In the fast-paced world of *Call of Duty*, Assault Rifles and SMGs have always been the go-to weapons for players looking to dominate the battlefield. With *Black Ops 6* introducing dynamic maps and the innovative Omnimovement feature, SMGs have surged to the forefront of the game's meta. Here, we delve into the top SMGs that you should consider wielding in *Call of Duty: Black Ops 6*.
The Best SMGs in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer

In *Black Ops 6* Multiplayer and Ranked Play, SMGs are not just popular; they are some of the best weapons you can equip. Their fast fire rates and exceptional mobility make them deadly at close quarters, which is where most engagements occur in this game. Thanks to the extensive customization options provided by Gunsmith, you can even tweak these SMGs to perform admirably at mid-range, giving them the edge over many Assault Rifles. Below are our top picks for the best SMGs in *Black Ops 6* Multiplayer, based on our hands-on testing and data from stat resources like *Warzone* Meta.
#4. PP-919: This SMG stands out for its versatility, particularly at medium range. While it may not match the agility of other SMGs in *Black Ops 6*, its slower mobility and handling are compensated by a robust 64-round magazine at base. This feature is particularly advantageous in *Black Ops 6* Ranked Play, where extended magazines are not an option, making the PP-919 a formidable choice against Assault Rifles and even Light Machine Guns.
#3. PPSh-41: A beloved classic from World War II, the PPSh-41 returned with a bang in *Black Ops 6* and *Warzone* Season 2. True to its heritage, it excels at close range with a high fire rate, excellent mobility, and handling. Its recoil is surprisingly manageable for its rate of fire, and with attachments like the Vertical Foregrip, it can become even more stable. In Multiplayer, fitting it with the iconic drum magazine ups its capacity to an impressive 55 rounds.
#2. Jackal PDW: A staple in the *Black Ops 6* meta since its beta in September 2024, the Jackal PDW offers a balanced approach. It boasts great mobility, a decent fire rate, and manageable recoil. While it doesn't excel in any one area, its overall effectiveness makes it a versatile choice suitable for any *Black Ops 6* map and mode.
#1. KSV: Reminiscent of the AK74u from previous *Call of Duty* titles, the KSV has quickly become a favorite in Ranked Play circles. Its high fire rate and exceptional mobility, combined with clean iron sights and manageable recoil, make it a top-tier choice. The KSV's base sights allow for an additional attachment slot, enhancing its accuracy or further boosting its mobility, making it perfectly suited for *Black Ops 6*'s Omnimovement.
Related: How To Unlock the Full Auto Mod in Black Ops 6 & Warzone
The Best SMGs in Black Ops 6 Zombies

In the chaotic world of *Black Ops 6* Zombies, SMGs shine as some of the most effective weapons, second only to the enigmatic Wonder Weapons. Their fast mobility and fire rates make them ideal for navigating the zombie-infested maps and mowing down hordes of the undead. Here are our top recommendations for the best SMGs in *Black Ops 6* Zombies:
#4. Kompakt 92: With an incredibly fast fire rate and a controllable recoil pattern, the Kompakt 92 is perfect for dealing high damage to elite zombies like Abominations and Amalgams.
#3. Saug: The Saug is a niche pick in *Black Ops 6* Zombies, shining brightly with its unique Akimbo attachments. This allows players to dual-wield and unleash a torrent of bullets in close quarters, significantly boosting DPS. Paired with the Napalm Burst Ammo Mod for extra fire damage, the Saug remains a potent choice despite its accuracy nerf post the launch of Citadelle des Morts.
#2. PPSh-41: While the PP-919 may boast larger magazines, the PPSh-41 outshines it in most other aspects. Its fast fire rate, solid mobility, manageable recoil, and high-capacity magazine make it an excellent choice for *Black Ops 6* Zombies. When enhanced with Pack-a-Punch and combined with Deadshot Daiquiri and its Dead Head Augment, the PPSh becomes a high-DPS machine against unarmored zombies, especially when aiming for headshots.
#1. KSV: Dominating in both Multiplayer and Zombies, the KSV's fast fire rate and solid accuracy translate into a high DPS. When fully upgraded and paired with Deadshot Daiquiri, it can effortlessly take down regular zombies and even the formidable Doppelghasts. Its high mobility synergizes well with Stamin-Up, allowing players to outrun and outmaneuver the undead with ease.
These are the top SMGs you should consider equipping in *Call of Duty: Black Ops 6* to stay ahead of the competition. Whether you're battling it out in Multiplayer or surviving the zombie apocalypse, these weapons will give you the edge you need.
*Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*