Best SMG loadouts in Black Ops 6 Season 5 Reloaded

If you want to dominate up close in Black Ops 6 Season 5 Reloaded, then you can’t go wrong with a meta SMG, with these being among the best weapons in the game.

Each season brings new weapons, and while the update didn’t bring a new SMG, it brought meta-changing buffs and nerfs. The same can be said for the Reloaded update, which came with even more balancing changes.

But with several to choose from and all of them being at least viable, it can be really hard to figure out which are the best SMGs to use. To help you out, we’ve ranked them all and put together the best loadouts for the standout options.

Best SMG loadouts in BO6

1. KSV

Dexerto

• Optic: Kepler Microflex
• Muzzle: Compensator
• Barrel: Long Barrel
• Underbarrel: Ranger Foregrip
• Rear Grip: Ergonomic Grip

When it comes to raw power, it doesn’t get much better than the KSV. This formidable SMG is capable of downing an enemy in just 225 ms. That’s the second-fastest TTK of any submachine gun, only beaten by the Kompakt 92. However, this is a way better gun than the Kompakt, as it is more accurate, has more range, and offers higher mobility stats across the board.

After buffs in Season 3, it’s become the best SMG in the game, and it only gets better by using the Long Barrel and the Compensator, which boost damage range and recoil control, respectively.

2. LC10

Activision / Dexerto

• Muzzle: Compensator
• Barrel: Long Barrel
• Underbarrel: Ranger Foregrip
• Magazine: Extended Mag 1
• Rear Grip: Ergonomic Grip

The LC10 is a fantastic all-rounder. It was already a strong choice ahead of the mid-season, but it only got better after the update.

With low recoil, great mobility, and a fast TTK, it’s almost impossible to go wrong with the LC10. It might lose to a faster-killing SMG like the KSV at point-blank range, but like the XM4, it’s so versatile and easy to use that you’ll never feel at a major disadvantage.

Equipping attachments like the Compensator and Ranger Foregrip makes it extremely easy to control, but if you want to lower the TTK, you can also equip the Rapid Fire Mod instead of the Magazine.

3. C9

Dexerto

• Muzzle: Compensator
• Barrel: Long Barrel
• Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
• Magazine: Flig Mag
• Rear Grip: Ergonomic Grip

Although it’s the first SMG you get your hands on, its impressive versatility makes the C9 one of the top options. Regardless of whether you are just getting started or have already reached Master Prestige, it is a fantastic weapon that dominates up close. The C9 has very few weaknesses, with it being one of the most well-rounded submachine guns in the game.

The best C9 build doubles down on its versatility by improving several key stats across the board. The Compensator and Vertical Foregrip boost recoil control, the Flip Mag improves reload speed, and the Long Barrel provides a massive boost to its range. With this loadout, you’ll be able to outgun Assault Rifles and SMGs alike, both up close and even at medium range if you’ve got the skill required.

4. Jackal PDW

Dexerto

• Optic: Kepler Microflex
• Muzzle: Suppressor
• Barrel: Long Barrel
• Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
• Rear Grip: Ergonomic Grip

While the Jackal PDW is still a great option, it’s no longer the number one SMG after it was nerfed in Season 3. It doesn’t quite have the same punch as the C9 or KSV, but that doesn’t mean you should write it off.

If you value consistency and ease of use above everything else, this might be the submachine gun for you. Its exceptional ease of use also makes it easier to keep shots on target from further away, meaning the Jackal PDW has better range than you might expect, especially with the Long Barrel equipped.

5. Tanto .22

Dexerto

• Optic: Kepler Microflex
• Muzzle: Compensator
• Barrel: Long Barrel
• Underbarrel: Vertical Foregrip
• Fire Mods: Rapid Fire

In many ways, the Tanto .22 is the polar opposite of the Jackal PDW, boasting a slower rate of fire but much higher damage per shot. This makes for a weapon perfect for mid-range duels, so if you like the feel of an SMG but don’t want to be left exposed on larger maps, this is the pick for you.

It already kills faster than most other Black Ops 6 guns, but the Rapid Fire mod brings the TTK down to blistering speeds. The extra recoil this produces can be largely offset by using a Compensator, which keeps the Tanto feeling nice and accurate. You’ll also want to use the Ergonomic Grip to improve handling, as this gun can feel a little sluggish without it.

All Black Ops 6 SMGs ranked

Meta analysis

Dexerto/Treyarch

The KSV, LC10, and C9 are frontrunners in Season 5 Reloaded’s meta, with all being fantastic options if you want to dominate using an SMG. They offer a great balance of damage, recoil control, and range that makes them competitive on every map and mode you’ll play.

While not quite on the same level, the Jackal PDW, Tanto .22, Ladra, and Saug are all very good guns that are more than capable of competing.

While the PPSh-41, PP-919, and Kompakt 92 aren’t as strong as those listed above, most of these guns are interchangeable, so feel free to try them all and see what works best for you.

For more, check out our BO6 gun tier list that ranks all of the game’s weapons from best to worst, as well as how the Assault Rifles and Sniper Rifles compare to one another.