CS2 SMG tier list: All Counter-Strike 2 SMGs ranked from best to worst (March 2025)

Our CS2 SMG tier list will provide you with a brief on the best sub-machine guns that are currently dominant in the game's meta. CS2 received its very first seasonal overhaul in February, and since then, there have been quite a few changes to the weapon meta in the game. SMGs remain one of the most popular weapon classes in the game on account of providing great value for money in eco-rounds.

Since there are quite a few options to choose from in the game, we have curated a list of all the Counter-Strike 2 SMGs ranked from best to worst. This CS2 SMG tier list will allow you to make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the right weapon for your round. For a detailed brief, read below.

This article features a tier list of all the available SMGs ranked from best to worst.

Editor's note: The contents of this article are subjective and solely feature the writer's own opinion. Furthermore, the article has been updated to feature the latest information in accordance with the balance patch deployed by Valve on February 6, 2025.

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Ranking Counter-Strike 2 (CS2) SMGs in a tier list

Valve has introduced a total of 7 unique SMGs in CS2, and all of them have their very own pros and cons. As we've curated this list, we have considered a few parameters to define which weapons are actually meta, and why others might not fall within the same spectrum.

This article groups these SMGs into three tiers based on a few parameters:

• Cost
• Pick rate
• Damage, Recoil control, etc.

With the above parameters in mind, we have decided to implement the following CS2 SMG tier list structure:

• S tier: The S tier represents the best weapons in the current meta. These are ahead of the curve and will dominate in every match.
• A tier: These weapons are the second-best ground loot available in the game. Whether you have the Tier 4 attachments or basic ones, they will perform better than the weapons of other classes.
• B tier: While not as dominant as the former tier, B-tier weapons can hold their own in gunfights. For optimal results, you need great attachments to go along with them.
• C tier: Generally not worth picking up, but can be worked around with at your own risk.

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S tier

MAC-10

Mac-10 in CS2 (Image via Valve)

This T-side exclusive is a great choice for players after winning the pistol round or if they want to force buy. With a price tag of $1050, it is the cheapest SMG one can buy in CS2.

The weapon boasts a high rate of fire and minimal movement accuracy. It’s suitable for players who prefer run-and-gun gameplay.

However, in case of long-range fights, this SMG can disappoint you, especially in terms of armor penetration, and tends to fail against the CT side. Its damage drop-off and overall inaccuracy are its main drawbacks.

• Cost: $1050
• Bullets per Magazine: 30
• Bullets (Reserve): 100
• Damage: 29
• Rate of Fire: 800 Rounds Per Minute
• Accurate Range: 12 meters
• Reload Time: 2.6 seconds

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MP9

MP9 in CS2 (Image via Valve)

With a minimal price of $1250, the MP9 is the go-to choice for Counter-Terrorists in second and bonus rounds. This mid-tier weapon is great for players who prefer a spray-and-pray type of approach to a match. It boasts a massive rate of fire.

However, the MP9 is not that effective in long-range fights due to its uncontrollable recoil. In terms of armor penetration, it's almost ineffective against adversaries with Kevlar and not fruitful in their full buy rounds.

However, the MP9, because of its relentless burst potential, comes quite handy for eco rounds. If you're within the effective range of this SMG, you can use it to burst down a volley of bullets at headshot height, and for the most part, you will be able to dominate close-quarter combat. But being effective beyond its prescribed range becomes quite hard.

• Cost: $1250
• Bullets per Magazine: 30
• Bullets (Reserve): 120
• Damage: 26
• Rate of Fire: 857 Rounds Per Minute
• Accurate Range: 16 meters
• Reload Time: 2.1 seconds

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A tier

MP7

MP7 in CS2 (Image via Valve)

Players who prefer SMGs with more damage and less recoil should use the MP7. With a hefty price tag of $1500, it is the second-most expensive weapon in the SMG category.

The MP7's low recoil and high damage allow players to achieve a two-headshot kill against any helmet-using adversary. However, its high damage drop-off in the distance makes it unplayable against opponents in full buy rounds. Furthermore, it has a high reload time that restricts its use in certain scenarios.

• Cost: $1500
• Bullets per Magazine: 30
• Bullets (Reserve): 120
• Damage: 29
• Rate of Fire: 750 Rounds Per Minute
• Accurate Range: 14 meters
• Reload Time: 3.1 seconds

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MP5-SD

MP5-SD is CS2 (Image via Valve)

The MP5-SD is an exceptional choice in force-buy or anti-eco rounds. This weapon was added in the previous iteration of the game, CS:GO, as a part of the August 2018 update. Players who like to lurk in anti-eco or bonus rounds mostly have it in their inventory.

However, similar to other SMGs, the MP5-SD also has a huge damage drop-off at a certain distance and is not effective in full-buy rounds.

• Cost: $1500
• Bullets per Magazine: 30
• Bullets (Reserve): 120
• Damage: 27
• Rate of Fire: 750 Rounds Per Minute
• Accurate Range: 15 meters
• Reload Time: 3 seconds

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P90

P90 in CS2 (Image via Valve)

Many players could opt for the P90 since it offers a larger magazine size. The weapon also has the highest rate of fire alongside the MP9.

The P90’s recoil is slightly controllable, even in the long range. Players who prefer a run-and-gun approach throughout a match might want to go for this weapon regardless of their economy.

However, with a hefty price of $2350, it's not worth every penny. At this cost, players could go for the Galil-AR, which costs $1700 but has utilities like smokes, flashes, or mollies.

• Cost: $2350
• Bullets per Magazine: 50
• Bullets (Reserve): 100
• Damage: 25
• Rate of Fire: 857 Rounds Per Minute
• Accurate Range: 10 meters
• Reload Time: 3.3 seconds

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B tier

UMP-45

UMP-45 in CS2 (Image via Valve)

The UMP-45 is a powerful SMG obtainable by both the CT and T sides. This weapon offers the best armor penetration compared to other SMGs. Its very low price ($1200) makes it the ideal choice during force-buy rounds.

However, the UMP-45 has a slow rate of fire that makes it quite unplayable in some situations. Moreover, it is ineffective during the enemy's full buy rounds.

• Cost: $1700
• Bullets per Magazine: 25
• Bullets (Reserve): 100
• Damage: 35
• Rate of Fire: 666 Rounds Per Minute
• Accurate Range: 11 meters
• Reload Time: 3.5 seconds

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PP-Bizon

PP-Bizon in CS2 (Image via Valve)

The PP-Bizon, previously known as PP-19 Bizon, is the least-picked SMG. It has a massive magazine containing 64 bullets. With a price tag of $1400, this gun doesn’t cost much and helps sustain the in-game economy in CS2.

However, compared to other options in the category, the PP-Bizon has low damage and recoil. Moreover, it is only effective against unarmored opponents during their eco-rounds.

• Cost: $1400
• Bullets per Magazine: 64
• Bullets (Reserve): 120
• Damage: 27
• Rate of Fire: 750 Rounds Per Minute
• Accurate Range: 10 meters
• Reload Time: 2.4 seconds

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This sums up the tier list of all the SMGs available in Counter-Strike 2. For more CS2-related news, stay tuned on Sportskeeda.