Submachine guns (SMGs) in Battlefield 2042 are designed for domination in close-quarters combat. Their fast handling, high rate of fire, and mobility make them perfect tools for flanking, room clearing, and aggressive playstyles. But not all SMGs are created equal—some excel with lightning-fast Time-To-Kill (TTK), while others shine with stability and control.
In this guide, we break down the best SMGs in Battlefield 2042, ranked by their effectiveness under 30 meters—the ideal combat range for this weapon class. We’ll analyze each gun’s TTK, attachments, handling characteristics, and overall value across all playstyles.
Why TTK is the Most Important SMG Stat
Time-To-Kill (TTK) measures how quickly a weapon eliminates an enemy after you start firing. In Battlefield 2042, where fast reflexes matter, a faster TTK can mean the difference between landing the kill or getting dropped. For SMGs, which are tailored for close-range skirmishes, having a low TTK is critical.
See also: How Good is the Lynx Sniper Rifle in Battlefield 2042?
This ranking focuses on SMG performance in fights under 30 meters—where SMGs naturally excel—and uses each weapon’s optimal attachment configuration to determine its fastest possible TTK.
S-Tier: AC9 – The Fastest-Killing SMG in Battlefield 2042
TTK: 241ms average
Rate of Fire: 1080 RPM (with Close Combat ammo)
Effective Range: 0–30 meters
The AC9 stands at the top of the SMG class with the fastest TTK among all options. It’s built for hyper-aggressive players who want to overwhelm enemies in tight spaces. With a staggering 223ms TTK up to 19 meters and 278ms from 20 to 30 meters, the AC9 averages out as the most lethal option in close-quarters.
What makes it even better is its solid recoil profile and excellent attachment variety, allowing players to fine-tune it for either stealth flanking or full-on rush tactics.
Recommended Loadout:
- Ammo: Close Combat Extended → Close Combat → Subsonic
- Barrel: WAP Suppressor
- Laser Sight: STNR Laser Sight
- Sight: Any Red Dot sight
Pros:
- Best-in-class TTK
- High rate of fire
- Great hip-fire potential
- Flexible build options
Cons:
- Low damage per bullet
- High first-shot recoil
- Limited mid-range utility
A-Tier: PBX-45 – Versatility Meets Lethality
TTK: 244.6ms average
Effective Range: Up to 39 meters (longest among SMGs)
The PBX-45 is a standout for players who want a flexible weapon that performs well both up close and at medium ranges. With a TTK of 200ms at point-blank range and 267ms out to 29 meters, it delivers impressive consistency across its effective range.
It also supports a wide range of attachments, letting you build for recoil control, stealth, or raw damage. Swapping ammo types affects your max ammo pool, so manage your loadout based on your playstyle.
Recommended Loadout:
- Ammo: Close Combat Extended → Standard Issue Extended → Subsonic
- Barrel: WRA Suppressor
- Laser Sight: MGL Laser Sight
Pros:
- Excellent range for an SMG
- High per-shot damage
- Wide attachment selection
- Adapts to various playstyles
Cons:
- Slow reload speed
- Moderate recoil in full-auto
- Ammo count can fluctuate with attachments
B-Tier: K30 and PP-29 – Reliable, But Outclassed
TTK: 245ms (both)
PP-29
The PP-29 has long been a fan-favorite thanks to its massive magazine (64 rounds by default), low recoil, and forgiving firing pattern. It’s an ideal choice for players who want to control chokepoints or mow down multiple enemies without needing to reload.
However, its slower rate of fire and lack of under-barrel attachment options hold it back in raw damage output compared to AC9 or K30.
Recommended Loadout:
- Ammo: Standard Issue → High Power → Subsonic
- Barrel: WAP Suppressor
- Laser Sight: Optional (not required)
Pros:
- Huge mag size
- Low recoil
- Easy to handle for new players
- Excellent for crowd control
Cons:
- Slower TTK
- No under-barrel options
- Limited in fast face-to-face duels
K30
The K30 is a high-ROF SMG perfect for players who favor hip-fire engagements. It’s fast, chaotic, and powerful when built right—but it requires specific attachments to reach its full potential. Without them, it feels less competitive than its peers.
Recommended Loadout:
- Ammo: Standard Issue Drum → Extended → High Power
- Barrel: WRA Suppressor
- Laser Sight: MGL Laser Sight
- Sight: Any Red Dot
Pros:
- High rate of fire
- Great for rushing and flanking
- Strong hip-fire build options
Cons:
- Needs attachments to perform well
- Limited versatility
- Mediocre range handling
C-Tier: SCZ-3, P90, AKS-74U, PP-2000 – Limited by Design
TTK: 267ms (all)
These four SMGs fall under the “Vault weapons” category—legacy imports from older Battlefield titles. As such, they all share the same TTK and offer minimal customization. While usable, they lack the fine-tuning options modern SMGs have and feel outdated compared to AC9, PBX-45, or even the K30.
SCZ-3
- Ammo: Standard Issue Drum
- Barrel: WRA Suppressor
- Laser Sight: STNR
- Sight: Simple Red Dot
- Under-barrel: Not available
P90
- Ammo: Fixed
- Barrel: WRA Suppressor
- Laser Sight: LS1
- Under-barrel: Not available
AKS-74U
- Ammo: Fixed
- Barrel: WRA Suppressor
- Laser Sight: Another One Laser
- Under-barrel: Not available
PP-2000
- Ammo: Fixed
- Barrel: WAP Suppressor
- Under-barrel: Not available
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Basic SMG mechanics
- Accessible for new players
Cons:
- Identical performance
- No alternate ammo types
- No under-barrel attachments
- Outperformed by nearly every other SMG
D-Tier: MP9 – Underrated, but Outgunned
TTK: 270ms
The MP9 ranks lowest in TTK but isn’t without charm. Its lightweight feel and fast aim transitions make it enjoyable for casual players who prefer hit-and-run tactics. While it won’t compete in high-skill matches, it can still surprise in close-range engagements.
Recommended Loadout:
- Ammo: Close Combat Drum → Extended → Standard
- Barrel: WRA Suppressor
- Laser Sight: MGL
- Sight: Player choice
Pros:
- Light, snappy handling
- Easy to control
- Fun for casual, mobile play
Cons:
- Slowest TTK
- Outclassed in all metrics
- Requires smart positioning to be effective
Quick SMG Comparison Table
| Weapon | Avg. TTK | ROF | Tier | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC9 | 241ms | 1080 | S | Pure CQB dominance |
| PBX-45 | 244.6ms | — | A | Flexible mid-close builds |
| K30 | 245ms | High | B | Hip-fire rushing |
| PP-29 | 245ms | 700 | B | Suppressive control |
| SCZ-3 | 267ms | — | C | Basic close-quarters use |
| P90 | 267ms | — | C | Vault weapon simplicity |
| AKS-74U | 267ms | — | C | Old-school experience |
| PP-2000 | 267ms | — | C | Low-skill entry SMG |
| MP9 | 270ms | — | D | Underrated casual pick |
Tips for SMG Users in Battlefield 2042
To get the most out of your SMG in Battlefield 2042, it’s not just about picking the right weapon—it’s about how you use it. Here are a few gameplay strategies and mechanics that will help you maximize performance:
- Stick to close-range fights: Engage under 30 meters to maximize damage output.
- Customize attachments wisely: Ammo and barrel types greatly influence TTK and handling.
- Use laser sights for hip-fire builds: These improve accuracy without aiming down sights—ideal for rushing.
- Flank, don’t face-tank: SMGs are best when you’re unpredictable and hitting from the side.
- Practice recoil control: High-ROF weapons like the K30 or AC9 can be tricky to manage without practice.
If you want to dominate close-range battles in Battlefield 2042, the AC9 is the top-tier SMG with its unmatched killing speed and powerful customization options. For a more flexible approach, the PBX-45 is an excellent all-around performer that thrives across multiple engagement ranges. Meanwhile, the PP-29 remains a forgiving and stable option, perfect for players who prefer steady control over raw speed.
No matter which SMG you choose, mastering your attachments and playstyle is the key to gaining the upper hand in every encounter. Play Now!
