As you probably know, the season 4 reloaded came with a set of nerfs and buffs, and this changed the long range meta, but also impacted the close range. This article is here to decrypt the best close range option you can have for Warzone season 4 reloaded.
We will go through all the criteria that are important to truly determine the short range best guns to use in Warzone. For that we will focus on the following guns: Marco 5, H4 Blixen, Armaguerra 43, Cold War MP5, Welgun, Type 100 and MP40. We could also have included some shotgun options as they received a relevant buff with season 4 reloaded, same as the Volk this is now a very relevant option for close range fights. And of course, we will end the article with all the loadouts for those guns.
Table of content:
Average Time To Kill
For this analysis, it’s very important that we look at the average time to kill provided by sym.gg. This is the most accurate and relevant tool for time to kill, mostly cause it’s taking real in game data and also because it’s combining all location damages (head, chests, limbs etc.) in order to generate an average time to kill. Some gun kill faster than other with headshots but not with chest for example, so the average time to kill is the only relevant comparison tool for this statistic.

As we already know, we have a clear winner when it comes to time to kill, and this is the Type-100. This gun is the fastest killing smg in the game and it’s not even close. We can also highlight the insane first damage drop at 20 meters where most of others SMG are around 10 meters. We’ll see in the next stats analysis that Time To Kill is not the only criteria, but Type 100 is a killing machine.
Then, if we look at the others, we have to say that the pack is very tight and depending on the interpretation any of those guns could be considered absolute meta. There is in my opinion one SMG that might be actually better than the Marco 5 and the others: the Armaguerra 43. Best time to kill until 16 meters (except for small range from 9 to 12)and then almost identical to the Marco 5.
Blixen is approximately the same as the Marco until 9 meters, but the the damage drop off is not that good on this gun!
Finally, the Cold War MP5 is also making a comeback thanks to a good buff for season 4 reloaded. MP5 is ok until 11 meters, but then the time to kill is one of the best! Pretty much the same idea for the Welgun.
Average Down Per Mag
In my opinion, this is probably the most important statistic to look at when it comes to comparing guns. Time to kill is important for 1v1 fights, but if you play Trio or Quads, then the average number of enemies that you can down with one mag is crucial. If you only play solos or duos, then this stat is less relevant for you.

This one is more straightforward than the Time To Kill and we see three clear winners: Marco 5 in first, Blixen in second and Armaguerra 43 in third place just behind.
I want to highlight the Type 100, as this is where we can really see that this gun is the absolute meta for solo or duo, but in game modes that require to kill more enemies like Trio or Quads you will struggle with the Type 100 despite the disgusting Time To Kill.
Mobility
Now let’s deep dive into the mobility of the studied SMGs. Mobility is extremely important in order to really be effective and outplay your opponents! The way you sprint, strafe or move can 100% save you from some fights or annoying situations.

Now, let’s focus a little bit once again on the Armaguerra 43. Look at that incredible ADS Strafe Speed.. this is what makes you win your 1v1 if you are a skilled player. Even with strong Aim Assist, your opponent will not be able to track you thanks to this amazing strafe speed while ADSing.
Best Close Range meta loadouts for Warzone
Let’s close this extensive article by giving you my final ranking of the best SMGs in the game for Warzone season 4 reloaded. You’ll get multiple loadouts for each of the guns, but note that the stats you see above are always using the “Close Range” or “Aggressive” loadouts and not the sniper supports loadouts. The later are there just as a bonus for you to thank you for reading this article.
Best Marco 5 Warzone Loadout
Even if the Time To Kill is not obviously the best for the Marco 5, it’s the most consistent gun across the board. It’s latterly good in all situations and does not have any downside. Marco 5 is the absolute meta.
Close Range
Sniper Support
Akimbo
Best Armaguerra Warzone Loadout
In my opinion, the Armaguerra is really close to being the Absolute meta. Insane TTK, great downs per mag but lack mobility except while ADSing. We will monitor closely the situation, but i think the Armaguerra is the best contender of the Marco 5 and is more consistent than the H4 Blixen.
Close Range
Sniper Support
Strafe Speed
Best H4 Blixen Warzone Loadout
The Blixen is dominating the meta for few weeks now, even though on paper it’s behind the Marco or even the Armaguerra 43 since the season 4 reloaded update. I would not be surprised if in the coming weeks we witness a down in the pick rate of the Blixen and a rise in the Armaguerra one. However let’s be very clear here, the H4 Blixen is a beast and the top 3 best SMG in the game right now!
Aggressive
Versatile
Best Type 100 Warzone Loadout
Give the Type 100 a bigger mag, and this gun is the absolute meta. It’s amazing for solo or duo, and is my favorite gun when i’m playing those game modes.
Aggressive
Versatile
Best Welgun Warzone Loadout
Welgun is consistent and has incredible mobility. The recoil is not the easiest to manage but it’s honestly a very fun gun to use!
Close Range
Sniper Support
Best Cold War MP5 Warzone Loadout
It’s good to see a Cold War gun coming back into the meta. After a recent buff, the Cold War MP5 is now more than viable in Warzone!
Close Range
Hip Fire
Best MP40 Warzone Loadout
Final SMG of this ranking is the Mp40, it’s super easy to use and is very consistent across the board. The MP40 is an amazing gun in Warzone season 4 reloaded!