U4N - COD BO7 Weapon Guide: 8 SMGs That Shred in Close Combat

July 30, 2025, 08:00:56 AM

In Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, close-quarters combat is faster and more brutal than ever. With tighter map layouts, aggressive spawn rotations, and a faster time-to-kill, players who dominate at short range hold the upper hand in nearly every match. And when it comes to shredding enemies up close, nothing beats a reliable SMG.

Whether you're grinding ranked or running public lobbies, choosing the right submachine gun can mean the difference between holding the frontlines or getting sent back to respawn. After hours of testing, tweaking loadouts, and keeping up with the evolving meta, here are 8 SMGs in COD BO7 that stand out for their raw stopping power and versatility in close combat.

1. Vektor 9
A go-to for rush players, the Vektor 9 offers a perfect blend of fire rate and mobility. It’s tailor-made for fast flanks and tight choke points. With the right attachments, you’ll barely feel recoil, and its sprint-to-fire time is among the best. Ideal for players running aggressive loadouts in objective modes.

2. Saber X5
Think of the Saber as the king of hip-fire. You don’t even need to ADS in most situations—just pair it with a laser sight and barrel stabilizer, and you'll dominate in control zones or tight corridors. Its damage drops off quickly at range, so this weapon shines in modes like Hardpoint or Domination where close engagement is guaranteed.

3. M-Pulse 45
New to BO7, the M-Pulse 45 brings energy-based precision to the SMG class. Its horizontal recoil pattern is predictable and easy to manage, and its built-in thermal optic makes it deadly in smoke-heavy team fights. For players who lean toward calculated aggression, this gun rewards accuracy and positioning.

4. Krossfire Z
If you’ve been climbing through the ranks using bo7 boosting or learning the game through squad play, the Krossfire Z is a great stepping stone. Its solid TTK and moderate recoil make it beginner-friendly but still competitive in skilled hands. Attachments can push it toward stealth or speed, depending on your playstyle.

5. Arcbolt SM-6
One of the more unconventional picks, the Arcbolt fires electrically charged rounds that briefly stun enemies on contact. While niche, it’s devastating in team modes like Control, where disabling one opponent for a split second can swing the fight. Paired with a fast melee setup, this gun punishes groups and lone wolves alike.

6. Phantom V8
Favored by many ranked players, especially those involved in CoD Black Ops 7 boosting, the Phantom V8 combines exceptional reload speed with low visual recoil. It excels in high-pressure fights where you need to reload mid-engagement or take on multiple enemies quickly. Think of it as the SMG version of a scalpel—precise and lethal.

7. Tempest S99
Built for raw damage, the Tempest trades mobility for sheer firepower. It’s slower to aim and reload, but its damage output at close range is nearly unmatched. If you win most of your fights by pre-aiming corners or holding tight angles, this SMG will reward your positioning.

8. Nova Coil
A high-tech option for players who love versatility. With a unique energy-burst fire mode and near-zero recoil after the first shot, the Nova Coil can act like an SMG or even a pseudo-AR in mid-range duels. It’s not the fastest, but with proper control, it melts enemies before they react.

Pro Tips for SMG Success in BO7:
Slide cancel smartly: In Black Ops 7, sliding still helps you break aim assist, but overusing it can drain stamina and leave you vulnerable.

Use audio to your advantage: SMG players thrive on map awareness. Running Dead Silence or a suppressor keeps your movement unpredictable.

Don't be afraid to rotate loadouts: As the meta shifts, so should your weapon choice. Watching top streamers or checking community discussions (like those on U4N) is a great way to stay informed on current favorites.

Whether you're playing casually or working on your CoD Black Ops 7 boosting goals, having the right SMG makes a huge difference in fast-paced matches. The eight weapons listed above are proven in combat and adaptable to most playstyles—whether you're pushing objectives, holding corners, or playing aggressive lone wolf.