Warzone expert reveals key MP40 change that makes it the most powerful SMG

Luca Di Marzo
Warzone Peak Caldera Mp40

A Warzone expert shares an MP40 loadout with some interesting attachment choices that once again make it one of the best weapons in the game.

When Vanguard weapons made their way to Warzone, the MP40 immediately stood out as a top-tier SMG option. Unfortunately, the weapon was deemed too powerful by the devs and received subsequent nerfs.

Despite the changes, the MP40 managed to stick around as one of the game’s top SMGs alongside the Owen Gun and Welgun. However, some unconventional attachments can make the weapon rise to its former glory as the top SMG following the Season 2 Reloaded update.

Vanguard MP40 SMG

The MP40 is an iconic WWII weapon and it earned its place in both the Vanguard Ranked Play and Warzone Pacific meta. Players usually choose between using or omitting the Slate Reflector, but with additional tweaks, the weapon can reach new heights.

Warzone expert and content creator Metaphor decided to experiment with the MP40 and make it as efficient as possible with different attachments. The streamer pairs the SMG with the XM4, which they claim is the number one setup in Warzone.

Metaphor’s MP40 SMG Warzone loadout

  • Muzzle: Recoil Booster
  • Barrel: VDD 189mm Short
  • Optic: Krausnick ISO2M
  • Stock: Krausnick 33M Folding
  • Underbarrel: Mark VI Skeletal
  • Magazine: 7.62 Gorenko 45 Round Mags
  • Ammunition: Lengthened
  • Rear Grip: Stippled Grip
  • Perk: Steady
  • Perk 2: Quick

For starters, Metaphor opts for the Krausnick ISO2M as opposed to the Slate Reflector for the added ADS speed. SMGs live and die by their speed and a quick ADS will give you the advantage in gunfights.

The most vital change that Warzone players need to note is the inclusion of the VDD 189mm Short barrel. The barrel provides additional damage range and limb damage in exchange for decreasing headshot damage, “This is giving you way more limb damage, and the damage range buff is nice as well.”

The idea is to make your bullets to the chest and limbs extremely impactful, which increases the MP40’s ability to shred through enemies. In addition, the Mark VI Skeletal and Stippled Grip are also unconventional inclusions, but they’ll act as a useful boost to ADS speed and recoil control.

If you’re skeptical about these drastic changes, you can always test the weapon out for a game or two. Make sure to make those shots to the extremities count and you’ll achieve a victory in no time.


For more Warzone, check out the current server status or guide to the upcoming Warzone Pacific Season 3.

Image Credit: Activision

About The Author

Luca is an Associate Editor at CharlieIntel. An accomplished, writer with interests in sports and gaming alike, Luca is focused on Call of Duty and FIFA as a content creator. After earning his BA in English Literature at Concordia University, he began writing for Gamelevate, OddsShark, and H4X. Luca joined CharlieIntel in 2021. You can reach Luca at [email protected], or via X @TheLucaDiMarzo.