Top SMGs in Black Ops 4

ST
Written by
Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Submachine guns in Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 deliver fast-paced, close-quarters combat excellence across multiplayer and zombies modes. These weapons shine with high fire rates, mobility, and versatility, making them staples for aggressive players. This guide ranks the standout SMGs based on performance metrics like damage output, recoil control, ammo capacity, and mode-specific utility, drawing from community insights and gameplay analysis.

Why SMGs Rule Black Ops 4

SMGs excel in **Black Ops 4** due to their balanced stats tailored for rush tactics. They offer superior handling speeds, quick ADS times, and lethal time-to-kill (TTK) in short ranges. In multiplayer, they counter assault rifles in objective-focused fights, while in zombies, wall-buy accessibility and pack-a-punch potential make them early-to-mid game powerhouses. Key factors include fire rate, damage drop-off, and operator mods like dual wield for sustained pressure.

Multiplayer SMG Tier List

In multiplayer, SMGs dominate maps with tight corridors and flanks. Rankings prioritize TTK under 20 meters, recoil patterns, and attachment synergy post-final updates.

RankSMGFire RateKey StrengthUnlock Level
1**Spitfire**Fastest (16/20)High damage, melts foesEarly
2**Saug**High (16/20)Dual wield OP52
3**Daemon 3XB**ModerateBelt feed ammoMid
4**Cordite**FastLow recoilLate
5**MX9**BalancedConvenient wall buysEarly
6**GKS**BalancedConsistent damageEarly

Spitfire: The Melt Machine

The **Spitfire** tops multiplayer charts with its blistering fire rate and extended max damage range up to 6 meters—double some rivals. It shreds in full-auto sprays, ideal for hip-fire rushes. Pair with grip for recoil taming and extended mags for prolonged engagements. Drawback: High recoil demands map awareness.

Saug: Dual Wield Dominance

Unlock at level 52, the **Saug** boasts 36-round mags and near-top fire rate. Its operator mod enables dual wield, turning it into a bullet hose. Recommended optics: Reflex or Holographic for precision. Tactics include flanking and objective plants—pure aggression wins games.

Daemon 3XB and Cordite: Ammo Kings

**Daemon 3XB** edges out with belt feed (230 extra rounds via operator mod), low recoil, and solid TTK. **Cordite** follows with fast fire and minimal kick, perfect for spray control. Both shine post-updates, outpacing older SMGs in sustained fights.

Zombies Mode SMG Breakdown

Zombies demands SMGs for point farming and mob clearing. Wall buys, ammo efficiency, and pack-a-punch scaling define viability up to round 20+.

  • Best Overall: Hell’s Fury (M19-27) – Tommy gun vibes with high damage, decent fire rate, low recoil, and massive ammo. Belt mod boosts reserves.
  • Runner-Up: Spitfire – High damage/fire rate mimic Vesper from BO3; excels early-mid but ammo-hungry.
  • MX9/GKS Duo – Identical damage, wall buys everywhere; reliable point weapons to round 15.
  • Safe Starter: SOG 9mm – Improved Askarga with attachments/dual wield; fades post-round 10.

Avoid classics like Askarga beyond early rounds due to no attachments and low scaling.

Optimal Zombies Loadouts

SMGBest ForPack-a-Punch PerksWall Buy Cost
Hell’s FuryMid-High RoundsBelt Feed, High CapacityMystery Box
SpitfireMob ClearFire Rate Boost500-1250
MX9Early PointsAmmo EfficiencyWall Buy

Best Attachments and Perks

Customizing SMGs maximizes potential. General rule: Prioritize mobility and control.

Universal Attachments

  • Grip: Recoil reduction for all high-kick guns like Spitfire.
  • Extended Mags: Essential for zombies ammo sustain.
  • Laser Sight: Hip-fire accuracy in CQC.
  • Suppressor: Stealth flanks in multiplayer.

Perks for SMG Playstyles

  • Multiplayer Aggro: Lightweight (speed), Dexterity (slide cancel), Dead Silence (quiet steps).
  • Zombies Survival: Quick Revive, Jugger-Nog synergy, Speed Cola for faster reloads.

Class Setup Examples

Spitfire Flanker:
– Attachments: Grip, Extended Mag, Reflex.
– Perks: Lightweight, Dexterity, Hunter Killer.
– Lethal: Frag, Tactical: Concussion.

Saug Dual Rush:
– Operator Mod: Dual Wield.
– Optics: Threat Detector.
– Perks: Dead Silence, Cooldown.

Advanced Strategies and Tips

Master SMGs by leveraging **Black Ops 4**’s movement: Slide-cancel chains, dropshot peeks, and bunny hops amplify TTK advantages. In zombies, train hordes into wall buys for efficient clears. Post-final patch, VMP and Saug regained OP status—practice recoil patterns in bots.

  • Map-Specific: Use Spitfire on Nuketown for endless sprays.
  • Counterplay: Switch to ARs if enemies stretch fights beyond 10m.
  • Updates Impact: Final patches buffed Daemon/Cordite ammo, nerfed early MX9 slightly.

FAQs

What is the absolute best SMG in Black Ops 4 multiplayer?

The **Spitfire** for its unmatched fire rate and damage range, though Saug dual wield is meta for pros.

Which SMG for Black Ops 4 zombies high rounds?

**Hell’s Fury** with belt mod handles rounds 20+ effortlessly due to ammo and stability.

How to unlock Saug?

Reach level 52; grind multiplayer matches efficiently with any SMG class.

Are there wall buys for all SMGs in zombies?

Most like MX9/GKS yes; Hell’s Fury requires mystery box.

Best optics for SMGs?

Reflex or Holographic for quick target acquisition; Threat Detector reveals enemies through smoke.

Conclusion

SMGs define **Black Ops 4**’s aggressive meta, with Spitfire leading multiplayer and Hell’s Fury zombies. Experiment with setups to fit your style—dominate lobbies today.

References

  1. BO4 “Best to Worst” #3: Submachine Guns in COD Black Ops 4 — YouTube (sZI2iyQ2LZA). N/A.
  2. SUBMACHINE GUNS RANKED FROM WORST TO BEST – Black Ops 4 Zombies — YouTube (JQf8OPJIkfI). N/A.
  3. RANKING EVERY SMG IN BLACK OPS 4 — YouTube (w3Q4_-Yk9pA). N/A.
  4. Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 Best SMG – SAUG Tips, Tactics, Loadouts — MP1st. N/A. https://mp1st.com/news/call-duty-black-ops-4-best-smg-saug-tipstactics-loadouts
  5. Ranking Every SMG After Final Update | Black Ops 4 — YouTube (xlqfbzLxmN8). N/A.
‹›