighting. Meanwhile, the Saug, newly introduced in Season 1, offers outstanding accuracy and speed, catering to aggressive playstyles.

On the flip side, the KSV and Kompact 92 struggle to find their place in this meta. The KSV falls short against the versatile C9, while the Kompact 92’s frustrating recoil renders it an inferior choice for most players.

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