Best Modern Warfare 3 SMG

Modern Warfare 3 player carrying SMG with opponents in background
Credit: Activision


Modern Warfare 3 player carrying SMG with opponents in background
Credit: Activision
January 16, 2024: With Season 1 Reloaded here, we've adjusted the best MW3 SMG to reflect the current meta.

Wondering what the best Modern Warfare 3 SMG is to use in multiplayer? We've got you covered. Sledgehammer Games' latest release has a huge variety of weaponry that suits a run-and-gun style of play and there's a high chance you'll gravitate to a submachine gun (SMG) to make an impact.

Modern Warfare 3 features several movement changes that allow you to hurtle around the maps at breakneck speed. With most SMGs possessing impressive levels of mobility, some stand out from the crowd as the best guns and weapons in the entire game.

Before we take a closer look at the best Modern Warfare 3 SMG, check out our other guides showcasing the best assault rifle and the best KV Inhibitor loadout for long-distance duels.

What is the best Modern Warfare 3 SMG?

The best Modern Warfare 3 SMG to use is the Striker. Sharing several similarities to the iconic UMP 45, the Striker features excellent levels of mobility and a high rate of fire that's capable of shredding through nearby opposition with ease.

With buffs and nerfs expected to arrive throughout the cycle, we'll update the best Modern Warfare 3 SMG as the meta continues to take shape.

Modern Warfare 3 player firing weapon at player standing on open balcony in background
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Credit: Activision

Modern Warfare 3 SMG tier list

With Pre-Season in full swing, we've ranked all of the Modern Warfare 3 SMGs from best to worst. Here's our full up-to-date tier list ranking each weapon in the category:

S tier

A tier

B Tier

C Tier

Leading the charge at the top of our tier list are the Striker and the Rival-9. Both SMGs possess lightning-fast rates of fire and a strong close-quarters time to kill, making them excellent options if you're planning to run and gun during matches.

Sitting below the top tier is the AMR9. While it's not a bad SMG to use, it struggles to compete against other weapons in the category despite its impressive bullet velocity.

That's everything there is to know about the best Modern Warfare 3 SMG so far. For more Call of Duty, check out our Warzone page for all the latest battle royale intel.

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