Submachine guns are excellent close combat weapons, and while they don't have the insta-kill potential of shotguns in Battlefield 2042, they can still vaporize enemies before they can react. Every SMG in the game is strong in close quarters, but there are some that standout thanks to a number of factors.
If you're trying to pick the best SMG in Battlefield 2042, you'll be glad to know that there are at least three options that might pique your interest. In this guide, we'll be covering all the things that make them better than the rest of the guns in their category.
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A collection of clips featuring movie-like scenes from Battlefield 2042.
Best Submachine Guns in Battlefield 2042
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BF2042 PP-29 Pros & Cons |
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+Steady rate of fire (700RPM) +Low recoil +High magazine capacity |
-Lower ROF compared to other SMGs -No underbarrel attachments -Few magazine options |
Let's start with what might be the actual best SMG in the game: the PP-29. Modeled after the PP-19 Bizon, this gun has been one of the best weapons in BF2042 since launch. It features a steady rate of fire, good accuracy, low recoil, and a 64-round magazine by default, making it capable of shredding entire groups of infantry. To top it off, it also reloads very quickly, even with its large magazine.
The PP-29 only gets better with attachments. However, considering its cylindrical mag that's positioned right below the barrel, this weapon does not support any grip attachments. Thankfully, it doesn't need them, as its stellar out-of-the-box performance with nothing but factory parts is already impressive. This weapon is great if you want an SMG that's effective up to medium range.
AC9
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BF2042 AC9 Pros & Cons |
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+Blistering rate of fire (1080 RPM w/ Close Combat) +Wide attachment selection +High magazine capacity |
-Low effective range -Strong first shot recoil -Low damage per shot |
The AC9 is a versatile CQB weapon that spits bullets at an incredible pace. It is extremely effective in close range (30m or less), and it has quite a few attachments that can make it even better in almost every aspect. This SMG is especially useful at flanking and stealthy engagements with a suppressor and Subsonic rounds.
Despite being less versatile overall than the PP-29, the AC9 is still a very good SMG to use. Its rate of fire is more in-line with what one would expect from a submachine gun, making it great for players who are looking for a close-range bullethose.
The K30 deserves a special mention for being very close to the AC9 in terms of performance. However, the AC9 trumps over the K30 since the latter is highly reliant on attachments to be competitive with other SMGs.
PBX-45
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BF2042 AC9 Pros & Cons |
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+Flexible build options +High effective range +High damage per shot |
-Moderate recoil in full auto -Low max ammo -Slow reload time |
The PBX-45 strikes a balance between the PP-29's ranged dominance and the AC9's close-range shredding capabilities. This SMG is capable of doing both thanks to its excellent base performance and access to a wide variety of attachments. If you want it to compete with the PP-29, set it up with range and recoil control attachments. If you want to compete with the AC9, give it the Close Combat mag, Tactical Compensator, and Rattlesnake Light Grip to make a strong, hipfire-based build.
This weapon retains most of its damage up to 39m, and with the High-Power mag attachment, it can compete even with assault rifles at up to 99mm which is why it's one of the best entry-level weapons in BF2042. Just keep in mind that your max ammo capacity changes when you swap magazine/ammo attachments around.
Battlefield 2042
- Released
- November 19, 2021
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- DICE, Criterion Games, Ripple Effect
- Publisher(s)
- Electronic Arts
- Engine
- Frostbite
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Cross-Platform Play
- PC, PS5 & Xbox Series X|S and PS4 & Xbox One
- Franchise
- Battlefield
- Genre(s)
- First-Person Shooter
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X
- OpenCritic Rating
- Weak
- How Long To Beat
- N/A
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- File Size Xbox Series
- 84 GB (June 2023)
- PS Plus Availability
- Extra & Premium
