Ultimate Best SMGs in BF2042: Complete Tier List March 2026
What are the best SMGs in Battlefield 2042? The top-tier SMGs in BF2042 are the PP-29, K30, and AC9, offering exceptional close-range dominance with fast time-to-kill and versatile loadout options that excel in the current Season 7 meta.
After grinding through hundreds of hours in Battlefield 2042 since launch and especially during Battlefield 2042’s recent player surge, I’ve tested every SMG extensively across all game modes. With Season 7 marking Battlefield 2042’s final update, the SMG meta has finally stabilized, making this the definitive time to master these close-range powerhouses.
| SMG Tier | Best Weapons | Ideal Range | Playstyle |
|---|---|---|---|
| S-Tier | PP-29, K30, AC9 | 0-30m | Aggressive/Versatile |
| A-Tier | PBX-45, SCZ-3 | 0-25m | Balanced |
| B-Tier | MP9, P90 | 0-20m | Ultra-aggressive |
| C-Tier | AKS-74U, PP2000 | 0-25m | Situational |
S-Tier SMGs: The Meta Dominators
PP-29 – The Versatile Champion
The PP-29 remains my go-to SMG for almost any situation in Battlefield 2042. With its massive 53-round magazine and surprisingly manageable recoil pattern, I’ve consistently dominated both close-quarters fights and medium-range engagements that other SMGs can’t handle. What sets the PP-29 apart is its incredible versatility – I can push objectives aggressively without worrying about constant reloads, which has saved me countless times in heated Breakthrough matches.
My preferred PP-29 loadout focuses on maximizing its already impressive range capabilities. I run the Champion Muzzle Brake for recoil control, the Standard Issue magazine (already generous at 53 rounds), and the TV 2X scope for those medium-range picks. This setup has netted me consistent 30+ kill games on maps like Kaleidoscope and Manifest where engagement distances vary wildly.
K30 – The Close-Range Monster
When I need pure aggression and the fastest time-to-kill under 25 meters, the K30 is unmatched. This SMG melts enemies so quickly that I’ve won numerous 1v3 situations simply by positioning myself correctly and hitting my shots. The community consensus aligns perfectly with my experience – the K30’s 1100 RPM fire rate creates an almost unfair advantage in close-quarters combat.
For my K30 build, I prioritize hip-fire accuracy and sprint-to-fire speed. The Shortened Barrel, Cobra Grip, and Close Combat Ammo create a run-and-gun monster that excels on infantry-focused maps. I’ve found this setup particularly devastating on Exposure’s underground sections where every engagement happens within the K30’s optimal range.
AC9 – The TTK King
The AC9 surprised me when I first unlocked it, quickly becoming one of my favorite SMGs for aggressive flanking maneuvers. Its time-to-kill rivals the K30 while offering slightly better range potential, making it perfect for my flanking playstyle on larger maps. The weapon’s consistent damage model means I can confidently challenge assault rifle users at ranges where other SMGs would struggle.
A-Tier SMGs: Reliable Performers
PBX-45 – The Beginner’s Best Friend
Statistically speaking, the PBX-45 might actually be the best weapon in the entire game, and I can’t argue with the numbers. Its damage range of 28-13 with 400 m/s bullet velocity creates an incredibly forgiving weapon that new players can immediately succeed with. I often recommend the PBX-45 to friends just starting their Battlefield journey because it teaches good habits while remaining competitive at higher skill levels.
My stealth PBX-45 build uses the 6KU Suppressor, allowing me to flank enemy positions without appearing on the minimap. Combined with the Extended Magazine and Maul Hybrid 1.5-3X scope, I’ve created a silent killer that excels in Portal’s tactical game modes where sound suppression matters.
SCZ-3 – Season 7’s Dark Horse
The SCZ-3 emerged as Season 7’s surprise contender, and after extensive testing, I understand why the community has embraced it. This SMG strikes a perfect balance between fire rate and damage, sitting comfortably between the PP-29’s versatility and the K30’s aggression. I’ve found it particularly effective when playing with squads, as its predictable recoil pattern allows for consistent team support.
B-Tier SMGs: Situational Specialists
MP9 & P90 – The Niche Picks
While the MP9 and P90 can absolutely dominate in specific scenarios, I find their limited effective range holds them back from higher tiers. The MP9’s extreme fire rate makes it lethal in point-blank encounters, but I’ve lost too many fights at 20+ meters to recommend it for general use. Similarly, the P90’s unique magazine system is interesting, but it doesn’t offer enough advantages over the S-tier options to justify regular use.
That said, I’ve had success with both weapons on Operation Locker-style Portal servers where every fight happens within 15 meters. In these environments, their weaknesses become irrelevant, and their strengths shine through.
C-Tier Vault SMGs: Legacy Options
AKS-74U & PP2000 – Nostalgia Over Performance
The Vault weapons, including the AKS-74U and PP2000, simply can’t compete with the base game SMGs in terms of raw performance. I’ve tried making these weapons work out of nostalgia for previous Battlefield titles, but the statistical disadvantages are too significant to overcome. The AKS-74U’s slower fire rate and the PP2000’s limited magazine capacity put them at a severe disadvantage in the current meta.
Optimal Loadout Strategies for Battlefield 2042 SMGs
Through my extensive testing across different game modes and maps, I’ve identified three core loadout philosophies that consistently perform well in the Season 7 meta:
The Aggressive Rusher: K30 or AC9 with hip-fire attachments, smoke grenades, and the Assault specialist for maximum close-range lethality. This setup dominates on maps like Discarded and Stranded where objectives force close-quarters combat.
The Versatile Flanker: PP-29 or SCZ-3 with balanced attachments, proximity sensors, and Sundance for mobility. I use this loadout when I need to adapt to varying engagement ranges while maintaining flanking potential.
The Stealth Operator: Suppressed PBX-45, insertion beacon, and Rao for disruption. This combination excels in Hazard Zone and Portal’s tactical modes where information warfare matters as much as gunplay.
Platform-Specific SMG Performance Considerations
While testing these SMGs across PC and console via cross-platform gameplay, I’ve noticed that controller players benefit more from the PP-29’s stability, while mouse and keyboard users can maximize the K30’s aggressive potential through superior recoil control. Console players should prioritize SMGs with larger magazines and more forgiving recoil patterns.
The cross-platform functionality has allowed me to verify that these tier rankings hold true across all platforms, though input method does influence optimal weapon choice.
Advanced SMG Tactics and Map Synergy
Understanding how each SMG performs on specific Battlefield 2042 maps is crucial for maximizing your effectiveness. On larger maps like Orbital and Hourglass, I lean heavily on the PP-29’s extended range capabilities. For infantry-focused maps like Exposure and Kaleidoscope’s interior sections, the K30 and AC9 become my preferred choices.
I’ve learned to adapt my SMG selection based not just on the map, but on the game mode. In Conquest’s spread-out objectives, versatile SMGs like the PP-29 and PBX-45 provide the flexibility needed for varied engagements. In Breakthrough’s linear progression, specialized close-range killers like the K30 can completely dominate chokepoints.
Final Thoughts on BF2042’s SMG Meta
With Battlefield 2042’s development concluded, this SMG tier list represents the final state of the game’s close-range meta. The PP-29, K30, and AC9 stand as the definitive best choices, each excelling in different scenarios while remaining viable across all game modes. As we look toward the upcoming Battlefield 6, mastering these SMGs now will give you a competitive edge in BF2042’s stable meta while developing skills that will transfer to future titles.
For players interested in exploring other tactical FPS weapon rankings, consider checking out Ready Or Not’s weapon tier list or Call of Duty Warzone’s gun rankings for broader FPS gaming insights.
Remember, while tier lists provide valuable guidance, your personal playstyle and map knowledge ultimately determine which SMG works best for you. I encourage you to experiment with different loadouts and find the combination that clicks with your approach to Battlefield’s sandbox warfare.